Your Perfect End Table
When you’re furnishing your home, you probably think of the big things first. Your couches, armchairs, beds, and dining tables. Next, you’ll probably choose rugs, drapes and coffee tables. Finally, you’ll get to smaller things like side tables, shelving, lamps, and décor items. It’s a great approach, and one that helps to ensure you have a home that looks cohesive and spaces that make sense.
By the time you get to the end of the process, you might also feel overwhelmed. Making all those decisions is a lot of work, so you might look at all the end table options out there and just not know what to do! We’ve created this guide to buying the perfect end table, so you can relax and enjoy the process!
Define Your Style
The first thing you need to do when you’re looking for end tables is to define your personal style. Do you love mid-century modern design and want something iconic like nesting tables in a modern design? Or do you prefer something classic like wrought iron or wood? If you like rustic design and repurposed items, would wooden crates made from reclaimed wood be the perfect end table? There’s an end table for every style out there, but you’ll be less overwhelmed by the options if you decide what you like first.
Choose a Shape or Contour
The next thing you should do before you go end table shopping, whether it’s on Aosom.com or somewhere else, is to decide what shape you need. Do you want a square end table, a round end table, a narrow end table or something else? You can find nearly every shape of end table out there but defining what you want will help you to narrow the search.
Know What Size You Need
Another big factor in choosing an end table is to know how much space you have to work with. Your end tables need to be big enough to be useful, but not so big that they make it difficult to get in and out of the room. Measure the room and the sofas and other furniture you already have, and then work out what size each end table should be.
Choose the Right Materials
End tables are made out of every material you can imagine. There are metal end tables, wood end tables and end tables with glass. Some designs for end tables use modern materials like acrylic, and many use a mixture of two or three of these materials! There are even end tables that incorporate materials like rattan or cane, for a breezy, beachy feel.
Define the Purpose and Style
Very often, the furniture we choose has to fulfill more than one purpose. So, it’s important to define what you need yours to do.
If you need somewhere to store items like remotes, coasters, or board games, choose end tables with storage like drawers. If you want something that will give you more seating for surprise guests, you might find that an ottoman end table works best. Understanding what you need to add to your space makes it easier to shop for end tables that suit the purpose.
There are even end tables with built in USB ports for phone chargers, so the sky is the limit when it comes to a defining purpose and style for your furniture!
Choose Your Colors Wisely
Sometimes, you want an end table that fades into the background and blends with everything you have. Or you might want to bring some drama or a pop of completely unexpected color. You can get end tables in nearly every color and finish, from rustic barn wood finishes and simple black metal to bright orange or blood red. Choose a few colors that will work well in your space, and then see what’s available in each of those colors.
Know Which Room You’re Buying For
Usually, we use end tables in living rooms, but sometimes, they’re going to go somewhere else.
If you’re buying an end table to use in a bathroom, you might need to choose one that is made out of moisture resistant materials. If it’s for a kids hangout room, you need something that’s tough, robust, and can stand up to some abuse! If it’s for a home theater, you might want a specific design that looks like movie theater furniture. The purpose for your new side table can have an impact on how it should look and be made, so give it some thought!
Set a Budget
The last thing you need to do before you start shopping for end tables is set a budget. You know exactly what you want, what size end table you want, and what shape. You’ve decided what extra features you need, and what colors you love, so now you just need to decide how much you want to spend.
While you certainly don’t have to break the bank while you’re shopping for an end table, you also shouldn’t make price the only consideration. You want to balance value and quality, so you can get a piece that will go the distance.
Have Fun!
The good news is that end tables aren’t the most expensive pieces of furniture you will buy. They’re not as big a commitment as say, a couch or a refrigerator. So, you have a little more room to relax and have some fun.
Even if you decide you want to change the look of your room in a few years, you can always switch your side tables or even update them with some new paint or different drawer pulls. So don’t spend too much time agonizing about getting the perfect end tables that you’ll never want to change! Go to Aosom.com and choose the end tables that make you happy and match your style right now!