12 Creative Ways to Decorate Small Side Tables

Small side tables can be found in every room of the house - next to the couch, beside the bed, tucked into an entryway. Their petite size makes them incredibly versatile. But it also means they often get overlooked in the decorating process. Never fear! With a little creativity and style inspiration, any small side table can become a stylish focal point that adds character to your space.

Whether your style is modern, boho, traditional or something in between, these small table decorating ideas will transform any little table into a stylish showcase.

Add Height with Decorative Items

One easy way to draw attention to a petite side table is by adding height. This creates an eye-catching vertical element that makes the table feel intentional versus an afterthought. Some decorative items that add stylish height include:

• Vases filled with faux or fresh flowers and foliage
• Colorful stacks of coffee table books or cookbooks
• Scented candles in varying heights and diameters
• Small sculptures, geodes, or other unique objects

Choose items in neutral colors to keep the look refined, or vibrant hues for an eclectic vibe. If your table is quite small, cluster just a couple of taller items together. For medium or large side tables, create little vignettes with several objects of varying heights and textures.

Use Trays for Additional Surfaces

Trays are a versatile decorating tool for side tables. Look for trays with handles if you want to use them for serving drinks and snacks. Opt for smooth, finished trays to display decor accents like candles or bud vases. Or choose nesting trays that stack together to add pretty layered surfaces.

Some ways to creatively use trays:

• Hold remotes, coasters, and other everyday accessories
• Corral small loose items like keys or jewelry
• Stage coffee table books or ceramics
• Create little decorative vignettes

When selecting trays, look for ones with cool geometric shapes, unique materials like rattan or driftwood, or statement colors to complement your decor. Then artfully arrange your favorite accessories.

Play with Texture

An easy way to make a small side table shine is to play with different textures. Contrasting tactile elements always add intrigue. Try mixing items with soft, organic textures like poufs, ceramic pots, or crocheted pillows with sleeker surfaces like metal candlesticks or marble trays.

Some textural pieces to try:

• Natural items like stones, branches, or shells
• Nubby pillows, ceramic garden stools or rattan baskets
• Smooth travertine or concrete objet d'art
• Lucite, acrylic, or glass accessories

Placing items with different textures close together helps each piece stand out. The mix of elements makes the table vignette ultra-dynamic.

Incorporate Greenery

Nothing perks up a small side table like fresh greenery. You have lots of green options to infuse life and vibrancy. Play with different sizes, shapes and varieties for unique looks.

Some ways to work greenery into side table decor:

• Small houseplants like succulents or air plants
• Snipped stems from your garden placed in bud vases
• Lush potted ferns or palms
• Faux boxwood balls or wreaths

For variety, mix blooming plants and flowering stems with different greens. Greeenery looks equally gorgeous on sleek modern tables as it does on vintage flea market finds.

Display Meaningful Items

Side tables are the perfect perch to proudly display cherished items that showcase your personality and interests. Meaningful accessories make for easy decorating that feels warm and inviting.

Some meaningful pieces to creatively feature:

• Framed family photos from vacations or holidays
• Souvenirs and mementos from your travels
• Your prized coin or stamp collection
• Vintage books, cameras, or other antiques

Edit down your collection to just your absolute favorites. Then artfully arrange items so they can be appreciated. Don't just stash special pieces in drawers. Display them as art!

Use Baskets for Concealed Storage

While we love showing off decorative objets on petite tables, sometimes you need a place to tuck away everyday essentials. Enter baskets! Attractive baskets keep remote controls, charging cords, keys and other small necessities neat yet accessible.

Some tips for working baskets into your decor:

• Choose collapsible baskets that can be tucked away when company comes
• Select baskets in natural fibers like rattan or bamboo for a casual feel
• Cohesive colors make baskets feel like an intentional design choice
• Pretty trinket boxes conceal items but are always display-ready

With the right basket, you can neatly corral clutter while complementing your room's decor. Just avoid overloading the table or baskets will look messy.

Add Pops of Color

An easy way to draw attention to petite side tables is to add bold pops of color. Vibrant hues and patterns create dramatic contrast against neutral walls and sofas. And colorful accents make a table vignette ultra-vibrant.

Some ideas for colorful flourishes:

• Fresh flowers in bright pinks, oranges and purples
• Bold throw pillows that complement artwork colors
• Ceramic table lamps or planters in eye-catching hues
• Framed family photos with bright mats

Limit colorful accents to just a couple so your table doesn't look chaotic. The right doses of color make a big visual impact!

Play with Scale

Experimenting with different item scales adds intrigue to table vignettes. Oversized items contrasted with tiny accents makes things feel artfully arranged.

Some ways to play with scale:

• Choose a table lamp or vase much taller than your table's height
• Cluster several tiny object like shells or trinkets
• Balance a large tray with mini bud vases and candles

No need to go overboard. Just introducing one or two unexpected scaled items makes a table arrangement captivating. You can find unique scaled accent pieces to try at flea markets and thrift stores.

Light it Up

Well-placed lighting instantly makes a small side table feel special versus an afterthought. Illuminating a table vignette helps it shine. Explore lighting options that range from functional to dazzling.

Some lighting ideas for small side tables:

• Table or desk lamps for ambient lighting
• Fun string lights for a festive or boho vibe
• Fairy lights draped on book piles or plants
• Flameless candles for flattering soft glow

Lighting options like portable lamps allow you to easily adjust the positioning and brightness. Play around until you find the perfect lighting for both beauty and function.

Include Practical Items

As pretty as those styled tablescapes are, sometimes you need decor to multitask. Choose accents for small side tables that are both decoratively pleasing and pragmatically useful.

Some ideas for dual purpose decor:

• Service trays that can hold drinks and snacks
• Ceramic tissue box covers
• Woven baskets for remotes and gadgets
• Charging station for hiding cords

Practical decor helps avoid clutter piling up on tables. Built-in organization means you can retrieve items without totally disrupting the aesthetic.

Set a Vignette Theme

One tip for pulling together a cohesive tablescape is to set a theme. Maybe you build your vignette around books, travel souvenirs or greenery. Keeping decor related creates harmony.

Some vignette theme ideas:

• Family memories with framed photos
• Coastal decor with shells, driftwood and neutral hues
• Warm minimalism using wood elements and simple shapes
• Boho chic with plants, woven textures and Global accents

The most critical part of a themed vignette is restraint. Limit yourself to just a few meaningful accessories so your table doesn't look cluttered.

One easy way to keep your small side table looking fresh is to swap decor for the seasons. Rotate out cold weather accessories for lighter spring and summer accents.

Some ideas for seasonal collections:

• Fall: gourds, foliage, cozy blankets
• Winter: pinecones, snowglobes, faux fur throws
• Spring: tulips, hyacinths, nesting eggs
• Summer: shells, starfish, sea glass

Mark your calendars to transition decor every three months. Seasonal updates keep your space feeling new. A quick decor swap helps beat boredom.

The right decorative accents can transform a small side table from boring to brilliant. With a little creativity and style inspiration, a petite table in any space can become a stylish focal point full of personality. Try out some of these decorating ideas and you'll have those side table vignettes styled to perfection in no time!