I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

I love the rug you're showing and the lamps you've selected. I think that instead of adding more tables in front of the end tables I would:

1. Just pull the end tables forward to a place where it's comfortable to set a beverage on them. The do not need to be aligned with the back of the sofa (or the front of the sofa - they can be somewhere in between), or

2. Find a sofa table that fits nicely behind the sofa (between sofa and wall), and place your lamps there. Then you can have the end tables wherever you prefer with no thought to the placement of the lamps (if that's what's making you think they should align with the back of the sofa).

I would look for a more interesting, non matching coffee table - something that is not matching wood (copper? pewter or zinc? fabric that could double as an ottoman? - there is plenty of wood in the room already. You are running the risk of your room looking like a furniture showroom, with everything matching and pairs of each item, even though each is lovely on its own.

Why are you having the tables aligned with the back of the couch?

Seems silly to put an end table in front of an end table... just pull the original one forward!

I do not like the Oriental table with what you have going on already....

The small table is needed because of the narrow wall the sofa is in front of, thus the lamp takes up most of the table. So, while they could be moved forward, the is still not much surface area that is not in the footprint of the lamp shade.

I like sofa tables, but the lamps would then be too high on the wall. I want to open wall space to for the canvas's.

I will find a better coffee table.

Also, there is a chair at 90 degrees to the sofa that needs to have a table beside it, so a additional table will also serve that chair.

Here is another table idea:

One more to show and then no more additional tables. The side table is small and thus not much extra space on the surface. I do see your point though.

Should there be a table next to the chair?

(There will be a lamp on the other end table, I left it off to show the placement of the end table)

How's this?

Sounds like you chose end tables that are too small for what you want them to do!

No matter what the style, end tables in front of end tables look awkward.
Can you either get bigger ones, or ones that have a slide-out area for your drinks, etc?

I have narrow tables at the end of my couch and by my recliner. They are called "chair-side tables" and are 11 inches wide. I used them because of the space I had. On one table I have a lamp (toward the back), a glass basket with grapes/leaves, and a coaster in front. On the other there is a matching lamp, a cordless phone and a coaster. I am thinking that two end tables at each end of the couch would not look good. Could you get end tables that are more square, since you seem to have the space? Otherwise, I would use the ones you have ordered alone. I think you will be surprised at the space on them.

I have not yet ordered the end tables. So, I can get wider ones, but the longer ones are higher than the arm height.

Are the square tables taller than the narrow ones? My narrow "chair-side tables" are the same height as the square ones I could have gotten.

This post was edited by grandmaof3 on Thu, Oct 17, 13 at 13:53

Do you have room for a console table behind the sofa?

this would push the sofa into the room and the room is small, also the lamps would be on the sofa table and thus in front of the canvas.

Do you already have the lamps? I would definitely not put a table in front of another table (times two!). Since you haven't bought the table yet, get the larger size. And if you can, get smaller lamps. Or floor lamps.

bought the lamps yesterday

and one floor lamp, I could get another floor lamp

How about these?

Here is a link that might be useful: Oak Table

Height limited to 23"

I could have wider ones made, but I don't have the lateral distance. As it is now, the end table extends laterally into the dining area.

I prefer the end tables only -
They are so nice - why hide them?

Could you find a coffee table with a glass top - just to lighten up the space --
Only because there is a lot of wood going on - and so it's not so matchy-matchy

Here is what I might do. I'd like to have one oriental piece and the chair needs a table beside it

These are 22 x 24 x 23H.

Could I have the narrow one on the side that has limited space and this one the other side?

Does this fit with the Arts and Craft motif?

Because you want something that is in the oriental-style, why not try a decorative pieces or pieces. Not tables.

IMO, the table above does not fit in with the arts and craft motif. To others, it may fit in with that motif.

Here is a link that might be useful: Decorative Oriental-Style Pieces

This post was edited by walnutcreek on Thu, Oct 17, 13 at 16:11

Found some tables in the A and C style that are 22 x 26 x 23 high, so they will be good.

I like where you're going with a different style table (red) but I am not sure that is the one. No to the black. Not enough weight.

How about one end table and the floor lamp on the other side?

Have you considered an oriental trunk to go between the chair and sofa? They are available in all sizes, colors, trim and hardware. One could be used for/between both seatings.

I also like the iron leg table posted. Perhaps a bit of the same style for a coffee table. The couch needs something open in front to give a feel of more room.

Although I like the pictures you have, am not sure if they go with what you are trying to create. And agree with the comment about being careful with too much matching of Mission furniture. Your couch and great rug deserves to be the attention grabber.

I agree with many of the comments posted about too much wood.

I'm not a matchy person so my suggestion would be to not use 2 of the same end tables. The same lamps will work. What happened to the copper end table you posted earlier? Can you post that one on the side of the sofa just for curiosity?

Also, I can see a much softer chair to work with your sofa. Maybe then you can bring in one of those oriental tables you seem to gravitate to as a table for the chair.

As far as a cocktail table, try looking for something with a glass top with mission base.

Would you mind sharing where the rug is from?
I am looking for something like that in red for our LR.

There is 6" of wall space on the right side of the sofa (viewed from facing the sofa); this is not enough for an end table. One end table on the other side will seem unbalanced, so why have a wooden structure on either side? I need a place to put the two lamps I ordered (on clearance, no return), so a table somewhere is needed; how about a short pedestal? Will a lamp on a pedestal look strange?

