As you can see, end tables aren’t always necessary. This bright living room space is end table free and uses a tall freestanding lamp to bring light into the space rather than using smaller table lamps. … So if you don’t have use for an end table, don’t be afraid to go without.

Where do side tables go in living room?

Ideally, a side table should be equal to or just below the arm of the seat it’s next to. Not only does it create a nice visual flow in the room, the table is within easy reach for setting a drink down or turning on a lamp. Standard sofa arm heights can range between 24 and 32 inches, so get out your measuring tape.

Where do you use end tables?

An end table can be used in the bedroom next to a chair or in between a pair of chairs. End tables can also be used as bedside tables.

Can you have different end tables in living room?

As long as the sizes and styles relate to each other, it’s perfectly acceptable to have different end tables on either side of a sofa or bed.

How close should end tables be to sofa?

Here’s the rule: your end table should be within two inches of your sofa’s arm height. If your couch’s arm stands at just 18 inches, then, you’ll want a shorter end table (between 16-20 inches).

What is the difference between an end table and a side table?

The main difference between end table and side table is that side tables typically have a larger surface area than end tables. A side table is a small table we usually place at the side of a room, or against a wall while an end table is a small table we place next to a chair or at the end of a sofa.

How far should end tables be from couch?

End tables should be within two inches of a sofa’s arm height. For example, if the sofa’s arm is 22″ tall, a proper end table can be anywhere from 20″ – 24″ tall.

How much space should be between sofa and coffee table?

Leave about 16 inches between a coffee table and a couch, to allow plenty of leg room. Choose a table that’s within about four inches of the sofa’s height. Select end tables that are about the same height as the arm of the couches or chairs they will be placed next to.

How do you know if a couch is too big for a room?

1. It takes up the full length of the wall it is placed on.
2. It crowds the surrounding furniture.
3. It does not leave enough space to properly distance the television.
4. Makes it difficult to get in and out of the sofa or use it comfortably.

Do end tables have to be the same color?

Your furniture like your coffee tables, end tables, and tv stand don’t need to match. You can feel free to match, for example, the end tables from one set, and the coffee table and TV stand from another, or any mixture of things.

Article first time published on

Is coffee table necessary?

A lot of people will tell you that a coffee table is a necessary piece of furniture for a living room. You need a place to put up your feet, put down drinks, and most importantly, to anchor the room. … If you’re looking to try something a little different consider these coffee table alternatives.

Do you have to have matching bedside tables?

And, while many people opt for matching nightstands, that’s not absolutely necessary. That’s the traditional approach, yes—but as with all design traditions, rules are meant to be broken! So you can definitely have two nightstands of differing sizes, shapes, finishes and even heights.

What do you put under end tables?

• Lamp.
• Picture Frame.
• Greenery or Florals.
• Books.
• Coasters.

How do you style an occasional table?

1. Add baskets and trays.
2. Add plants or flowers. Or both!
3. Play with height.
4. Lighting definitely counts as decor.
5. Divide a round accent table in half.
6. Use tall objects behind a sofa.

What are accent tables used for?

Accent tables are the chandeliers of tables. Sure, they serve a purpose — the same way a chandelier adds light to your space, an accent table adds storage. But the real purpose of both is to look beautiful in your home. Your accent table should not only match your home’s aesthetic but elevate it.

Should your sofa face the door?

As a general rule, you don’t want to place a sofa in front of a door because you don’t want to block it, and you don’t want people to walk into the back of the sofa. However, if there is enough space and the back of the sofa has nice upholstery, this look can work very well.

How much space do you need between couch and wall walkway?

There should be a minimum of 3 feet of space between couch and wall, as well as other pieces of furniture and doorways to allow family or guests to walk through, says Decor Interiors.

How tall is the average end table?

“End tables for living rooms are usually 25 to 30 inches tall, but the arm height of most sofas is 25 inches, which means most end tables are taller than the sofa arm,” he said.

How much seating should a living room have?

At the very minimum, you should shoot for having at least four to five seats in your living room if space allows. In the typical home, this often looks like a sofa-and-two-club-chairs combo.

What would be considered optimum television placement in a living space?

A better placement would be putting the screen to the left or right of the fireplace, which would give much better viewing without the pinched neck. The Atkins home in South Highlands is an excellent example of the perfect blend of a family home with designer tastes and style.

How much space should be between wall and rug?

To keep your area rug from feeling random, at least the front two legs of a sofa or chair should rest on the rug. Distance between room-size rugs to walls: Allow about 24″ between the wall and room-size rug in a large room, and between 12″- 18″ in a smaller room.

What do you call tables next to sofa?

A console table is wide, fairly shallow and roughly as tall as a regular table or desk. A console table is often placed against a wall – but when it’s placed against the back of a sofa, it’s called a sofa table.

Are end tables and nightstands the same?

Nightstands are typically found in the bedroom, a table next to the bed, flanking the head of the bed, or as a standalone piece beside a twin bed. … End tables sit next to sofas and other seating pieces in living rooms, dens and family rooms.

Can you use a bedside table as an end table?

That’s where you’ll find nightstands—and really a whole new world of living room side and end table possibilities. … They’re similar to accent tables in shape and size, so this is an easy swap to make, even if you want to use pieces you already have on hand.

Should Sectionals be against the wall?

Don’t be afraid to float it. The most common placement for a regular sofa is against the wall, but this doesn’t have to be the case for a sectional. If you can spare the real estate, floating the extended arm—or the entire piece—out in the middle of a room is a great way to visually mix things up.

How much space do you need between furniture walking?

One of the secrets to learning how to arrange furniture is making sure you leave enough space between pieces. Allow 30 inches between furniture that you need to be able to walk around, and maintain 14 to 18 inches between a coffee table and sofa so drinks are within reaching distance.

Which type of sofa is best for living room?

Sofas in cotton or linen fabric, and leather sofas are classic upholstery materials that are worth investing in. Synthetic fabrics like microfiber are also great options that are durable and easy to clean.

Can you put two couches in a living room?

Keep it simple. If your living room is small, your best bet when arranging two couches is to keep it simple by facing the couches opposite of each other. This layout works with the couches directly in the center of the room or with one couch against a wall.

Can you put a sofa table against a wall?

Even if your sofa can actually be pushed against the wall and you wouldn’t technically need a sofa table to fill the space, you can still have one. … It would allow you to display a few items behind the sofa and even have a place to put a couple of table lamps and it would take up very little floor space.

How far should a table be from the wall?

There is a distance between the table and walls. We recommend at least 36 inches between the edge of the table and other furniture or the wall. There is enough room for someone to walk behind the chairs or open a door on a cabinet.

How do you match a TV stand to a coffee table?

Between your coffee table and your TV stand or fireplace, you should calculate at least 24 inches to 30 inches to leave enough room for circulating around the space. To find your ideal coffee table width, measure the length between your sofa and TV stand and subtract 42 inches.