How to Style a Side Table Like a Pro

Jul 11, 2025

Styling a side table might seem like a tiny detail in the grand scheme of home decorating—but don’t underestimate it. Whether it's tucked beside your couch or sitting proudly next to your bed, a well-styled side table can instantly elevate a room from plain to polished.

Think of it as a mini stage for showcasing your personality. It’s where function meets flair: a place to rest your coffee, stash your remote, display your latest read, or add a touch of greenery. The trick? Balancing beauty with practicality—without going overboard.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to style a side table like a pro, with room-by-room tips that work whether you live in a spacious home or a cosy apartment. You’ll learn how to create effortlessly stylish vignettes in both your living room and bedroom, using simple design principles anyone can master.

The Golden Rule of Side Table Styling

Before you start stacking books or lighting candles, there’s one key principle every stylist swears by: the Rule of Three.

Why It Works

The Rule of Three is a go-to design trick because odd numbers (especially three) naturally feel more balanced and visually appealing. When styling your side table, aim to include three different elements of varying:

Heights
Textures
Shapes

This adds depth and keeps the eye moving—without overwhelming the space.

Break It Down: The Winning Trio

Here’s a simple styling combo to start with:

An anchor piece (e.g. lamp, vase, sculpture)
A layering element (e.g. books, tray, stacked coasters)
A personal touch (e.g. framed photo, candle, plant)

These layers create contrast and interest while still feeling intentional.

Pro Tip:

"Always include one item that reflects you—whether it’s a favourite novel, a souvenir from your travels, or a crystal you love. It adds warmth and tells a story."

Living Room Side Table Styling Ideas

A side table in your living room isn’t just for holding drinks or the remote—it’s an opportunity to bring personality and polish to your space. Whether your vibe is coastal calm, modern industrial, or eclectic and lived-in, here’s how to nail the look.

Anchor with a Lamp or Statement Piece

A stylish lamp does double duty—function and flair. Choose one with an interesting shape, textured base, or colour pop. No lamp? Go bold with a sculptural vase, ceramic piece, or art object instead.

Hot tip: Oversized lamps work great with larger tables. For smaller tables, go minimalist.

Stack Books or Use a Tray for Structure

Books aren’t just for reading—they add height, structure, and sophistication. Stack two or three of varying sizes, and top them with a candle or decorative object. Alternatively, use a low-profile tray to group small items neatly.

Think of a tray like a mini stage: it pulls everything together.

Bring Life with Greenery

Add something organic like a small plant, succulent, or bunch of fresh flowers. It softens the overall look and adds a splash of colour—especially if the rest of your palette is neutral.

Pro trick: trailing plants like pothos add instant movement and texture.

Light the Mood with Candles or Diffusers

Scent is part of styling too! Candles, reed diffusers, or incense bring ambience while doubling as decor. Choose beautiful vessels that complement your colour scheme.

Choose a scent that matches the season: citrus in summer, cinnamon in winter.

Hide Clutter Smartly

Small storage boxes or decorative bowls are perfect for corralling remotes, coasters, or keys. Keep functionality in mind—but make it look good.

Example Combo: Modern Cosy Vibe

Textured ceramic lamp (height + structure)
Small stack of books topped with a candle
Mini trailing plant in a matte white pot
Slimline tray for remote and coasters

You’ve got function, texture, and personality—styled like a pro.

Bedroom Side Table Styling Tips

Your bedroom side table (or bedside table) is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night—so let’s make it count. The perfect setup strikes a balance between calming, functional, and personal.

1. Start with Lighting That Suits Your Space

A bedside lamp is a must. Choose soft, warm lighting for a relaxing mood. Wall-mounted sconces are a great alternative if you’re short on surface space.

Style tip: Match your lamp’s base to the rest of your decor (brass for luxe, timber for organic, black for modern).

2. Include a Book (or Two)

Whether you’re an avid reader or just like the look, one or two stacked books adds character and height. Place them under a candle, crystal, or even your glasses for an effortless lived-in vibe.

3. Add One Personal Detail

A framed photo, a ceramic dish with jewellery, or a small artwork makes the space feel yours. Personal items give your bedside real meaning—not just style.

Not sure what to add? Use something you touch daily: your favourite lip balm, an essential oil roller, or a lucky charm.

