Side/Accent Tables

Pottery Barn

There are endless possibilities of things that you could use for side/accent tables. This post will show you a very small sampling...

Always shop the house first to see you can come up with. Don't think about what it's currently being used for or what it's called, think about what it can be. When we did this "use what you have" family room remix we needed a little table to go beside the green chair. We ended up using a round wicker hamper that her husband had since before their marriage that wasn't being used. It was the perfect size and height and added some texture and storage!

I don't think I would have done this (below), so that's probably why it appeals to me. I like seeing things that are different and shake me out of my rut. This dresser provides storage, a place for a lamp and acessories, and a spot to set a drink or snack.

BHG'S Expert Tips to Create A Relaxing Home

I know I've seen photos that represent this idea of using shelves instead of a side table better, but couldn't find one for the life of me.

houseandhome.com Photo Mark Burstyn

Here they used a file cabinet for a side table and, in this room, it's working for me.

houseandhome.com Photo Evan Thomas

If you like the file cabinet idea, but would rather cover it with fabric, there is a tutorial on diyideas.com that shows you how to do that. In the right fabric, this could become a great accent in your room, as well as adding function.

I love these little garden stools as accent tables (or two or three of them for a coffee table). They're small, but still big enough to hold a book/drink. The one below is from Ballard's (on sale at the time of this post) but I've seen them all over, including HomeGoods.

Ballard Designs

Consider painting an existing table or a Craig's list or flea market find in a fresh new color to shake things up a bit.

House Beautiful Photo Eric Piasecki

For a cohesive look, tie your newly painted table into your color scheme by adding the new color a few more times around the room. This can be done in a variety of ways: pillows, artwork, rugs, window treatments and accessories are the most common. You don’t need to choose all of these ways but repeating it at least three times is a guideline (not rule :-)) to follow. If you notice in the photo above, you can see the table color repeated in the artwork that you see in the mirror and in the window treatments.

Here they've used a small bookcase in the corner which can also function as a side table. Notice, too, how this photo illustrates the tip we talked about above.

House Beautiful Photo Francesco Lagnese

I really like the idea of using a small stool with books stacked on it!

Southern Living - Photo Laurey W. Glenn

Stump Table (clever!) - Three Men and A Lady

Silver Stenciled Library Side Table - CraftyNest
Plant Stand/IKEA Lazy Susan to Table - CraftyNest
Urn Table from - bhg.com
Anthropologie Inspired Table - Design Sponge
Mirrored Side Tables - bhg.com

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Tracy at Comfort & Luxury is hosting Mood Board Monday on Nov 9th. If you're interested in creating a mood board, be sure and check out this post for the inspiration and further details!

!!!Don't forget to enter!!!

STELLA AND DOT $75 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY!

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Have you shopped the house and found a unique solution for a side table? What other ideas have you used?