The focal point in your living room is your coffee table. This means that the wrong coffee table can easily put the entire look of the room out of this world or out of whack. And we’re not exaggerating. A coffee table is more than just a fitting companion to your sofa. It performs various functions. It serves as a place to put your books, magazines, phones, drinks, and food. It also serves as a way for you to show off your personality, allowing you to display your treasured trinkets. And if you so choose, your coffee table can be an additional storage space. If you create a beautiful room but it does not have the functions that you need it to have, then what’s the point? Now that we’ve established the importance of your coffee table, let’s get into the details of finding the perfect one.
Is a round coffee table right for you?
Coffee tables come in various shapes and sizes. The most popular shape is the rectangular one because it easily works with most sofas. They have the same shape, after all. But a round shape is nothing to scoff at either. This is the ideal option if you have kids in the house. The table has no sharp edges that can cause injury. This shape is also great if you’re going to be walking around the coffee table frequently. Moreover, a round shape adds balance if you have a lot of square or rectangular shapes in your living room such as the sofa, the TV stand or fireplace, and square side tables.
What do you need the coffee table for?
Most people fail to think about what they plan to use their coffee table for. Is it just going to be a decorative piece because the room feels empty without it? Or will it serve a purpose? If the answer to the second question is a yes, then consider what needs the table will be fulfilling. Will you be eating on this coffee table or serving food and drinks to guests? What about playing board games? Or will you only use it as a place to put your phone and remote control on whenever you’re lounging in the living room? Take note of all the activities you plan to do in the living room that involves your coffee table and make sure that you have enough surface space to accommodate your needs. In addition to this, you should also think about storage. As we’ve already mentioned, some coffee tables feature storage options such as shelves and drawers. If you need the extra storage space, this is definitely something you need to consider.
How big should your coffee table be?
Size is an incredibly important consideration when it comes to choosing your coffee table. The scale and proportion of your table should fit with the current furniture you have in the room, specifically your sofa. The height of the table should be equal or one to two inches lower than the height of the seat of your sofa. A taller coffee table can work but only if you choose one with a small diameter.
Your coffee table should also be no longer than two-thirds of your entire sofa. Any longer than that and it would create an imbalance in the room, overwhelming the space around it. In addition, a shorter length ensures that you have enough space to comfortably walk around the table when necessary.
As for the width, measure the entire space between your sofa and the TV stand or fireplace. Then, deduct 48 inches from that number. Whatever the result is, that’s the ideal width of your coffee table. Another way to measure the width is to make sure that there’s 12 to 18 inches of space surrounding your coffee table. This allows for the occurrence of comfortable foot traffic; no need to bump into the table even if you’re in a hurry.
What material will work for your lifestyle?
Coffee tables can be made of a variety of materials – metal, wood, glass, stone, and even upholstered. Metal is a good choice if you want a durable coffee table. Wood is a common material, but it is susceptible to water rings. If you’re not the type to use coasters, then this isn’t the material for you. Stone is another durable material, but it is heavy and difficult to move around. This isn’t an ideal option if you plan to relocate in the future. Glass is a great option if you want to make the room look bigger and more open. However, it will require regular cleaning. And it’s not ideal if you have kids in the house who like to play rough.
Top 3 Exclusive Picks
- SPACIOUS SURFACE: Measuring 36" W x 36" D x 18" H, this cocktail table looks great set in both small and large living room spaces
- HANDSOMELY CRAFTED: Table is made of veneers, wood and engineered wood in a distressed finish. Designed with metal bracket, hardware and a 2 sided hinged lift top (with stay arms)
- RUSTIC APPEAL: Between the plank effect styling, industrial bracket hardware and two-tone finish, this modern table amplifies farmhouse in your home with a punch of personality
- STORAGE COFFEE TABLE: The spacious storage compartment makes this table the perfect embodiment of beauty and practicality. Distressed with a reclaimed look, it'll entice everyone
- ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Easy-to-follow instructions, hardware and tools included
Coffee Tables Under $50
Coffee Tables Under $100
Coffee Tables Under $200
- LIFT-TOP DESIGN: The tabletop can be lifted and moved forward to create a decent space of L120 x W60 cm/ L47.5 x W23.5” for work or dine. The metal adjustment mechanism helps lift the tabletop from 49cm/19.5’’ to 62cm/24.5’’ easily and without noise.
