Choosing the perfect coffee table isn’t just about finding a place to set your remote controls or magazines. It’s about enhancing your living room’s style, complementing your seating arrangement, and adding functionality to your space.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece, a practical surface for family rooms, or a design that balances with your decor, this ultimate guide will walk you through every step to help you choose a coffee table that’s as beautiful as it is practical.
Functionality
Before getting into shapes and sizes, take a moment to think about how the right coffee table for you will be used daily. Is it mainly a place to put drinks and decor, or will it be a makeshift desk, storage solution, or even a casual dining spot as you sit on the sofa watching TV? Knowing how to choose a coffee table is more than just its design.
For example, in family rooms where TV time and game nights are regular events, a coffee table with storage for remotes, game controllers, and magazines might make more sense. Do you need a bit more workspace, or would you prefer to eat in the living room? A lift-top coffee table that adjusts to the height of your sofa could be ideal. If you're entertaining guests frequently, a larger table with a durable surface area will be perfect for holding snacks and drinks while still leaving room for decor.
Coffee Table Shape
Shape is one of the first visual elements that can dictate how a coffee table fits within a seating arrangement. The layout of your space and your personal preference will dictate what shape you choose.
Square Coffee Table Shape: The Balanced Choice
A square coffee table creates symmetry in your living space and can anchor a large room. This shape is especially well-suited for larger sofas or sectionals, providing balance and filling the space beautifully. To enhance this look, you could add two square tables side-by-side to double the surface area and give it a unique, modern look.
Round Coffee Tables: Soft Lines and Safety
Round coffee tables bring a friendly, relaxed vibe to any space. They’re a great option for smaller spaces or homes with young children, as they lack sharp edges.
A round coffee table is also wonderful for creating smooth traffic flow around seating areas, making them ideal for more compact or circular seating arrangements. In addition, the absence of corners on a round table means fewer bumps for little ones and a gentle, inviting look for any room.
Rectangular Coffee Table: The Classic, Practical Option
A rectangular coffee table may be your best bet if you’re aiming for a timeless look that works well with nearly any sofa configuration. The rectangular shape offers ample surface area for decor and functional items like remote controls and books, all while keeping an organized, cohesive look. This shape is a natural fit with standard sofas, as it provides balance and proportion without overwhelming the space.
Oval Coffee Tables: Merging Function with Form
For a softer take on the classic rectangle, oval coffee tables offer a combination of elegance and practicality. Their rounded edges make them more family-friendly than sharp-cornered rectangular tables, while the elongated shape beautifully complements a traditional sofa or sectional. This shape can be an especially stylish option for those who prefer a blend of curves and structure in their living room decor.
Size of Coffee Tables: Striking the Right Balance
The size of the coffee table isn’t only about making sure it fits in your room. It’s about finding the right proportion with your seating and other furniture pieces.
As a general rule, the table should be about two thirds the width of your sofa, giving you enough space to reach items without the table feeling oversized. For the height, aim to have the coffee table as close as possible to the sofa’s seat cushions. This balance in both height and length makes the table easily accessible and comfortable for everyday use.
Coffee Table Design
A coffee table should enhance the overall design of your room, not detract from it, while meeting your personal preferences. If your room has a modern feel, a sleek glass top or metal coffee table can add an edgy and sophisticated touch. A wooden table, especially one with a visible grain, will complement more traditional or rustic decor. Whatever your choice, let the table’s design align with your room’s existing style while adding its own unique charm.
Coffee Table Material
The material of a coffee table can set the tone for the entire space, so choose your material carefully. Glass tops on coffee tables are excellent for creating an airy feel in small rooms, as they allow light to pass through and keep the space feeling open.
Conversely, coffee tables with a wooden frame add warmth and depth, offering a classic look that blends well with various styles. Metal coffee tables lend an industrial or modern twist to the room, while tables made from stone or marble introduce a luxurious, high-end vibe.
For the family room or families with small children, consider the durability of each material. While glass coffee tables can look elegant, they might not be the best choice if you’re worried about fingerprints, scratches, or sharp corners. However, wood, stone, and metal can withstand more wear and tear while maintaining their appearance.
Coffee Table Height
Height is a crucial factor when choosing a coffee table. The table should be about the same height as the sofa's seat cushion or just slightly lower for optimal comfort. This placement ensures the table doesn’t feel too bulky or delicate and allows for easy reach.
Keeping the table’s width at about two-thirds of your sofa's total length ensures it fits comfortably without overtaking the seating area. If you have a smaller coffee table size, place side tables on each side of the sofa for extra surface area.
Coffee Table Placement: Finding the Perfect Spot
Placement is just as important as figuring out how to choose a coffee table. It can make or break a coffee table’s functionality. Place the coffee table in the center of your seating area, allowing 12-18 inches between the table and surrounding seating for easy legroom and access. This center stage also makes it easier to walk around the table without feeling cramped.
In larger living rooms, consider adding side tables for more surface spots. You could also place the coffee table in front of the sofa and use square or round tables. This layered approach can help prevent the room from feeling too spacious or empty.
