A coffee table is a staple decor piece in any living room, so it’s important that you think carefully when choosing the right coffee table.
Before deciding on the best coffee table for your home, you need to consider numerous factors including the size, shape, colour and design of the coffee table. You also need to decide on the functionality and coffee table uses. For example, does it need to be kid-friendly? Or have enough space for TV remotes and coasters to avoid staining your coffee table when enjoying your morning cup of tea or coffee.
To help you choose the perfect coffee table and avoid being overwhelmed with the wide range of options, we have compiled a guide that covers everything you need to know about how to choose a coffee table, including how to select coffee table sizes and what shape is best. We have also included the different types of coffee tables and some of the best coffee tables available to help you get started.
How Do You Determine The Right Coffee Table Size?
The first thing you need to consider when buying a coffee table is the height and width, as you need to make sure that it is the right fit for your living area. This is especially important if you have limited space, as a coffee table that is too big may take up too much room and will make your living space look much smaller.
The rule of thumb for choosing a coffee table is to make sure it is at least half the size of your sofa, typically around two thirds the length, but avoid going over 70% of the length. To determine the right size, you need to calculate accurate coffee table measurements. For example, if you have a sofa that is 20-inches tall and 90-inches long, you should look at coffee table measurements that exceed no more than 54 inches wide and 24 inches tall.
Another great way to decide on your coffee table dimensions is to determine how far should a coffee table be from the couch. The standard rule for this is 16 to 18 inches between the sofa and the coffee table. This offers adequate leg space, while also being close enough to the table to rest a snack or a drink on the table in front.
Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table Shape
Once you have determined which size coffee table is right for you, you should then consider which coffee table shape works best for your living space. To ensure it is the perfect fit, you need to consider how much space you have, as some coffee table shapes take up more room than others.
When it comes to choosing the perfect coffee table shape for your home, there are unlimited options to choose from including:
Square
A square coffee table is one of the most traditional furnishings that is typically found in conversational living spaces, where two sofas or chairs face each other. Most square coffee tables are large and are suited to rooms with plenty of floor space.
However, small square coffee tables are not just suitable for large living spaces, as they are also ideal in smaller living rooms where they can be placed in front of chairs that are slightly wider than the table.
Best Square Coffee Tables
Here, you will find some of the best square coffee tables on the market:
Ikea’s Lisabo coffee table is perfect for a flat or small studio where living space is limited. The simplistic ash veneer design is also very appealing to anyone with a more minimalist design approach. It also has the perfect side table dimensions, as it is 70 x 70cm, so you place it in front or at the side of a small sofa or large chair.
VASAGLE is a German brand that offers budget-friendly but stylish furnishings, such as this rustic brown and black coffee table. The table offers the perfect aesthetic for smaller living rooms, and can be used to set down your coffee or cocktails, without any chance of spillages.
This modern coffee table offers the perfect blend of functionality and style, with its storage capabilities and sleek concrete aesthetic. This is the perfect couch for magazine collectors or bookworms who want to keep their reading material close
Rectangle
One of the most popular coffee table options is the rectangular shape, as they are normally the perfect size when lining them up with 2 or 3-seater sofas. These typically work well when they are placed in front of the sofa in the centre of the room.
A rectangle coffee table is also perfect for narrow living rooms, which may not be able to fit wide furnishings in the space.
Best Rectangle Coffee Tables
Take a look at some of the best rectangle coffee tables available:
The Vienna rectangular coffee table will offer a luxurious aesthetic to a large or narrow living area, with its pristine glass tabletop and curved stainless steel legs. This is also the ideal match for almost any colour scheme, due to its neutral and versatile look.
If you’re looking for a budget coffee table with plenty of storage, Hartleys white coffee table is perfect for you. This Scandi-style table features two shelves which are perfect for storing books, magazines and other personal items.
La Redoute’s two-tier oak coffee table is simple and slimline, making it the perfect match for a narrow living room. The table features two layers, so you can keep some of your items out of sight to make your home look tidier. Not to mention the fact that it is very easy to assemble and offers an immaculate aesthetic.
