What Is An End Table Used For? (Uses & Styling Tips)
Furnishing a room can be a fun and rewarding task.
On the other hand, there are times when it can be difficult since there are so many choices and judgment calls to make.
There will be a moment when you’ll have to decide which items stay or go.
In this article, we’ll be specifically looking at an end table.
You may have noticed how nice they look in a bedroom or in a living room but if you’re not sure what their real purpose is, here’s a quick and simple breakdown:
An end table is a piece of decorative furniture that can be used for storage or decoration. They can be utilized to fill an empty space and can be considered an accent feature. Most of the time, end tables are used as an extension to a chair, sofa, or couch for having certain items within reach, like a place to store a remote or set a cup down.
These end tables are functional and practical but their most worthy feature is the value they provide in terms of their aesthetic appeal.
If you’d like to get familiar with an end table before purchasing one, below you’ll find the most common uses as well as answers to related questions.
You’ll also discover helpful tips on decorating these end tables to further enhance the look of your bedroom or living room.
Table of Contents
Best Uses of An End Table
Extension To Sofa
An end table is usually placed next to a sofa. As the name suggests, it goes at the end of a furniture piece.
Generally, it’s best to place an end table with a comfortable and convenient height to that of the chair, sofa, or couch.
These tables are also quite small and they hardly take up much space but they can look really good in any living room.
The end table can be viewed as the room’s last flourish in certain aspects.
Storage or Decorative Purposes
The main purpose of an end table is to act as a means of handy storage, for example, a place to store the remotes or to place your coffee cups or glasses.
This is a great location that is easily within reach which makes it convenient while watching TV or entertaining guests.
By placing the end table next to you on the coffee table, you avoid having to stand up or extend your arm very far in order to set a cup down.
Another great use for an end table is to give your decor an extra special detail.
Depending on the sort of end table you get, this furniture piece can help complete the look of the living room set which will assist in boosting the appeal of the room.
Fills Empty Space
If you find there’s an awkward empty space in the room and you need a small item that won’t make the room look crowded, an end table can be a great item to tuck away in a corner of the room.
Choose a design that will stick out and be an incredible feature in the room is also an excellent opportunity to include a creative and innovative style.
Also, the way you decorate this end table can certainly add value to the overall design.
Is A Side Table Better?
A side table functions pretty much the same as an end table and they do look similar in a few ways except the main difference here is the surface length or size of the table.
Another key difference is that a side table works best positioned against a wall or at the side of the room.
This type of table is larger than an end table and both can be great furniture pieces to include in your decor.
So, a side table is not necessarily better than an end table as each item has its advantages but it will mostly depend on the style, design, space, and usage of the table to indicate which option will be best for your space.
When choosing between a side table and an end table, a smart move would be to take an accurate measurement of the height of the chair or sofa and the available space for the table.
You should also consider the style, design, material, and texture of the side table or end table which will have an influence on the decor.
Last but not least, consider whether the table will require storage. This should help you narrow down the options and choose tables with drawers or without.
Are End Tables Out of Style?
No, at all! An end table comes in various modern styles and colors that can make your decor look even better and more trendy. It really depends on the design to ensure that the table suits your space. The majority of end tables will add a subtle but pleasing aesthetic element to the room.
How To Decorate An Table
Even if an end table is stylish and beautiful on its own, decorating the top can instantly add a splash of interest, making it even more appealing.
Here are a few ways you can go about decorating the end table to add a modern and stylish flair to your decor:
- Aim for simplicity – Limit the number of decorative items you place on the table. Due to its size, it’s best to place a select few items for a neat and beautiful finish. This could mean anywhere between 3 or fewer items at best but if you do want to have more, you can group certain items together.
- Place a lamp – Have one lamp on the side or middle of the end table. This can be great if you want a small light source while watching TV or reading a book without having the overhead lights on. It’s great for creating a cozy and aesthetic ambiance.
- Display a small flower vase – If you want to have something small yet pretty, placing a flower vase or pot plant will add interest.
- Use a tray to group items – As mentioned earlier, you can use a decorative tray to group a couple of items together. This will make the display look cleaner and more professional in terms of design. It also prevents the table from looking cluttered which is what we want to avoid at all times.
- Have a small candle – This is optional but you can always place a small scented candle on the table along with the lamp and any other ornament. It’s a useful option if you’re looking to fill some space or create a cool arrangement that feels and looks homely.
- Stack a few books – You can also place at least two books flat down on the end table along with the other items to create an interesting composition.
Final Thoughts
An end table can be a useful item to have in just about any room or decor. Having a table within arm’s reach can be great for viewing time or when you’re relaxing.
They also tend to pair well with a sofa or an accent chair, creating a beautiful and stylish layout.
An end table’s size and height are its best qualities which make it ideal to place the table in any area of the room, regardless of the available space.
So, if you’re on the fence about getting an end table, it would be a good idea to consider getting one or two for your decor as this will only improve the finish.
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