Why is it called coffee tables? Coffee tables, commonly known as living room tables, is an essential piece of living room furniture that brings both style and functionality to your living space. It serves as a focal point, a place to rest your drinks, display your favorite decor, and even store your belongings. With so many options available, it’s crucial to find the perfect coffee table that complements your living room space nicely and meets your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss various aspects of how to choose a coffee table for the living room, including dimensions, height, material, shape, and maintenance.
Before reading this blog, Please think about the following three questions:
- Which room would you put the coffee table in？
- What do you need from the coffee table?
- Who will use the coffee table more?
With these questions in your mind and following our sharing, we believe you will get the answers after reading this article:
How to Coordinate Your Coffee Table with The Other Living Room Furniture
When choosing a coffee table, it’s essential to consider how the new coffee table will harmonize with the existing furniture and overall design of the room. Follow these tips to ensure a cohesive look: (Learn: How to Arrange Living Room Furniture)
Match The Style of The Room
Choose a coffee table that matches the style of your living room. If you have a modern room with clean lines and a minimalistic design, opt for a sleek glass or metal coffee table. For a more traditional room with ornate details, a wooden coffee table with intricate carvings would be appropriate.
Consider The Color of The Room
The color of your coffee table should blend well with the color palette of your living room. For instance, a light wood coffee table works well in a room with neutral tones, while a white wood coffee table would suit a Scandinavian-inspired space. You can also use color to create contrast, such as pairing a black coffee table with light-colored furniture pieces.
Coordinate with The Sofa
The coffee table should complement your sofa and other seating area arrangements. Ensure that the coffee table height is about the same height as your sofa’s seat cushion or slightly lower. This creates a comfortable and visually balanced setup. Moreover, the length of the coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa to maintain the proportion.
Size Matters: How to Choose A Coffee Table Size for Your Space
The size of your coffee table plays a crucial role in its functionality and aesthetics. Consider these factors when determining the best coffee table dimensions for your living room:
Measure Your Space
Before shopping for coffee tables, measure how much space is available in your room. Ensure that there is enough space for people to walk around the coffee table and sofa comfortably. A standard guideline is to leave at least 18 inches of space between the coffee table and the sofa or other seating furniture.
Coffee Table Height
When selecting coffee tables, height is a crucial factor to consider. The best height for a coffee should be approximately the same height as the seat of your sofa, or one to two inches lower. This ensures that the coffee table is easily accessible and comfortable to use.
Coffee Table Dimensions
When it comes to coffee table dimensions, there are a few standard guidelines to follow:
- The length of your coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa but no more than roughly ⅔ of the sofa length.
- There should be around 12-18 inches of living space between the coffee table and your sofa to allow for legroom and ease of movement.
- If your living room coffee table is placed within an open L-shape created by a sectional sofa, the ½ to ⅔ guideline applies better to the horizontal seat’s length.
Choosing The Perfect Material for Your Coffee Table: Wood, Glass, Metal, or More?
The material of the coffee tables can greatly impact the durability, style, and maintenance requirements. Here are some popular options to consider:
Wooden Coffee Tables
Wooden coffee tables are versatile and can suit various styles, from rustic to contemporary. They are available in a wide range of finishes, like light wood, dark wood, or painted. Wood is a durable material but may require regular maintenance to keep the coffee table looking its best.
Glass Coffee Tables
Glass coffee tables are ideal for smaller rooms, as they create an illusion of openness and make the small room appear larger. Glass coffee tables are easy to clean and maintain but can be prone to scratches and fingerprints.
Metal Coffee Tables
Metal coffee tables offer a sleek and modern look, often featuring unique designs and shapes. Metal coffee tables are durable and easy to maintain but may not be the best choice for households with small children due to their sharp corners.
Other Materials
Other materials, such as acrylic, stone, or upholstered fabric, can also be used to create unique coffee tables. Consider your living room’s style and your personal preferences when selecting the material for your coffee table.
Coffee Table Shape: Round, Square, or Rectangle – Which is Right for You?
