How to Pick the Right End Tables for Your Sofa
You may want to give your seating accompaniments a standing ovation when you follow these guidelines for choosing the right ones
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
| Share: |
|
End tables are like the supporting players to a leading-lady sofa. They rarely get the glory, yet they're vital in their own low-key way. In addition to serving as a landing pad for lamps and a perch for cocktails, they can help to give a space a well-rounded, polished look. They whisper of a homeowner who pays attention to details.
That said, they can be tough to get right. They come in a daunting array of styles, sizes and finishes, and because you typically need two rather than one, you want to be doubly sure you choose winners. I've had a harder time shopping for end tables than any other piece in my living room — I've waffled over heights, surfaces, base styles and materials in an effort to strike the perfect balance of function and finishing touch. When I find it, I'll let you know.
In the meantime, rely on these guidelines to help you in your search.
That said, they can be tough to get right. They come in a daunting array of styles, sizes and finishes, and because you typically need two rather than one, you want to be doubly sure you choose winners. I've had a harder time shopping for end tables than any other piece in my living room — I've waffled over heights, surfaces, base styles and materials in an effort to strike the perfect balance of function and finishing touch. When I find it, I'll let you know.
In the meantime, rely on these guidelines to help you in your search.
The number-one question when choosing an end table: How tall should it be? The rule of thumb is that its surface area should be equal to or just below the height of the sofa arms. For a standard sofa, that's around 25 inches, but get out the measuring tape to be sure (I did, and it's a good thing — the arms on mine hit 28 inches). Most end tables are between 22 and 30 inches.
If you can't find tables you like within your target height range, err on the side of shorter rather than taller. Styles that jut above arm level not only can look awkward, but they also can make it hard for people to set down a glass or pick up a book.
If you can't find tables you like within your target height range, err on the side of shorter rather than taller. Styles that jut above arm level not only can look awkward, but they also can make it hard for people to set down a glass or pick up a book.
|
by Amy Lau Design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| These tables break the height rule, but they work for two reasons: One, the tables' bottom tiers sit below the sofa arms and within easy reach. And two, the floor-to-ceiling windows and draperies elongate the space visually, so the composition can stand a boost in elevation, exaggerated by the pair of lamps. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Nesting tables also let you get away with a little extra height. Leave the shorter table pulled partially or completely out from the taller one to create an engaging layered effect.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
What about armless sofas? You have two options: Select tables that suit the height where arms would sit (to gauge it, get comfy on the sofa and reach for an imaginary drink), or buy low models that are level with the seat. Neither option is better than the other; it just depends on your preferences and the balance of your space.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This isn't technically a sofa (it's Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona Chair), but the principle applies just the same — the tabletop lines up with an imaginary arm. Its chunkiness helps to ground the leggy seating, and its cylindrical form brings a needed curvy element that offsets the succession of right angles.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
If you like the mismatched look, choose tables similar in size and visual weight for harmony. These each fall at roughly the same height as the sofa arms. Notice how the square table is tucked into the corner, a nice match for its angles.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Of course, there's no law that says you have to double up on end tables if the look doesn't jibe with your space. A single tray table at the far end of this sofa preserves the inviting openness of the room, and the arrangement is evened out by the folding table that sits on the diagonal across from it. |
by Dreamy Whites
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Feel free to use nontraditional objects — shipping crates, old suitcases, sewing machine stands, garden stools — as end tables. Just make sure they fall in step with the height and scale guidelines above so that they are conversation pieces rather than nuisances.
Tell us: What do you use for end tables, and what makes them work?
Tell us: What do you use for end tables, and what makes them work?
Ideabook updated on Jan. 22, 2013.
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Find Local Pros by Category:
Architects & Designers · Interior Designers & Decorators · General Contractors · Home Media Design & Installation · Landscape Architects & Designers · Kitchen & Bath Designers · Design-build Firms · Closet & Home Storage Designers · Carpet and Flooring · Fireplaces · Tile, Stone & Countertops · Specialty Contractors · Landscape Contractors
Find Local Pros by Metro Area:
Atlanta · Austin · Baltimore · Boston · Chicago · Dallas · Dc Metro · Denver · Detroit · Hawaii · Houston · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Miami · Minneapolis · Nashville · New Orleans · New York · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · Salt Lake City · San Diego · San Francisco · Seattle · St Louis
The rule of thumb is that its surface area should be equal to or just below the height of the sofa arms.
It's 'surface area' that throws me.
So if the height of the arms is 25 inches, then the table-top should be 25 square inches in area? Or does it mean that the table should be as tall as or slightly lower than the arms of the chair?
And both are on castors. Flexible furniture is a must in a 1500 sq.ft. home!
About thirteen years ago when my dtr. bought her first home (single at that time and on a budget) I ended up making her three end tables for her Livingroom as we couldn't find anything in her price range that would suit her style and size of space. (Sample of one attached. The other two if I recall were much narrower.)
The frame was just 5/8" (?) angle iron cut to desired dimensions that I welded together and painted with a faux rust appearance. The top and lower shelf was pine wood (left natural but with a low-gloss polyutherane clear finish) that was dropped into/supported by the frame as their depths were the same. Very economical price wise, extremely easy to make, yet sturdy and functional. (She was happy! Don't know where they are now.)