Choose the Perfect End Tables to Elevate Your Living Room

A living room should be more than just a place to sit--it should provide both style and function. The right end tables can help you achieve this by adding surface space for lamps, decor, and everyday essentials while also complementing your existing decor. With some careful thought, you can find end tables that meet your needs and pull your living room together into a polished, complete space.

From ideal dimensions to style matching to hidden storage hacks, we've got you covered. Follow along as we break down how to choose end tables that upgrade your living room from just okay to absolutely envy-worthy.

Determine the Ideal Size for Your Space

Before shopping for end tables, take stock of the size limitations and layout of your living room. Standard end table heights range from 20-28 inches, while widths span 20-26 inches. Make sure to choose a size proportionate to your sofa or armchair height--a good benchmark is to match the table top to the height of the arm rest. This creates an ergonomic setup for setting down and picking up items easily. Allow enough surface area on the top for lamps, books, remotes, and beverages while still fitting comfortably next to seating.

The shape of end tables can also impact how well they fit your space. Round or oval options blend seamlessly into room flow, while still providing a decent amount of real estate to work with. Square and rectangular shapes maximize tabletop usage with their straight edges. If your living room is small, nesting end tables that slide under each other can save precious square footage.

Complement Your Living Room Style

End tables should complement the aesthetic style of your living room decor. For a sleek modern look, choose metal, glass, or wood end tables with clean lines and a streamlined silhouette. Lucite end tables also have an airy, contemporary vibe. Add interest with bold pops of color on the bases or tabletops.

In traditional living rooms, carved wood tables with cabriole legs and rich wood stains make a classic statement. For farmhouse or rustic spaces, look for reclaimed wood tables with metal bases. Mixing natural wood finishes with black wrought iron accents is an easy way to get this cozy, timeworn style.

If your home leans more bohemian and eclectic, combine vintage finds, painted thrift store pieces, and modern designs to reflect your unique taste. Don't be afraid to bring in a variety of colors, patterns, and artistic flair.

Modern Living Room Style End Tables

Glass, metal, and wood are sleek options for modern end tables. Look for distinctive shapes like rectangles, zigzags, and ovals to complement the clean lines of your mid-century or contemporary furnishings. Mix in a bold, colorful base or shelf for visual pop. Lucite is another on-trend material that provides an airy, barely-there presence.

Rustic Living Room Style End Tables

For farmhouse inspired living rooms, reclaimed wood tables add cozy texture. Turned legs, x-frame supports, and hammered metal bases enhance the hand crafted vibe. Raw-edged live edge slabs or tables made from tree cross-sections make natural rustic statements.

Traditional Living Room Style End Tables

Carved ornamentation, cabriole legs, and dark wood finishes give end tables old-world traditional appeal. Opt for classic silhouettes like oval, rectangle, or round shapes. Antique or vintage flea market finds also blend perfectly in formal living rooms.

Consider Functionality and Features

Since end tables provide precious surface real estate and access, think about functionality. Drawers and lower shelving instantly add storage for hiding remotes, charging cords, and other clutter when not in use. Some end tables feature lift-tops that raise to reveal interior storage. Others have built-in charging stations to conveniently power devices.

If you use your end tables for eating or working, look for designs with an open or retractable shelf below. You can stash baskets, books, or decor down there while keeping the tabletop clear. For easy rearranging, add casters to the base of end tables to make them portable.

Hidden Storage End Tables

Look for end tables with secret storage compartments to stash essentials and reduce visual clutter. Drawers, cabinets, and lift-top designs conceal items when needed, but provide access when required.

Charging Station End Tables

End tables with built-in charging stations, power strips, and USB ports make it easy to power up devices right from your living room. Look for clean, discreet designs to maintain your room's stylish aesthetic.

Casters for Portable End Tables

Adding casters or wheels to end table legs enables you to easily roll them around your living room as needed. This comes in handy for rearranging furniture or pulling a table up as a temporary seat.

