6 Tips to Find the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Space
Selecting a coffee table for your seating area can feel like an impossible challenge. The coffee table performs two main and significant functions: it serves as the central aspect of the seating area and represents your style while also fulfilling practical needs. Whether your vibe is high-end modern, rustic chic, or somewhere in between, the coffee table can feel daunting to find. However, these tips can build your confidence to make a good decision so that the table functions properly and enhances the overall feeling and style of your space. Let’s get started with expert advice on finding the coffee table that will fit beautifully into your space.
Consider Your Space
Before shopping for a coffee table, you need to analyse your living room’s size and layout.
- Take Measurements: Find the ideal size coffee table by measuring the space where you want to place it. A good rule of thumb is to keep about 18 inches between the coffee table and seating for easy movement.
- Think About Traffic Flow: Think about whether your coffee table interrupts walkways and makes the space feel crowded.
- Scale to Other Furniture: Your coffee table should be scaled to the size of your sofa and the other seating area. The ideal length is to have the coffee table about two-thirds the length of your sofa.
Choose the Appropriate Shape
The layout of a coffee table is crucial and can pose an issue, allowing you to consider the general scheme and ambience of your space.
- Rectangular: The most classic shape. Rectangular coffee tables are suitable for all spaces, providing lots of surface area to work with.
- Square: A square table works well when you have a large, square room or are working with sectional sofa sets.
- Round: Round tables are the best option for smaller spaces or rooms that have lots of angles. They can provide a softer, less angular look, allowing for better flow.
- Oval: If you would like a shape that is a compromise between rectangular and round, oval tables display distinctive warmth and softness while maintaining a reasonable surface area.
- Organic shapes: For a table that is unique and unapologetically artistic, look for tables with asymmetrical or irregular shapes.
Choose the Right Style
Your coffee table should go with your existing decor and personal taste.
- Modern: Contemporary, clean lines, minimalist styles, and glass or metal materials.
- Traditional: Fancy, detailing, warm wood tones, and classic shapes.
- Rustic: Natural wood finishes, weathered styles, and sturdy construction.
- Industrial: Metal framework, exposed hardware, and often reclaimed materials.
- Mid-Century Modern: Tapered legs, organic forms, and the balance of design and function.
- Coastal: Light woods, woven materials, and beachy colours.
Pay Attention To Your Table Height
The height of your coffee table is crucial to making it look good and function well.
- Standard height: Most coffee tables are 16–18 inches high, which goes great with normal sofas.
- Lower height: Tables around 12-14 inches high create a comfy lounge feel.
- Higher height: Tables around 20-21 inches high usually work well with taller sofas if you eat at your coffee table regularly.
Consider The Maintenance
When considering table options, consider the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest in maintaining the coffee table.
- Glass: Glass requires frequent cleaning to keep it smudge-free, and it shows fingerprints easily.
- Wood: Wood usually requires infrequent polishing, but it is more susceptible to water rings.
- Metal: Metal is usually simple to clean, but it scratches easily.
- Stone: Stone usually requires sealing and may also be heavy to move.
- Upholstered: Upholstered fabric is often difficult to clean and maintain, especially in homes with traffic.
Make it Personal
Your coffee table is a chance to showcase your style and interests.
- Showcase Collections: Your coffee table could be an ideal space for books, decorative objects, or even personal collections.
- Include Texture: You can add visual interest by including trays, baskets, or other textured objects.
- Create a Layered Look: Include varying heights and sizes in your schema to create depth.
- Add Something Living: A small plant or succulent can bring life to your coffee table.
Conclusion
Like any furniture choice, the right coffee table is waiting to be found. By considering things like size, style, function, and material, you will not only create a coffee table that fits well in your space but also most likely fits into your daily life. Remember, your coffee table is not only a place to set your cup; it is another way to express yourself and create a unified whole in your space. Armed with these tips, you can select a coffee table that looks good and functions well in your home for years.