How to choose a coffee table.

August 17, 2021

Much like area rugs, people often purchase coffee tables that are too small for their space. In terms of overall size, a good rule of thumb would be to aim for two thirds of the size of your sofa, with the caveat that it also depends on what else is in the room.

In general, your coffee table should be the same height as the seat of your sofa or lower. Most sofas have a seat height of 17 to 20 inches. If you have two sofas opposite each other, make sure the table is large enough to balance and function effectively for both sofas. You will want 12” to 16” between the sofa and the table. For this, think of your reach if placing a drink on the table. You shouldn’t have to get up to pick up or set down your drink, but you should also have enough room to comfortably walk around the table.

If you have a lot of hard edges in a room, it can be nice to soften them with a round or elliptical table. And there is definitely no need to match your coffee table with your side tables! Make your coffee table unique. If you have a gorgeous carpet in the room, consider a glass table that allows you to enjoy the carpet instead of hiding its beauty under the table. However, regardless of the material you choose for your table, make sure its style works with the rest of your pieces. For example, don’t mix a very ornate, traditional table with modern sleek seating. As with anything else in your home, pieces need to complement, not fight each other.

Unless your space is minimalist and modern, the coffee table surface is another styling opportunity that will help warm up your space. Consider beautiful coffee table books, florals, a box for tv remotes, and even candles. Alternatively, one large sculptural bowl could do the trick.

Finally if you have a small space, a good size coffee table can eliminate the need for additional side tables. Instead you could use slender floor lamps neighbouring your seating and allow your coffee table to be the star of the show. You can even house additional seating in the form of poufs (legless seating) underneath your table, to be pulled out as needed.

While your coffee table is a functional piece of furniture, it can also add a lot of flair and interest to your space when chosen well. Make it count!