Decorating an End Table in 6 Simple Steps
Stylish ways to elevate your end table.
While styling an end table is more of an art than a science, there are easy ways to streamline the process. Factors like location, scale, and purpose can help you determine the best approach for decorating an end table. If you're not sure how to decorate end tables, our guide breaks the decorating down into six simple steps, including tips on choosing table lamps and picking the right decor.
1. Start With a Chic Foundation
Decorating an end table begins with the end table itself, because sometimes the silhouette of the end table can influence the decor that you'll add to the top. There is a nearly endless selection of end tables, so it's best to consider the size, shape, and storage that would work best for your space. Check out our guide End Table Style Guide to learn more about the different designs you can choose from, and read End Table Height: How Tall Should Your Side Table Be? to ensure it's the right size for the space.
Tip!
If you're looking to elevate an existing end table, there are simple ways to give it a fresh feel. Try swapping the hardware for a new drawer pull, or add a new coat of paint for a colorful DIY.
Whether your end table is the perfect spot to stow a cup of coffee or hold a well-placed table lamp, the space's intended use is a key consideration when decorating an end table. You don't want to add so much decor that you compromise on function. Start with the most important pieces first like a table lamp, set of coasters, or a tray to stow your reading glasses.
Varying textures can help you create visual interest. Try pairing different textures like smooth glass, weathered wood, glazed ceramics, or sleek metal to build contrast between the materials. You can incorporate a mix of textures through table lamps, decorative bowls, stacks of books, candles, or trays to corral your decor. In the photo above, we love how the sculptural glass lamp looks beside the small wood bowl.
An easy way to make your end table feel more inviting is incorporating personal pieces. Top the end table with mementos or handmade items, such as a piece of pottery or something that you picked up on a trip. Add a framed photo of a favorite memory, such as a snap from a vacation, milestone, or time spent with friends or family.
When decorating end tables, you'll often be dealing with both sides of your sofa, so it's natural to opt for symmetry. One easy way to maintain this balance is choosing the same end tables for each side and topping each end table with the same table lamp. This ensures that the basic shapes are the same on both sides so that you can experiment more with the little details, such as stacking books on one end table or placing a leafy houseplant on the other.
Your end tables also don't need to match. Mixing two different end table styles can add a bespoke feel to your seating area and lend more wiggle room for finding pieces that complement each other with their contrasting designs. For example, you could pair a square end table with drawer storage with a slim drum-style end table to juxtapose a rounded silhouette with a squared-off shape that has plenty of space to store essentials.
Same goes for the top of your end tables. Go for mismatched table lamps to play with height, shade shape, or finish. Try placing a different type of houseplant on each table – one with volume or height and another with trailing vines – to play with movement and scale.
Tip!
Want to style other tabletop surfaces? Find inspo for your coffee table by reading our guide Decorating a Coffee Table: How to Style Your Coffee Table.
