After purchasing a sofa and television for your living room, the coffee table comes next. An important piece of furniture, some use it as a place to rest their feet or eat meals, while others reserve it for books, pictures, or electronics.
Coffee tables come in different shapes and sizes and can satisfy any taste and style. Check out our ultimate guide for how to choose a coffee table for your home.
Put some thought into this purchase before shopping for a new coffee table. Proper planning helps you save time and money. Focus on what matters to you, and you’ll find the best piece of furniture for your home.
How do you choose a coffee table size or height? Look at your living room space, including your television, couch, or chairs. Measure the cushions on your couch and the space in between what you already own.
Match the height of your coffee table to the height of your cushions. This ensures your coffee table matches the rest of your furniture. Don’t be afraid to consider smaller accent tables either instead of or in addition to a larger coffee table.
How are you going to use your coffee table? Do you want it to hold things like your remote control or game consoles? Or is it just for show?
Elegant coffee tables may have only enough room for some decorative coasters or a doily. Others give off a more sturdy vibe with drawers and compartments to store anything you like. Deciding how you’d like it to function helps you create a casual or more formal setting.
What is your budget for this purchase? If you want something trendy that may be out of style in a few years or get tired of your surroundings quickly, spend less. However, if you want something timeless that adds character to your home, factor in the price so you know how much to spend before you shop.
Lacquered coffee tables come in a variety of colors. If the rest of your living space is a neutral color, this may be the piece that pops! Consider a shade that complements the color of your sofa, pillows, and artwork.
You’ll discover that coffee tables come in many different shapes. Go with a traditional round or square option. Or be bolder and choose oval or oblong shapes. This may depend on the size of your space. Consider shapes that will fit nicely with other furniture you have or want for the area.
How to choose a coffee table for a home with kids or pets? Well, no matter your preferred style, make sure it’s sturdy with soft edges. This will help the table last longer, look better, and create a safer space for your children as they grow.
Before you buy it, you might also want to see if edge protectors will fit on the coffee table for added safety. Choose a piece that’s easy to clean or refinish so it lasts.
Thinking about how to choose a coffee table for the living room means planning a layout that allows you to enjoy a living space that’s easy to walk around in without tripping into anything or banging your legs.
Do you enjoy entertaining a lot of people? Consider where they’ll sit and place drinks or plates of food. Are you more interested in watching movies or favorite television shows with loved ones? Consider where people can stretch out and feel cozy.
What material matches the style you envision for your living room? Your choices include:
So many options! And we’re not done yet. Before shopping online or heading out to your favorite furniture store, think about the style you’d like for your new coffee table. Here are a few ideas:
How to choose a coffee table is easier once you’ve considered the type of space you have, your style, and your budget. Then, you’re ready to head out and find the perfect piece that ties the whole room together. Shop our most popular furniture selection today.