Here’s a true story about end-tables.
I have two poorly decorated end tables in my apartment.
One has a lampshade that doesn’t match the living room, and the other is bare (decor has not been high on the priority list).
To make the situation worse, I’ve learned that I’m in the minority of my social circle when it comes to decorating.
The apartments occupied by my male friends are tastefully decorated, even without a significant other’s input.
My apartment could use some work when it comes to living room decor, and my end tables seem like a good place to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on how to style an end table.
Let’s get started.
- End Table Placement
- Practice Minimalism
- Beautify With Books
- Style With Shades
- Personalization And Reflective Services
- Baskets, Bowls, And Trays
- Plant Primping
End Table Placement
Before you start styling your end table, let’s talk about placement.
Of course, you can position end tables on either side of a couch, sectional, or sofa.
But, you can also put an end table beside an armchair for a cozy reading nook, according to coasterfurniture.com.
Alternatively, create a conversation space by placing your end table between two armchairs, angled towards each other.
Bonus Tip: Have a narrow entryway? A tall, narrow end table placed beside your door will add a home for your keys when you walk in.
Practice Minimalism
Most end tables aren’t large pieces of furniture.
Therefore, it’s easy to overwhelm them.
To limit clutter, Theturquoisehome.com recommends following the rule of three’s and only placing three items on an end table, preferably in a triangle shape.
Although you can get away with 5 items at most, no amount of styling can hide a busy end table.
Beautify With Books
Books are the perfect way to add color to your living room while showcasing your interests.
By stacking two or three of them, you can add varying heights to your end table and make that cherished, smaller item stand out.
This is especially helpful if you have two items of similar heights, according to blesserhouse.com.
Style With Shades
Lamps are a versatile option for styling an end table.
Not only do lamps provide ambient reading light to your end table, but they add verticality and shape to your end table.
You can use the same lamp on either side of the table or mix and match them for an eclectic effect.
Bonus Tip: Alternatively, settingforfour.com suggests placing two table lamps on a console table to add task lighting.
Personalization and Reflective Surfaces
We’ve covered brightening up your living room at length.
One of the easiest things you can do is add reflective surfaces.
A mirror, picture, or art can help bounce light around your living space, making it warmer and brighter.
Bonus Tip: For lighting and ambiance, style with non-seasonal scented candles.
Baskets, Bowls, and Trays
Reducing clutter is crucial to styling decor.
As we’ve stated in “How To Organize A Small Kitchen Without A Pantry”, “How To Organize Deep Kitchen Drawers”, and “How to Organize the Food in Your Kitchen Cabinets and Pantry” one of the best ways to style your organization is to use baskets, bowls, and trays.
Reducing clutter is crucial to styling decor.
These items are perfect for housing reading glasses, remotes, jewelry, and other odds and ends.
Baskets, bowls, and trays provide accents, texture, and color to your living room without taking up much space.
This keeps miscellaneous items contained and surfaces clear.
Plant Primping
Plants are another great way to add verticality to end tables plants.
Live or faux potted plants are a reliable way to simultaneously add vibrance and soften your living space.
Stonegableblog.com recommends using other organic pieces like sticks, twigs, and willow or moss balls to achieve the same effect.
For more living room plant decor ideas, check out How To Arrange Plants In Your Living Room.
Now It’s Your Turn
Styling your end tables is a simple way to personalize your living room space.
Hopefully, this article has made this a less daunting task, regardless of your decorating skills.
I know I’ll be sticking to the rule of three’s when I decorate my end tables.
Which tip are you going to try?
Leave a comment below letting us know.