Choosing the best furniture pieces for your home can help the space feel cohesive and avoid overwhelm. While a coffee table may not seem like an essential furniture item, it can help a living room, dining room, or study feel complete. There are many coffee table shapes, heights, lengths, and styles to choose from, which can help any home aesthetic come together. With the right coffee table, proper styling, and keeping up on maintenance, this small piece of furniture can truly shine. This blog will share some considerations you should have when choosing a coffee table and how other furniture pieces can impact the look of a coffee table.
Determine The Size Of Your Room
Similar to dining tables, couches, or beds, large furniture pieces need to be the right size to provide enough space to walk around and maneuver through the house. Especially if it is not the only piece in the room, looking at the size of the room and other large pieces will help you choose the right-sized coffee table. A smaller living room may not be able to accommodate a large couch, coffee table, and entertainment center. Some furniture experts suggest that your coffee table be two-thirds the width of your sofa in order for it to look proportional.
Common Coffee Table Shapes
If you want the look of your sitting room or living room to feel complete, choosing the right coffee table shape is also crucial. There are a variety of shapes and abstract options that can serve your home with more storage, decor space, and a place for your favorite drinks. While the shape of the table is more of a cosmetic aspect to your coffee table, it can impact how you and your guests navigate the space.
Rectangular
If you have a long sofa, you will need to have a longer coffee table to achieve balance. Smaller rooms also work well with rectangular tables because of their ability to split the room, making it appear larger. Rectangular tables are versatile and work best in traditional layouts.
Square
Square coffee tables are best for sectional sofas or L-shaped seating arrangements. They help a home achieve a symmetrical look, but could be overwhelming in narrow living rooms. Choosing two square end tables or small coffee tables can give you more surface area to store items while allowing you to more easily navigate the living space. Paying attention to your seating arrangement and the other usable space in your room is a good rule of thumb when determining a coffee table shape.
Round
Family homes with small living spaces are great spaces for round tables. Avoiding sharp edges will help protect children, pets, and even adults from unnecessary injuries. They work well with group seating and sectionals, but if your room is too large, a round table may look out of place.
Oval
Using an oval coffee table gives you a larger space for decor and drink glasses with the sleek and safe look of a round table. Oval coffee tables are best for high-traffic areas and living rooms with different types of seating (loveseats, chaise, and chairs).
Nesting
Two nesting tables, like one larger round table with a smaller table underneath, can provide a modern feel for your living room. Nesting tables allow you to have more space to work with and mimic a larger table without purchasing an unwanted coffee table shape.
Abstract
If none of the traditional shapes are appealing to you or don’t look right in your home, abstract shapes may be a better option. Jagged edges, different surface areas, and seemingly disproportionate tables can still be functional and serve the design of a living room. Artistic tables can help improve your eclectic interior.
Consider The Layout Of Your Other Furniture Pieces
The space around your coffee table and between sofas or TV stands and the coffee table plays a role in determining which one option will work best for your home. Choosing the right coffee table means the piece needs to be in scale with the other furniture pieces in the room to achieve a cohesive look. Place the coffee table at least 12-17 inches away from a sofa or chair to allow people to easily stand up or walk around the table.
Tables should also be placed in the center of your seating or other living room furniture to look cohesive. The furniture should also be balanced on each side, not necessarily even, but balanced by weights, sizes, or shape. If the long sectional is on one side of the coffee table, there should be a chair and a basket or ottoman on the other side.
Achieving balance may also mean that your coffee table isn’t placed in the center of the living room. If your living room space is oblong, or the table won’t fit directly in the center of an area rug, you should place the coffee table in the center of the conversation area. Placing the coffee table away from everything else makes it difficult to use, but having it too close restricts movement.
Choosing Materials For A Table
One other aspect of coffee table design you should consider is the material and coloring of the piece. Choosing the size and shape of your table is important for function, but the material and color help with visual appeal. The type of material can also impact how long your table lasts and what maintenance needs to be done to keep it looking pristine.
Metal, concrete, natural stone, or composite materials are best for contemporary homes that want to convey a modern aesthetic. Artistic tables that feature epoxy, natural stone tops, or abstract pieces can also fit a more contemporary home.
Wood, glass, and some stone options are best for more traditional or farmhouse-style living rooms. These materials feel warmer and natural, which helps create a cozy atmosphere where families want to gather.
Wood Pieces From Sugar House Furniture
Sugar House Furniture creates mission-style furniture that is built to last through years of use. Coffee tables may not be the centerpiece of your home, but they can provide the necessary surface area and visual appeal that every home needs. Our team offers a variety of coffee table shapes, sizes, and designs so you can find the best fit for your home. Check out our online gallery or visit our warehouse to see our quality craftsmanship in person.
