If you have been on the hunt for end tables, you may notice there are a lot of sizes and shapes out there. How do you narrow down to just the right one for your living space? Part of the answer is going to be choosing something that is attractive to you, but if you need a little more help, here are some things to consider as you look at the shapes of end tables.

Circle – When it comes to tradition in end tables, the circle is the shape to go with. It is the shape most often associated with being a tabletop, and seems to be the one that everyone still loves the most. The plus side of circle end tables is that if they are at the end of a sofa, and stick out into the open room their non-protruding shape makes it less likely someone is going to knock them over. The down side is as you set round end tables up against furniture, there is always a gap where the table is round and the furniture is squared. Pens, remotes and other smaller items will slip in to this hole.

Oval – Oval end tables have all the pros and cons of round tables, but offer more surface area in one direction. Sometimes a larger round table won’t fit, without sticking out too much, at one end of your furniture, but an oval end table may be able to offer extra space on one side without looking too awkward.

Square – Square end tables are probably the second most popular style of end tables. The reason is that square end tables are often the perfect fit at the end of a grouping of furniture pieces. If you have a sofa and a love seat in an L-shape, the square end table will scoot right into that space and make the whole grouping look like one complete thought. The downside of square end tables is their corners. If a lot of people are moving around in your living room, someone may come a little too close to the corner and snag it, sending the items on it toppling over. Also, if you have children, they may run or fall into this corner, getting hurt.

Rectangle – Rectangle end tables are not much different from square tables when it comes to pros and cons, the only difference is that they will fill a wider or longer space more completely than a square table will.

Triangle – Triangle end tables were meant for a home in which space is important. If you have a sofa and love set making that L-shape in your living room, a triangle table will scoot right into that corner, and not leave you with a corner sticking out. This is great for a couple of reasons. If you have a cramped space, it is one less thing people are going to kick, hit a shin on, or trip over. If you have children it eliminates the threat of a corner sticking out for them to get hurt on. The only down side it that triangle end tables offer less overall surface space than other end table styles.

jesse akre,author and owner of numerous home decor sites, offers online consumers his thoughts on purchasing indoor accessories such as sparkling glass end tables, versatile and fun nesting end tables and delicately detailed antique wood end tables.

Bookmark to: