How to Choose a Coffee Table

A coffee table can do a lot of work. It needs to accommodate books, magazines, drinks, food – and even game night games. You may want to put your feet on it, or the kids may need a place to color. Plus, it’s usually right in the middle of the room, and you won’t miss it – so make sure it’s a good one.

When you’re choosing a coffee table, keep the following in mind.

Before choosing a coffee table, first think about what you need it to do for you, or what is missing in your room, and choose a table that will provide a solution.

To find out which size coffee table is best for your room, start by marking its footprints with painter’s tape. This will allow you to see the scale of the work in the room and how it affects the surrounding furniture.

If you have a very large room and a large coffee table, you can break the size of the table by placing a pair of footstools or benches on either side of the table, as shown in this example. When there is a party, they can be moved out of the way for better circulation, but for everyday use, these extra seats help connect a sofa at one end and a pair of chairs at the other. Be sure to use a pair of footstools – not just one.

When you have two sofas or any larger seating arrangement, a large coffee table seems like the obvious solution. But also consider a pair of matching coffee tables. They will take your attention off a large piece of furniture and make it easier for your eyes to move around the room.

A classic coffee table measures 48 x 24 inches, so you can plan around that size when considering your furniture arrangement. A large coffee table is usually twice that size: 48 inches square.

If you have a tendency to spill coffee, or if your child will use the coffee table for snacks and drinks, a lip on the coffee table or the top of the tray is always a wise choice. They are also good if you entertain guests regularly and don’t want to worry about red wine spilling on the carpet.

The coffee table should be the same height as the surrounding seats, with an average height of 18 inches (although this depends on your furniture). If you choose a coffee table with an edge, make sure the edge is not higher than the adjacent seat, otherwise you will end up hitting the edge when you try to put your drink down. The idea is to put your drink down, not up.

If you don’t want the coffee table to be the focal point of the room, choose a coffee table with a glass top and a finish that blends in with the rest of the room, as shown in this example. This will interest the eye in all the items in the room, not just the one layer designed.

A metal base with a glass top is another great option to keep your room feeling open. They are also great when you have a special rug and don’t want to block the view from it. Keep glass cleaner handy, though, as fingerprints are unavoidable.

Keep in mind that for most glass tops (if they are not recessed), you will see a green tint on the side. You can order specialty glass that does not have this shade, but it is more expensive.

Or maybe you want your space to look more comfortable (and you need some storage space). Keep baskets, suitcases, and old suitcases under a simple leg coffee table, in the floor space, otherwise too open.

Solid desktops usually have a very square corner. If you have small children or tight circulation, leave extra space at both ends so it will be easier to get around corners without hitting your calves.

Choose the color of the upholstered coffee table, as it will draw people to the sofas and chairs around them. Place a tray on top for books and other items (and soften bold colors, such as pink in the picture).

Choose fabrics wisely, as people may want to lift their feet (and shoes) up. Outdoor fabrics can be smart; Avoid linen and fabrics that contain a lot of rayon or viscose.

Take a sample home and test it out with dirt, red wine, or whatever you think your coffee table will encounter to make sure the fabric you choose can handle all situations.

Place the upholstered ottoman 18 inches away from the sofa or chair so that you can easily lift your feet and make sure the height is in line with the surrounding seats.

If you’re buying a tufted footstool, consider the depth of the tuft – especially if you’re planning to eat on it. Debris gets into the tufts and is not always easy to remove.

A round coffee table helps with circulation, especially if there are many seats available, as shown in this example. If not every seat will be able to reach the table, make sure you have another surface on hand.

Using vintage objects as coffee tables adds a bit of history to the room – a story, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. Make sure the part is stable and all connections are secure. If you need to refurbish the piece, ask the supplier exactly what it is made of, as this will help with the refurbishment process.

Another consideration is how it will be placed on the floor or carpet and whether it will damage those surfaces. Broken table legs or rusty metal bases can scratch or stain the floor. Second-hand stores sometimes leave unrenovated areas, so be sure to check them out.

The carved wood coffee table tells its own story and can add natural elements and warmth to a room with multiple upholstery. Sealants, and of course, coasters, can help protect surfaces from water damage.

Sometimes, a coffee table that doesn’t meet the standard height or width is just what the room needs. In this example, a very low coffee table creates a clear level in the foreground, showing a white sofa on the floor-to-ceiling window wall of the room in the background.

The best rule when buying a coffee table is to make sure the table fits your space as well as your aesthetic.