Two End Tables to Complete Your Living Room

A living room often serves as the central hub for relaxation and entertainment in homes. To create a functional and aesthetically-pleasing living room space, end tables are essential complements to anchor sofas, chairs, and other primary seating options.

End tables, also referred to as accent tables or side tables, provide convenient surfaces for placing drinks, remotes, books, and decor next to lounging areas. While a living room can certainly function with just one end table, purchasing and styling a set of two matching end tables provides visual balance and plenty of surface area for various storage and decorating needs.

Benefits of Using Matching End Table Sets in Living Rooms

Rather than selecting two disparate end table styles, opting for a matching set creates a pulled-together, cohesive aesthetic. Sets are intentionally designed and manufactured as pairs, making it effortless to achieve a coordinated appearance. Some key advantages of using two matching end tables include:

• Balance: Flanking sofas or lounge chairs with two identical end tables gives arrangements a welcome symmetry and aesthetic balance. The matching height, shape, and styling ties the overall look together.
• Extra Surface Space: Having end tables on both sides of a sofa accommodates convenient access to surfaces for multiple users. All living room occupants have their own side table within easy reach for holding snacks, beverages, remotes, books, and other everyday items.
• Cohesive Style: Matching end tables maintain a consistent design aesthetic from one side of a sofa to the other to cultivate more fluid, seamless decor style throughout the living room.

Size Compatibility for Living Rooms Spaces

Unlike dining or coffee tables that make bold style statements, end tables are meant to blend more subtly into living room decor schemes. Carefully consider the size and scale in relation to existing sofas, chairs, and furnishings. Typical dimensions for rectangular end tables range from 20'' - 24'' wide and 16'' - 28'' high. Round end tables generally range from 16" - 30" in diameter and 16"- 24" high.

Measure available between primary seating surfaces -- such as the space between the sofa's arm and an adjacent chair or table. The ideal end table size allows generous space for accessing and opening drawers without becoming overbearing or constrictive.

Accent Your Decor Aesthetic

End tables also represent an ideal opportunity to inject your living room with more personality that aligns with your chosen decor themes. For a glamorous interior, select gilded end tables styled with decorative table lamps and direct access to a tucked-away charging station inside. Those desiring a farmhouse or vintage look should consider rough-hewn wooden tables, perhaps with antique model radios and coasters placed atop.

In contemporary living rooms, opt for streamlined end tables featuring sleek metallic finishes and geometry paired with sculptures and art books to set the modern tone. For nature lovers, incorporate woven water hyacinth-style tables accented by lush potted succulents and candles to echo eco-chic sensibilities.

Additional Storage and Organization

Besides providing surfaces and contributing to room aesthetics, many end tables also offer discreet storage for conveniently keeping frequently-used items organized and out of sight. Common storage options found in end tables range from drawers, shelves, cabinets, and flip-down shelves to even wheels for mobility.

Incorporate end tables with extra storage in living rooms frequented by kids and pets where wayward toys, supplies, and clutter tend to accumulate. For smaller spaces such as studio apartments and condos, storage end tables prevent rooms from appearing too chaotic while keeping everyday essentials accessible yet tucked out of view.

Styling Your New End Table Set

Carefully arranging and accessorizing end tables helps integrate them as thoughtful, useful additions rather than arbitrary afterthoughts. Follow these tips when styling your new end table set:

• Place in optimal positions for function and visual appeal near to sofas, chairs, or reading nooks. Allow proper clearance for opening drawers without awkward reaching or collisions.
• Consider their height in relation to existing furniture. Strive for creating symmetry and balance so surfaces align.
• Layer accessories in visually balanced vignettes, allowing them to serve as scaled-down focal points away from busier furnishings. Coordinate colors, textures, and ornament shapes for harmony.
• Incorporate table lamps to cast directional task lighting over surfaces, allowing convenient visibility for reading and operating remotes. LED bulbs provide energy efficiency and longevity.
• Store frequently used but unsightly clutter inside end table drawers, keeping surfaces tidy for displaying choice decorative elements. Adding drawer organizers also helps manage loose supplies.
• Use trays or placemats to define surface boundaries if mixing decor with functional items like drinks, creating designated placement areas.
• Rotate fragile accessories seasonally to safeguard them and achieve a refreshed, updated look over time.

Material, Design, and Quality Considerations

Not all end tables are created equal regarding quality, materials, and longevity. Numerous options exist when evaluating models, so buyers should carefully weigh their expectations for functionality and longevity.

Construction Materials

The most common and affordable end table materials include:

• PB and MDF : Particleboard wrapped in veneers and medium-density fiberboard offer speedy construction yet less weight capabilities than solid wood options.
• Glass : Tempered glass and acrylic end tables add contemporary flair and easily blend with varying decor aesthetics.
• Metal : Typically powder-coated steel, copper, or wrought iron metals add durable bases for statement end tables yet may show nicks, scratches or rust over time.
• Wood : Solid wood varieties such as oak, acacia, walnut, and teak or laminated veneers prove ultra durable for decades-long use given proper care and maintenance.

Design Styles

Popular end table designs span from streamlined chic silhouettes to handcrafted rustic textures , with storage options included based upon individual needs and room functions:

• Modern : Featuring sleek or natural material mix edges with minimal ornamentation.
• Rustic : Incorporates details like rough reclaimed woods, visible metals, natural imperfections.
• Farmhouse : Elements such as turned spindle legs, painted finishes, and heritage stains define casual country character.
• Industrial : Concrete, steel, solid woods create a mix of raw textures and finishes.

Quality and Durability Factors

Inspect furniture closely before purchase. Shake surfaces firmly to test stability. Open and close drawers to ensure smooth travel along glide tracks without warping sides. For longevity seek end tables that:

• Feature kiln-dried hardwood frames and joinery without creaks or wiggle.
• Have finishes, stains, and paints evenly applied without drips or blisters.
• Include secure metal glides to move across carpets and hard floors while bearing weight items.
• Provide strong yet smooth drawer pull hardware without snagging or pitting surfaces.
• Are backed by a minimum one-year warranty, with online customer reviews confirming sturdiness claims.