Book End Tables

Caroline Patterson Interior Design Expert

Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.

Updated 09/04/2021

If you love to read, then you probably love the look of books. And what looks better than end tables that resemble large tomes? For a literature lover...nothing. Put a couple of these at the end of your couch, or maybe just one next to your favorite reading chair, and it can be a lovely place to put a cup of tea while you dive into a good novel.

Buying Guide

It is always an excellent idea to add at least one piece of furniture that’s a “showstopper” in a room. Centuries ago, this showstopper piece used to be a grand piano or an expensive work of art. However, the world today has become more practical.

There's no longer a need for us to give up some of our valuable space for something that’s rarely used. But, we can still give our homes character through the addition of book end tables.

How to measure for book end tables?

Measure the length and width of the available space, and take into account the traffic patterns in your home. Will people be passing by the table? If so, then there should be enough room for people to pass. Your piece must not block the pathway.

It's best if you leave at least 3 feet for a walkway so people can move around a room without feeling cramped or bumping into your book end table.

As you deserve the piece that’s perfect for your home, you should also measure the height of the furniture that will be right next to your book end table. Maybe it’s a sofa. Get the height of the sofa’s arm. Your table can be 3 inches shorter than your sofa’s arm. It can also be of the same height. However, the table should NEVER be taller than your sofa’s arm as its height can make placing a drink or anything on the table incredibly awkward or even impossible.

What are the most popular styles of end tables?

Some of the most popular styles of end tables include:

Industrial: distressed wood, natural stains, exposed steel, and eye-catching designs.
Mid-Century Modern: natural, clean lines, beautiful materials, versatility, and iconic designs such as the Tulip Table.
Shabby Chic: interesting imperfections, shades of ecru, pastel, and white, old-world charm, and heaps of vintage appeal.
Scandinavian: clean lines, minimalism, light colors and simple elegance.

How to pick the most suitable design of a book end table?

Another aspect you need to consider when buying a book end table is the function of the piece as you want your table to address your needs. If you’ll only be using the book end table to display decorative items, then any size would suffice. However, if you plan on placing a lamp on top of the table, then it should have a large surface for the mounting of your lighting source. Consider as well the functional features that you need. You may require storage to hide remote controls, coasters, pens, and gadgets.