Designers talk a lot about scale. Now, it is true that small end tables will upset the visual balance a bit, winnowing under weight of a larger love seat or sofa. There are things you can do to fix this. One is to use slightly taller lamps that still have a small base. For instance, you may want to forego a ceramic or pot style lamp and use one with a candlestick post. This will make the table look bigger than it really is and the added height of the lamps will help add visual weight as well.
You can also choose to increase the scale by going with small end tables that are more solid. Instead of selecting an open design, you may want to go with a cabinet design to give the appearance that they are substantial pieces. If you go with an open design with just a top and legs, it can make your small end tables appear even smaller than they really are.
If you do have small end tables that are open, you may want to consider adding a contrasting linen or lace piece to the top and even have it extend over and down the sides some. This will give your table a bit more bulk without taking up added space.
For really small homes, you can eliminate one of the end tables entirely. While it's nice to have end tables on both ends for convenience and balance, there is no hard and fast rule requiring this. You may be able to make due with a single table and perhaps add a floor lamp on the other side to add light and even things out visually.
While homes seem to be larger than ever, many homeowners are in the process of downsizing these days, either because of economic circumstances or simply a desire to live a simpler life.
Just because you live in a smaller dwelling doesn't mean that you have to give up the comforts of home you've become so used to. Rather, you may simply need to change some of the furnishings, keeping your favorites and then balancing them with smaller support pieces.
Perhaps no example is better than the use of small end tables. Love seats and sofas are big-ticket items and most people will want to take them to the new home. Unfortunately, furniture scaled for a home may look a bit cramped in a smaller home or apartment. This is where small end tables can save the day. You can change the scale of your end tables while still keeping your favorite upholstered furnishings.
Smaller end tables aren't just for the living room. If you have two end tables, you can repurpose the second one in another room. For example, you can use one as a nightstand in a second bedroom or even the master. You can also convert one into an accent table and place it in a corner of the bedroom or any room in the home. Add some photos or a floral arrangement and you'll have a nice addition without having to break up the set permanently.
If you have a large bath, you can add a smaller table there as well. Here you can keep reading material or some lotions and other toiletries for guests to use. If your table has drawers, you can keep clippers, Q-tips and other necessities so guests don't have to feel awkward looking through your cabinets in search these items that everyone seems to need, but no one can find. You can even add a little touch of bed and breakfast by putting a folding tent sign that says that these things can be found in the drawer.
Designers talk a lot about scale. Now, it is true that small end tables will upset the visual balance a bit, winnowing under weight of a larger love seat or sofa. There are things you can do to fix this. One is to use slightly taller lamps that still have a small base. For instance, you may want to forego a ceramic or pot style lamp and use one with a candlestick post. This will make the table look bigger than it really is and the added height of the lamps will help add visual weight as well.