Modern Accent Tables; The Little Table that Does a Lot

Modern accent tables doesn’t like to be pigeonholed. A piece that is both functional and fashionable, it can be a side table in your living room, a console in your hallway, or nightstand in your bedroom. If a coffee table had a side hustle, it could easily be an accent table. Indoors, outdoors — accent tables know no boundaries. They might not be the most famous of tables, but they are versatile pieces of furniture that do a lot without taking up too much space. Read on to find the right accent table for different areas in your home.

Living Room 

While a coffee table might be the central focus of the living room, modern accent tables are more than an accessory. They provide additional surface area, storage, and round out the room’s aesthetic. But a side table doesn’t have to be complicated, there’s a beauty in its simplicity. With clean lines, solid oak legs, and a Carrara marble top, the rectangular Vena is an elegant choice that holds its own in a formal sitting room but also feels right at home in a more casual, lived-in space. 

Often adorned with a table lamp or houseplant, a side table is a go-to spot to set down your drink. It’s also handy if you need extra living room storage. The Vitri provides an added shelf for displaying coffee table books (which come to think of it, could also be called accent table books), the ceramic bowl you made in pottery class, or a small basket to hide TV remotes and dog toys. With powder-coated steel legs, a walnut shelf, and a tempered smoke-glass top, the Vitri is a stylish nod to the 60s.

Bedroom 

A nightstand is an accent table with a specific job. Often purchased in pairs to bookend a bed, they can be traditional, like the Nera Nightstand with its spacious drawer and shelf. The veneered American walnut wood grain and modern metal pull add a stylish mid-century modern touch to your bedroom. 

Or you can opt for something more modern and sculptural like the Narro. Its Carrara marble base and sleek, powder-coated metal body elevates your bedroom while still providing a place for your alarm clock, tea mug, and the mouthguard you always forget to wear. 

Who says an accent table needs to be an actual table? The Lenia Floating Nightstand in solid white oak and high-quality veneer is a minimalist’s dream that offers all the functionality with a space-saving silhouette. 

Hallway

Taller and more narrow, a console table is a focal point in your entrance or hallway. There’s a simple elegance to the Kirun Console Table which is made entirely of solid wood with a curved detailing on both the legs and top. Two shelves provide storage and there’s room underneath to stow a large basket to help keep clutter to a minimum.

With a wooden tray-like surface, the Oscuro Console is a nice place for a potted plant or two. The tray is also a natural spot to drop your keys and wallet when you arrive home. The cubic silhouette and brushed metal frame give your space an industrial chic feel. 

Outdoor 

Accent tables aren’t only for interiors, in fact, they’re excellent additions for outdoor areas too. Fresh air and vitamin D first thing in the morning help regulate your circadian rhythm, so enjoy your cup of coffee on your balcony, conveniently employing the Solina Stool as your side table to rest your mug. Solidly made of terrazzo, it’s a stylish option that doubles as an extra seat when you have friends over.

Laying by the pool in the Eleya Lounger on a hot day is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a Saturday afternoon. The Jola Side Table ups your lounging ante, its powder-coated metal base cantilevers over the lounger so the solid teak top provides easy access to chips, salsa, and a refreshing margarita. Poolside industrial chic meets snacktime.

The slightly rugged, natural Tana Stool gives off cool, coastal grandmother energy. Embrace the trend by channeling Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give as you nestle outside with a cup of tea and sink into the Tody Lounge Chair under a cozy throw blanket. For that extra oomph of comfy cushioning, bring in the Fasen Pillow Set while you’re at it. Similar to a coastal grandmother, the solid teak Tana only gets better as it ages, developing a gorgeous silver patina. Timeless and rustic, it’s the perfect tea time spot for years to come.

Multi-purpose

While your dining table is usually used for the main purpose of, well, dining, an accent table wears so many different hats. Nest two accent tables together to make a coffee table. Move your living room side tables into the bedroom for new nightstands. A hallway console table can find a new home behind a sofa. The plant stand in your living room can make its way to your patio. An accent table is the multitalented chameleon of furniture and a solid investment in your home’s design and style.