It's amazing how a little thing like the material used to make a piece of furniture can change its entire character. This is certainly true with upholstered furnishings.
The difference between a fabric sofa and one made of fine leather is like night and day. It's not that one is inferior to the other. Rather, it creates a different look to a room, all because a certain material was chosen.
The same is certainly true of end tables. While wood tables have been traditional favorites in American homes for centuries, metal end tables will give your home an entirely different look.
Where wood tables add warmth, metal tables can either lend an air of sophistication or even a bit of energy to the room, depending on the type of metal you select and the design of the table itself.
While it's easy to think of metal end tables as being very basic, straight edged designs, this simply isn't the case. Modern manufacturing techniques have given homeowners more choice than ever before, from more modern designs that will fit in well in a contemporary décor to highly ornate pieces made out of cast aluminum or iron.
If you're looking for a stunning set of end tables, you really can't go wrong with steel. Because they are so adaptable in terms of construction, they can come in an endless array of finishes, design and styles. Many mix metal with glass or ceramics. You can also get metal tables that are blended with wood elements, which may be the perfect match to a transitional or more traditional design. Or metal end tables that are a mix of metal and stone.
When shopping for end tables you want to consider a few things. First, the finish. If your sofa or other furnishings have a metal accent to them, say a strip of silver or brass along the front, you want to make sure that your tables have the same finish.
The same is true if you're trying to match a coffee table you already have. For example, you may have a lovely coffee table with antique brass hardware. You'll want to use this as a springboard in your own decision-making, going with a similar finish for your end tables.
Another thing to factor in is the visual weight. If you purchase metal and glass tables for example, they will not carry the same weight as a wood table. As such, you can go with something that's a bit larger or which makes a bigger statement.
It will have the same impact on the room as a smaller wood table. If it has extensive use of glass, such as having top and bottom shelves that are glass, you can scale up even a bit more.
However, if you have a translucent top instead of a clear one, you need to consider going with something a bit smaller, in the same general neighborhood as a traditional wood end table.
When selecting end tables of metal, be sure you shop with a reputable seller who handles quality products. There may be a reason why you to such a good deal on a metal table. The metal welds may be inferior, the fit may not be good between the different pieces and the materials themselves may not be high quality, causing the finish to flake off within months of your purchase.
As with any piece of furniture, end tables are a major investment and you want to make sure that you are getting top quality for the budget you have available. You certainly don't want to fall in love with a set of end tables that are the perfect fit for your room, only to have them fall apart on you.
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