When it comes to decorating your space, it’s often the smallest pieces that have the biggest impact. That decorative clock that hangs on your living room wall, or the basket that sits on your kitchen island, filled with plastic fruit. One piece after another, they start to add up, and soon your home goes from looking bleak to a colourful haven for you and your family.
Although all small decorations have a certain impact, one of the most popular, and for good reason, is the side tables. Whether it’s in the hallway or your bedroom, you will find the perfect use for your small table anywhere and anytime.
Side tables may be small, but they carry a huge visual impact. From being the perfect place to sip your morning coffee to a home of the books you never get around to reading, side tables are one of the most versatile elements in interior design. So, if you want to choose the perfect side tables to add a touch of style to your home, you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding the Role of a Side Table in Interior Design
Every piece of furniture that goes into a room plays a huge role in establishing the visual balance and aesthetic of the space. Small tables are often regarded as an afterthought for most people when designing their space. However, side tables play a large role in the room’s aesthetic value. They are great elements for filling in empty spaces or adding a pop of colour to a room.
One of the best characteristics of a side table is its versatility. Whether it’s indoors or outside in your garden, side tables suit any space and any aesthetic. The vibe they add to a room depends on how you choose to use them, as placeholders or as practical utensils.
There are many uses for a side table. You can style it as a display for a beloved artwork, or a family photograph, enticing your guests at first glance. It can also be used as a work station. When you are busy and don’t feel like setting up your desk, you can answer your work emails comfortably with your laptop propped on the table.
Every modern space needs an aesthetic accent piece, and there is no better choice than a side table. Whether you intend to use it as a storage space for your books and loose gadgets, or a comfortable area for drinking your morning tea, a side table is the perfect addition to any house or flat.
Tips for Styling Your Side Table Like a Pro
Side tables add the perfect flair to a room; you just have to know how to style them. Whether it’s in the living room, bedroom, or even your hallway, modern side tables suit any corner of your home.
One of the most popular styling techniques is to place your table in the centre of the room, especially in the living room. You might think it will get lost amongst the larger furniture pieces; however, an accent table will just make them stand out more, while still maintaining its glory as the visual anchor. You can place a vase of flowers in the centre of the table to bring life and greenery into your room. This space you create by adding a table will also be a comfortable station where you can gather your family and friends to play games and eat snacks each night.
If you’re looking for something more subtle, try swapping out your nightstand for a small table instead. This way, you save space and have a place to set your phone on each night. You can also keep your perfumes and jewellery close by you at all times, ensuring you don’t find any stray pieces in your bathroom or under the bed.
Although it’s generally best to stick to the room’s aesthetic when choosing a side table, you can always mix and match styles for a unique look. If you want something bold, something that will make a statement, choose a side table made from a different material than the rest of your furniture, or one in a contrasting colour to your walls and carpets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Side Tables
Although side tables are the perfect decorative addition to any room, if you don’t choose the right one, it can quickly decrease the visual value of a room instead of enhancing it. To choose the right table, you must know exactly where your needs lie and where you have enough space to fit it without the room appearing overcrowded and messy.
When purchasing a side table, ensure you get the appropriate size. Many people tend to overestimate the space they can spare for a table and pick a larger one without sufficient room for it to sit comfortably. There are many shapes and designs of side tables to choose from, and before you go shopping, measure your space to ensure you know exactly which size tables to look at.
Don’t save money by buying a cheap table that won’t last a year. Cheap side tables are made from poor-quality materials and can break or fall apart quickly. If you don’t have the budget at the moment, save up for a while to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product for your hard-earned money.
If you’re not buying an already assembled table, ensure you’re not getting one that’s difficult to assemble, as a complex assembly process can make you frustrated and even lead to injuries. Carefully sift through your options before settling on a side table you like. This way, you ensure you’re getting a high-quality table that will serve your needs for a long time.
Side Table vs End Table: What’s Different?
Many people often get confused about the difference between end tables and side tables. These two terms can get tangled up and mixed with each other, often used to refer to only one type of table, or even the wrong kind.
End tables are small tables you can place at the end of your furniture. At the end of your sofa bed, at the end of a large table, at the end of a bench, and so on. These tables are smaller than regular tables and even side tables, their main purpose being to provide an extra surface where you can set your mug or phone when you need to do another task.
On the other hand, side tables are larger in size and are often placed beside another piece of furniture. They can be subtly displayed against a wall and even in the centre of the room. Side tables are more visible in spaces and play a large role in interior design and room aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, side tables are one of the most impactful decorative furniture pieces on the market. They are both practical elements in your home, and they simultaneously enhance the visual balance in any room. From smaller, more subtle pieces to larger coffee tables, side tables have been a popular decorative element in both indoor and outdoor spaces for decades. These are the basics you should know prior to purchasing a side table. Get to know your space and decorate accordingly!
