Choosing the perfect end table can be a very personal choice, and well it should be, given the tremendous selection that is out in the marketplace these days.

When choosing the perfect end table for your room, you want to make sure that it has the right scale and the right style. For example, you don’t want an end table that is too large or too small when placed next to your furnishings and you don’t want to choose a modern end table for a traditionally furnished room.

That said, choosing the perfect end table is still and adventure, given the fact that you can choose one that not only complements your existing pieces of furniture and overall decor, but your personal interests and pursuits as well.
So how to you narrow down your choices?

The first decision is what you’re going to use your end table for. If you want to have a lamp on it along with leaving enough room for someone to set a drink or plate down, you probably want to go with an end table and not an accent table, which is smaller in scale and dimensions.

Still, there are a lot of different sizes for end tables so you want to make sure that when choosing the perfect end table you get one that is correctly portioned. For instance, if you are placing the table at the end of a sofa, you want the table to be nearly as deep as the sofa or three quarters of its depth. The same is true if you place an end table next to a chair or between a set of chairs. In this case it can be a bit smaller in stature, but the actual size can be influenced by its style. A blocky end table can be smaller than a more delicate, leggy table, for instance.
When choosing the perfect end table, also know that they can come in different heights. There’s no standardization for furniture, and you want to get an end table that doesn’t extend above the edge of your furniture or is so low that someone has to precariously reach over a sofa arm in order to set down their plate or glass.

Shape is another consideration. When choosing the perfect end table many people prefer to go with a square or rectangle shape but a round or oval shape can go nicely at the end of a sofa or between two chairs as well. A round or oval table can also make the room look less blocky, giving it more character and definition.

When thinking about shape, you also want to consider the style. For beginners, you’re always safe going with a table that has straight legs and lines if the furniture around it also has straight lines. The same is true with a curved, leggy piece. It will tend to look better with more ornate furnishings.

Finally, there’s color to consider. When choosing the perfect end table you want to consider the wood. If you’re upholstered furniture has wood accents, you want the end table woods to match. For example, stay with cherry or at least a dark wood if your sofa or chairs have cherry accents or match blond woods with blood woods. You don’t have to use all the same shape of tables when choosing the perfect end table. But you do want to create a family feel. The style, color, finish and accents can tie them all together.

If you’re not a confident interior designer, stay away from the temptation to create drama with a standout piece. This can go horribly wrong. A good way to avoid this is to shop online for the right end table. This will allow you to mix and match pieces until you get just the look you’re looking for.

Author Bio: Jesse Akre owns Edenvale Shoppes and hosts numerous furniture and furnishings for any home whether it be end tables or teak furniture styles and designs.

Category: Home Management
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