A coffee table is such an important part of both the function and design of your living space. The perfect coffee table will be both beautiful and practical in all of the ways you need it to be. When choosing the right coffee table there are many things to think about, such as size, shape, and what exactly it will be used for. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with a quick overview of all things coffee tables to steer you in the right direction.
Image By: Fourhands
First, it’s helpful to think about what the purpose of your coffee table will be. Here are a few questions to get you started.
Do you have specific size or shape criteria based on the design of the rest of your living space?
Do you need storage within the coffee table?
Is it mostly decorative, or will you use it for putting drinks and food out or resting your feet?
What kinds of things do you plan to decorate your coffee table with?
After you’ve figured out how you want your coffee table to be used, you can start to think about size and shape. Even if you have specific criteria to follow based on how your table will fit into your space, this part can be really fun. There are many different styles and you might be surprised at the difference a new size or shape of table will make in your living space.
Image By: Fourhands
Keep in mind the measurements of your sofa and that for ease of use, you’ll want your coffee table to be a bit lower than that. You also don’t want your table to overpower the space, so it should be about two-thirds as long as the sofa you’re placing it next to. Also, be sure that you’ve got enough space between the table and the sofa to be able to get in and out, but still be able to functionally place a plate or drink on the table when you’re sitting down.
The four main shapes of coffee tables are square, rectangle, oval, and round. The shapes are self-explanatory, but the functions of the shapes can be surprising. Oval and rectangle shaped coffee tables are both nice for tighter spaces. A rectangle is the most popular coffee table shape. If you have a larger space, you might want to opt for a square or round shaped coffee table. These are statement pieces and if you plan to decorate with a vignette you might be interested in square or round. If you have young kids in your space, round or oval might be your best options.
Image By: Fourhands
Another important part of the design of a coffee table is the material it is made of. Color, texture, and finish of a coffee table all play an important role in the overall feel of a room. A formal style coffee table will have a smooth texture like glass or marble. A more relaxed style is a natural material such as wood. Another option is an upholstered table, ideal for resting your feet.
There is so much to consider when choosing the perfect coffee table. If this all sounds overwhelming, it could be really helpful to have an in store consultation or even a house call with someone that is in the know. Whether you’re looking to update your entire living space, or just make a simple change, a coffee table can be just the transformation you need!