Round
Round coffee tables such as circular or oval-shaped coffee tables help to soften the aesthetic in a living room with a lot of straight lines. They also take up less space in terms of width, so you can make room for an extra choice or even a bigger sofa.
Best Rectangle Coffee Tables
Here are some of the top round coffee tables you can buy:
The Aspect Brockton table is available in numerous sizes, which makes it the perfect home decor item for any size home. It also offers a mixture of warmth with its wooden tabletop, while the hairpin style legs make it a sleek and modern furnishing
The Perch coffee table in almond is perfect for softening strong lines and bold colours in a reception room. It also features two tiers which offer the perfect amount of space for holding multiple cups of coffee and your favourite magazines.
This 2-piece coffee set is perfect for creating texture in a minimal space. It is ideal for a large space or you can split the tables and use the taller table as the main coffee table in the living while the low table can be used as a side table in your bedroom.
Choosing The Ideal Coffee Table Material
Another important factor you need to consider when selecting a coffee table is the material you want. The type of material you choose will determine the feel of your room, for example, wooden coffee tables tend to offer a warm, traditional feel while metal tables provide a more industrial but modern aesthetic.
To help you choose the right coffee table material, here are some different coffee table materials:
Glass
To create the illusion of more space, you should consider choosing a glass table, as natural and artificial light will bounce off the glass table and spread around the room to make it look like you have plenty of room.
Best Glass Coffee Tables
For inspiration, here are some of the best glass coffee tables available:
If you have limited space, this small glass coffee table is perfect, as it provides adequate storage without taking up too much room. It also offers a mixed aesthetic with brown on one side and black on the other, which gives it a unique feel.
For something unique, you may want to consider investing in this quirky and luxurious coffee table. This can be placed at the side of your sofa where you can place anything from your favourite plant to a decorative lamp.
If you are on the lookout for something simple and sleek, then this is the perfect choice for you. This is an ideal match for any decor and it is also very robust as it is made from high-quality tempered glass.
Wood
A wood coffee table helps to create a natural aesthetic which works well with both traditional and modern decor. Real wood coffee tables are also extremely durable, making them the perfect investment.
Here are some ideas to help you choose the perfect wooden coffee table:
Best Wood Coffee Tables
This lift up coffee table is perfect for anyone who requires more storage but simply do not have the space. It can also double up as a dedicated workspace or even a small dining table for when you invite guests over for dinner.
The GOLDFAN wooden coffee table in walnut offers complete versatility with a sleek design which can be placed anywhere in your home. You can even use the smaller of the two tables as a bedside table where you can keep your phone charger and of course your morning cup of coffee.
Finish off your natural aesthetic, with this authentic pine coffee table which features unique and eye-catching carvings. It will also work perfectly in a Scandi-inspired living room that requires hidden and seamless storage.
Metal
Coffee tables with a metal finish create a cool and modern feel. The aesthetic will vary depending on the type of metal you choose, for example, copper offers a warmer feel than steel.
Take some inspiration from the following metal coffee tables:
Here are some ideas to help you choose the perfect wooden coffee table:
Best Metal Coffee Tables
This futuristic aluminium coffee table will definitely add a unique element to your living room and will work wonders as the perfect focal point. The Canora Grey coffee table is one of the best coffee tables for a sectional sofa due to its circular shape.
If you have a generous budget and are looking for a durable and sleek metal coffee table, then this design is perfect for you. La Redoute is one of the best places to buy coffee tables and, as they are always excellent quality.
This coffee table combines the perfect metal elements to create a sleek and sophisticated table that will work well in any room of your house. It also provides the perfect space for family pictures and other decorative ornaments.
Time To Choose
Now you have all the information you need to buy the perfect coffee table, which one will you choose? A classic glass style, a storage-filled wooden table or a futurist circular metal design? Whatever you choose, make sure you consider your budget and the durability of the table to ensure your investment is worthwhile.
