All About End Tables

Move from the end to a beginning with end tables

Named for where they're commonly placed — at the "end" of sofas or couches — today's end tables are not limited to this location only. End tables are found not only next to chairs or even in a corner in living and other sitting rooms, but end tables are also found next to beds in bedrooms, next to a bathtub or a chaise in a bathroom or two, and even outside on patios and decks. Part of this new placement of end tables has grown out of the changing needs of people and their home environments.

But part of the placement of end tables is also the amazing versatility and array of styles and designs of end tables that are available.

Tables for beginnings, middles, and ends

In the past, most people usually bought end tables in pairs, one for each end of the sofa. And that was it. But symmetry is not as important as it once was in room design and layout. Some table names (originally named for their purpose and location) include end tables, side tables, nightstands, and coffee tables. These names no longer define where the tables must be placed or what their use must be.

It's perfectly acceptable to put end tables next to beds, nightstands next to sofas, side tables in the middle of the room, or tea on top of the coffee table!

Choose your style

Some design styles of end tables include:

Modern: contemporary as well as more traditional materials; clear, sleek lines, whether they are curved or straight

Mission: sturdy construction and simple wood beauty

Shaker and Apothecary: form and function in wood; makes less of a statement than Mission

Rustic: more flair and older appearance than Shaker and Apothecary end tables

Functional design elements in end tables consist of drawers, shelves, doors, tiers, drop leafs, and even lids as in tables that also function as storage trunks.

Design it

Selecting the desired building material is almost like designing your own end table.

Choose from:

Wood. Common woods are oak and maple. More unusual is teak. No matter the natural color of these woods, they may be finished to have a light, medium, or dark completed stain.

Metal. Some metals to consider are stainless steel and aluminum that can be brushed or polished, painted, weather-treated, and shaped into curves or made straight.

Decorative materials. These materials include glass (clear or frosted), stone (slate, marble, etc.), and ceramic (tiles and mosaics).

Finding perfect

If this seems like too much to choose, be assured that a perfect end table exists for every space. There are small end tables, large ones, and even discount end tables to keep within budget. Make a list of what’s wanted in an end table and start looking.

More information on end tables