Select a Durable, Easy-Care Material

Consider the pros and cons of end table materials in terms of resilience, longevity, and maintenance:

• Wood: Oak, maple, and walnut have beautiful unique grains. But softer woods like pine may show scratching over time.
• Metal: Wrought iron, brass, and stainless steel are extremely durable options that withstand daily wear and tear.
• Glass: Tempered glass tops bring a lightweight, airy feel. But the surface can be prone to smudging and fingerprints.
• Stone: Natural stones like marble, granite, and concrete make bold, patterned accents. But they can be susceptible to stains from spills.
• Acrylic: Lucite has a modern vibe and doesn't show smudges. But it can be scratched by sharp objects.

Weigh the pros and cons against your lifestyle and choose an end table material that balances both form and function in your home.

Wood End Table Materials

Oak, maple, walnut, teak, and mahogany provide beautiful and distinct wood grain patterns but require occasional polishing to keep them looking pristine. Softer pine scratch more easily. Reclaimed wood has a weathered patina.

Metal and Glass End Table Materials

Brass, copper, stainless steel, and wrought iron are all extremely durable materials for end tables. Metal stands up well to everyday use. Glass tops should be tempered for safety but will require frequent wiping of smudges.

Choose a Set of 2 for Visual Balance

Having a pair of end tables, one on each side of a sofa or seating area, provides balance and symmetry. The tables don't need to match exactly, but they should coordinate. Mixing round and square or modern and traditional shapes can add appealing contrast.

Keep end table heights equal and tops relatively the same size for cohesion. Position both equidistant from the sofa or chair edges. For a collected look, choose similar bases and leg styles even if the tabletop shapes differ. If your end tables are identical, decorate each one uniquely for added visual interest.

2 Round End Tables with Unique Decor

A pair of circular end tables flanking a sofa provides harmony and consistency. Add interest by decorating each tabletop distinctly with different lamps, trays, or decorative objects in contrasting colors and styles.

2 Square End Tables with Varying Heights

Though not ideal, a slight variation in end table heights can work as long as the tops align close to the chair arms. Repeat the same base, color, and materials for cohesion even if the shapes differ.

Factor in Your Budget

End tables span a wide spectrum of prices from budget-friendly big box finds to high-end designer investments. Here's an overview of price ranges and where to find deals:

• Cheap end tables under $100 can be found at discount home stores like Target and Walmart.
• Mid-range end tables from $150-$300 are available at Wayfair, IKEA, and West Elm.
• For high-end designer end tables from $500-$2,000+ look to retailers like Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.
• Consignment shops, Craigslist, and thrift stores offer savings on secondhand end tables.
• DIY end table projects utilizing refinished, repurposed, or upcycled items is another budget-friendly route.

Prioritize investing in a well-made end table built to last over many years of use. But with savvy sale shopping and DIY creativity, style and function don't have to break the bank.

Budget-Friendly End Table Ideas

Upcycling garage sale finds, refinishing old pieces, using wall-mounted shelving, or repurposing other furniture are some wallet-friendly ways to obtain stylish end tables on a budget.

End Table Inspiration for Every Style

Check out these stunning end table examples that are perfectly suited for various living room aesthetics and decors:

Modern Glass and Marble End Tables

These sleek rectangular glass and marble end tables flanking the grey linen sofa complement the contemporary loft space. The mirrored bottom shelf reflects light.

Rustic Reclaimed Wood End Tables

The distressed finish on these reclaimed wood end tables adds rustic texture to balance the soft upholstered chairs. The crosscut log details feel organic and natural.

Retro Round Mid Century End Tables

The cylindrical solid wood bases and circular tabletops on these end tables mimic mid century modern motifs. Lucite tabletops and orange cushions inject playful pops of color.

With all of the factors covered in this guide, you now have the knowledge to choose the perfect end tables for your living room. Keep these key points in mind as you shop:

• Select a size in proportion to your sofa height and room dimensions.
• Match the end table style to your living room's overall aesthetic.
• Consider functionality like storage, charging stations, and casters.
• Choose durable, easy-care materials that will last.
• Opt for a cohesive set of two that work with your existing decor.
• Set an appropriate budget and stick to it.

With the right end tables in place, you can finally relax and enjoy your living room as a stylish and functional space for lounging, entertaining and displaying your personal style.