Since the Victorian era, the coffee table has been a staple in living rooms. Today, this versatile piece of furniture is more popular than ever, offering a wide range of beautiful and functional options. Whether you’re furnishing a new home from scratch or redesigning an existing space, several key considerations can guide your coffee table purchase. With countless choices available, the decision can feel overwhelming. Should you choose a rectangular, square, or round table? Opt for wood, metal, or glass? Will it hold your drink while watching TV, serve as an alternate dining surface, or support your feet? These questions are essential when searching for the perfect coffee table.
Start by considering the coffee table’s primary use. In a formal room, the table is likely to showcase decorative accessories or prized possessions. Choose a table with a large surface and a sturdy base, such as a tiered wooden table with substantial legs or a glass table with a metal frame. A glass table can provide visual relief in a formal space filled with layered decor.
In a casual setting, prioritize practicality. If you plan to prop your feet up, a solid base is ideal. For extra storage, select a table with an open base for decorative baskets to hold magazines or remotes, or choose one with drawers for hidden storage. Unconventional options, like ottomans topped with a decorative tray or old trunks, can serve as stylish coffee tables with added storage. While genuine antiques are available, many retailers offer high-quality reproductions that blend rustic charm with functionality.
Choosing Materials and Style
Focus on the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Most wooden coffee tables are made from pressed fiberboard and veneers, which are cost-effective and durable. Fiberboard, created from recycled wood fibers, glue, and resin under high pressure, resists splitting and lasts through daily household use when sealed with veneers. Glass tables, often made with tempered glass, are also durable. According to Wikipedia, tempered glass undergoes thermal or chemical processes to create balanced internal stresses, making it strong, heat- and cold-resistant, and prone to breaking into small fragments rather than sharp shards. If you have children, ensure the glass table is tempered for safety.
To create a harmonious interior, consider style, balance, and scale. Assess your room’s design style. For traditional spaces, a wooden table is a classic choice, while a contemporary glass and chrome table can add a modern twist. A glass table with a curvy metal base in burnished gold or brass is timeless and elegant. For a bold statement, pair two smaller tables in front of the sofa. In contemporary interiors, opt for sleek, uncomplicated lines, such as oval or round glass tables with chrome bases, or a boxy, tiered wooden table to add warmth.
Scale is critical. In a room with large, overstuffed sofas and chairs, choose a comparably sized table, like a large rectangular wooden one. If the room has heavy wooden furniture, a large glass table can lighten the space and add sophistication. As a rule, the table should be the same height or slightly lower than the sofa cushions and no longer than two-thirds the sofa’s length. Ensure at least two feet of space around the table for easy movement. In small rooms, a glass table can enhance the sense of space, while a large room calls for a substantial table, such as a tiered wooden one with drawers, to make a bold, functional statement.
Consider the room’s shapes when choosing a table. If your sofa has a square geometric pattern, a rectangular or square table can complement it, while a round table adds contrast. In a room with predominantly square furniture, an oval or round table creates balance and visual interest. For households with young children, minimize sharp edges to ensure safety. If you have pets, account for their tail-sweeping radius. For frequent gatherings, a mobile table, like a round one, is easy to move and can serve as an extra surface for appetizers or party favors.
Above all, have fun with your choice. Explore the quirky, elegant, and casual styles available. Trust your instincts, and if a table doesn’t work, try another. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect coffee table for your space.
