A Coffee Table is a low table made to be placed in the middle of (or in front of) the sofa or upholstered chairs to hold drinks, books, magazines, decorative objects, and other items utilized during sitting.
In Europe, the first tables explicitly designed for use as coffee tables were built in Britain in the latter part of the Victorian period. Later, it was constructed as low table, and this idea could have been derived directly from earlier in the Ottoman Empire, based on the tea table used in gardens.
But, since the style of Anglo-Japanese was very popular in Britain during the 1870s to the 1880s and tables with low legs were commonplace in Japan, it is likely to be a similar origin for the idea of a long low table.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Table?
A coffee table needs to be proportional in relation to your sofa as a general guideline is that the table you purchase must be at least one-half of the length of the couch, but not more than the sofa. A pleasant medium-sized length of 3/4 or two-thirds is ideal.
The height of your table should be approximately in line with the couch’s height to some inches.
So, what kind of table is the best to use with your couch?
It is dependent on the type of sofa you own! If you have a conventional horizontal sofa, we suggest going with rectangular or oval coffee tables.
If you have a sectional or L-shaped sofa and want to make it look more modern, we suggest choosing the square or round table to blend in perfectly.
Make sure you think about how you would like to embellish the surface of your table before purchasing one. Are you looking to showcase the books you have on your coffee table? Do you want an album of family photos? A tray for your coffee table? A bouquet? Candles? The options are endless; it’s always enjoyable to design the look prior to the time! Take note of the colors you’d like to incorporate before you start to make sure that everything is just perfect!
However, you could absolutely make it work adhering to these guidelines if you are really keen on a specific table!
Coffee Table Shapes
Here are the primary designs of coffee tables that you can pick from:
Oval Coffee Table
Oval coffee tables excel for balancing design and function. They are great for promoting movement and have plenty of space to store things on the top. There are no sharp edges, and oval tables are perfect for families with children!
Rectangular Coffee Table
Rectangular tables are more contemporary and offer the largest area of the surface to work on.
Round Coffee Table
Round Table can be very inviting to large families and guests who might want to dine around the table while watching a film. Put some floor poufs on the opposite side, and you’ll have a great time!
Square Coffee Table
Square coffee tables give an attractive and symmetrical appearance in your space. They’re the most practical shape for a table and may even have storage underneath the table.
Materials for a Coffee Table
Our most loved coffee tables are typically made from wood, brass, marble or glass. Here are a few suggestions for each of the materials.
Marble Coffee Table
Marble Coffee Tables are among the most sought-after coffee tables.
Marble is an expensive and heavy material for a table but also looks very classy.
Brass Table
Brass coffee tables that are aged are a great way to add a vintage look to your living space.
Wood Table
A wood table is an excellent option for farmhouse-style homes and those who want an authentic, rustic feel to their living space.
Glass Table
Glass coffee tables are a minimal approach to the table and let the sofa draw more focus.
Mirrored Coffee Table
Mirrored coffee tables can add an elegant touch to any living space.
Alternative Ideas for Coffee Tables
There’s no need to adhere to the traditional table even if it’s not something you wish to. Many families opt to choose a table that is made from unusual objects or materials. Imagine a vintage trunk to use as a table for coffee or an item from a flea market!
Here are some alternative ideas for coffee tables:
Ottoman Table
Some prefer to skip the table entirely. Some prefer a slightly modified version of the coffee table, the ottoman!
A lot of them have storage beneath and even under the surface!
Nesting Coffee Tables
A recent interior design trend that I am seeing increasing is the nesting coffee tables.
Nesting coffee tables are separate tables with different sizes and heights that connect to create an assemblage of coffee tables. The nesting table can be a great way to add extra dimensions to the living space.
Freeform Coffee Table
The Freeform tables can be described as unique formed tables that can’t have a standard shape. They could be loosely square or rectangular to give you an idea of where they can fit.
Group of Side Tables
Like the nesting coffee table, I’ve seen stunning living spaces with two side tables placed next to one another (often of different heights) to create an informal coffee table.
Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing a Coffee Table:
- Ensure that you consider your space when deciding on the size and design of your table.
- Ensure that the table isn’t too large or too small.
- Make sure your family-friendly table is set if that’s a criterion for you.
- To choose timeless finishes that you’ll cherish for many years to come.
Round Coffee Table
A well-designed coffee table will match the colors and style of your space so that it blends in and makes a statement in the same way.
If you’re in search of the perfect furniture for the living space, then you must be aware that an item of furniture that will never fail you is the round coffee table!
Why choose a round coffee table? The round shape is one of the more flexible shapes compatible with all types of sofas and designs.
Round Table Ideas:
Square Coffee table
A square table makes a big impression, best used in a big room.
For square coffee tables, you can divide the table into quadrants. Then, arrange four major objects: a stack of books or a tall plant, a tray, or a bowl set.
This grid appears well-organized and lively at the same time. You can move items around across the four quadrants until you get to the most effective display.
Square Table Ideas:
Gold Table
Gold Tables differ from those with stunningly polished brass to those with a gold leaf finish. Based on the style of your living space and the amount of sparkle that you are awed by, and the void that it must fill the space, you could select a stunning statement piece.
The stunning ideas that we came up with will definitely inspire you to bring some golden glitter to your living space and beyond!
Gold Coffee Table Ideas:
Farmhouse Coffee Table
Farmhouse Coffee Tables are available in various shapes and sizes, but they all have a few commonalities.
The most common farmhouse coffee tables use rustic wood, reclaimed and distressed wood, and are painted with a chippy finish.
These are the kind of tables you won’t worry about getting damaged due to hectic family life.
There are modern versions of farmhouse coffee tables that look elegant and well-designed. These tables may not be as durable but are as stunning as the traditional farmhouse tables.
Farmhouse Table Ideas
FAQ
What is the importance of the coffee table?
After your seating, it's the main piece in your living space as it is where you can place drinks as well as your TV remote, books, and the perfect place to sit your feet. Every living space needs one.
How do I select the perfect size coffee table?
Take a measurement of your length on the couch or chair grouping. Pick a coffee table that has an elevation that is not less than two inches less than the height of the sofa or chair cushion. The table's length should be approximately two-thirds the length of the sofa.
Can a coffee table be taller then the couch?
The size of the coffee table is vital. It must be at least 2 inches away from the seat of your sofa. The typical height for tables is 16-18 inches. It is a good match perfectly with a standard couch. A larger sofa will require an even taller table that measures 20 to 21 inches high.
How small is too small for a coffee table?
As a general rule of thumb the coffee table must have minimum half large as your couch and should not be too low to the floor. Choose a table that is at least as tall as the cushions on your sofa. Be sure to take into consideration whether your sofa cushions are sinking as sitting down.
Can I use a side table as a coffee table?
Like many other options for coffee tables, because it's lightweight and compact it's easy to move around because it's small and light, it's easy to move around or repurpose in the room in another way if you tire of using it as your “coffee table.” A side table could definitely be used in lieu of an actual coffee table.
