A coffee table, typically placed in a living room, serves as a convenient surface for beverages, remote controls, magazines, books, and decorative objects. Because it is such a popular and essential item, the choices are endless. So, how to choose a coffee table? This article will give you everything you need to know about selecting the ideal coffee table for your space.
Types of Coffee Tables
- Traditional: This is the most traditional and popular type. They are basic, without drawers for storage. But some table legs have a gap design on the top; you can take advantage of it to store some small items.
- Storage: They can be storage drawers, a second shelf, or cubbies and baskets. Like the traditional type, they come in a variety of designs and materials, meeting all your styles.
- Lift top: This is a more special dining table. This table has storage, and the top lifts up and moves toward. It is often used for easy integration of study or dining. Wood is often a popular material for lift-top coffee tables.
- Nesting: As the name suggests, it is a nest with a smaller table inside, which can be pulled out. This design saves a lot of space. The smaller table is used to store miscellaneous items or as a bed for children.
Which Material of Coffee Table Tops Do You Prefer?
There are many popular types of coffee table tops. Glass, wood, and stone are common materials. The process of researching and choosing the material combination between the tabletop and the table legs is also very interesting. Just browse Pinterest or look at Google Image; all the ideas are waiting for you to discover!
- Determine the current style of your space and learn about the characteristics of the materials used. What kind of vibe do they create? Glass, acrylic, metal, and stone can look good in a modern room. While wood brings a more rustic and intimate beauty.
- In a traditional room, darker woods like walnut or mahogany or metals like marble might look great.
- Especially if you have young kids, think about the material's safety.
- The fusion of wood and epoxy is indeed an innovative choice. It not only allows you to express your personal taste, but also opens up opportunities for engaging in your own DIY projects.
What Kind of Shape Is Best?
Choosing a table top and table legs that match adds a strong personality to your table
Credit: Flowyline Design
Buy now: Coffee Table Base 208 Haru
Coffee tables are available in many different shapes.
- A rectangular and oval coffee table is considered suitable for small rooms.
- Squares or round coffee tables are good for large seating configurations, such as large sectionals or a large sofa and loveseat.
- Round and oval tables are popular in homes with small children because they do not have dangerously sharp edges.
Balance is an important but often overlooked aspect of interior design. When surrounding furniture such as sofas and TVs is rectangular in shape, a round table should be chosen to balance it out. Balance also applies to the tabletop and legs. For example, a round table top should go with straight legs and vice versa.
Coffee Table Size
Consider the height of the coffee table relative to the sofa
Credit: Flowyline Design
Buy now: 108 Curva 16H for Modern Tabletop
Measure your current living room furniture to guarantee the right proportions of space before selecting a new coffee table. You may select the width and length of the coffee table that best suits your area with the use of these specs.
Follow the recommendations below to determine the perfect coffee table dimensions including length, height, width, and placement.
Height
Ideally, the coffee table should be the same height as the cushions on your sofa or slightly lower and no more than 3 inches. This allows you to easily grab any drinks or food off the tabletop. The average height of coffee table legs ranges from 16 to 18 inches. However, if you have a lower sofa, you might opt for a table that is around 14 to 15 inches tall to maintain a balanced look and comfortable reach.
Length
The length of the coffee table should be half or two-thirds of the length of your sofa. This proportion ensures that the table looks balanced and provides enough surface for storage. Typically, the average length of a coffee table ranges from 36 to 48 inches. But larger rooms need longer tables or two smaller tables side by side for more balance and flexibility.
Width & Placement
The placement of your coffee table depends on the available space for the furniture surrounding it. Be sure to leave enough space to move around comfortably. We recommend leaving at least 14 to 18 inches between the coffee table and the sofa. In larger rooms, you can afford to have a bit more space, up to 24 inches, to avoid the area feeling cramped.
FAQs
Why Do You Need a Coffee Table?
- Be the centerpiece of the living room: What do all living rooms have in common? There are sofas, sideboards, and right in the middle, always a coffee table. Coffee tables are like the piece that ties the rest of the furniture together. It’s like putting the cherry on top of a cake!
- Provide storage: Remember those friends sitting around the fireplace drinking coffee last winter? Coffee tables provide a surface large enough to hold cups, snacks, and remotes, ready for a few Netflix episodes.
- Be a decorative piece: Knowing how to match the tabletop and legs is important. Consider the shape, material, and final look when matching them. Coffee table leg placement can help add interest to your rooms and make them more beautiful. So, consider this!
- Be a convenient option: Many coffee tables also have built-in storage options such as drawers or hidden compartments, helping to keep your living room organized and clutter-free. They can also be easily moved and reconfigured to suit different needs. Amazing!
Styling Your Coffee Table
Decorate small accessories for coffee table to make it more lively
Credit: Flowyline Design
Buy now: 212 Cleo 16H Modern Furniture
To keep your coffee table from looking too plain, consider small accessories like potted plants, books, or figurines. Just make sure they’re low enough to block your view. Next, add essentials like napkins, coasters, candles, charging cords, and anything else you’ll need on a regular basis.
Besides, coffee tables require care, and so it is important to finish a coffee table before it is used. Finishing a coffee table is very important because it not only protects the wood but also gives it a glitter. The best way to coat coffee tables is by applying epoxy resin, which is high gloss, durable, and can easily be poured on. This not only strengthens the wood surface but also protects it from spills and stains.
Should read: DIY Coffee Table Makeover Ideas You Can Do Yourself
What Is The Average Cost Of A Coffee Table?
You want to ensure you get a high-quality coffee table that will last you for years, but how much money will you spend on one? The average coffee table costs $200 to $400. If you want a cheaper option, you can mix your table top with new metal table legs.
At Flowyline, we offer standard coffee table leg height models with unique designs and superior quality. Prices range from $100 to $600 depending on the size and complexity of the design. Check out our coffee table legs collection right now!
Where Can I Buy a Coffee Table?
Coffee tables are available in local brick and mortar stores or large showrooms. But, wait! They are very expensive! A great alternative is to make your own coffee table. Consider using old table tops or legs and buying the other piece new. You will have a unique table and save money. Flowyline is a brand that specializes in providing 100% designed and handmade metal table legs and table bases, which are worth considering!
A small yet stunning coffee table can transform the power of a single piece of space. Having read the article, now you understand how to choose a coffee table. The journey of home decoration extends beyond just a coffee table. Check out our blog to explore new home styles and innovative ideas to revamp your entire living space. More, visit our website, and find your ideal coffee table legs!