4. Soothe the Senses

Add a calming scent—lavender pillow spray, a mini diffuser, or a beeswax candle. Bonus points for stylish containers that complement your colour scheme.

5. Don’t Forget Functionality

You still need room for the essentials. A water carafe, your phone, or an alarm clock should fit without cramping the setup. If you're a tidy type, a drawer or tray helps keep things neat.

Design tip: Use the same “Rule of Three” from earlier: a light source, a personal touch, and something practical.

Example Setup: Soft & Serene Look

Linen-covered lamp with soft glow
Small stack of bedtime reads
Ceramic dish with rings + a lavender candle
Neutral palette with timber and cream tones

A side table that’s equal parts beautiful and bedtime-ready.

Decorating Tips for Small Spaces

Don’t let a tiny surface limit your style. Small side tables can still pack a punch if you’re smart about scale, placement, and function. Whether you're styling a compact apartment or a narrow bedroom nook, these tips will help you style like a minimalist pro.

1. Use Mirrors or Glass for Lightness

Reflective surfaces (like mirrored coasters, glass vases, or a metallic lamp) create the illusion of more space. They bounce light and visually open up cramped areas.

Bonus: a round mirror above your table draws the eye upward—perfect for styling in tight corners.

2. Think Vertical, Not Horizontal

When your table surface is limited, build up. A tall lamp, slim vase, or sculptural candleholder adds dimension without spreading clutter. Stack your books or layer trays to elevate smaller items.

3. Keep Your Colour Palette Cohesive

Stick to a tight colour story that complements your room. Neutral tones or tonal variations (like blush, beige, or forest green) help make small spaces feel intentional and curated—not chaotic.

Pro move: Match your table decor with accents in your bedding, rug, or curtains to visually tie everything together.

4. Choose Double-Duty Pieces

Opt for decorative storage: a woven basket under the table, a box that holds cords, or a lidded bowl for earrings and loose change. Make every piece work harder for the space.

5. Embrace Negative Space

You don’t need to fill every inch. Leaving some breathing room is key to keeping small side tables from looking overcrowded. The eye needs space to rest—even on a surface this small.

Small-Space Styling Formula:

Slim lamp or vertical decor (height)
One decorative object (texture or personal touch)
Small tray or stack of books (structure)

That’s it—three simple layers to make a big impact in a small space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most stylish rooms can get thrown off by one cluttered side table. Here are the most common styling missteps—and how to fix them so your tables always look balanced, intentional, and beautiful.

1. Overcrowding the Surface

Trying to fit too much on a small table leads to chaos. Not every item needs to be on display. Stick to your “rule of three” and rotate items seasonally if you have more to show off.

Fix it: Keep only what’s functional or visually impactful. Everything else? Store or swap out.

2. Ignoring Height and Balance

Styling that’s all one height feels flat and uninspired. If everything is short and squat (or too tall and top-heavy), it throws off the visual rhythm.

Fix it: Vary heights with stacked books, tall objects, and low accent pieces. Play with scale!

3. Forgetting Functionality

A beautifully styled table that doesn’t work for you is a fail. Can’t reach the lamp switch? Nowhere to put your phone or coffee? Time to reassess.

Fix it: Ask yourself: Does this setup serve my daily routine? If not, simplify.

4. No Personal Touch

A table full of generic decor can feel cold and impersonal—even if it looks good on Pinterest.

Fix it: Add one item that means something to you. A framed photo, travel keepsake, or your current book makes it feel yours.

5. Mismatching Style with the Room

If your table styling clashes with the room’s overall vibe, it can stick out like a sore thumb. That industrial tray might not belong on a coastal Hamptons-style table.

Fix it: Echo textures, tones, and finishes already in the room to create cohesion.

Style with Intention

Styling a side table isn’t about following a rigid formula—it’s about creating a little moment in your home that feels good to live with. Whether it's a bedside nook that helps you unwind, or a living room corner that makes guests feel welcome, the goal is to blend beauty with purpose.

Start simple. Choose pieces you love. Think about the role your side table plays in the room—and then style it to match. With just a few layers, a splash of greenery, and a personal detail or two, your side table can go from overlooked to effortlessly elevated.

And remember: styling is never set in stone. Switch it up with the seasons, or whenever you need a change. The best-styled spaces evolve with you.

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