Coffee Tables

Coffee tables have a vast number of uses, depending on the occupants of the house and how they use the living or family room. So it’s worth considering who will be using a coffee table from the outset, and how this will impact choices such as design, height and material. For example, glass coffee tables and more delicate materials may not be best suited for a home where young children are likely to be using the table. Whereas, these types of materials may suit a more formal space better. To complement the lounge, consider adding side tables and console tables as they provide extra surface space for drinks, snacks, or decorative items.

If you are looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living space, then a glass coffee table can be a great option. Glass coffee tables are not only stylish but also functional, as they can provide a perfect platform for holding your drinks, books, or any decorative item. If you are someone who likes to keep up with the latest trends, then a designer coffee table could be an excellent choice for you. Designer coffee tables come in various shapes and styles, making them a perfect fit for any type of decor. If you have a large living room, then a square coffee table or a large coffee table can be an ideal option, providing ample space for your guests to gather around and enjoy their coffee or snacks. No matter which type of coffee table you choose, it can be a perfect addition to your living room, making it a warm and inviting space for you and your guests.

Sometimes the coffee table is chosen as the centrepiece. If this is the case, the style, colour and material chosen may be selected to contrast other elements of the room such as sofas, rugs and artwork. 

Often, the first consideration is the shape of the room rather than the shape of the coffee table. However, equally as important is the configuration of seating. In general, rectangular or oval coffee tables work well in smaller rooms, while square or round coffee tables are a good addition to rooms where there are large seating configurations. Round coffee tables can be the best option in houses where young children are likely to be playing because of the lack of sharp corners.  A 2 piece coffee table can also suit a flexible seating arrangement, with the smaller table moving when more surface area is needed.

In terms of size, there should always be ample room to move around the furniture in a room, and enough space to account for leg room between the sofa and coffee table. In general, a coffee table works well when it is no higher than the seat of the sofa. 

Because there are so many options available, there are a few important design elements to consider before selecting a coffee table. For smaller rooms, clear or acrylic tables can give the illusion of more space and create a more open feeling than a solid table would. In contrast, darker and solid materials such as different types of wood can create an elegant addition to a more traditional room, and work particularly well in larger spaces where their solidity of form doesn’t take away from the sense of space in the area. A black coffee table can reinforce darker joinery, flooring or soft furnishings while keeping the material choice visually simple. A marble coffee table introduces the veining and weight of natural stone, so its proportions and placement should be considered alongside the rest of the room.

An outdoor coffee table can provide a practical surface on a deck or covered terrace, with its material selected for the level of exposure and maintenance required.