Every comfortable space needs a place to set a book, eyeglasses or a cup of tea, whether it is in a living room, TV room or bedroom. There are countless uses for these ordinary tables as well as less ordinary pieces of furniture that can be used in their place.
Consider a tiered end table from Grandmother's attic, stained or painted and placed beside a bed in a guest room. this table can offer your guests plenty of space for books, medicines, a refreshing drink or snack; a scented candle and a serviceable table lamp for reading are useful additions. a short bookcase or low dresser will work in this same bedside area and offer plenty of storage space for you as well.
You can place a glass top upon an interesting, but stable art sculpture or odd piece of furniture that needs a little boost in size. the glass top allows you to view your art piece while not overwhelming the space.
End tables, bedside tables and coffee tables can be just about anything and in a variety of heights; they just have to be a comfortable and safe height for their use. For instance a 25-inch trunk would make a good bedside table or end table, and its storage capacity gives added value. I have a 24-inch umbrella stand that has tile as a solid surface; I use it is as a side table for a chair, with storage below for newspapers.
A table, chest, or cabinet that measures between 23 and 33 inches is usually a comfortable height for sofas, chairs and beds. Typically, desks are 30 inches and counters are 36 inches, so desks can often be used beside your sofas, chairs and bedside as well.
A low, 16-inch garden stand with a tray on top, can serve as a nice side table as well. a 30-inch gate-leg table is useful next to a chair or sofa and can be used for dining in a pinch, without having to find a place for it when not used for its intended purpose.
When using a tray or glass top to extend the surface of a smaller stool, or stand, make sure that the glass is not too large to be a safe and secure surface. Glass tops also will help protect the surface of your antique table tops, when used for everyday purposes; they can be cut and sanded, for safety, by your local glass supply company.
If you are looking for a change, go through your home and see what you might move to a different space. do not limit your imagination to the ordinary uses of your furnishings; feel free to mix it up a bit. Think outside the box and enjoy what you already have.
Bedside Tables, End Tables, and Coffee Tables
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