Design 101

Tips To Choose The Best Coffee Table

Published: September 26, 2024

Redesigning your living room? If so, it might be time to shop for a new coffee table. 

Your coffee table is the center of activity in the room — it provides a sturdy surface for snacks, drinks, board games, books, kids’ activities, and more. The right coffee table for your space is both practical and aesthetic, meeting your needs while complementing your interior design style. 

Ready to get started? Here’s our coffee table buying guide to help you make the best choice for your space.

How To Choose a Coffee Table

So, you need a new coffee table. Where should you start? 

Don’t just walk into your local furniture store and choose something that looks nice. Before you start shopping, consider a few factors to make sure your new table will be a good fit. 

Follow these four steps to decide what kind of coffee table you’re looking for.

1. Determine a location

First, where will the table be placed in your room? Your coffee table location will determine the size, shape, and style you’re looking for. 

Traditionally, the coffee table is placed in front of your primary seating location. You’ll want your table within reach of wherever you usually sit, whether that’s on a couch or in a lounge chair or recliner. If you don’t want your coffee table to be the room's focal point, consider placing it to the side of your sofa or between two chairs. 

How far should a coffee table be from the couch?

A coffee table that’s too far from the couch (or your primary seating spot) isn’t serving its purpose. To find the ideal coffee table location, sit in your favorite spot with a hot drink, lean back, and then lean forward to see how far you can comfortably reach to set the drink down. 

You don’t want to place the table too close to your sofa, either. Make sure there's enough leg room to settle onto the couch and stretch out without bumping a knee or shin on your coffee table.

2. Select a coffee table shape

Once you’ve nailed down the perfect spot for your coffee table, it’s time to choose a shape. Here are a few of the most common choices.

Round coffee tables

A round coffee table can be a great way to soften a space with a lot of hard angles and edges. Consider a round or oblong coffee table if you’re a fan of curved furniture — or if you want to offset the straight lines in your decor.  

Square coffee tables

Square coffee tables are ideal for smaller rooms. They can fit neatly between a couch and an ottoman and offer a wide surface for activities without taking up too much space.

Rectangular coffee tables

Rectangular coffee tables are more common than round or square ones. You might opt for a rectangular table if you have a long sofa and enjoy traditional decor styles.

3. Choose a coffee table size

Next, determine your ideal coffee table size. There are two factors to consider here:

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Surface area: Is your table just a place to put drinks, or do you need more room for dining, storing books and magazines, or playing games?

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Height: Short coffee tables offer a low profile, ideal for a minimalist space, whereas taller tables are often more functional.

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How tall should a coffee table be?

The surface of your coffee table should be high enough to comfortably reach from your favorite seat (without too much bending and stretching). If you plan on using your table for eating, working, and other activities, you may want one with a taller height.  Remember that the coffee table's height is relative to your seat height. Measure your sofa from floor to cushion so you know where each coffee table will land as you compare options. 

4. Choose a material to fit your space

Coffee tables come in all kinds of materials. Here are a few of the most common:

Glass coffee tables:

Glass coffee tables are modern and sleek. However, they require regular cleaning to prevent streaks.

Wood coffee tables

If you love traditional home décor, consider a wood coffee table. Just make sure the wood tone matches other furniture in your living room — for example, a dark wood coffee table may stand out in a Scandinavian-style room full of birch and oak. 

Marble and stone coffee tables

Stone coffee tables are perfect for a rustic look. Or, if you’re a fan of luxurious home decor, consider a marble-top coffee table with gold accents.

How To Choose Your Coffee Table Style

Now that you have an idea of the size, shape, and material you’re looking for, it’s time to choose the perfect style. 

Your coffee table should go with the rest of the furniture in your living room. That said, it doesn’t have to be a perfect match. It’s okay to choose a vintage coffee table for your coastal living room, for example, so long as the colors don’t clash and you feel like it’s a good fit.

When in doubt, keep it simple. A neutral white coffee table or black coffee table will easily complement your current style. 

How To Decorate Your Coffee Table

Universal Furniture

Does that empty coffee table look weird in your space? Style it! There are many ways to style a coffee table without limiting its function. 

Here are some ideas:

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Add colorful storage baskets to the bottom of a two-tiered coffee table.

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Keep a stack of decorative coasters on the table.

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Add a plant or vase with dried flowers.

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Buy a few coffee table books to store on or under the table.

Coffee Table Features

A great coffee table is more than just a flat surface. Here are some helpful features to consider:

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Storage: Drawers and under-table storage can help reduce clutter in your living room.

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Lift-tops: If you like to work or eat at your coffee table, consider a lift-top table that brings the surface to a more functional height.

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Wheels: If you have limited floor space, a coffee table on wheels can be easily rolled aside to open up your living room.

Traditional Coffee Table Alternatives

Coffee tables serve an essential function in your living room. But that doesn’t mean every home needs a traditional coffee table — here are some functional alternatives that might be a better fit for your space.

Storage ottoman

The right storage ottoman will save space, offering an additional seat or place to rest your feet while providing storage for blankets and pillows. You can place a wooden serving board on the ottoman if you need a hard surface for setting drinks.

Poufs

Modern poufs are perfect for casual seating arrangements. A pouf can be used as a footrest, seat, or place to rest a drink or snack. Collecting a set of poufs in multiple colors and styles will add an eclectic touch to your living room.

Nesting tables

If you need more functional surfaces than just one coffee table, consider nesting tables to reduce clutter. These tables stack together when you’re not using them and can be pulled out for eating, playing, and hanging out. 

Make a Statement With Your New Coffee Table

Your coffee table is one of the most functional pieces of furniture in your living room. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Take time to compare the best coffee tables and choose an option that fits your needs, space, and style. Who’s to say your coffee table can’t serve a function and make a statement?

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