5 Popular Ideas For Styling A Small Side Table

Do you feel the side table in your living room or bedroom just doesn't fit?

Maybe it clashes with your coffee table, looks too cluttered, or feels like it’s missing that spark of personality. If you are struggling to decorate your side table the right way, you are not alone!

Decorating small pieces, such as side tables, can be tough and frustrating. It often leaves homeowners wondering: 

• How to decorate a side table without making it look cluttered? 

• How to keep a side table functional yet beautiful?

You might not know the answer to these questions, and this is exactly why we are here. 

We are sharing a thoughtful side table styling guide featuring simple yet impactful items. 

Stay tuned to the blog for more on this. 

Why Side Table Styling Matters?

Side tables are more than just a spot to toss your keys—they’re an opportunity to:

• Give an elevated look to your decor by creating layers or focal points.

• Keep your essential items (keys, remote, jewellery) organised in a chic way.

• Add colours to single-tone or lighter backgrounds.

• Complement the larger furniture, like a sofa or coffee table.

The trick to styling your small side table is “finding the balance between too much and too little. Want to apply this trick to your side table decor? Let's learn this next.

How To Decorate A Side Table In A Living Room?

A side table adds style with purpose. It’s the perfect spot for a vignette—a small, two or three-layer display of items that vary in height and texture.

Vignette Decor Idea:

Candle: Add a scented candle jar in a decorative tray as a focal point.

Small Plant: Place a big green or floral plant or a white Orchid in the back layer.

Books: Put 2 to 3 books on the table and place a small vase or wooden decor on it.

Lamp: Place the lamp in the back layer, angled toward the candle for a complete look.

Vignette Styling Tips : 

• Pair the shorter and taller items in different layers for balance.

• Coordinate your coffee table and side table in colour and material to avoid clashes.

• Place a matching rug in front of the side table to elevate the overall styling.

• Consider the wall behind the table as part of the vignette, so keep it neutral. 

Result: A stylish, functional side table that enhances your living room’s vibe.

2. How To Make Your Bedside Table Look Nice?

A bedside table is a multi-purpose essential for daily items like phones, books, jewellery, and water bottles. However, this doesn't justify keeping the bedside table unorganised or cluttered. Here are two ideas to make your bedside table both practical and beautiful.

Idea 1: Using A Decorative Tray To Keep Accessories Organised

Your bedside table should be a haven for nighttime essentials, but also add charm to your bedroom. Here’s how to make it both useful and beautiful: 

Place a metal or wooden tray on the side table to hold:

Jewellery: Earrings, rings, or your smartwatch.

Glasses: A designated spot for reading glasses.

Water Bottle or Glass: For nighttime hydration.

Idea 2: Creating A Focal Point On Your Bedside Table:

If you keep your essentials already organised in a different place, you can decorate your bedside table as a focal point of the room by adding:

Decorative vase: Pick one with a sculpted woman's figure or face.

Candle: A scented candle in a glass or ceramic jar for fragrance as well as aesthetic purposes.

Book: The book you’re currently reading, stacked neatly for easy access.

Styling Tips

• Keep it simple to avoid clutter—3–5 items max.

• Use a soft coloured table or vase for a calming effect.

• Make sure the table’s height aligns with your bed for easy access.

Result: A bedside table that’s organised, elegant, and personal.

3. How To Decorate A Nesting Table? 

A nesting table is a versatile piece that can be used together or separately, offering flexibility. While many people use it to display decorative items or create a layered look, there's another way to style it.

You can place the nesting table between two sofas or chairs, using one shelf for decoration and the other as a coffee table.

Decor Idea:

• Top Layer: Use for decor, such as coasters, books, a reed diffuser, or a decorative bowl filled with urchins. 

• Bottom Layer: Reserve for practical items like coffee mugs, coasters, or a remote control.

Styling Tips:

• Keep the top layer minimal to maintain elegance.

• Use coasters or a tray on the bottom layer to keep it tidy.

• Choose a round table to soften the room’s lines, especially in cosy setups.

Result: A coffee table that’s both a stylish centrepiece and a functional hub.

4. How To Decorate An Entryway Table?

The entrance is the first thing guests see, and it sets the tone for your whole home. A nicely decorated console table can make a great first impression and create a welcoming feel with minimal effort. You can use a small round side table in your entryway in the following ways:

Decor Idea:

• Place a green plant on a glass or wood side table to create a calming entrance.

• Put a ceramic candle jar on the table to make a luxurious impression on your guests.

• Another idea is to keep a decorative tray to hold decorative items or car keys.

Styling Tips

• Add a lamp if the space is dim for extra warmth.

• Stick to one or two items to avoid clutter.

• Consider the back wall—pair the table with a mirror or art for a vignette effect.

Result: An entrance table that feels inviting and sets a positive tone for guests.

5. How To Style A Bath Side Table?

A side table in the bathroom can transform your space into a spa-like retreat, perfect for romantic evenings or self-care sessions. 

Imagine soaking in the tub with a fragrant candle flickering on the table and a wine glass within reach. It would be perfect, right?

Table Setting Idea:

Step 1: Roll two towels just like they do in a spa.

Step 2: Light up an eucalyptus or a lavender candle for relaxation.

Step 3: Open your favourite wine bottle and pour a glass.

Step 4: Add some rose petals as a final touch.

Styling Tips:

• Use a moisture-resistant table made of metal or sealed wood.

• Focus on soft lighting from the candle to set a calm mood.

Result: A bathroom side table that feels like a personal escape.

Quick Styling Tips For A Side Table

• Mix Heights and Textures: Combine tall, medium, and low items (e.g., lamp, vase, books) with varied materials (wood, glass, metal).

• Keep It Personal: Add a framed family photo or the book you are currently reading.

• Stay Clutter-Free: Limit yourself to 3–5 pieces to avoid overcrowding.

• Mind the Surroundings: Match the table to your rug or wall decor for a cohesive look.

Conclusion: 

Styling a side table shouldn’t leave you feeling clueless. All you need to do is create a balance of heights, colours, and structure, and you can make any side table a standout feature. Hopefully, with our guide, you will be able to achieve a perfect side table look.

However, if you are looking to purchase stylish side tables for your home, browse Chloe Jade Home. 

We offer beautifully designed side tables crafted from superior materials and featuring trendy designs. Start with exploring our side tables now!

FAQ: 

Q1: What are the rules for side tables in living rooms?

A1: Here are the rules:

• Side tables should match the height of the sofa or chair arm.

• Keep a balance of height, texture, and colour.

• The table must complement the rest of the furniture in the room.

Q2: What is the trend in bedside tables in 2025?

 A2: The bedside tables are no longer just a space to keep the essentials, but are considered part of home decor. Natural materials like glass, wood, rattan, with metallic or marble finishes are dominating the bedside table style for 2025.

Q 3 Should your living room side tables match?

A3:  They don’t need to be exactly the same, but they should have colours or materials that go well together.

Q4: What is the proper height for a side table?

A4:  The table should be about the same height as the arm of the sofa or bed, or a little taller.

Q5: What do you put on side tables besides lamps?

A5: You can add books, candles, plants, trays, or small decorative items.

Q6 Does a side table go on a rug in a living room?

A6: Yes, just make sure the rug is big enough to cover the table.