Side tables are often the unsung heroes of home décor. They quietly sit beside your sofa or bed, holding your coffee or a lamp — but with the right styling, they can become small yet striking design moments.
Gone are the days when a side table was simply “somewhere to put stuff.” Today, it’s a statement piece that can express your personality and tie a room together. Here are 8 creative side table décor ideas to inspire you to style yours like a designer.
- Start with Colour Harmony
Colour sets the tone for your entire space. Choose a side table whose tones complement your existing palette — whether it’s a soft coastal white, a warm oak wood, or sleek black.
Then, add décor that blends or contrasts beautifully: a ceramic vase in similar hues, or a pop of colour through a book or candle. The key? Stay consistent, but don’t shy away from a playful accent.
- Choose a Style Theme
Before adding any décor, think about your home’s overall aesthetic. Is it Hamptons, modern minimalist, rustic, or boho coastal?
Once you have a clear theme, decorate accordingly — perhaps a rattan tray for coastal charm, or a metallic sculpture for a modern vibe. A consistent theme creates flow and makes your side table look intentional, not cluttered.
- Bring in a Touch of Green
Plants breathe life into your interiors. A side table is the perfect spot for a little greenery — from a trailing string of pearls to a small peace lily.
If you’re short on time, opt for dried or faux plants; they still add texture and warmth without maintenance. Avoid overloading — one plant or one floral arrangement per table is enough.
- Layer in Light and Scent
Lighting adds both function and mood. A sleek table lamp creates a cosy glow, while a candle or reed diffuser introduces a calming scent.
Match your light fixture’s material with other accents in the room — like brass, black metal, or timber — for a cohesive look.
💡 Pro Tip: If your lamp makes a bold statement, keep the rest of the décor minimal.
- Showcase Personal Touches
Side tables are great places to display meaningful pieces — travel souvenirs, ceramics, or handmade ornaments.
These items tell your story and make your home feel truly yours. Mix one or two personal pieces with simple items like coasters or trays to keep it balanced.
- Add Artistic Flair
Art doesn’t always belong on the wall. Lean a small framed print or painting against the wall behind your side table for an effortless designer touch.
Abstract or coastal prints work especially well in Australian homes, creating depth without feeling overdone.
- Stack Your Favourite Books
A few well-chosen books instantly make a side table look styled. Stack them in twos or threes and top them with a candle, decorative bowl, or small sculpture.
It’s a timeless trick that adds both height and personality — especially if your table surface feels a little empty.
- Keep It Balanced and Functional
The best-styled side tables strike a balance between beauty and practicality.
Always leave enough space for your daily essentials — your coffee cup, phone, or a reading light. Less is more; let each piece breathe.
Bonus Tip: Coordinate with Your Coffee Table
If your living room has a coffee table, try echoing some materials or tones between it and your side table — for example, matching a natural oak side table with a similar wood coffee table. This subtle link helps your space feel cohesive and professionally styled.
Final Thoughts
Your side table may be small, but it holds big design potential. With just a few thoughtful touches — a lamp, a candle, a plant, or a stack of books — it can transform from a practical surface into a curated style statement.
Shop the Look
At Ele Living, we offer a range of side tables, coffee tables, and console tables designed for modern Australian homes. From natural wood finishes to sleek black designs, find the perfect piece to complement your décor style.
🛋️ Explore our collection today and turn every corner of your home into a design moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What should I put on my side table?
A good side table setup includes a mix of practical and decorative items — for example, a lamp for lighting, a candle or diffuser for scent, and a few small accessories like books or plants to add warmth and texture.
Q2: How do I style a small side table without making it cluttered?
Stick to three key items: something tall (like a lamp or vase), something medium (like a candle or sculpture), and something flat (like a book or tray). Keep colours cohesive and leave negative space for balance.
Q3: Should both side tables look the same?
Not necessarily! They should feel coordinated but not identical. Try using similar tones or materials, but vary the décor slightly — for instance, one with a lamp and books, the other with a vase and artwork.
Q4: How can I style a side table in a Hamptons or coastal home?
Use natural materials like rattan, linen, and oak. Incorporate soft blues, whites, and neutrals, and add coastal accents like coral sculptures or sea grass baskets to complete the look.
Q5: What size lamp works best on a side table?
As a rule of thumb, your lamp should be about one-third the height of your side table. It should provide enough light for reading or ambience without overpowering the surface.
