A coffee table is a staple centerpiece of each living room. Sometimes, choosing a new coffee table can feel slightly overwhelming. After all, it’s a big purchase that will change the whole feel of your home. So, it’s important you choose the perfect coffee table for your living room. Thankfully with a few, easy tips it can make the process a bit easier.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coffee Table
Tip #1: Size
The size of your coffee table is a very important factor in choosing the right piece for your space. A coffee table that is too large or too small can offset the feel and comfortability of the space. A general rule of thumb is to select a coffee table that is no larger than 2/3 the overall length of your sofa. While you don’t want to go too large, you also want to stay away from going too small and making the table feel disproportionate. So, make sure your coffee table is larger than half the size of your couch.
Tip #2: Height
In addition to the length of your coffee table, don’t ignore its height as this too is an important detail. Most coffee tables are the same height as the sofa’s seat height, usually around 17-19″ tall. Many people also prefer their tables to be one or two inches shorter than their couches. This is all up to preference regarding symmetry. However, at the end of the day, your table shouldn’t be higher than your couch. This can make your couch feel low and your table will take over the space.
Tip #3: Shape
Choosing a certain shape can change the feel of your entire space. When selecting the shape of your table, take into account how you would like the space to feel and how much surface area your room allows. Also, consider how much space you will actually use depending on your needs.
If you have a large couch and you don’t need a large surface area, then a rectangular table would be perfect. This shape also works well for narrow spaces and takes up very minimal room. On the other hand, square coffee tables provide a great communal feel. Additionally, they take up more space if you have a larger dining room. This will prevent your space from feeling empty and cold.
Tip #4: Style
There are numerous styles of coffee tables on the market today. From a farmhouse coffee table to an industrial feel, you can find just about any style you would like. Metal bases, drawers, bottom shelves…pay attention to these stylistic details as they can also offer practical uses. Do you like a more open, airy feel with no bottom weight or do you need a bottom shelf or drawer to set magazines and board games? Depending on your answer, you will want to choose a different table for your space.
To choose the right style for your space, consider the color of the materials you gravitate to. If you gravitate to light marble countertops and white backsplashes in the kitchen, you will likely like a lighter, modern feel. On the other hand, if you like darker woods, black couches, and dark accents, you may like an industrial feel. If you aren’t sure of your style, making a Pinterest board of spaces you like is a great idea.
Tip #5: Materials
Depending on the amount of use your coffee table will see, selecting a material that can hold up is imperative. Solid hardwoods provide a durable surface with some providing slightly more durability than others based on their hardness factor. Also, make sure you choose a hardwood piece that has a lasting, durable finish!
With most big box stores, their coffee tables are made of particleboard. This material usually only lasts for a few years, no matter how well you take care of it. So, if you would like a solid, long-lasting coffee table to be in your family for decades, it’s best to get a piece made with real wood.
The size of your coffee table is a very important factor in choosing the right piece for your space. A coffee table that is too large or too small can offset the feel and comfortability of the space. A general rule of thumb is to select a coffee table that is no larger than 2/3 the overall length of your sofa. While you don’t want to go too large, you also want to stay away from going too small and making the table feel disproportionate. So, make sure your coffee table is larger than half the size of your couch.
Tip #2: Height
In addition to the length of your coffee table, don’t ignore its height as this too is an important detail. Most coffee tables are the same height as the sofa’s seat height, usually around 17-19″ tall. Many people also prefer their tables to be one or two inches shorter than their couches. This is all up to preference regarding symmetry. However, at the end of the day, your table shouldn’t be higher than your couch. This can make your couch feel low and your table will take over the space.
Tip #3: Shape
Choosing a certain shape can change the feel of your entire space. When selecting the shape of your table, take into account how you would like the space to feel and how much surface area your room allows. Also, consider how much space you will actually use depending on your needs.
If you have a large couch and you don’t need a large surface area, then a rectangular table would be perfect. This shape also works well for narrow spaces and takes up very minimal room. On the other hand, square coffee tables provide a great communal feel. Additionally, they take up more space if you have a larger dining room. This will prevent your space from feeling empty and cold.
Tip #4: Style
There are numerous styles of coffee tables on the market today. From a farmhouse coffee table to an industrial feel, you can find just about any style you would like. Metal bases, drawers, bottom shelves…pay attention to these stylistic details as they can also offer practical uses. Do you like a more open, airy feel with no bottom weight or do you need a bottom shelf or drawer to set magazines and board games? Depending on your answer, you will want to choose a different table for your space.
To choose the right style for your space, consider the color of the materials you gravitate to. If you gravitate to light marble countertops and white backsplashes in the kitchen, you will likely like a lighter, modern feel. On the other hand, if you like darker woods, black couches, and dark accents, you may like an industrial feel. If you aren’t sure of your style, making a Pinterest board of spaces you like is a great idea.
Tip #5: Materials
Depending on the amount of use your coffee table will see, selecting a material that can hold up is imperative. Solid hardwoods provide a durable surface with some providing slightly more durability than others based on their hardness factor. Also, make sure you choose a hardwood piece that has a lasting, durable finish!
With most big box stores, their coffee tables are made of particleboard. This material usually only lasts for a few years, no matter how well you take care of it. So, if you would like a solid, long-lasting coffee table to be in your family for decades, it’s best to get a piece made with real wood.
Choosing the Right Coffee Table For Your Space
We hope this blog post helps you choose the right coffee table for you. At the end of the day, if you love the way a coffee table looks and it will fit your space well, it’s perfect for your home!
We would love to help you select the perfect coffee table for your space. You can browse coffee tables online and we will deliver the piece right to your door.
We hope this blog post helps you choose the right coffee table for you. At the end of the day, if you love the way a coffee table looks and it will fit your space well, it’s perfect for your home!
We would love to help you select the perfect coffee table for your space. You can browse coffee tables online and we will deliver the piece right to your door.