Form and function: Top tips for styling an end table with storage

Every end table needs a stable surface where you can set a cup of cocoa and bowl of popcorn (or a glass of wine and plate of cheese!). Add a little extra room on the tabletop for a remote control and reading lamp, and you’ll be living in luxury — well, almost. There’s one thing that can make your end table even more agreeable: storage. 

An end table with storage lets you keep books, magazines, board games, and even quilts nearby so you can enjoy an idyllic evening at home. It also helps you organize a small space — and organization is the key to relaxation. 

And, let’s be real: We could all use a little more relaxation. So, sit back, relax, and let us do the hard work of hunting down your perfect end table with storage. 

Here are our tips for decorating with an end table and our favorite tables for different home decor styles.

10 ideas on how to style an end table 

An end table, or side table, gets its name from its intended use — typically, you place this table on either end of your sofa or on either side of your bed. But there are many more ways to use this piece in your home. Here are 10 ideas for styling an end table with storage. 

1. Keep nightstands in mind

If you can’t find an end table with as much storage as you’d like, look at nightstands. They may have a different name, but nightstands — like this rustic wood nightstand — serve the same purpose as end tables. Plus, they typically have similar dimensions and offer more storage space.

2. Place an end table beside an armchair

If you have a favorite armchair or recliner, create a cozy book nook with a chairside end table. The added storage will ensure your favorite book is always within arm’s reach. 

3. Put a table between two chairs

Create a space for conversation by placing two chairs side-by-side with a small end table in the middle. Angle the chairs toward each other to create a more intimate environment — people are naturally more open to conversation when they sit in an open posture with their bodies angled toward each other. 

4. Replace your coffee table with a set of end tables

Instead of a traditional coffee table, arrange two or three end tables, like this 3-Piece Square Nesting Table Set, in front of your couch. This makes the tables easier to rearrange, so if you have company, everyone can pull up a table.

5. Choose a table set with a matching coffee table

To create a traditional look, you can stick with a classic coffee table and matching end tables. For example, this 3-Piece Round Occasional Set comes with a coffee table and two end tables, all of which have an open shelf for storage.

6. Go for mismatched end tables

Of course, you can also go in the opposite direction by choosing two mismatched end tables. To make the contrast look intentional, choose two tables with a similar style, like this Formosa 1-Drawer Oval Nightstand and this Formosa 3-Drawer Rectangular Nightstand. 

The silhouette of these two pieces is dramatically different, but they’re tied together by their color, hardware, and Art Deco style. The differences in these mismatched end tables will add interest to your space while the similarities will keep your home decor cohesive. 

​7. Put a table on one end and a plant on the other

Another way to add interest with a mismatched look is to place a plant on one end of your sofa and a side table on the other. (Bonus: this style adds air purifying greenery to your space.) Choose a plant that’s at least two feet taller than the arm of your couch, and create symmetry by making your side table appear taller — add a lamp on top or hang wall decor above the table to extend its silhouette upward. 

8. Set a side table in front of a narrow window

Make more space for plants by placing a side table in front of a narrow window and arranging your favorite philodendron on top. Many side tables — like this 1-Shelf Square Accent Table — are tall and narrow. Look for a window with a similar shape to create clean lines.

9. Use an end table in your entryway

If you have a narrow entryway, a tall, thin end table can squeeze in beside your door. It will add entryway storage and give you a place to drop your keys when you walk in. 

10. Add an end table in the bathroom

Bathrooms are another narrow space where you can squeeze in a slim end table for extra storage. Place your end table next to your bath, and use it to store extra soap, shampoo, bath bombs, towels, loofahs, or washcloths. 

8 stylish options for an end table with storage 

Now that you know how to style an end table, we can get down to the nitty gritty: choosing an end table. When you’re looking for a piece of furniture that’s equal parts form and function, style is not enough. The piece also needs to offer the amount of storage you need for your space. Here are options to fit a variety of home decor styles and storage needs. 

1. Rectangle Accent Table With USB Port in Cappuccino and Matte Brass

This glam two-drawer end table gets a touch of gold from the brass legs and hardware. The USB port allows you to create a hidden charging station in the top drawer so you can plug in your phone or remote control without ugly wires marring your decor.

2. Storage End Table With 1-Basket in Weathered Burnish Brown

With a transitional style that’s fit for an old-world study, this solid wood end table features the finest craftsmanship. It has two felt-lined, dovetailed drawers and a collapsible Kubu rattan basket. Because the basket collapses, you can easily store it away and opt for an open shelf on the bottom of your end table. 

3. Round Accent Table With Bottom Shelf in Espresso

This round side table is tall and thin, so it will fit neatly under a narrow window or squeeze into a tight space like your entryway or bathroom. The lower shelf leaves room for a storage basket or potted plant. 

4. Accent Table With Power Outlet in Antique Nutmeg

Bring flexibility to your space with this modern C-table. You can arrange this piece as a classic side table or pull the base under the front edge of your couch — that way, the person sitting on the middle cushion will be able to reach their snacks and drink.

This piece includes a single drawer to store your remote control, plus the back is equipped with a charging station where you can plug in your electronics. The natural wood look of the table top offers a stylish contrast to the black metal frame for a modern, industrial appearance. 

5. Ilana 1-Drawer Door Nightstand in Antique Linen

Although it was originally intended as a bedside table, this traditional nightstand looks equally at home in the living room. The lower cabinet provides ample room to store a duvet and quilt, or throw blankets and pillows.

6. Round Accent Table With Marble Shelf in Natural and Black

This round end table offers storage with its lower shelf where there’s room to add a basket where you can organize your throw blankets and pillows. Use this table to complement your modern or bohemian decor — the natural wood top, black metal frame, and marble lower shelf create stylish contrast. Plus, the lip around the tabletop will make living room spills less likely.

7. Caisal Flip-Top Vanity Storage in Glossy White and Brass 

Turn this vanity into a flip-top end table by styling it beside your bed or sofa. The top opens to reveal a mirror, so this option is perfect if you have a small bedroom — it can do double duty as a vanity and bedside table. 

8. Brenner 3-Drawer Nightstand in Rustic Honey

This rustic brown nightstand offers plenty of storage with three drawers. The solid wood drawer fronts and black metal hardware add to the modern farmhouse aesthetic. Place it beside your bed or couch to create a look with lasting style. 

Find your happy ending with your perfect end table 

End tables provide endless options for creativity. You can mix and match two pieces to create an eclectic home style, you can keep things traditional with matched sets, or you can think outside the box and use a nightstand in place of an end table. 

Think about what you want to keep on (and in) your end table with storage so you can choose a piece that offers the space you need. And if you fall in love with a table that only has open shelves, add storage baskets to create the organization you crave. 

Browse our complete collection of end tables and bedside tables to find the perfect fit for your home.

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