round wooden coffee table and grey sofa

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Coffee Table

Feb 6, 2024

A coffee table might be overlooked as just another furniture piece, but it actually offers various functions in a room. They can be the centrepiece of your lounging area, provide aesthetic appeal, or be the spot for your morning brew. 

Dissecting Your Living Space

Before you start shopping for a coffee table, it’s important to have a good understanding of the space you are dealing with. Is it a compact apartment, a spacious loft, or a cosy house? The size, style, and aesthetic of the living room set the stage for your coffee table. Measure your space – the coffee table should be the same height or one to two inches lower than your sofa cushions and its length should be around two-thirds of the length of your sofa.

If your space is small, you might consider options that offer more storage or that are easy to move around. Get creative with your choices! The key is to ensure the coffee table enhances the living space, rather than overwhelming it.

What to Look For in a Coffee Table

So now that you have your space sorted, here are a few tips to consider when you start browsing around stores or online. Buying a coffee table goes beyond just a beautiful design or an agreeable price tag. You want to consider functionality just as much as style. Do you need it to be sturdy to accommodate heavy books? Or do you need extra storage like drawers for remotes or magazines? By considering these questions you can choose a table that works with your lifestyle.

Different Types of Coffee Tables

When you have a clear idea of your space and functionality needs, it’s time to consider all the options. Coffee tables come in various shapes, sizes and styles and we’re going to get down to the nitty-gritty of it.

From traditional rectangular and square ones to trendy round or oval options, there’s a shape to fit every lounge. A rectangular coffee table with storage might be perfect for larger rooms and a round one could be the answer to those with less square footage.

Choosing the Right Material

What your coffee table is made of, will affect both its aesthetic appeal and its durability. Each material has its charms and challenges. While timber tables can bring a warmth and classic feel to a room, they can be very heavy. Metal or glass tables can add a modern, edgy vibe, but can easily show stains like finger marks or water rings. The most important thing to remember is that you want the material to compliment the rest of your home décor, not clash with it.

Coffee Table Décor Tips

You’ve ordered your coffee table, it’s been delivered, and it fits perfectly in your space. Good work! Now, what? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Less is often more when it comes to decorating your coffee table.
  • Choose a few key pieces – a stylish tray to keep things neat, a chic coffee table book or two, a pretty plant or fresh flowers, and your favourite decorative accessories. 
  • Balance out the height of your pieces and do not obstruct the view across the table. 
  • Experiment with different looks until you find the one you love.

So there you have it, your ultimate guide to buying a coffee table. Remember to be true to your style and needs, and you can’t go wrong. Browse Living Emporium’s range of coffee, side and sofa tables to find the perfect fit for your living space.