Cost of Coffee Tables: Balancing Quality with Budget
Coffee tables come at various prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end, designer pieces. While choosing the least expensive option is tempting, a higher-quality coffee table can serve you well over the years.
Determine your budget and think about the materials, design, and durability you’re seeking. If your coffee table will be used frequently or in a family room, it’s worth investing a little more for a table that’s built to last.
Types of Coffee Tables
The type of coffee table you choose depends on both your style preferences and practical needs. With so many options, there’s something for every space and design preference.
Standard Coffee Tables
Ideal for: Traditional or minimalist spaces where a functional surface is all that’s needed.
Standard coffee tables are often the go-to option for those looking for a traditional, classic feel. Typically featuring a simple design, they come in rectangular, square, and sometimes round coffee table shapes.
These coffee tables often focus on form and balance, serving as a functional surface without additional storage or complex features. Standard coffee tables work well in various settings and are available in a range of materials — from rich, polished wood for a classic look to sleek metal or glass for a modern edge. Their straightforward design means they can blend seamlessly with other furniture pieces, making them a versatile choice for almost any living room layout.
Coffee Tables With Storage
Ideal for: Busy households, family rooms, or anyone who values a clutter-free living area with a touch of style.
If you’re aiming for both style and utility, coffee tables with built-in storage offer the best of both worlds. These tables often feature drawers, shelves, or compartments, helping to keep your living room tidy by providing extra space for items like remote controls, books, magazines, or even small blankets.
Storage coffee tables are a lifesaver for families or anyone who enjoys a clutter-free living area. Storage options vary widely, from a single large drawer beneath the tabletop to several compartments and shelves, allowing easy organization. Some designs even incorporate baskets or cubbies, which add texture and style to the table while offering additional storage capacity.
Upholstered Coffee Table
Ideal for: Cozy living rooms, family rooms, or as a functional and comfortable accent in spaces where people gather.
An upholstered coffee table, often doubling as a large ottoman, brings both comfort and versatility to a living space. With a padded, fabric, or leather surface, these tables are perfect for resting your feet after a long day, and they can also provide extra seating during gatherings.
Many upholstered options come in round or square table shapes, creating a cozy, relaxed vibe. In some designs, the top lifts off to reveal hidden storage inside, giving you a discreet place to stash items like board games, blankets, or pillows. These tables work especially well in family rooms or media rooms where comfort is key. Upholstered tables are also ideal for homes with children since the soft surface reduces the risk of injury from sharp corners.
Nesting Coffee Table
Ideal for: Small spaces, versatile layouts, and homes that need extra surfaces for entertaining guests or rearranging seating.
Nesting coffee tables are a stylish, flexible option that consists of two or more tables that can nest together or be pulled apart for additional surfaces when needed. Typically, the smaller tables fit neatly beneath the larger ones, perfect for maximizing space in compact rooms.
These tables offer a dynamic solution for homes that occasionally need more surface area, such as when entertaining guests. Nesting tables come in a range of styles, including sleek glass and metal designs or rustic wood sets, allowing you to mix and match or keep them grouped for a layered look. Some nesting sets even come in different shapes and heights, adding visual interest and functionality.
Lift Top Coffee Table
Ideal for: Small apartments, multipurpose living rooms, and anyone who uses their coffee table as a workspace or dining surface.
Lift-top coffee tables are a fantastic option for those who want a multifunctional piece of furniture. These tables are designed with a top surface that can be lifted and extended toward you, allowing you to use it as a desk, dining surface, or workspace while sitting on your sofa. Lift-top tables are particularly useful for people who frequently work or eat in the living room, providing a more comfortable and ergonomic solution.
Many lift-top tables also include hidden storage beneath the top, making them a practical choice for smaller living spaces. Available in various finishes, from wood to modern laminates, lift-top tables combine functionality with style.
Unique Coffee Tables Made From Natural Materials
Ideal for: Modern, rustic, or eclectic homes where the coffee table serves as both a functional piece and a statement.
For those seeking a unique, eye-catching piece, coffee tables crafted from natural materials add an organic, artistic touch to any room. These tables can include live-edge wood, where the tree's natural shape is preserved, and options crafted from stone, marble, or even tree stumps.
Live-edge tables celebrate the natural contours of the wood, adding character and warmth. Stone and marble tables, on the other hand, bring a sense of luxury and durability to the space, with each piece featuring unique patterns and textures.
These tables often come in abstract or irregular shapes, giving them a sculptural quality that can make a room feel curated and sophisticated. They're perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty and want a one-of-a-kind centerpiece.
Your Dream Coffee Table Awaits at BlvdEight
Choosing the perfect coffee table is a journey that combines style, functionality, and personality. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek glass table, a cozy upholstered ottoman, or a natural stone statement piece, there’s a perfect option waiting for you at BlvdEight.
Explore our collection of high-quality, luxurious coffee tables and find the one that complements your living space beautifully. With BlvdEight, elegance, and craftsmanship come together to create furniture that transforms your home.