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12 Things Side Tables Can Do For You
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
The moment you realize you need a side table is when you lean over to put your drink on something and you have to put it on the floor! Sometimes side tables are an afterthought, but they are a great opportunity to infuse a room with style. Check out what they do in the rooms below.
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| 1. Bring a new element into the room. Here, the side tables were a great opportunity to bring in rich wood and just the right amount of whimsy. |
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| 2. Add a modern element. The two wire tables in this room kick up the modern factor a notch, as well as bringing in some bright red accents. |
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| 3. Introduce texture. These burnt orange leather, studded, drum-like side tables add a new texture. Also, their height and scale look just right next to the sofa and the chair. |
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| This one brings in marble, light wood, and a sculptural shape. |
by Amy Lau Design
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4. Provide a spot for vases and flowers. This shapely side table provides and opportunity to add more accents to the room on its surface.
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5. Add shine. Metallic side tables are a great way to add some chrome without overdoing it.
by CWB Architects
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6. Add double-duty storage. This table can take on your wine and your books and magazines due to its lower shelf.
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by Tara Seawright
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| Here's another side table that does double duty. It's also a great size for placing a table lamp. |
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7. Start a conversation. You barely notice the glass top on this table, and perhaps you and your guests can sit around and wonder if that top part has any function...
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...although this John Dickinson side table will probably get the generate the most conversation!
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8. Make you feel like you are on a home staging show. I challenge you to watch any of those shows and not see this classic Eileen Gray side table. At least any of the shows where they do nice work.
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The Platner Side Table is another great pick for high end stagers.
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9. Hold your ashtray at your analyst's office, circa 1959: Betty gets good use out of this tulip side table!
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10. Create a coffee table cluster. Using one or two side tables is a great replacement for a traditional coffee table.
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Here two side tables create a coffee table and add a bit of symmetry.
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by Kasey Buick
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11. Use vintage pieces in unexpected ways. This cart adds scads of character to this elegant living room.
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| Here an antique trunk on a stand makes a very nice side table with hidden storage. Magazines, coasters, linens, even a throw blanket can be tucked away in there. |
by CWB Architects
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Does anyone know what this side table was in a former life? I keep wanting to say "firkin" but I don't think that's right. What the heck is a firkin? Oh, thanks dictionary.com, it's a wooden barrel used for butter or lard. Perhaps this is a firkin?
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| 12. Serve as movable drink stands for cocktails al fresco. These tables can move to wherever the guest and their margaritas decide to sit down. |
Comments
kathyforcum Love it all, great post
3 years ago · Like
Rough Linen I love stools and trolleys as side tables - in fact, anything which isn't actually a side table! 
3 years ago · Like
patscats2 I love the vintage pieces in the elegant surroundings, so cool. I would love to have different things for side tabls, i.e., suitcases and other objects, but the problem is I have cats who jump all over the place. If it's not real sturdy on four legs and a huge pedestal, it can't stand up to their activity. Anyone else have that problem? I could have those items, but I could never put a lamp or anything else breakable on them.
3 years ago · Like
Fiorella Design You have a great eye! Not only are the side tables interesting but each image is so different stylistically from the other...and yet tres chic...
3 years ago · Like
ds design studio Love this idea book. Wonderful examples and great info!
3 years ago · Like
tarka I think that top part in picture 7 is a handle for moving the little table (drinks and all?) without touching the glass.
3 years ago · Like
Becky Harris Ah tarka, I like that idea - no fingerprints. It's such a great looking table.
3 years ago · Like
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Great range of styles and ideas, Becky. I'm so glad we've gotten away from matching furniture sets, and your examples show how nicely ecletic mixes look. I think it's important to consider the scale of the room and the other furnishings. In terms of function, if you want to be able to set drinks or books down, this influences the height of the table and the amount of decorative items on it. This little drum side table holds 'the master's' afternoon cocktail. 
3 years ago · Like
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel This guest bed is flanked by unmatched side tables, one with open space for overnight needs, the other is completely filled by its reading lamp. 
3 years ago · Like
slingfox wow, these were creative
3 years ago · Like
rebeccakov Very useful category. All true!
3 years ago · Like
nbatash great post! what do you think of lucite coffee table in a relatively small room?
2 years ago · Like
Becky Harris nbatash, I think it's a great choice for a small space, because it kind of disappears - it doesn't take up any room visually.
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Nov. 7, 2010.
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