If you find that you have a little too many desolate flat surfaces around your house then that makes two of us. I’m on a mission to find the most gorgeous tabletop pieces to style my side tables, and I thought I’d take you along with me. There’s a plethora of side table styling options, whether you want to make a statement with a single decorative piece or layer a few different bits of decor together.
I’ve searched through the best home decor stores, and from minimalist to statement pieces there’s plenty of tabletop options to suit any style, so I’ve rounded up the best ones you can mix and match to really elevate the look of your side tables.
MY TOP 12 SIDE TABLE DECOR FINDS
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This ruffled centerpiece makes the perfect statement piece of decor for your side table. The wave-like form is reminiscent of the ocean, giving it a calming effect – the perfect addition to your minimalist decor.
This nautical wooden ornament would look brilliant draped over your stack of hardback books or trinket tray. I've seen similar pieces of chain link decor for over three times the price!
This stoneware vase is another impactful piece that can hold its own on a side table. I adore the fading ribbed design.
This highly-coveted LOEWE candlestick doesn't just look classically elegant, it will add a cheerful touch to any lonely-looking tabletop and smells of sweet honeysuckle.
Mindfully-chosen accessories on a large trinket tray is the stuff side table decor dreams were made of. I love the textured base of this round brushed gold number.
And this hand-carved Paulownia wood bowl works just as well as a trinket tray and a decorative piece. When styled alone, it evokes the minimalist coastal decor trend I'm obsessed with lately.
Add different levels of height to your side tables by pairing this beautiful ceramic candle holder with shorter decor pieces. The wave design gives it a relaxed-yet-elevated vibe (in every way).
And the same goes for this tapered candle holder from L'objet. The gold tone and whimsical shape makes it feel both playful and luxurious at the same time.
This hammered brass tray would look just as striking alone as it would filled with carefully-selected trinkets. It would pair well with matte stoneware pieces for a contrast in finish and texture.
This set of mini vases is a bestseller for a reason! Their smaller shape makes them perfect for narrow side tables with less surface area, and they’re an easy way to nail the styling rule of three if you're after a more minimalist look.
With its deep green hue and standing design, this decorative bowl will create height and depth to balance out your side table decor. It pairs perfectly with a neutral stoneware vase or two.
I love the organic design of these petrified wood bookends from Soho Home. They'll make a beautiful addition to your bedside table.
HOW SHOULD I STYLE MY SIDE TABLES?
Whether you’re styling a bedside table or set of nesting side tables in your living room, you can easily elevate your space with a few simple tips. One of the easiest ways to make your surfaces look more luxe is by creating balance through different heights, textures, and shapes – think variously sized candlesticks holding twisted taper candles, stacked coffee table books with chic hardback covers, and display trays holding small stoneware sculptures and reed diffusers.
In terms of how many pieces to style together, it’s a safe bet to stick to the rule of three. This interior designer trick is the idea that objects grouped in odd numbers are more interesting, eye-catching, and balanced.
Of course you can also choose to keep things simple with a single statement decor piece. Large vases and decorative bowls can be a great option here, as they’re often designed to be elegantly imposing enough to make a statement on their own (or at a stretch filled with fresh blooms or dried flowers depending on the season).
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