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Coffee tables are an important piece of furniture for the living room. A good one gives you the space you need to put drinks and other items, and adds the finishing touches to the room.
While you don’t necessarily need a coffee table in your living room – after all, you can do whatever you want with it – a lot of people will tell you that it is, in fact, a necessary piece of furniture. A good coffee table:
- Provides space for placing glasses, drinks and snacks.
- Allows easy access to items like remotes, books and phones without them sitting on the back of the couch or lost.
- Anchors the space and gives it a clear focus.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right coffee table.
What size coffee table should I buy?
The size of the coffee table should depend on how much space is available in the room and how much space the table needs.
A table that is too small is preferable to one that is too big, and you can follow certain rules to make sure the table isn’t too big for the room:
- Choose a coffee table no more than two-thirds of the total length of your couch not to overwhelm the space.
- Make sure there is enough Distance between the coffee table and the chairs around so people can comfortably stretch their legs while sitting there. Ideally, you should go 16-18 in. In this way it is also possible to reach for objects on the table without standing up.
- To keep about 30 inches of space between the coffee table and all other furniture in space so that people can move around easily in space.
Should a coffee table be lower than the couch?
The height of the coffee table is an important consideration and you should choose one that will go well with your sofa. When choosing a coffee table, keep the following in mind:
- The standard height of a coffee table is 16-18 in. They are specially designed for a typical size couch.
- The table should be either at the same height as your sofa cushions or 1-2 inches lower. This makes it easier to pick up food and drinks from the table.
- If you choose a table that is higher than the sofa because it works well in the room or because you have a particularly low couch, give it a try Keep it within 2 inches of the sofa size. Also, avoid decorating it with large ornaments that further emphasize its size or make it difficult to see people sitting across from you.
How do I choose the shape of the coffee table?
The great thing about coffee tables is that there are so many different types. There is a room for every taste and size and style.
When it comes to size, the available space and the configuration of the other furniture naturally play a role in your decision, often also when it comes to personal preferences.
Here are some of the most common options and how to use them:
Square tables are better for small spaces or when you want to give your guests a place to place their drinks without putting the table in the center of the room. They can be placed in the middle of a seating configuration or next to the couch or chair.
A square table does not always work in the middle of a larger room as objects placed there may not be easily accessible from every direction.
Rectangular coffee tables are a popular choice, and so they are Work well in a large room. Their large surface offers more space for drinks and snacks as well as ornaments and books.
However, this shape does not work well for small spaces and doesn’t always work well with sectional sofas.
Round coffee tables are a good option for sectional sofas, especially U-shaped ones, as they can be easily pushed into the room. Their circular shape also means that there is more space around the table to move around in the room.
But this form offers less table spaceReduce the functionality of the table.
Oval coffee tables are an ideal compromise If you are looking for a table with a little more space but have a smaller living room. The curved edges offer a little more space for navigation on the table.
This is also a practical option for those with young children due to the lack of sharp corners.
Which material should I choose?
As with size and shape, there are many options for the material of your coffee table. The aesthetics of the room itself must be included in every decision. Popular materials are:
This sturdy and stable option can be easily integrated into the decor of many room styles. This is due to the variety of woods available. Dark guys are great for more Rooms with a traditional feeland light woods are great for more contemporary or nature related designs.
In terms of functionality, wooden tables can easily accommodate a wide variety of things, from cups, glasses and plates to books or even tired feet. Just be sure to pick a table that has been treated properly to prevent stains, Scratches and discoloration.
Glass tables are ideal for a feeling of light and space In a room. They work especially well with many styles ultra-modern, simplified. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and storage space is often given below.
Glass surfaces are easy to clean (fingerprints are painful!), And stains and scratches are less of a problem than their wooden counterparts. But it has to be you careful with how much weight is placed on them. They can also have sharp edges, which makes them less than ideal in a home with young children.
Light, versatile wicker and rattan tables are ideal for a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. They work well in Boho or eclectic themed rooms and can be moved across the room at will.
Be careful, although the woven fibers make the table sturdy and durable enough to hold heavy objects, they make the table too pretty hard to clean. This means you likely want to keep all food or drink away from them – not ideal for a coffee table.
As with glass tables, acrylic tables can also be used Stop a room that looks overly dark and cluttered. The stylish material is also suitable for sleek and modern looking rooms. Although they can be mixed with other styles.
They are also easy to clean and harder to scratch. Still, they certainly are A more durable and therefore safer option than glass to small children.
The only real downside to this type of table is the following Some people may feel that they don’t look quite as elegant as others.
An alternative approach to coffee tables is to center a large, padded ottoman in the room. This super soft table replacement is a great option for family homes. It provides a place to put your feet up watch a movie.
The upholstery is usually designed to match the other furniture in the room, making this an incredibly versatile option.
The downside is that It can be quite difficult to balance cups and glasses on upholstered furniture. This reduces the functionality.
What should you display on a coffee table?
Again, this is a matter of personal preference. Some people like to put decorative items on the coffee table. In contrast, others prefer to save the space for practical use.
If you want to use the space on the coffee table to improve the appearance of the room, consider:
While you want to make the most of the available space, too much space on a coffee table can make it look cluttered rather than stylish. Instead, use the table to showcase some decorative pieces that you really love.
If you want to add smaller ornaments to your table, a tray can be a chic yet practical addition. This allows you to quickly move the objects around when you need space for something else.
The coffee table is the ideal place to add a touch of nature to a room. A small, low-maintenance facility can be a great centerpiece.
Sorting the decorations and ornaments by seasons is a great way to swap things up while adding to the impact of the room. Holiday-themed decorations can be a charming addition to the table.
