How to Choose the Right Coffee Table For Your Space
Nothing anchors a room quite like a coffee table. However, if your home is anything like mine, it cannot just be pretty to look at it’s also got to function. We often see clients struggling to decide what type, size, and shape of coffee table is the best choice for their space. This guide will help you select the right size coffee table for your space.
Tip #1 - Use your sofa as a guide
@megleonard.co
When it comes to selecting a coffee table, the easiest way to determine the right size is by taking the width of the sofa and multiplying it by .50 and .75 to give you a size range of 50% to 75% of the total length of the sofa. That’s going to be your magic number when you’re out shopping. Now, I know what you’re thinking… what about a sectional? You want to measure to the chaise section of the sectional along the side you want the coffee table to run (typically the longest side). Then again multiply by .50 and .75 to give you the size range to shop for your sectional.
Tip #2 - Your furniture layout will give you hints about the shape
@luluandgeorgia
Generally speaking, most coffee tables are rectangular shape mirroring the rectangular shape of the sofa. That is probably the right shape for the majority of room layouts. Especially if you have two sofas running parallel to each other or are in a smaller setting. However, in large living rooms where you have an area rug that is 9x12 - 10x14 or larger you may need to consider a square table to better fill the space, anchor the room, and give access to your guests. A round coffee table is a personal favorite of mine in seating areas where you have four of the same type of chair in a circle, or with a large sectional. The round shape in the middle of all of the harsh edges of a sectional will help to soften your space and give it more flow. Think of it like a “round about” in your living room.
Tip #3 - Choosing the Right Material
@mcgeeandco
When choosing the material of the coffee table it’s important to consider both style and function. In a large living room, a coffee table will be critical to anchor the space. Choosing a color, style, and material that draws your attention and contrasts with the furnishings around it will be key. In a smaller space, like an apartment where things already feel crowded a glass top or acrylic may be the best choice to give your room the illusion of a more open floor plan. Let’s not forget about the ottoman. If selecting an upholstered ottoman, to function as your coffee table, be sure that the material and color contrast with the surrounding soft seating furniture. This ensures it still serves to anchor the room and won’t get lost amongst your other furnishings.
Tip #4 - Keep the flow
This tip boils down to “know how you live”. If you’re in a stage of life with smaller children, you may want to have a smaller coffee table and more room for toys and room to scoot around. If you enjoy entertaining you will want to ensure your coffee table is large enough and placed so that it is easily accessible by guests. If you like a more formal setting, the coffee table may be used for more of a display than for actual function so you can have it sitting further away from the seating. A general rule of thumb is you want the coffee table to be at least 18” away from the sofa to allow you enough room to maneuver around the space.
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