2013 could well be called the Year of the Accent Table! Seriously, they are showing up everywhere and in a beautiful myriad of shapes, colours and materials – plain and simple, ornate, marble tops, painted with floral patterns or geometrics, antique, spindle legs, straight legs, Victorian, etc.
Accent tables can be both decorative and functional. They can come as a matched set, nesting tables or a singular piece. What they all have in common is the ability to be handy and to make a stunning visual statement. I recently saw two end tables at a consignment shop. They were simple in design but covered in a dull gold metallic finish. Love at first sight, but they were sold! They will transform some lucky room. Here are a few tips and thoughts about accent tables:
Where do they go? Accent tables are most often placed at the ends of sofas or beds or between two chairs. But don’t be confined by that. They can also work in an entranceway, tucked into a corner, on a stairway landing, against an empty wall – just be sure the size and scale is right for the space.
How are they used? As we’ve said, an accent table can be useful; think of the hall table as a place to keep your keys in easy reach. (Promise me if you do this, you will put them in a beautiful bowl, dish or basket.) An accent table is also where you keep your alarm clock and phone. But an accent table can be much more. Use it to showcase a beautiful sculpture or lamp or display a collection. Just remember to keep it simple; a small table quickly becomes cluttered.
How big or small should it be? Never should an accent table be taller than the arms on chairs or a sofa. In fact, it should be just a little shorter to add visual interest to the room and break up the lines from one piece of furniture to another. Always keep the proportions of the space in mind as well when choosing a table; it shouldn’t look too teeny but neither should it overpower the room.
What will work best in your home? Accent tables are often made of wood, some with beautiful inlays. Some are painted; some are distressed. Some are modern and some are rustic. Some are works of art on their own, made of glass or polished metal to create a gorgeous effect. Generally your accent tables should imitate the décor style of your home, maybe adding a slight twist to make it stand out. But the opposite works too! If you want your accent table to be a focal point, a real showpiece, then perhaps create juxtaposition against the rest of your furniture. Use a rugged antique accent table in your modern home; put a modern piece of art on it to blend the styles.
Does an accent table have to be a table? No! An accent table doesn’t have to be a basic square, rectangle or circle. They can also have drawers and cupboards and have quite a bit of bulk to them. Known as a chest, they serve the same purpose as an accent table. In fact, chests can be a heck of a lot more practical! As we all know, there is one mantra that’s true in most homes: there is never enough storage space.
What goes over an accent table? A beautiful mirror can look stunning. Make sure the table is wider than the mirror as you do not want the mirror sticking out past the edges of the table. The mirror should also be shorter than the table is tall. This helps create balance. Artwork over a table is a good choice too, but be careful that it doesn’t compete with the display on your table. Keep it simple.
The most popular mattress type is the tried and true innerspring. They support you with coil springs, with the coils individually enclosed for comfort and durability. There’s a great variety of materials available on top of the coils – from pillow top to latex to memory foam. The choice is yours; whatever you find most comfortable. There’s no rule that says firmer is always better for you by the way, but studies have shown that people with lower back issues fare better with a firmer mattress; something to keep in mind when you’re “trying on” in the stores.
Memory foam mattresses are made of layers of different densities of foam that respond to weight and temperature. Known for comfort, they are becoming more and more popular. How do they work? The foam literally contours to the specific shape of your body as you sleep, absorbing movement and supporting you as your weight shifts. This reduces pressure points and many say, reduces pain. Your partner will be happy too – there’s less disturbance from tossing and turning because of the absorption factor. If you have frequent muscle pain, memory foam (mattress or topper) may be a good choice for you. 
Latex is the “new kid on the block” in mattresses, but quickly gaining popularity. Made from either natural or synthetic rubber, latex provides a very firm, bouncy support that is uniform throughout the bed. Latex is very supportive, but unlike memory foam, you don’t sink in, you rest on top. It pushes back for excellent muscle relaxation.
Here are a few ideas to make your home inviting for Easter entertaining:
Eggs as place cards? Yes! Put a hardboiled egg (white or dyed) in an egg cup (plain white is nice) or on a plate. Using either a stencil, sticker or free hand, write the guest’s initial or first name on the egg and display it as a dinner placeholder. Very pretty!
Easter gift idea. Fill an egg carton with bright and colourfully decorated eggs. Lots of egg containers are clear plastic these days, so you can make the presentation extra pretty.
Adorned eggs. You can put these on your tree, display in a basket or special bowl, or even use as part of your place setting. Crystals, rhinestones and beads are everywhere these days. Stick some to your eggs for a shiny, spectacular display.
Polka dots. I can’t explain why, but polka dots seem Easter appropriate to me! Especially if you find something soft and subtle like pink polka dots on white. Lovely for just about everything – decorated eggs, tissue wrap, making your own napkins, cushion covers…
And finally, something special for the kids. When my kids were younger, we created a unique Easter egg hunt. With each egg they found there was a clue, written as a rhyme, to take her to the next egg. A bit of effort? Yes. But it was so much fun – memories to cherish a lifetime.
Pillows. Ah, thank heavens for pillows and cushions. Here’s where you can be indulgent. Satin, chintz, linen, lace, bright colours and bold patterns – get what you like. Of course you still want a harmonious look, but have fun. You can recreate a room with the right fabric accents.
Until next time, let this quote guide you in choosing patterns for your home décor: