In addition to a sofa, a coffee table is another important part of the living room. Coffee tables often take center stage and they serve a practical purpose. Where else should we put our drinks, magazines, plants, vases, remotes and cell phones? Besides being a functional piece of furniture, it is also an important stylish element in the living room. Choosing a coffee table for your living room may seem like an easy task at first glance, but with so many different models to choose from - it can be hard to pick just one! Here are some guidelines and ideas for choosing the best coffee table for the living room!
Consider the dimensions
Yes, the dimensions are very important, because a table that is too large may not look nice compared to other furniture in the room. A coffee table should be in proportion to the sofa. As a good rule of thumb, the table you buy should be at least half the length of your sofa, but no longer than the sofa itself. The height of the coffee table should be approximately equal to the height of your sofa, a few centimeters more or less is also allowed. Still, the best way to look and imagine it is to see if it fits properly.
Make sure there is enough space between the table and the sofa
Do not buy a table that is very large and does not leave enough space between the sofa and the table. A general rule is that the coffee table should be about 40 centimeters from the sofa to ensure sufficient space. If you have less space, you cannot move freely.
Choose the shape of the coffee table
Once you've determined the height and length you're looking for, it's time to choose the ideal coffee table shape. Often, choosing between a square, rectangular, round or oval coffee table comes down to the length and clearance around it, and the type of sofa you have. If you have a standard sofa, we recommend using an oval or rectangular coffee table. If you have a modular sofa or a corner sofa, we recommend using a round or square coffee table. Of course it can also be nice without following these rules if you have a specific coffee table in mind!
What function will the table have?
Another important factor is to know what the primary use will be. Will the table be placed as a decorative piece or should it provide storage? How much storage space is enough? There are tables with shelves or drawers to hold everything from children's toys to those magazines you will one day read. Whether or not it needs storage, chances are you'll want to put a drink or bowl on it without the risk of it falling. So pay attention to what the options are!
Choose the material carefully Coffee tables come in a wide variety of materials. You can choose from wood, glass, metal, stone and more. It is important to choose an option that fits well with your lifestyle (whether or not you have children and pets) and the layout of the living room. Also keep in mind what look you want the table to have:sophisticated, warm, formal or modern? Choose wisely!
Make sure you have the right color and design
The color of the table and the overall design will have to be coordinated with the rest of the interior. The appearance of the rest of the furniture determines the type of table that goes with it. If you have a sofa with small legs, you don't want a table with too thick legs, but with narrower ones, preferably shorter. The overall design should be consistent with all furniture.
Choose for multiple tables
Who says you only need one table? Try to place two or more tables. You can place them next to each other (nice in different heights) to form a whole. But you can also place a coffee table in front of your sofa, and one, two or even three next to your sofa. The tables don't all have to look the same, by the way. Consider combining different materials, shapes or even heights.