I looove a perfectly arranged end table and, in my world, that means the table still has room to plop down a mug, a late night snack and maybe a charging phone.

The family room is a place where we spend a lot of time, so I like to keep my end table styling simple.

Here are a few hacks that can help you create a perfectly styled end table AND still be functional.

Use Odd Numbers

When you’re styling (everything from end tables to shelves to fireplace mantles) it’s more aesthetically pleasing to group items together in odd numbers. So either pick one amazing item or you can combine objects into groups of 3, 5, 7 (you get the idea).

Lamps

If you’re putting a lamp on your end table – you need to select this FIRST as it will likely take up the most real estate on your table. Also be sure to consider the size of the lamp in relation to the table itself. They should be proportionate.

Greenery

Adding greenery is an easy way to introduce texture and colour to your styling. There’s such a vast array of gorgeous faux plants and flowers – the possibilities are endless!

Adding flowers can give you a pop of colour. The dried hydrangeas in this photo are from our garden.

Here’s a few tips for drying your own hydrangeas. 

Bowls and Trays

There are countless ways to use bowls and trays in your styling. In the photo above I’ve used them to display the stone collection from our family vacations.

They’re also an ideal way to keep things neatly corralled.

Here this DIY tray serves to neatly display perfume bottles (and keeps my jewelry from straying off the table when I take it off before bed).

A pretty bowl or tray can even serve as place to store the remote controls -that way they don’t disappear in the couch cushions!

Create this glamorous DIY tray for less than $5

Books

Stacking books is a simple (and inexpensive) way to add height and colour to your decorating.

Think about checking out 2nd hand stores, major retailers and even dollar stores for books that will work for your table.

And be sure to peek under that outer book jacket….you never know – the right colour book may be hiding underneath!

Something Personal

Let your personality shine through! End tables are an ideal place to display something meaningful, whimsical, or unique.

Why not show off that cherished vacation pic, or those seashells you collected, or the special gift someone made for you – if it makes you smile when you see it – you can’t go wrong!