Living Room Ideas

How to Pick the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Space

The coffee table is the anchor of any well-designed living area, and it allows you to introduce a completely different style, texture, or shape into an otherwise cohesive room. However, selecting the perfect coffee table for your space can be a little daunting. You don’t want to over-furnish a small living room or under-whelm a larger space, especially if the rest of your room design is set. For those who might be a bit lost, use the following tips to find the ideal coffee table for your needs.

wood and metal coffee table

Know Your Living Room Dimensions

Determining the ideal living room layout depends on the size of the area, as the width, length, and height of the space should influence the size of the furnishings. Essentially, a functional and aesthetically pleasing space results from planning and understanding. 

We recommend starting with the golden rule of interior design: Measure, measure, measure! There should be approximately 18 inches between the edge of the sofa and the edge of the coffee table. This is the ideal length to set a drink down and stretch your legs comfortably. For optimal TV-viewing distance, there should be at least 30 inches from the outer edge of the TV stand to the coffee table. Concerning the height of the couch, your coffee table should be two inches lower than the seated portion.

Once you have an idea of how big or small your coffee table should be, let’s talk shape. While larger tables, such as the dining table, depend on the room’s shape, coffee tables are accent pieces, allowing for various shapes. A rounded table is best for those with kids — no sharp edges! — and small spaces. (A glass or Lucite table is another way to get around limited space; it gives the illusion of a larger room.) A square or rectangle accent table is ideal if you have a large room to fill or if curved lines dominate the room. Part of the fun of interior design comes from playing with shape, texture, and size, so get creative!

Understand the Purpose of Your Coffee Table

The purpose of the coffee table depends on the room where it’s placed. If you’re looking for a piece for the casual family room, you might consider a coffee table with a little storage to stash things like magazines, remotes, and games. You’ll want a durable material that can withstand foot props and drippy drinks sans coasters. On the other hand, a formal living room coffee table can be a little more delicate. 

Once you decide on the purpose of the piece and how your family functions in the space it will occupy, you’ll be able to narrow down your search. You might even discover that a central coffee table doesn’t even make sense for your space. Perhaps matching side tables or several small end tables are a better solution for your living room. 

Choose a Style

Now to the fun part: choosing the style. A new coffee table is the perfect opportunity to create contrast in the room. If your couch is heavy and cumbersome, choose a light and delicate coffee table or a heavy wooden table to offset a small, dainty couch. If your room is simple, perhaps minimalist or modern, try adding an ornate coffee table to diversify your décor. For an eclectic look, don’t be afraid to go with a table that isn’t even a table: A steamer trunk, cedar chest, or ottoman can be a great alternative to the traditional coffee table. These alternatives can work in any space with some styling, such as placing a tray on top to hold your essentials or adding a few home accents.

Consider the Furniture Already in Your Space

Sectional sofas are communal couches that foster conversation and connections, whether in an L or U shape. You want to ensure your coffee table dimensions enhance, rather than hinder, these factors and optimize flow so you use your space effectively. A round or square coffee table is ideal for sectionals, as it allows guests in any seat to place a drink without getting up or stretching too far if seated on the end. 

Oval and rectangle tables are perfect for three-seater couches and loveseats. The ideal coffee-table size is two-thirds the width of your sofa. When it comes to the length of your table, consider your traffic flow, as you don’t want to bump into a table that extends past the couch. As a rule of thumb, you should have 17 inches of space on either side of your coffee table to the end of the couch, although this is flexible. Selecting a coffee table for a two- or three-seater sofa is a little easier, as there is a broader range of possibilities regarding flexibility and layout with linear-style couches. Alternatively, you can always incorporate an accent chair to balance your space.

Find Your New Coffee Table at Home Zone Furniture

We provide a wide selection of quality, stylish, and affordable living room furniture and coffee tables to suit any home’s style. Browse our range online or visit us in store to find the perfect table to meet your requirements and suit your lifestyle. You can also contact our friendly team for assistance in finding the ideal size, shape, or color of accent table, or for tips on how to style a coffee table.

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