Decorating Side Tables

As a decorator and Stager, I understand the importance of creating vignettes around a home to add charm and personality. Side tables, or end tables as they are sometimes called, are a perfect way to add this designer magazine-quality touch to a room. It is a small piece of furniture with great purpose. Apart from the fact that we need a side tables to put down our food, drinks, books and remotes, they allow us to create interesting and unique displays of our favorite items and beautiful belongings. 

The right place to start is to pick the perfect side table. Based on the rest of the furniture and the types of colors and finishes used, the side table should complement and not compete with the other items in the room.I like side tables with a unique touch adding a decorative element to an otherwise functional mix of furniture. Some samples of stylish and versatile side tables: 

In my research to find a wide array of side table decorating arrangements, I was frustrated to learn that there aren't enough good examples on the web. I am always picky with my choices because I don't like to include anything I don't completely love. See my favorite ones below: 

        

          

You can very easily change the personality of your room and add a designed look by redoing an existing side table. If you are buying new side tables, remember to stay away from the coffee table set version and get a little adventurous with the side tables. It will work beautifully if you remember to follow these guidelines: 

1. There should be 1 or 2 things in common between the coffee table and side tables - color, texture, finish or shape etc 
2. If there are more than 2 side tables in a room, for the sake of cohesion, make sure two of them are the same 
3. If you are using 2 side tables and they are different, remember to make sure they have something significant in common (refer to point 1). They shouldn't look like twins but they should look related 
4. Nesting tables are a great option for creating a more expansive vignette. Use nesting tables if you have the space to pull out the smaller one either partially or completely 
5. Remember to make sure the height of the tables are comfortable to use for the person sitting closest to it 
6. Keep in mind that you are buying side tables as decorative objects and not just as pieces of furniture 
7. Placement - every seat available should be at a comfortable distance from the coffee table or side tables 
8. Avoid using tall arrangements, skinny vases, lamps or otherwise precariously-balanced decorative items if you have decided to place a side table in a high traffic area of a room or in a spot where these items can get knocked over easily 
9. How large or how small your side tables are  is contingent upon the size of the room and the size and style of other existing pieces of furniture they are going to complement

Styling your side tables can be a great way to start redoing a room. Start with a side table or bedside tables; it is a small task with huge results. You will be happy at the effect it will have in your room and the satisfaction of seeing fast results may propel you towards taking on bigger challenges. 

Happy decorating! Until next time.