Decor Match Maker: 10 Coffee & Side Table Pairings That Just Plain Work

If your sofa is the protagonist of your living room, your coffee and side tables are the necessary supporting cast — pivotal details to making the whole space gel. But pairing these elements can sometimes feel a little tricky. Do the wood tones have to match? Do the metal finishes have to be the same? Do I have to buy a pre-selected set at my local furniture depot (or picks from the same collection) just to get something that coordinates? No! And in fact, picking a coffee table and side tables that are not from the same family is a sure way to keep a space interesting and go a little more out of the box in your decor scheme.

If you’re unsure of where to start, we did some of the homework for you by marrying 10 duos that can live in beautiful harmony. Take a look:

Opposites certainly attract when it comes to these two beauties whose differing materials are exactly what make them so right for each other.

If you can’t help but want something a little more matchy-matchy, try these two on for size. The wood tones match pretty closely, while the bases still have a bit of their own personality with different finishes.

Modern yet artistic vibes are conjured when these tables live in the same space; playing with shape, texture and material. The silhouette on the coffee table is simple enough that the geometric accent table can shine.

The shagreen top on this coffee table is a real scene stealer, which calls for keeping things a little more subtle with the accent table (while still coordinating metal finishes and delicate frames).

A touch of whimsy is the shared component in this pairing as the petite side table nests three perfectly perched birds and the impressive coffee table shows off a blanketed top of mother of pearl.

Scale and proportion are the topics of discussion with our next duo, who proves that as long as there’s an edgy it-factor, it works!

Whether you’re going for mid-century feels or eclectic bohemian vibes, these pieces live together in perfect harmony.

Strong geometric lines play a lead role in both these tables featuring precise lines and gilded finishes.

This pairing conjures classic Ralph Lauren-esque Americana at a much lower price point. The natural touch of the camel leather is given a modern edge with a brass footing, while the textural antiqued finish of the West Elm side table grounds the glam material. Together, they feel more industrial-meets-California Cool than overly glitzy.

And, for our fearless modernists, these pieces are perfect for taking a slightly traditional room in a contemporary direction or driving home those ultra-mod feels. Mint green lends some playfulness to a more serious glass table.