Yes, I know I said I like the Arts and Craft motif, but do have the space to accomplish more than a pathetic attempt? The sofa and chair are ordered and will arrive in a month. Will the sofa style accommodate other styles? I tend to like items from a lot of styles.

I attached some images of ideas for side tables. the height of each is shown. My thought is that all I need is a level platform beside the sofa and chair.

The lamps are on the way; with no table for them. Will a table shown in my composite be appropriate for the lamp? They vary in size from 11.5 to 15" so they seem to be of adequate size.

The purpose for all of this is to show my photos. Furniture will get in the way. I need a place to sit, and for guests to sit, and a small table beside the chair and sofa. I don't need a lot of furniture.

The suggestion was made to use floor lamps, and I like that idea. Any other ideas for lighting?

The copper top tables were too tall; the arm height is 23 5/8 and they were 25" tall.

What do you mean by a softer chair? I have a chair that is of the same design as the sofa; it will be covered in the same leather.

I prefer to stay clear of glass top tables because they show dust.

cliff_and_joann

the rug is from Jaipur, the Poeme collection.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jaipur rug

Posted by technicolor (My Page) on
Thu, Oct 17, 13 at 16:57

"Although I like the pictures you have, am not sure if they go with what you are trying to create."

This is a problem. I want the pictures to be the focus point not the furniture. If the Mission style, and the wood, and my sofa and rug, draw all the attention, maybe it's time to re-think this.

The pictures are my photographs. The link shows more of the photographs. I can't show all of these at the same time, so I will exchange them once in a while. I want guests to look at the photographs. They will be printed on canvas at a with of 36" to 50". The other features in the room should not, in my concept, detract from or dominate the scene.

If I may take a long stride back, let me ask this question?

Is this stand appropriate for the lamp? The stand is 24" tall, the lamp is 21" tall. The base of the stand is 14" in diameter and the bottom of the lamp shade is 14" in diameter.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures

Will your table lamps provide optimum lighting for your photos? I think that's a much bigger issue for you than the right tables for the lamps you ordered.

I also think you need to step back and consider what your needs are:

- Lighting for your photos

- task lighting - will you be reading on the couch or chair?

- vertical surface - What do you want to put on the end/coffee tables, besides lamps? Drinks? Snacks? TV remote? Magazines? Knowing the use will give you a much better idea of the best size table.

annkh: very wise approach, thank you.

I am not able to add track lights, or recessed ceiling lights. My options are floor and table lamps.

No task or reading light is necessary.

The end table have now is a platforms for the TV remotes, and a place to set a glass.

I watch TV and eat dinner while sitting on the sofa.

What suggestions do you have?

Thanks tomtrec. I love the rug, but didn't see it in red. :(
I love mission furniture and your rug choice is wonderful
with the rug.

"If I may take a long stride back, let me ask this question?

Is this stand appropriate for the lamp? The stand is 24" tall, the lamp is 21" tall. The base of the stand is 14" in diameter and the bottom of the lamp shade is 14" in diameter. "

Nope. Proportion way off.

And... when you wanting to use TWO tables per side because one does not provide enough surface area for your stuff...
why even consider a table with practically zero space for said stuff?

So, what is the correct proportion?

14" round is enough for a TV remote and a glass. I use a tray for my dinner plate.

I wanted the lamps to light the photos, but I now realize that a lamp will not provide appropriate illumination. So, I am looking at other options.

Since space is limited on the right side (facing the sofa) of your sofa, that is where I would put the floor lamp. On the left side of your couch put the end table and matching table lamp and put the same thing (end table and lamp) by the chair. I think the wooden end table with the one drawer would be my choice. Put those in your room and see how it looks. If you want a little oriental table, put it by the floor lamp. If you need more "putting down" room, then look for a coffee table. I would look for an ottoman, a small trunk or even a glass with wood trim table. Just as an aside...they do make wood coffee tables that raise up to table height....that may be an option. And no, I do not think your furniture with wood end tables is too much wood. You will probably put pillows and curtains plus you have a rug. Will look very nice, comfy and tidy.

Hmm-- since you want the photos to be the focus, I think framing and matting will be key to making everything work together.

Can we see bigger pics of the actual artwork being used?

Again, are only the lamps purchased now?

Your portfolio is beautiful! Thank you for sharing. (Link didn't take me to a working page, however.)

Due to space limitations the photos will not be matted and framed. I plan to have then gallery wrapped. I have one framed in the dining/entry area. My idea is to have the photos illuminated with their own light above them.

The link below will take you to the link on my web page of the photos I am considering for print.

The sofa and chair are purchased; I delayed the process so I can change from fabric to leather. my thought is a dark blue leather. The lamps are purchased and from what I have been told here, they are wrong; too bad, I like them.

I also concluded that I wont have room for table lamps, and not enough room for end table. I can use smaller stands as I shown in an earlier note, without lamps on them.

I will use a floor lamp as shown in the attached layout

I am sorry the link didn't work; try this new one. Since the link didn't work, what portfolio of mine did you look at?

The black triangular shape in the layout represents an easel with a gallery wrapped photo on it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Living Area Photos

Is there someplace in your home where you could have a gallery wall to showcase your photographs? Having them above a sofa wouldn't seem to me to be the best place anyway. The viewer couldn't get close to the art if they wanted to as the sofa would be an obstruction. I think being able to get up close and personal would be a better way to view it. Just my opinion.