There’s more to a living-room than just a sofa a couple of tables and a lamp, and a end table is more than just a place to set a couple of framed pictures, a convenient spot to set your glass of wine or lay down a trashy novel while you run to answer the door bell the end table anchors the sofa or a bed, grounds a favorite chair and offers style and whimsy to the room.
Our parents probably went to their favorite furniture store and bought a couple matching wooden four legged end tables and a coffee table but not us- we like to mix things up a little.
With more spunk and creative verve than generations before us, our coffee tables are whimsical, functional and definitely NOT matchy, matchy. Personally if everything in the room is matched perfectly it will look decorated (goes nicely together but there are no surprises, no wows) I prefer designed- goes great together but lots of unexpected twists and turns-lots of wow power.
Today’s end tables are not only lovely to look at but they can be extremely functional. If you lack storage space in a room opt for end tables that have drawers or tip out bins. These bins are great for holding magazines, kid’s toys, or even an extra blanket for those chilly fall afternoons. If you are always losing the television remote, choose an end table with a drawer to hold remotes. Before committing to an end table or two consider any required storage options for the room. Got a budget- flea markets and second hand stores often have old bedroom sets for sale- buy one of the night stands, remove all the hardware (toss it) and put a coat of fresh paint on the stand, black for contemporary, white for a shabby chic look. Add new, modern hardware (the pulls) and voil’e – the ten-dollar end table.
A brilliant room always tells it visitors a story. A tale of love, passions and travel, a tale of dreams and ambitions-even an end table can help spin the story. A stake of vintage luggage (you can also buy new tables that are made to look as if they are simply a stack of vintage luggage) makes a great end table. Manufactures are now making end tables that serve double duty as wine bottle storage, bookcases and game boards. We are blessed with a great amount of selection and finishes: wood, glass, metal, stone, and rattan.
I have also brought back metal trunks, wooden or rattan boxes and tables from many of my travels- these too make great tables.
Go ahead mix it up- after all these years of perfectly marched tables in a room you may have to over come some internal issues in order to take the plunge into the unmatched room. Be brave, go slow and if you are still not sure try this. Buy the same table but just a different shape. If you found a table set on the floor of a furniture store ask the sales rep to see the catalogue. In the catalogue the manufacture will list all different variations of the same table.
Start replacing your matching tables slowly, one at a time as you find great treasures in your travels around the globe or to your local furniture stores.
FENG SHUI
Looking to have a spring fling or a hot summer romance? Then think about painting! — Seductive colors like pink and red can make your rooms look great and enliven your love life. Softer shades such as rose, salmon, and coral can attract a sweet, gentle partner who will be attentive to your needs, while strong, bold hues such as scarlet, crimson, or burgundy will draw a passionate and adventuresome lover to your side.
CLUTTER THERAPY
Storing your winter clothing- be sure to clean or dry clean all items before putting them into storage as dirt and odors are more likely to attract pests such as insects and encourage mildew. Don’t starch clothing before storage, as starch will attract meal-seeking insects such as silver fish.
Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.
Our parents probably went to their favorite furniture store and bought a couple matching wooden four legged end tables and a coffee table but not us- we like to mix things up a little.
With more spunk and creative verve than generations before us, our coffee tables are whimsical, functional and definitely NOT matchy, matchy. Personally if everything in the room is matched perfectly it will look decorated (goes nicely together but there are no surprises, no wows) I prefer designed- goes great together but lots of unexpected twists and turns-lots of wow power.
Today’s end tables are not only lovely to look at but they can be extremely functional. If you lack storage space in a room opt for end tables that have drawers or tip out bins. These bins are great for holding magazines, kid’s toys, or even an extra blanket for those chilly fall afternoons. If you are always losing the television remote, choose an end table with a drawer to hold remotes. Before committing to an end table or two consider any required storage options for the room. Got a budget- flea markets and second hand stores often have old bedroom sets for sale- buy one of the night stands, remove all the hardware (toss it) and put a coat of fresh paint on the stand, black for contemporary, white for a shabby chic look. Add new, modern hardware (the pulls) and voil’e – the ten-dollar end table.
A brilliant room always tells it visitors a story. A tale of love, passions and travel, a tale of dreams and ambitions-even an end table can help spin the story. A stake of vintage luggage (you can also buy new tables that are made to look as if they are simply a stack of vintage luggage) makes a great end table. Manufactures are now making end tables that serve double duty as wine bottle storage, bookcases and game boards. We are blessed with a great amount of selection and finishes: wood, glass, metal, stone, and rattan.
I have also brought back metal trunks, wooden or rattan boxes and tables from many of my travels- these too make great tables.
Go ahead mix it up- after all these years of perfectly marched tables in a room you may have to over come some internal issues in order to take the plunge into the unmatched room. Be brave, go slow and if you are still not sure try this. Buy the same table but just a different shape. If you found a table set on the floor of a furniture store ask the sales rep to see the catalogue. In the catalogue the manufacture will list all different variations of the same table.
Start replacing your matching tables slowly, one at a time as you find great treasures in your travels around the globe or to your local furniture stores.
FENG SHUI
Looking to have a spring fling or a hot summer romance? Then think about painting! — Seductive colors like pink and red can make your rooms look great and enliven your love life. Softer shades such as rose, salmon, and coral can attract a sweet, gentle partner who will be attentive to your needs, while strong, bold hues such as scarlet, crimson, or burgundy will draw a passionate and adventuresome lover to your side.
CLUTTER THERAPY
Storing your winter clothing- be sure to clean or dry clean all items before putting them into storage as dirt and odors are more likely to attract pests such as insects and encourage mildew. Don’t starch clothing before storage, as starch will attract meal-seeking insects such as silver fish.
Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.
