How to Choose the Perfect Accent Table for Your Living Room

A piece of accent furniture is generally chosen to stand out as just a little different from the rest of the decor. It adds character and personality without breaking the room’s desired style, and is generally chosen for decorative purposes rather than for functionality.

An accent table can add color, texture, and a sense of drama to a room, but as most tables are, it can’t help but be a little functional.

How to Choose the Perfect Accent Table for Your Living Room

When it comes to living rooms, any table, including side and coffee tables, can be an accent piece if it is used to add a stylistic pop to the living space. We have discussed how to select just the perfect coffee table and side tables before at length. In those articles, we took a more functional approach to furniture selection. But for accent tables, your choice will be more about style and visual balance.

When selecting an accent table or any piece of accent furniture, consider something that jumps just a little outside the rooms existing theme or design by altering one of the following:

  • Color
  • Shape
  • Material
  • Size

Even a small shift in one category can give a significant bump to the visual appeal of the room. Let’s take a little bit deeper of a look at each of these categories and what they can bring to the table for your living room style.

1. Add a Pop of Color

Since you are likely only going to place one, maybe two, accent tables in the living space, they make an excellent opportunity to add in a splash of additional color without having to overdo it with miscellaneous decor. Or they can blend in with a nice neutral shade if the room seems too busy already.

Our recommendations: 

  • If you have a room of neutrals, pick a different color for the accent table.
  • If you have a room with one primary color and neutrals, use the accent table to highlight a complementary color.
  • If you have a room with more than one vibrant color, use the accent table to give your eyes a brief break with a more neutral tone.

2. Play With Shape

Accent tables come in many shapes, sizes, and heights. Take this chance to add a truly unique piece of furniture to your home that might not ‘work’ elsewhere.

Odd shapes can tend to lose a little functionality, but that isn’t the concern here. This might be your one chance to jump out of the square and go for rounded or sculptural designs.

3. Contrast Materials

A lot of furniture features wood construction, especially in the living room, as sofas, chairs, tables, and cabinets all traditionally use wood. If you feel like color or a different shape wouldn’t work, a contrasting material can be a fantastic option and is generally much more subtle visually.

For an accent table, nothing can beat choosing an option with a metal base. These pieces give superior strength, stability, and durability and often have a wide array of topper options.

While a solid metal top can provide a sleek modern feel and resist water damage from drinks, you can also pull in more natural materials if your living room is lacking those. Wood, ceramic, granite, and glass are all options.

4. Balance Out Visuals

Like all furniture, your accent table should physically fit the space. Make sure your selection gives ample room to maneuver around while walking.

Another thing to consider is its visual weight. An accent table can bring balance to a room with a lot of chunky furniture or help ground a living space that contains a lot of visible furniture legs.

Take a look at the existing furniture in the room, especially any that the accent table will be directly beside. If you see a lot of long table or seat legs, go for a table with a drum base or which has shelves or cabinets that will also add additional storage. If your sofa and existing tables already have those features and sit low to the ground, look for an accent table with a slender profile.

5. Don’t Lose Sight of the Basics

While an accent table is more about form than function, make sure it will still work for how you live. If you have kids or pets, opt for sturdy and durable pieces that can take some hits.

Accent tables should still add some function to your space, especially if next to seating areas. They can provide a place to sit drinks, store remotes, or place a lamp for reading. Make sure that your accent table can provide the function you do need from it before buying.

Handcrafted Metal American Furniture

For over 40 years, Johnston Casuals has designed and manufactured handmade metal furniture right here in North Carolina. So if you think you may want the durability of metal in your home or a statement piece as an accent table, give our selection a look. We have furniture pieces that will fit into any room or style.

You can browse our catalog online or visit one of our nationwide furniture dealers. Every piece we build is beautiful and meant to last a lifetime.

 

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