- PROTECTIVE PADS: Foam pads included, you can attach them between the tabletop and legs as bumpers, which can protect the tabletop and ensure a silent and safe operation to boot.
- ADEQUATE STORAGE SPACE: A storage compartment concealed under the top keeps your everyday items like laptop, game controllers and suchlike handy yet out-of-sight when not in use. Two bottom open shelves provide more room for storing and displaying.
- CAREFULLY-SELECTED MATERIALS: Using CARB P2-compliant MDF and water- and wear-resistant laminated surface, this durable coffee table brings you no worries about harmful emissions at all.
- BRING COMFORT HOME: With this functional living room furniture, you don’t need to lean forward to work or dine on the table while relaxing on the couch. Its clean-lined silhouette and lightly distressed finish can blend with a variety of modern home décor.
Coffee Tables for $200 and above
- Goes anywhere round coffee table w/ display shelf; Decorative ceruse wood grain
- Sundial inspired plank design
- Rustic industrial style; White-limed burnt oak and distressed gray finish
- Overall: 32” W x 32” D x 17. 5” H; Supports up to: 40 lb. (top), 30 lb. (shelf)
- Materials: Powder-coated iron, engineered wood, ash veneer, iron
- Carrara marble top
- 14mm thick sealed marble
- American White Oak with Walnut finish
- Each marble top is unique and varies in color tone, vein and pattern
- Some assembly required (approximately 15 mins)
- This coffee table will add a fresh look to any room
- This coffee table features a natural brown finish
- Crafted of wood
- Perfect for a living room, bedroom, family room, den, library, or study
- For over 100 years, Safavieh has been crafting products of the highest quality and unmatched style
- SPACIOUS SURFACE: Measuring 36" W x 36" D x 18" H, this cocktail table looks great set in both small and large living room spaces
- HANDSOMELY CRAFTED: Table is made of veneers, wood and engineered wood in a distressed finish. Designed with metal bracket, hardware and a 2 sided hinged lift top (with stay arms)
- RUSTIC APPEAL: Between the plank effect styling, industrial bracket hardware and two-tone finish, this modern table amplifies farmhouse in your home with a punch of personality
- STORAGE COFFEE TABLE: The spacious storage compartment makes this table the perfect embodiment of beauty and practicality. Distressed with a reclaimed look, it'll entice everyone
- ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Easy-to-follow instructions, hardware and tools included
- SPECIFICATIONS: Table set includes: 1 round coffee table, 2 round end tables; Color: clear tabletop, gold stand; Material: steel, tempered glass; Overall dimension: coffee table: 36 x 36 x 18'' (LxWxH), end table: 16 x 16 x 24'' (LxWxH); Max. weight capacity: coffee table: 99lb, end table: 88lb
- GLASS-TOP ACCENT TABLE SET: The glass-top gold-frame table set includes a 36” dia. round coffee table and a 16” dia. round side table, helping you effortlessly round out your living room in a streamlined style.
- STURDY & SAFE: Crafted of premium iron frame and strong tempered glass, the chic accent tables are sturdy and stays lever on all kinds of floors. With a smooth surface and rounded shape, you won’t be injured when passing by, safe for family use.
- ELEGANT COFFEE TABLE: The coffee table consists of a 36’’ dia. tabletop area which is spacious for varying activities, such as working, reading, eating and drinking. More, the open bottom compartment not only provides a bigger storage area to place higher boxes but is perfect for your pets to sit or play.
- END TABLE FOR DISPLAY & STORAGE: The side table consists of 16’’ dia. tabletop areas and an open base for displaying green plants, candles and other decorations, or gaining extra storage. The strong table could hold up to 40kg/88lb.