Choosing the right coffee table for your living room can seem like an easy task at first. Surely, this relatively small item of furniture doesn’t require much consideration. All it takes is just one quick visit to an EZ Living Furniture store and you’ve got yourself a coffee table, right? Well, not exactly. There are many contributing factors that must be examined before you pick a table for you and your space. And while there are many different types of coffee tables available, this doesn’t make choosing one any easier. In fact, only once you have understood various elements and examined the options available, only then can you begin to choose the perfect coffee table. So to help you commit to the ideal table, we have created the ultimate guide to coffee tables below.
Keep reading to learn about each coffee table element and why understanding each one is so important!
Size
First, the measurements of your coffee table need to be appropriate for the space you plan to keep it in. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to measure it against the walls, after all this small table will likely fit in most rooms, even those small box rooms you can barely swing a cat in. It does mean, however, that you need to measure it against any pre-existing furniture, likely a sofa or an armchair.
Height: The coffee table you choose should have the same height as the cushions on your sofa or one to two inches lower. This will ensure that your table isn’t too high or too low and is at a comfortable height for your living space.
Length: The length of your coffee table is equally important. You should look for one that has the right length in relation to the width of your sofa. Your coffee table should be no more than two-thirds the length of your sofa at all times. This will ensure that the proportions of your table are in line with the proportions of your sofa.
Distance From Sofa: You will need to leave at least 12-18 inches of space between your sofa and coffee table - any more or less will feel uncomfortably close or far. This will allow enough room for circulation in and around the sofa.
Shape
Once you’ve figured out the appropriate height and length of the coffee table you require, it’s time to decide on the shape. The shape you choose will be ultimately dependent on the seating arrangement surrounding it.
Round Coffee Table: Round coffee tables are the best choice for those living rooms with large living room furniture. For example, a large sectional sofa, a corner sofa, or a chaise sofa could benefit hugely from a round coffee table because it allows for easier flow. A rectangular alternative will likely block people slightly from getting in and out of their seating. Their soft edges also make these the most appropriate tables for homes with small children.
Square Coffee Table: Square coffee tables are similar to a round alternative in that they work well around large seating areas.
Rectangular Coffee Table: Rectangular coffee tables are the most common coffee table shape. Surprisingly, this shape will work best in smaller rooms surrounded by smaller living room furniture.
Oval Coffee Table: Oval coffee tables are similar to rectangular tables because they work well in smaller rooms. Again, because of their soft edges, this is a great choice for homes with small children.
Abstract Shapes: Although not extremely common, triangular and octagonal coffee table shapes are also available. These will add another dimension to the look and feel of the room, and go well with regular-sized sofas.
Materials
There are so many choices when it comes to coffee table materials. The most obvious that comes to mind is wood, but you don’t have to restrict yourself to only this material. Review the list below and choose the best material for your lifestyle and home decor.
Wood Coffee Table: Wooden coffee tables are durable and the most likely to maintain their appearance over a prolonged period of time. Wood is easy to maintain and there is a large variety of wooden coffee tables to choose from. For example, oak, walnut, acacia, sheesham, ash, and reclaimed pine.
Glass Coffee Table: Glass coffee tables (together with metal) can make small rooms feel more open. So if your room is looking a little cramped, this is the table material for you.
Glass coffee tables are not recommended for homes with small children. You can also expect to polish glass more than the other materials mentioned on this list because of fingerprints and dust.
Marble Coffee Table: Marble coffee tables work well in either classic or modern rooms. Extremely durable, you are likely to have a marble table for many years. Black marble will need to be cleaned more regularly, but a damp cloth will suffice. This is one of the heaviest choices, so if you plan to move your small table often, this mightn’t be the best choice for you. Marble is a type of stone, so it can be scratched but this likely won’t be as obvious as a scratch on a glass or wooden table.
Storage
If you plan on keeping TV remotes, magazines, and various other miscellaneous items permanently on your coffee table, it can quickly lead to a lack of available surface space. That means no room for tea and coffee cups - which is just not acceptable if you ask us. To avoid this issue in the future, you should opt for a coffee table with storage. There are two types of storage to choose from:
Open Storage: This type of storage usually consists of a single shelf under the surface of the coffee table. This style can make a small room feel bigger because of its openness. If you don’t plan on keeping this shelf relatively clean, we suggest opting for closed storage below.
Closed Storage: This can be under or within the coffee table itself. The Rivoli Coffee Table above is the perfect example of a table with inside storage. This particular table also has a unique ability to transform into a desk at a moment’s notice. With closed storage, you can easily hide away all of your items and not have to worry about whether they are organised or not - can you tell which one we prefer?
As we’ve just learned, coffee tables come in all shapes and sizes, but hopefully, this guide has helped you to make your final purchasing decision. Once you’ve chosen the perfect coffee table for you, the next step is styling it to reflect your personality - and we can help with that too - just read our blog below!
Interesting Read: What Your Coffee Table Decor Says About You.
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