A formula for choosing for pairing end tables with a leather sofa does not exist. You should choose end tables in the context of the leather sofa, within a whole room. When shopping for end tables, carry small leather, fabric and carpet samples from the room where the sofa is placed. Ask to take a photo of the end table for reference. For more expensive purchases, request a sample end table to view in the room. Does this Spark an idea?
Style of Sofa
Choose end tables according to the style of sofa. Traditional rolled arm, button-tufted, Chesterfield-style leather sofas look best with a pair of traditional wood end tables. A circular, square or rectangular end table will work with a this type of traditional sofa. Look for a simple curved leg detail on the end table---Queen Anne style is a good choice.
Western-style leather sofas cover a broad range of looks from ornate tooling and a mixture of leather types (horsehair, exotic leathers) to carved wood detailing. They can be feminine and light or masculine and heavy. Try a pair of equally exotic end tables (think elk or deer antlers), a pair of end tables with wrought iron or tables that include a similar wood treatment as the sofa.
Contemporary-style leather sofas are often boxy, tuxedo upholstered (meaning upholstery is tight and angular) affairs or soft, round padded pieces. Choose end tables for these sofas that add some lightness to the combination, such as glass end tables of various shapes.
Color of Sofa
Select end tables according to the color of the leather sofa. Varying shades of gray and oyster (off gray-white) work in combination with a glass or marble-top end table. Look for varying shapes and heights with a contrasting frame, such as dark gray or black. End tables, in general, should be no taller than the arm height of the sofa.
Colored leather sofas in red, purple, blue or green can invite more personality in an end table or require a more sedate approach. Experiment with both by considering curvy wrought-iron leg end tables with wood or glass tops (they will add visual texture) or sedate, rustic rectangular or square end tables for a more casual and comfortable decor.
Light Sources
Light the room using end tables. A leather sofa in a room with a single bulb on the ceiling needs end tables to hold lamps. Use a variety of heights and shapes for the end tables---end tables do not necessarily have to match.
Leather sofas that meet the floor visually (without open legs) will need a lighter touch---wood end tables with a glass inset to allow light to bounce through and around the tables.
Existing table lamps may dictate a particular end table height. Try a lower coffee table height end table at one end and a taller, smaller foot print (a square instead of a rectangle) in a matching style and finish at the other end of the leather sofa.
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