Choosing Accent Tables for Your Living Room

FUNCTIONAL VERSUS DECORATIVE

In your living room, accent tables are typically either functional or decorative – this merely refers to the table’s primary role in your living room. A table that is used for some specific purpose other than decoration is considered functional. If the table will rarely be used for anything but decoration, then the table is considered decorative.  Some tables are designed specifically to be decorative or functional, but this does not necessarily mean that it must be used as such in your living room. Accent tables can serve a variety of purposes in your living area: utility for organization or storage, and/or to feature décor such as lamps, vases, bowls, stand-alone clocks, sculptures, framed photographs and china ornaments.  So, whether a table is functional or decorative is generally a matter of perspective.

Once you decide on how you will use your accent table, then you can target the right type and style of accent table in your budget range.

TYPES OF TABLES

The most popular types of accent tables are console tables, end tables, coffee or cocktail tables, game tables, and writing desks. 

Console Tables are most suitable for a foyer, hallway or living area that needs a defined entry space. Most console tables are shaped with a narrower depth that makes them a great fit for tight spaces. In a living room, you can place a console table behind a sofa, or in front of a window. Console tables typically feature drawers or shelves that are ideal for keeping the clutter of mail, keys, wallets, phones, purses, and winter accessories out of sight. They might also be ideal for the display of a row of framed photographs, a lovely vase, or decorative lamp. 

End Tables are commonly placed between chairs, or at the end of a sofa. The primary function of the end table is to feature a lamp for added light and serve as a place to hold drinks. Many end tables feature designs that can accommodate quite a bit of storage for typical living room clutter – magazines, books, reading glasses, and extra coasters. Some end tables also feature shelves with enough clearance to keep a basket of yarn and knitting needles off the floor.  A decorative end table could lack any number of functional qualities including a top large enough to feature anything but a decoration, usable drawers and shelving.

Coffee and Cocktail Tables are lower to the ground, and most often placed in the center of a living room’s seating area so that company can circle round and use the table for coffee, cocktails, appetizers, etc. A functional coffee or cocktail table can be made decorative in practice if accessorized with a beautiful crystal bowl, for example, or a collection of visually interesting books or photo albums. Certain decorative coffee and cocktail tables are pieces of art themselves. For instance, the Herman Miller Noguchi table is a modern classic, the design for which has been imitated often. 

Game Tables such as poker tables, billiard tables, mah jong or bridge tables can work both ways as functional or decorative accent tables, depending on your style preference. 

Writing Desks are also commonly featured accent tables as they can double as console tables. Typically, one uses a writing desk for written correspondence, organizing the mail, or perhaps as a station for a laptop. Writing desks tend not to be large enough for a desktop computer system. 

STYLES

Accent tables can be purchased as individual items, or as a set. They come in various sizes and geometric shapes – round, rectangular, and square are the most popular.  Additionally, accent tables can be found in a number of different materials – all wood, all metal, wood or metal with a glass top, or reclaimed materials. Even leather trunks can be featured as accent tables. In choosing an accent table, you should feel free to mix and match shapes and textures as suits your own personal style.