Yes, you do need end tables in a living room, unless you don’t mind awkwardly balancing your coffee on the floor. Honestly, I didn’t think end tables were all that important until I lived without them for a while.
That’s when I realized they quietly do a lot more than just fill space. They’re the kind of thing you don’t think about until you’re searching for a place to put your remote or cup of tea.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my little end table journey, why I skipped them at first, what changed my mind, and how I use them now without making the room feel tight or too full. If you’re on the fence about getting end tables, I’ve got some quick, no-fuss answers based on my own trial and error.
Contents
Why I Thought End Tables Were Optional (Until I Tried Living Without Them)
When I first set up my living room, I skipped end tables completely. I thought they’d just take up space or make the room feel stuffed. But once I started actually using the space, watching TV, drinking coffee, reading, I noticed something weird: I had nowhere to put anything.
I ended up placing mugs on the floor or stacking things on the couch arm (which was a mess waiting to happen). That’s when it hit me: these little tables I ignored actually had a real job. They weren’t just “extra” furniture.
They made everything more convenient and less awkward. Once I brought in a pair of simple end tables, the room started working better for me, and honestly, it felt more finished too. Lesson learned: form and function matter.
The Handy Little Things My End Tables Actually Do
Let me tell you, end tables do a lot more than I expected. The obvious stuff? Yeah, I now have a safe spot for my drinks, remotes, and phone. But it’s the small perks I didn’t think of, like how one of them holds a tiny basket where I throw spare chargers, or how I tuck a candle and book on another.
They’ve become little command stations for chilling. And when guests are over, having a surface next to each seat feels super thoughtful. No one’s stuck awkwardly reaching for the center table or holding their glass the entire time.
I didn’t even go fancy with mine, just basic, neutral ones, but they’ve made a big difference in comfort and practicality. And they don’t scream for attention, which I love. But if you want some more inspo, here are smart end table ideas that add style and function without crowding your space.
How to Make End Tables Work Without Making the Room Look Cluttered
I totally get it, adding end tables can feel like one more thing in an already packed space. But I figured out a few easy tricks to make them work without making the room feel busy.
- First, I picked ones that are just the right height as the arm of my sofa—no taller, no lower.
- Then I went with round ones (so no sharp corners sticking out), and I kept the top decor super simple. Like, one lamp or one plant, done.
- Also, instead of matching both tables exactly, I chose styles that look like cousins, not twins. It makes the room feel more casual and pulled-together at the same time.
Now they blend right in and feel like they belong there instead of just being extra furniture. Just like I figured out how long my living room curtains should be, it’s all about keeping things balanced without making the space feel heavy.
FAQs
Are end tables really necessary in a living room?
Honestly, yeah. Unless you never sit down with drinks, books, or remotes—then maybe not. But for most people, they help a lot.
Can I just use one end table instead of two?
Totally. One good end table on either side of the couch or even just beside a chair works fine if space is tight.
What size should end tables be?
Best rule I follow? Keep the height close to your sofa arm. That way, it’s easy to reach and doesn’t look odd.
Do end tables have to match each other?
Not really. I like mixing styles slightly—it makes the space feel more casual and less like a furniture showroom.
Can I skip end tables if I already have a coffee table?
You can, but it’s not as comfy. It’s annoying reaching far every time, especially if your coffee table isn’t super close.
Conclusion
So, do you need end tables? I’d say yes, 100%. They might seem small and skippable, but trust me, they pull their weight. You don’t need to spend a lot or go big, just something simple that works. Once I added mine, the whole living room vibe felt comfier and way more useful.
I’m Jeniffer, and I help you create a stylish, luxurious home on a budget with smart shopping, DIYs, and design hacks for a high-end look.