The coffee table is often a centrepiece of the living room. Yes, the television and the entertainment section might have some eye-catching overtone, and the choice of sofa or the seating arrangement might be important, but the fact is that the coffee table is the item where our eyes are naturally drawn to. The coffee table is practical and central. Choosing the right one makes a big difference in how we perceive the living room.
For some, it comes easy – follow intuition and the right coffee table will speak for itself. For most of us, however, it requires a lot of looking around and weighing up various options. If you’re having trouble finding the one for you, then consider the following – here are the top aspects to remember when selecting a coffee table.
Think: do you need one?
It may seem like a silly question, but it’s an important one (Hint: you probably need one, but you need to decide what the purpose of it is). Do you need the table simply to put things on whilst watching TV? Do you need to entertain a lot and require a level plateau to hold things such as cups and cakes? Is the room too empty without it? These questions may sound silly but they matter – they will help you decide which table fits best in your home. Do you really need one? And why?
Think of the shape first
If you have a very long sofa, you may be served well by a rectangular kind of coffee table. On the other hand, curved lines on the table tend to create more space and lend an angular room more style; they give it a modern touch.
Consider the ideal dimensions
It’s not just the length or width that you have to consider – the height is important as well. A general rule of thumb: make it as high or a little higher than the seat of your sofa and you’ll be fine.
Choose a material
Make the material work for your lifestyle. For example, glass requires more cleaning, wood can get scratched. You should also choose the style carefully – if you have a rustic, country-style home, industrial furniture such as wooden coffee tables work best.
Here’s something else worth considering: there are ways in which you can use multiple coffee tables, so that you can set them up according to the purpose and the occasion. For example, if you have a small space, one coffee table can be used under normal circumstances, whilst one with a larger surface can be used if you have visitors to entertain. Furthermore, the option of having several coffee tables gives it a layered effect – and that’s a style on its own, blending well with most existing decor. Look around and take your time; it’s an important piece of the house and the choice should be made wisely.
