Introduction
Living room design often overlooks a crucial element: side tables. These humble pieces of functionality and style surprisingly pack a punch. Place a side table strategically and watch your room come together. It's a balance-maker, a symmetry-solver, and a magnet for all your favorite decorative treasures. Beyond holding your coffee cup, side tables add character and reflect your personal style.
Are you ready to refresh your living room? It all begins with the side table. In this blog, BlvdEight will show you how to turn your current living area into a stylish hub. Whether you’re designing a cozy, intimate nook or a spacious, modern living room, side tables can pull everything together beautifully.
What are Side Tables?
Side tables, often referred to as end tables, are small yet impactful pieces of furniture. They’re designed to sit beside more oversized items like sofas, chairs, or beds, providing convenience without taking up too much space. Though they’re smaller in size, their presence can add significant style and functionality to any living room.
Over time, side tables have evolved beyond simple utility. Today, they come in many forms, from elegant nightstands to modern side end tables, allowing you to experiment with shapes, materials, and colors that complement your living room’s design.
At BlvdEight, we offer a range of modern furniture to suit every taste. Our selection of side tables features a variety of materials, including glass, wood, metal, and even marble, giving you endless options to find the perfect match for your living room.
What are Side Tables Used For?
The primary purpose of a side table is convenience. They provide a place to set down small items — a cup of coffee, a book, or your phone. But side tables are more than just functional pieces; they are key design elements that can tie your room together. Side tables bring the following to your living room:
- Anchor for seating areas: Placing side tables next to a sofa or between armchairs creates balance and helps anchor the seating arrangement.
- Display space: They offer an opportunity to showcase decorative items like lamps, vases, or personal mementos.
- Additional storage: Some side tables have drawers, shelves, or spaces for magazines, remotes, or other small items.
When paired with larger pieces like a luxury coffee table, side tables can enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of your living room, creating a harmonious and well-organized space.
Where Should Side Tables be Placed in the Living Room?
Placement is everything when it comes to decorating with side tables. You want them to be functional, but they should also fit seamlessly into the room’s layout. Here are a few ideas for optimal side table placement:
- Next to the sofa: The most common spot for side tables is beside the couch, where they offer easy access for setting down drinks or decor items.
- Between chairs: Placing a small side table between two armchairs creates an intimate conversation spot. This works incredibly well in rooms with larger seating areas.
- In a reading nook: If you have a cozy reading chair or a modern side end table beside it, it is perfect for holding books, reading glasses, or a cup of tea.
Remember, not every seating area needs a side table. You want to maintain a balance in the room, so avoid overcrowding spaces. When decorating, think about flow — people should be able to move easily around the room without bumping into furniture.
7 Tips to Decorate Side Tables in Living Room
With the knowledge of the importance of side tables in your toolkit, you'll now be able to move on and use these seven 'how to decorate a living room side table' tips.
Choose the Correct Size Side Table
The size of your side table matters. You want something that complements the furniture around it. If the table is too large, it can overwhelm the space. If it’s too small, it may seem insignificant. A good rule of thumb is to choose a side table roughly the same height as the arm of the sofa or chair it sits beside, ensuring easy access for items placed on it.
Choose a Focal Point
Every well-decorated side table needs a focal point. This point could be a statement lamp, a unique vase, or an eye-catching sculpture. Think about what will draw attention and how it fits with the overall design of your room.
For instance, a modern side table lamp can serve as both a functional and decorative piece. Its sleek design can tie together your modern furniture and provide a cozy glow for evening relaxation.
Add Florals or Greenery
Bringing nature indoors can instantly brighten up your living room. Whether you prefer fresh flowers or potted plants, adding greenery to your side tables can give the space a refreshing, vibrant feel. Seasonal flowers or dried arrangements also offer a budget-friendly and sustainable decor option. Place a simple vase with elegant branches or a small, leafy plant perched on a side table. This touch of nature easily softens the space.
Incorporate Functional Decor Pieces
Don’t sacrifice function for beauty. Your side table should be a practical part of the room. Include functional decor items such as coasters, trays, or a stack of stylish coffee table books. These items keep the table organized while adding character. A decorative tray can be a chic way to corral small items like remotes or keys, keeping your table clutter-free but still elegant.
Play With Height
Mixing different heights of decor adds visual interest to your side table. Try pairing a tall lamp with shorter items like a decorative bowl or candle. By varying the height of the items, you create depth and a more dynamic arrangement. A modern table lamp alongside a shorter vase can make the table arrangement feel well-balanced and polished.
Add Some Lights
Lighting is a key element in any room. A well-placed lamp on your side table can create ambiance while also serving a practical purpose. Consider a modern light fixture that complements your overall decor style. Adding light elevates the room’s mood, whether you prefer minimalist designs or more ornate fixtures.
Add a Personal Touch
Personal touches make a room feel like home. Use your side table to display sentimental items, such as framed family photos, souvenirs from travels, or small collections of art. Just be careful not to overcrowd the table. Less is often more when it comes to personal decor. A few meaningful items can make a more substantial impact than a cluttered display.
How Do I Choose the Right Side Table for My Living Room?
Knowing how to decorate a side table in living rooms, bedrooms, and more is more than just about style; it’s also practicality. Think about how the table will be used. Do you need a table with extra storage, like drawers or shelves? Are you looking for something purely decorative, or do you need a sturdy surface for everyday use?
Next, consider the table’s materials. A modern side end table made of glass or metal can add a sleek, contemporary feel to the room. Wood or marble side tables bring warmth and luxury. The key is to select a piece that fits your living room’s design and serves your lifestyle needs.
What Are the Best Items to Put on a Side Table in a Living Room?
Side tables are versatile, so the possibilities can seem endless. Here are some of the best items to add to your side table for both function and style:
- Lighting: A table lamp is both practical and decorative. Opt for a contemporary floor lamp that complements your room’s design.
- Books: A stack of books adds color and texture to your side table. They’re also great conversation starters.
- Greenery or Flowers: Whether it’s a potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers, adding a touch of nature instantly livens up your living room.
- Trays: Use trays to organize smaller items like remotes, coasters, or keys. Decorative trays can also double as a design element.
- Candles: A small candle adds warmth and creates a cozy ambiance. Choose candles in colors that complement your room’s decor.
Mixing practical items with decorative pieces creates a balanced and stylish table arrangement.
How Often Should I Change the Decor on My Side Table?
There’s no rule for how often you should change your side table decor, but it’s a good idea to switch things up seasonally. You can refresh the look of your living room without buying new furniture by simply updating the accessories on your side tables. Add a new vase, change out the flowers, or swap a stack of books for something fresh.
For instance, you can add a festive candle or a small bowl of holiday ornaments during the holidays. In the spring, you might switch to a vase of fresh flowers to reflect the season. Changing your side table decor is an easy way to keep your living room feeling new and updated.
Style That Lasts
Now that you know how to decorate a side table in a living room, bedrooms, and the entire home, it’s time to find some unique options. With the right combination of pieces, from decorative trays to modern side table lamps, your side tables can transform your space into something truly special.
BlvdEight is a modern furniture store offering a wide range of luxury coffee tables, side end tables, and elegant modern nightstands to help elevate your living room. Explore our collection today and find the perfect pieces to complete your home’s look!