Which end table should you choose?
A side table is a piece of furniture that, along with the sofa, armchair, coffee table, and dining table, makes up the living room furniture. This small side table is specifically designed and used to enhance the comfort of the sofa and complement the interior decor.
When choosing an armchair or sofa and wanting to make them more practical, it’s a good idea to consider adding a side table at the same time. Various factors can help with this. From style and material to the piece’s dimensions, let’s explore how to choose the right side table.
What size end table should you choose?
For reasons of comfort, aesthetics, and practicality, it is essential to carefully determine the dimensions of your end table when selecting one, in order to avoid any imbalance with your other furniture. In this case, you should pay attention to the length, width, diameter, and depth, as well as the height of the piece, depending on its shape.
Length and width
When it comes to the length, width, or side dimensions of an end table, the golden rule for making a good choice is to select a model whose dimensions are proportional to those of the sofa. Thus, a large sofa calls for a large end table, while a small sofa calls for a modestly sized end table.
The diameter
To choose the right diameter for an end table, consider the diameter of your coffee table, if you have one. The idea is to choose an end table whose diameter doesn't compete with that of the coffee table.
Height
In general, end tables have a maximum height of 50 cm. However, you don’t have to stick to this size. To choose the right height, you need to consider the height of the seat, particularly the armrest. According to this rule, the end table should be 5 cm shorter than the sofa’s arms. So, if the sofa’s armrests measure 45 cm, the side table should be between 40 and 50 cm high. This rule is essential if you want to avoid having to strain yourself, bend down, or stand up to place or pick up an object from the side table—or even to rest your feet on it.
Which end table should you choose based on how you plan to use it?
A side table is a practical and versatile piece of furniture that offers a variety of uses. It can serve, in turn, as a storage solution, a decorative accent, and a comfortable piece in a living room, bedroom, office, or library.
The storage side table
A side table is a practical piece of furniture for storing newspapers, magazines, and books, as well as remote controls, keys, and other small items. If you want to take advantage of this feature, it’s recommended to choose models equipped with drawers, magazine racks, or storage compartments.
The decorative side table
A side table is a great place to set out a flowerpot, a candle, or a lamp for decorative purposes. For this type of use, you might opt for models with an oval tabletop. However, to enhance your interior decor with a side table, you should choose an aesthetically pleasing model. Better yet, it’s important to match the material and color of the piece with the room’s decor style.
The Practical Side Table
A side table, as a piece of furniture designed for comfort, can be used to set down a glass, a plate, or even to rest your feet on. If you intend to use the table solely for this purpose, however, be sure to choose the right size so you don’t have to bend down every time you need to put something down or pick something up.
The end table as a nightstand
A must-have in living rooms, the side table can also be used in the bedroom, office, or study. To choose the right model for each of these uses, you should primarily consider the piece’s dimensions. For example, a side table used as a nightstand should be the same height as the bed or slightly lower.
What shape of end table should you choose?
When it comes to the shape of a side table, you can choose from models with rectangular, oval, round, square, or designer tops. Choosing the ideal shape is primarily a matter of preference and taste. However, to make a wise choice regarding size, you should consider how you plan to use the piece, the decor of your living room, and the available space.
To that end, it’s recommended to choose round or oval end tables if you want to place a lamp on them. Models with square or rectangular tops are also good options for holding everyday items, such as the remote control, the newspaper, etc.
For decorative purposes, it’s a good idea to choose rounded coffee tables if you have a minimalist, linear living room. In this type of room, the piece helps break up the straight lines. Similarly, to create a unique decorative style or add a personal touch to your home, you can opt for designer side tables. These pieces play with shapes, colors, and materials to enhance your interior decor, while also contributing to comfort and serving practical purposes.
What material should you choose for your end table?
To choose the right material for your end table, you need to consider not only the decorative appeal of the material but also its durability and ease of maintenance. There are various options available.
The metal side table
A side table made of metal or reclaimed materials is the best choice for an industrial decor style. The most common models feature an all-metal frame with a top made of steel, wood, or marble. They are relatively durable and sturdy, provided they are properly maintained to prevent corrosion, especially when the metal used in their construction is prone to it.
The side table made of plant fibers
Side tables made of plant-based fibers are crafted from rattan, wicker, or bamboo. Thanks to these soft, natural materials, these pieces are well-suited to country, bohemian, or Scandinavian styles.
The side table made of solid or unfinished wood
A side table made of solid or unfinished wood is an excellent choice for interiors decorated in a bohemian or Scandinavian style. In this type of decor, where natural and fresh looks take center stage, the side table is white. It pairs perfectly with vintage finds and mismatched furniture, such as a velvet sofa or armchairs. Many other models of this piece are available and crafted from a variety of materials, such as glass, stone, plastic, and more.
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