The Small Table, Big Style Guide: How to Use One in Every Room

10/16/25

Small tables are practical, versatile pieces that can easily fit into any home. They work well in different setups and help rooms feel more complete, even in smaller spaces. These occasional tables, placed in various spots, can make a space feel more personal while adding everyday usefulness. [1] [2]

This Acima Leasing guide will help you:

Explore examples of small tables that work in different spaces
Find styling ideas that fit your room’s space and purpose
Learn how lease-to-own options through Acima Leasing can make bringing new furniture home simple and accessible

Why You Should Think About Adding Small Tables to Your Rooms

Small tables fit naturally into many rooms, from the entryway and living area to the bedroom or a small home office. Their size makes them easy to move and simple to meet the needs of your spaces at home [3] [4].

Here’s why small tables work well in many homes [4] [5]:

Fit small or multi-use spaces because they can be grouped or moved easily to suit how a room is used
Available in different shapes and sizes to suit rooms, big or small
Complement the room’s design by matching or balancing its style

As you think about adding small tables to your home, it’s also worth considering how they fit into the rest of your furniture, like your sofa, bed, or home office setup.

Thinking about how each piece works together can make your rooms feel more intentional and balanced. Next, let’s look at the different occasional tables you can work into each area of your home.

Entryway Ideas: Create a Warm Welcome with a Small Table

Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Whether you have a hallway or foyer, a small console or accent table not only adds a decorative touch, but it also provides a functional drop zone for your keys, bag, or daily essentials.

What to consider:

Slim profiles: The priority is comfort to move around in your space; however, the standard depth is 14 inches to keep walkways clear [6]
Storage: Tables with drawers or shelves help organize clutter [1]
Styling tip: Add a mirror, statement lighting, and a mix of materials to create a welcoming feeling [7]

Once your entry feels complete, it’s a good time to start thinking about the living room. Small tables can play an essential part in balancing your larger furniture. Let’s move into a few ways you can use them to make your living space feel inviting and practical.

Living Room: Use Small Tables to Add Layers and Functionality

In the living room, small tables keep essentials close and help the room feel organized. They function as side tables, coffee tables, or plant stands and are often more practical than a single oversized piece in a smaller space. [8]

Ideas to explore:

Nesting tables: Stack to save space or separate when you need extra surfaces [9]
Sofa tables: Place behind a couch to hold lighting, décor, or everyday items [10]
Round tables: Offset the angles of other furniture and add visual balance [11]

Once you’ve found the right mix, style one with books and a tray for remotes and another with a sculptural object or a houseplant. Each table adds a small layer of texture and personality to your living room. [8] [9]

Bedroom: Rethink the Nightstand

In the bedroom, small tables add both variety and purpose. You don’t have to stick with a traditional nightstand as your small table option when so many options fit different styles and layouts. The various smaller tables can tie your space together while keeping everyday essentials within reach. [12]

Consider these alternatives:

Bedside tables: Can have practical storage spaces like drawers or shelves to help keep items out of sight [13]
Compact desks: Free-standing desks can double as a workspace or study area [14]
Stools or garden tables: A simple way to bring character to minimalist or eclectic rooms [15]

A well-chosen table supports your nightly routine and can easily adapt as your space or needs change. That same flexibility makes small tables just as useful in other parts of the home, including your workspace.

Bring Home Style Easily with Acima Leasing

Do you like the idea of furnishing your home room by room but feel limited by your options at checkout? Acima Leasing offers a way to complete your transactions using lease-to-own.

With Acima Leasing, you can shop for every part of your home, both in-store and online. To get started, you will need a few items:

An active checking account with at least $750 of income per month
Three-months of income history with your current source of income
Government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number

Once approved, you are eligible for up to $5,000 in merchandise through your lease agreement.

Ready to design your home with side tables and other items?

Learn more about how Acima Leasing can help you get started and shop for what fits your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and What You Can Lease with Acima Leasing?

You have the option to lease from any retailer that offers Acima Leasing for checkout. Whether you prefer shopping in-store or online, we’ve got you covered. The options that you can lease include a wide range of items for personal, family, or household use, such as:

Furniture: Various indoor and outdoor furniture including sofas, beds, dining tables and patio furniture
Mattresses: Various sizes including king, queen, double and twin
Appliances: Including washers, dryers, refrigerators, A/C units and freezers
Electronics: TVs, gaming systems and laptops
Auto Wheels and Tires
Mobile Electronics and Power Tools
Jewelry, Eyewear and Handbags

Items which are eligible for lease must be durable, cost at least $300, and be returnable. Certain items, such as those permanently attached to a home or vehicle, services, high-risk items, firearms, clothing, consumables, and gift cards, are not eligible for lease.

How Do Payments Work with Acima Leasing?

Your lease renewal payment dates are set according to the payday dates you provide on your application. After your first payment, you can contact the customer support team to discuss your options to adjust the frequencies if needed.

Additionally, there are early purchase options available if you wish to own the item sooner. You may exercise one of the two early purchase options we offer. The first early purchase option is typically available for the first 90 days of the lease agreement (3 months in California). After the first early purchase option has passed, your second option is an early purchase discount based on your remaining renewal payments.

How Can You Access Customer Support?

Acima Leasing makes it simple to reach customer support when you need help.

Options:

Call: You can call during the times available on the website
Live Chat: Visit the support section of the Acima Leasing website to start a live chat with a representative
Customer Portal: Log in through the Acima Leasing website or mobile app to manage your lease agreement and make lease renewal payments
FAQs: The Acima Leasing website has a full FAQ section with answers to common questions

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us.

Sources:

House Beautiful. Decorative entryway table ideas
House Beautiful (UK).Stylish side tables for living rooms
Living Cozy.Nightstand dimensions guide
Better Homes & Gardens.End table styling tips
Homes & Gardens.The tiny tables trend
Fifti-Fifti.Entryway table dimensions
Homes & Gardens.Entryway trends
Affordable Interior Design.Side tables for small spaces
Houzz.Nesting tables: Function and style
Better Homes & Gardens.What is a sofa table?
House Beautiful (UK).Curved coffee tables
Wirecutter (NYT).Best nightstands
Architectural Digest.Best nightstands and bedside tables
Element Design Network.Having a desk in your bedroom
House Beautiful.Alternative bedside table ideas