The shape of your coffee table can influence the flow of your living room and the overall aesthetic. Consider these options to determine the right coffee table for your room:
| Round Coffee Table | Rectangular Coffee Table |
 Round coffee tables are an excellent choice for small spaces or rooms with curved seating arrangements. Round tables create a sense of harmony and soften the sharp angles of other furniture. The small round coffee table is perfect for compact rooms, while a large round coffee table can anchor a spacious living space. |  Rectangular coffee tables are the most common shape and work well with standard sofas and seating arrangements. Rectangular coffee tables offer a classic, balanced look and can easily accommodate extra storage space like drawers or shelves. The rectangular coffee table is the perfect coffee table for smaller spaces or rooms with limited walk-around clearance. |
| Square Coffee Table | Abstract Shape Coffee Table |
 The square coffee table is ideal for large seating configurations, such as sectional or sofa with chaises. The square table provides ample surface area for placing drinks, decor, and other items. Square wood coffee tables are a popular choice for their versatility and timeless appeal. |  The abstract shape coffee table reflects the spirit of those unafraid of the unconventional. Its sculptural form makes an artful statement, rejecting the boxy constraints of conventional design. Fluid and expressive, with curves and angles that puzzle and delight, the abstract table signals a home that marches to the beat of its own drum. |
Coffee Table Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Furniture Looking Beautiful
Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your coffee table and keep it looking its best. And it is important to know the maintenance and care way before choosing a coffee table. It is quite sad to find out that the coffee table is hard to maintain after you use it for a while.
Follow these tips for different materials:
Wood Coffee Tables
Regularly dust your wooden coffee table with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface, as this can cause damage or stains. If spills occur, wipe them up immediately. To maintain the finish, apply a high-quality furniture polish occasionally. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your wood coffee table.
Glass Coffee Tables
Clean your glass coffee table with a soft, lint-free cloth and a glass cleaner. Wipe in circular motions to remove fingerprints and smudges. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface.
Metal Coffee Tables
Dust your metal coffee table regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth and a mild detergent, then dry thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
How to Choose A Coffee Table of Different Types?
Coffee tables come in a variety of styles with different features. The choice of different types of coffee tables comes down to your needs, personal style preferences, and the overall decor of your living room. A well-chosen coffee table can be both decorative and highly functional. (Learn: How to Decor Your Coffee Table)
| Type of Coffee Table | Features | Percentage of Chosen *Based on Homemore Sale Historical Data | |
| Traditional Coffee Table | The traditional coffee table is a bastion of simplicity that has stood the test of time. With an elemental design unchanged for generations, its minimalist rectilinear form serves as a blank canvas in front of the sofa. The four legs of the coffee table, as pragmatic as they are decorative, provide sturdy support. They lift the tabletop to a height that invites lingering over conversation or a board game, yet remain low enough for feet to rest comfortably upon. | 30% | |
| Storage Coffee Table | The storage coffee table comes in a variety of styles with storage options like drawers, a bottom shelf, cubbies, or baskets. Shapes include the rectangular table, the round table, or the square table. Materials include wood, metal, acrylic, glass, wicker, or rattan. Storage tables provide a useful solution for keeping items concealed yet within easy reach. | 25% | |
| Lift-Top Coffee Table | The lift-top coffee table is unique in that the tabletop lifts up and forward, allowing you to use your laptop, write or dine while seated. Shapes are typically rectangular or square, often made of wood. The coffee table offers the convenience of a table as well as the flexibility of an adjustable flat surface. | 20%Nesting Coffee TableThe nesting coffee table features a smaller table or ottomans that nest underneath and can be pulled out for use as a side table or extra seating. Some nesting coffee tables provide drawers or lift-tops for storage. The nesting coffee tables are versatile, space-efficient, and child-friendly. Materials and shapes vary. | 15% |
| Upholstered Coffee Table | The upholstered coffee table typically comes in a square shape with a wooden frame and tufted, cushioned top that may lift for store things. Some are ottomans that provide hidden storage under the cushioned top. Upholstered coffee tables have a soft, warm appearance and the padding protects sharp edges. The lift-top or ottoman versions offer useful storage solutions. | 10% |
Conclusion
Choose a coffee table requires determining your needs and style. The ideal coffee table complements your decor and suits your lifestyle. Consider size, shape, material, and maintenance based on your room and seating. A well-selected coffee table reflects your tastes, supports your activities, and ties your room together.
With many options, choosing a coffee table seems challenging. Determine your space, needs, style, size, shape, and material to find one complementing your decor and lifestyle. Choose a coffee table you love that will serve you well for years. The best coffee table for your living room will be enjoyed for its charms and functionality. Contact HomeMore now to get the perfect coffee table for your home.