Four Tips For Choosing The Right Coffee Table
The recent months at home have led many people to reevaluate the comfort and configuration of their furniture.
Whether you want to purchase all new furniture or upgrade the look of your family room, your coffee table may be a good place to start. If youre like most people, your coffee table functions as a serving table, a footrest, a repository for books and magazines, a workstation and your jigsaw-puzzle spot. Choosing the right size, shape and material for your coffee table can make a big difference in how it works and how long it lasts.
We asked two interior designers for tips on how to make this important choice: Robin Rains, owner of Robin Rains Interior Design in Nashville, and Heather Hilliard, owner of Heather Hilliard Design in San Francisco. Here are their four tips via email:
1. Size and placement are key. Its important to get the right size and shape table for your room, so get out your tape measure before searching, Rains wrote.
The height of the table should be generally between 14 to 20 inches tall, she wrote. I prefer the table to be approximately two inches lower than the seat height on your sofa. Keep approximately 16 inches from the edge of the table to the sofa and at least 28 to 30 inches to the TV cabinet or furniture opposite the sofa. A table should be two-thirds the length of your sofa for correct proportion.
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How Far Should The Coffee Table Be From The Sofa
Whenever youre planning the interior design of your space, the furniture layout is one crucial aspect that you should have in mind. You dont want to have a cramped space simply because you disregarded the importance of having adequate space between your furniture. When it comes to sofa and coffee table placement, the distance between the two should be between 14-18 inches.
5 Top Rated Coffee Tables That Go Well with Sofa
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When arranging your coffee table, you should ensure that youre left with adequate legroom and enough space for you to reach anything on the table. Whether its your coffee or perhaps the remote, the space left should be sufficient enough.
You do not want to hit your leg on the furniture when moving around, so its advisable to leave enough space when placing your furniture. The coffee table should be at least half the size of your sofas length. This will allow you to make the most of the available space.
Simple Steps To Picking Your Ideal Coffee Table
A living room without a coffee table is a lot like a supermodel without lipstick, undone. Just as lipstick is one detail that can complete a look, so too can the perfect coffee table. Coffee tables serve several purposes from completing a look, to storage and display they are much needed in a space. The question is which style will work for your room. Should you go with a wood one with chunky legs, metallic with a glass top should it be round, square or rectangular? The options are endless and at times can be overwhelming. My ten tips will help break down the maze of decisions and steer you in the direction of the perfect coffee table.
kateryna.m / Twenty20
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Low Table For A Low Couch
Though the short answer is yes, it can be taller, you dont want too much of a distance between the height of your coffee table and the height of your couch. Otherwise, you risk making it look awkward and unusable. There are couches and coffee tables that both are very low to the ground, so if you know you will have a low couch, it is best to look for a low coffee table and vice versa.
Sizing Up Your Options
The first notable difference between coffee tables and sofa tables is size. Sofa tables are much taller than coffee tables. Additionally, sofa tables tend to be long and narrow, whereas coffee tables come in a wide range of shapes and proportions.
Sofa Table Dimensions
Coming in at about the height of the back of your sofa, give or take a few inches, sofa tables are tall pieces. Some might even reach 33 inches in height and have a fairly narrow profile at about 15 inches -20 inches in depth. This makes them perfect for displaying and items behind a couch.
Coffee Table Proportions
Coffee tables, also called cocktail tables, are meant to sit at or below the seat height of your sofa. These pieces are 16 to 18 inches high and are available in an array of length and width options to provide a convenient table-top surface that fits your living room floor plan. Round, rectangular or square are common shapes for coffee tables, but less common designs such as octagonal, oval or freeform tables can add dynamic interest to your space.
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How Much Space Between Couch And Coffee Table
Picture this! You finally got around to buying that coffee table you love, but now youre not sure how close it should go to your couch, or maybe you already have your coffee table, but youre still feeling unsure about the placement. Well, weve looked in depth just how much space you should have between a couch and a coffee table and have an answer for you!
The space should be between 14 to 18 inches. Position your coffee table no closer than 14 inches away from your couch but no further than 18 inches. This range should give you enough space for legroom but keep the table close enough for its intended use. Any further away, and you or your company might have difficulty reaching it easily.
Now you have a range to consider when placing your coffee table by your couch, but please keep reading as we discuss this further. Well go over some important factors to consider when choosing your coffee table placement. Additionally, well answer some other questions regarding the space you should have around furniture in your living room!
Coffee Table Distance From Sofa
I am trying to determine the ideal size for a new coffee table that will sit between two sofas that face each other.
