Mid-Century Modern Pairings: Side Tables and Books and Accessories

Mid century modern design is defined by clean lines, warm woods, tapered legs and a sense of ease. A side table in this style is often small and quietly sculptural, which means the objects placed on it matter a great deal. The right books and accessories bring out its character, while the wrong ones can make it look cluttered or generic. In this guide we explore how to pair a mid century side table with books, lighting, ceramics, glass and plants. We look at how to stack and select books for colour and scale, which lamp shapes suit the era, how to choose vases and objects with the right proportions, and how to use metal, glass and natural materials without overwhelming the timber. We also cover the lower shelf, seasonal changes and how to keep the arrangement practical, so the table remains somewhere to set down a cup rather than a display that cannot be touched....