Decorating a Small Table With a Modern Twist
Details matter.
A small table can add to your aesthetic, create balance, and provide functionality. Decorating a small table may seem counterproductive, but with the right decor style and placement you can take your modern living space to the next level.
Modern Ways of Decorating a Small Table
Elevate the end table in your living room or your bedroom nightstand with these side table decorating ideas.
1. Prioritize Modern Lighting
Light up the room with a statement-making light fixture on a small side table or nightstand. Complement caramel wood surfaces with an egg-shaped table lamp with a gold metallic base or go for a futuristic ambience with a metallic dome table lamp and gleaming metal base in a brass or silver finish. Opt for a pair of matching lamps to rest on side tables on either side of your bed or sofa to create balance.
Elevate small tabletops with striking color combinations and geometric shapes to give it a modern edge. Mirror matte black finishes with a black-and-white check basket and a candle holder with black and bronze hues. Incorporate round end table decorating ideas with curved end table decorations. Enhance round tabletops with a decorative basket in a cylindrical form to hold remotes, magazines, or potted houseplants. Look for decorative items in curved forms like the contemporary candle holder pictured above.
Showcase your Monstera Deliciosa with this side table decorating idea. Place a small side table beside your sectional or create a focal point between two adjacent sofas. Pot a houseplant or two in contemporary planters with refreshing pops of color or ribbed detailing for added interest. Rest a large potted plant in the center of the table for a simple yet striking look that solves your decorating needs while adding a touch of greenery to your space.
Create vertical space with small table decorations that use narrow surface space as an advantage. Start with a stack of books as the base for this look. Select books of different sizes to create a layered vibe. Rest a contemporary table vase on top of the stack to fill with sprigs of greenery, fresh floral arrangements, or faux botanicals. These end table decorations come together to form a triangular shape which creates a visually-appealing, design-focused look.
Pro Tip:
Looking for an alternative modern vibe? Swap out a side table or nightstand with a rattan and metal S-shaped chair. When you need extra seating, slide the books underneath the chair to make room.
Create layers when decorating a small table to break up the tabletop and give the appearance of a larger surface space. Juxtapose a round, blond wood surface with angular edges and deep wood tones. Create a visual triangle with a small floral arrangement resting on top of a stack of books within the tray. Keep the look as is or give the illusion of a larger tabletop with a statement light piece resting just outside of the tray.
Simplify the process of decorating a small table and maintain an open, clutter-free vibe by sticking to two to three decor pieces. Place a marble table lamp with globe shades closest to your sofa or bedside for optimal reading light. Pair the table lamp with a potted plant of a slightly smaller height to create visual interest. Use open storage space to keep small table surfaces clutter-free and for quick access to books.
Curate a makeshift bookcase for a simple yet refined decor idea for your small end table or nightstand. Start with sleek bookends in a refreshing marble finish or eye-catching design. Grab a few books that match your room aesthetic and add to the end table style. Keep the look as is for a clean, minimalistic vibe or go one step further with a decorative light fixture with a fun spherical design.
Our Go-To Modern Decor for Small Tables
Check out these top-rated products on AllModern that work well on small side tables or nightstands.
1. Espen 17.25" Standard LED Table Lamp
Complement a mid-century modern side table with the Espen table lamp. The combination of globe shades, metallic arms, and a cylindrical base with a marble finish gives a nod to retro design. Available in aged brass and polished nickel finishes, this table lamp works well as a statement decor piece. Its cylindrical base takes up minimal room making it an optimal choice for small side tables or nightstands.
Add a hint of boho to your living room side table when you pot your houseplants in the Hallowell ceramic planter. Available in a set of two, you can decide whether you want to use the smaller planter to accent other end table decorations or make a statement with the larger size. Have an end table with two tiers? Place the large planter on the bottom shelf and the smaller planter on the top of the table for a sleek, clean look.
Juxtapose a modern round side table with a clean-lined sculpture in a geometric design. Choose between a black or white marble finish to enrich minimalist spaces or bring fresh texture to all-white color palettes. Elevate that stack of books sitting on your side table with a sculptural update, or fill in blank space on an end table shelf.
Display sprigs of greenery or fresh florals in an abstract take on a traditional table vase. The Bauer table lamp's abstract, cylindrical silhouette and speckled terrazzo finish makes it a great statement piece that can act as a sculpture when not holding botanicals. Place it in the center of a small table to make a statement, or use its narrow design to tuck it in with other side table decorations like tapered candles or a picture frame.
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