Let’s talk about the unsung hero of your living room, the coffee table.
Sure, the sofa gets all the love. But you can't imagine a living room without a coffee table. Where your coffee sits on Sunday mornings. Your snacks land on movie nights. And your essentials stay in the arm’s reach.
So, picking the right one becomes really difficult. You have to consider a lot of factors and make a number of decisions. But don’t worry. we have a tip for you every step of the way.
At Furniture Roots, we have a collection of practical & stylish pieces for you. That can help you create the living space of your dreams. From contemporary designs to rustic charm. We have something to suit every taste and lifestyle.
How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Living Room
Here are some expert tips that can make choosing coffee tables easy for you. And help you make the best decision for your living room. Both in terms of style and functionality.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Coffee Table
Start by thinking about how you plan to use your coffee table. What is its intended functionality? This will narrow down the search for you.
Keep your lifestyle, family size and daily routine in mind. And ask the following questions from yourself.
- Are you looking for a decorative piece to tie the room together? Go for stylish and minimalistic options.
- Do you have a large family and busy routine? Get yourself a table with durable and strong material.
- Will it hold snacks, drinks, or family game night essentials? Pick the considerable size and think about the spills too.
- Do you have any kids or pets in the house? Avoid the coffee table with sharp and pointy edges.
- Do you need extra storage for books, remotes, or blankets? Choose a table with storage cabinets.
2. Select the Right Material
After sorting out the needs. Choose the material that can cope with your requirements. It will impact the table’s durability, look, and maintenance needs.
Each material offers its own benefits and suits a specific interior type. You can consider:
Wood
- Warm look
- Organic charm
- Versatility
- Long-lasting quality
Best Suited to:
- Traditional
- Rustic
- Scandinavian styles
Suggested Option: Arron Coffee Table
Glass
- Luxurious look
- Modern style
- Easy to clean
- Make room spacious
Best Suited to:
- Contemporary
- Minimalistic
- Small spaces
Suggested Option: Round Coffee Table with Glass Top
Stone (e.g., Marble)
- Timeless class
- Unbeatable strength
- Ease of maintenance
- Unique natural veining
Best Suited to:
- Elegant
- Urban
- High-end interiors
Suggested Option: Coffee Table With Grey Marble Top
Choose a material that matches your room's vibe and daily needs.
3. Pay Attention to Height
One common mistake while choosing coffee tables is overlooking the height. The average height for the coffee table is 36-40 cm. But customisation is always the best option.
Because most people buy a coffee table. And then realise it is too high or too low from the sofas of their living room. The result is a useless coffee table no matter how durable or beautiful it is.
- Measure the height of your living room chairs & sofas.
- Select a coffee table that’s about 2.5-5 cm lower than it.
- If your seating varies in height. Go for an adjustable table or a height that sits comfortably with most pieces.
- Or you can get multiple heights with our Two In One Coffee Table
A mismatched height can feel awkward. And cause discomfort during everyday use. So, always measure before purchasing.
4. Pick the Right Shape and Size
Shape and size decide how well your coffee table will fit in your space. You can get:
Round or oval tables: Ideal for smaller living rooms or families with kids. As there are no sharp corners.
Coffee Table Oval 100CM Pine Samuel
Square tables: Work well in spacious rooms. And pair beautifully with sectionals or modular sofas.
Rectangular tables: Perfect for narrow spaces or traditional seating arrangements.
5. Consider the Storage Options
If you have a long list of belongings and a larger number of family members. Choose a coffee table with built-in storage. To avoid a cluttered and messy look.
Many designs offer practical storage options along with a fine aesthetic. Your coffee table can have:
- Drawers: Hidden compartments for stashing remotes and cords.
- Shelves: To hold magazines, books, or decorative baskets.
- Lift-top tables provide storage space and additional work or dining area.
At Furniture Roots, we offer a variety of stylish storage options to help you keep your space tidy and organised.
6. Match the Colour to Your Theme
The coffee table should harmonise with your room's colour palette. Without clashing or overpowering it.
Here’s how to decide colour of the coffee table according to the theme of your décor.
Colour of Coffee Table |
Décor Themes |
White, Black, Grey |
Neutral or minimalist |
Natural Wood |
Traditional or Scandinavian |
Bright, Bold Hues |
Boho or vibrant eclectic |
Metallic Finishes |
Glamorous & modern |
Mirrored Surfaces |
Elegant or contemporary |
Earthy Tones |
Rustic or Scandinavian |
Pastels |
Soft or vintage |
If you’re unsure about the theme of your interior. Go for a neutral tone and match it to the décor colours with suitable accessories.
7. Accessorise and Style Your Coffee Table
Once you’ve chosen the perfect coffee table. Styling it with your choice of accessories. To elevate its look and make it the focal point of your living room. You can use:
- Candles
- Coasters
- Small decorative objects
- Books
- Indoor plants
- Sculptures
- Decoration pieces
- Vase of fresh flowers
But remember that styling is all about balance. Avoid overcrowding the table to maintain a clean and inviting appearance.
Also, keep the colour theme in mind. And choose the accessories in the colours of sofas, walls or carpets. To maintain a harmonious look and pull everything together.
8. Place Your Coffee Table Strategically
The placement of your coffee table affects the visual appeal of your space. It should also be functional and practical to have easy access. Some ideal positions include:
- Central placement: In front of the sofa, with equal spacing on all sides, creates symmetry.
- By sofa’s side: If you have a narrow space. Put the coffee table along the sofa to clear the pathway. It will be convenient to place a cup of tea or coffee.
- The nested setup: For larger rooms and wider seating arrangements. Pair your coffee table with smaller side tables for a dynamic look.
- The Floater: If you want an open and airy space. Position your coffee table away from sofas and decorate it with little ornaments.
Test different placements to find what works best with your seating and traffic flow. Search the pictures on Google or Pinterest of similar areas to take some inspiration. And always make sure that there’s enough space for easy movement in the area.
Pro tip: Always leave 16–18 inches of space between the table and surrounding seating. For unaffected movement and easy access.
Conclusion
A thoughtfully chosen coffee table does more than holding your mug. It brings together the design and functionality of your living room.
Considering your needs, the table’s material, size, and placement. And choose the right coffee table that suits your lifestyle and home’s aesthetic. Also don’t underestimate the importance of accessories and positioning.
Checkout 10 Best Coffee Tables for a Stylish Living Room at Furniture Roots
Ready to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Home?
Shop A Variety of Coffee Tables at Furniture Roots
At Furniture Roots. We have a stunning collection of coffee tables in various materials, shapes, and styles. To suit every lifestyle and preference. You can get rustic wood, contemporary glass, or sleek metal designs. All in the elegant shades and with added functionalities.
Our user-friendly navigation. Detailed product descriptions. And reliable delivery to Perth and beyond makes furniture shopping easier than ever.