Often the centerpiece of a home, the living room is designed for rest, talk, and memories. A dingy piece of furniture often serves as the centerpiece of this space: The coffee table.
A coffee table is much more than a place to set your drinks; it can complete the room, provide character, and even offer extra storage solutions.
So, how do you pick the right one for your living room when there are so many KINDs available?
In this guide, we will outline the process and key factors to keep in mind (size, shape, material, style).
We also have some advice for measuring your space and finding a coffee table that works with existing furniture you already own. With this, you will be fully ready to get the right living room coffee table that will complement your living room and your lifestyle.
Selecting the Ideal Living Room Coffee Table
The Right Fit Requires the Right Dimensions
Think of a coffee table where the size is bloated enough to take up literally half the house, and feel like you have no space to walk around it.
Or, imagine a small table lost in one of the oversized where it does not ground the seating area? Size is extremely important in both appearance and utility. Here’s how to get it right:
- Measure Your Space: Grab a measuring tape and figure out the dimensions of your living room before you even start searching! Especially look at the space where you want to put the coffee table, usually in front of the sofa.
- Traffic Flow: Leave sufficient room to pass between the coffee table and your sofa and other furniture—around 18 inches. People can walk around comfortably without banging on anything.
- Coffee Table Size: Ideally, your coffee table should be two-thirds the length of your sofa. Couple this with a nice amount of surface area; it provides a balanced look.
- Table Height: The height of your table will likely be the same height as your couch cushions or a little lower. This guarantees easy access to beverages and goodies at any time.
Different Shapes of Coffee Tables
Coffee tables having different styles have a different aesthetic and functional impact. Look at one of the most common choices:
- Rectangular: A traditional and one of the most popular types of coffee table, rectangular-shaped tables are very versatile with almost any sofa design – particularly a sectional place. They give lots of surface area and help make a room look longer.
- Square: Square coffee tables are great for small areas or a seating arrangement that features only one sofa and two armchairs. They give you a balance and closeness.
- Shape: Round coffee tables soften the aesthetic of a space and encourage conversation by allowing people to see one another. They’re also an excellent option for homes with little kids because there are no sharp corners!
- Oval: Oval coffee tables are an alternative to round that look slightly softer while offering greater surface area. They are also the most appropriate for large-sized living spaces.
- Unusual Shapes: Diversify your shape game, and don’t be afraid of going with octagons, hexagons, or even some abstract designs. They add both character and aesthetics to living rooms.
Material World: Which Surface to Go For
Coffee Table Material:
The material that your coffee table is made of will affect how it looks, how hard or easy it is to clean it and its long-lasting characteristics. Below is a brief list of common materials:
Wood:
A classic option, wood adds warmth and an organic feel. It is available in various types, be it rustic reclaimed wood or slick modern finishes. That said, wood can scratch or be damaged by water, so coasters and placemats are a good idea.
Metal:
Metal (often steel or aluminum) tables are very strong and easy to clean. When considering design, they provide an updated or industrial feel while being very durable.
Clear:
Glass coffee tables lend an open, non-cluttered vibe to the room—ideal in tight spaces. Made of glass, they are simple to wipe through but can be vulnerable to fingerprints and stains. If broken, tempered glass breaks into small, less harmful shards, making it a safer alternative.
Stone:
Stone coffee tables, like marble or granite, are very classy and have a polished look. They can withstand heat and are durable but are costly and need to be maintained properly to avoid stains.
Mixed-Use Materials:
Several coffee tables utilize multiple different materials to create a unique and modern look. If we could, we would use wood on a table with metal legs or a tabletop with a stone base.
Living Room Coffee Table Decor Ideas
Choose a Coffee Table that Works with Your Decor | Style Sense
The coffee table should harmonize with your other living room furniture and the general style of your décor. Take a look at these four popular styles:
Modern
Modern coffee tables often use clean lines, simple shapes, and materials such as glass, metal or even slick wood.
Contemporary
This style is similar to modern but revolves around current trends. It Might Include Bold Colors, Unique Shapes, And A Combination of Materials
Traditional
Traditional coffee tables often comprise intricate details, carved wood, and timeless designs such as rectangular or oval.
Rustic:
If you’re into farmhouse style and natural materials, rustic coffee tables made of reclaimed wood and stone often feature a weathered look.
Industrial
Industrial-style coffee tables have a factory/warehouse aesthetic, using metal and wood with exposed hardware.
Mid-Century Modern
Defined by a retro look featuring clean lines, tapered legs and organic shapes, this style is perfect for those looking to add a touch of vintage flair.
Prioritizing Function: Think About Your Life
Consider how you actually use your living room and what your coffee table needs to do.
Storage: If you want additional storage space for remotes, magazines, or blankets, look for a coffee table that has drawers or shelves or one with a lift-top design.
Families with Kids: Search for coffee tables that have rounded corners and are composed of tough materials that can sustain sufficient wear.
Entertainers: If you entertain a lot, select a coffee table with plenty of surface area and materials that are simple to clean.
How to Budget for a Coffee Table
Coffee tables vary and can be found in every price point, from inexpensive to high-end design. Before you start shopping, determine how much you’re actually willing to pay for either vehicle and stick with this reasonable number.
Save Big: The Best Places to Shop for Your Coffee Table
Once you have enough of a sense of what to look for, then it is time to start looking. So, where you can find your ideal coffee table:
- Furniture Dealers: Steps into local furniture dealers to experience a few coffee tables physically.
- E-retail stores: Eg many e-retail stores offer you a variety of products with a convenient shopping experience. This is why we urge you to understand reviews and check measurements cautiously before buying.
- Antique Stores and Flea Markets: If you are searching for a coffee table that is one of a kind or vintage, a great place to search is at the antique shops and flea markets.
- DIY: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to really add a personal touch, you can build your coffee table or repurpose an existing piece of furniture into one.
Finishing Touches: How to Style Your Coffee Table
Now that you have selected your coffee table, it’s time to set the stage! Here are some tips for making a display so appealing that customers never walk by you again:
- Coffee Table Books: Add a little character and height by stacking up a few coffee table books with decorative covers.
- Decorative items: Add decorative items such as vases, sculptures or candles to create interest.
- Trays: Keep smaller items in line by using trays for them, such as remotes or coasters.
- Plants: A small potted plant or flower vase adds a hint of nature.
- Personalized Elements: Showcase your memorabilia, such as family portraits or vacation keepsakes, to add personality to your coffee table.
Conclusion
Getting the right living room coffee table is a big purchase. Considering the size and shape, material, style and function will make sure that you select a piece that is not merely adding to your decor but incorporated into your lifestyle too.
Feel free to put your spin on it; just measure your space and think about how you truly will use it first. So a little preparation and consideration could be in order to have the best coffee table that will fit your living area — creating an ideal spot you can really enjoy.