I read on BH& G that the length should be between 1/2 to 2/3 the length of the sofa.
I figure the width should be based on how far apart my sofas are and how much walking room is required between sofa and table. Any rules about the “walking room” between sofa and table?
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Where To Position Your Coffee Table
Dont leave the job of arranging your living room to chance employing a few key design rules will really pay off whatever the size and shape of the space.
Along with the sofa, the placement of your coffee table, will form the backbone of the entire look of your living room layout, not to mention the way you can use it. Positioning your coffee table, a piece of furniture which when well-chosen can become the focal point of the room, in the wrong place can make or break the way the space flows.
What Size of Coffee Table?
Choosing a new coffee table comes down to more than just looks size matters too. So, before you buy, there are a few insider tips to take into consideration.
- Coffee Table Height
Coffee tables come in all sorts of heights, but as a general rule of thumb, aim to keep the height of your coffee table pretty close to the height of your sofa give or take around four inches. This in order to allow you easy access to the table when sitting down.
- Coffee Table to Sofa Size Ratio
Getting this bit right will really ensure that the proportions of your living room are easy on the eye. Although there is no need to get the measuring tape out, try to ensure that your new coffee table is around half to two thirds of the size of your sofa.
- Coffee Table Size
The Centre Point of the Room
Focal Point Coffee Tables
However, choosing a coffee table as a focal point, particularly given its central position within the room, is a wise move.
Alternative Options For Coffee Tables
As much as there are several designs to choose from when selecting the right option, you dont have to settle for the traditional coffee table design. There are several alternatives you can opt for
- Ottomans these are perfect if you need a footrest and also additional storage. They also come in different designs, materials, and sizes.
- Free-form coffee tables they do not take any specific shape and can range from well-furnished tree trunks to loosely shaped rectangular or square designs available in different materials.
- Nesting coffee tables one way to spruce up your interior involves incorporating tables of varying sizes and shapes. This way youll be able to add more dimensions to your space from the coffee table cluster.
- Using side tables to achieve a casual coffee table design, you can place two or three side tables of varying heights close to each other.
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Coffee Table Length Or Width
The perfect length for a coffee table is about two-thirds the length of the sofa it complements. For example, if your couch is 6 feet long, you will want to purchase a coffee table that is 4 feet long. This length leaves plenty of room for you to walk on either side of the table, and the size difference between the couch and the table will give your living room some stylish depth as well.
To correctly determine the ideal length for a new coffee table, you should always take measurements of your couch before you make a purchase. If you are having a hard time finding a coffee table that is exactly two-thirds the length of your couch, just find one that will leave enough room on either side.
Length is sometimes called width in product descriptions, and the two are often interchangeable. Both width and length refer to the greatest distance that a piece of furniture occupies from one end to the other.
Choosing A Coffee Table Finish
Next, think about what kind of finish you want the coffee table to have.
Does the finish coordinate with the rest of your furniture?
Im a BIG fan of mixing a variety of finishes in a room.
You can mix painted and stained or stained and metallic easily for a visually interesting look.
Or think about mixing in woven or natural material coffee tables.
- Metallic
- Weathered
There are so many options, so you need to narrow down your choice by deciding what look you want to achieve.
Really think through now how it should look.
Do you want the coffee table to match the existing finishes in the room .
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Qualities To Look For:
This time I chose not only a beautiful coffee table, but one that was WAY more durable.
The white lacquered top completely changed the space and I can spray it down to clean perfect!
If you are putting the coffee table in a room that doesnt get a ton of use, then you can just think through getting one that looks good.
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Furniture Arranging Ideas For Rectangular Dining Room
In a rectangular dining space with no free walls, mix furniture pieces like chairs, benches, and settees for an eclectic look. For the best dining room furniture arrangement, duplicate the room shape with the shape of the table to maximize seating . Include storage, such as cabinets or bookcases, on the perimeter. Define the dining space with a rug that contrasts with the flooring.
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How Far Should A Coffee Table Be From The Couch
You might not have given much thought to how far away your coffee table should be. You might also have been surprised to find out that someone even took the time to calculate the best distance.
However, placing a coffee table in a living room isnt as simple as just centering it in the middle of your rug, despite what your OCD might tell you! The distance you decide to place your coffee table from the couch depends on a few things.
Consider Your Own Needs
Of course, when choosing the right coffee table for you or your family, you should consider your lifestyle. Do you need a piece with a lot of storage? Consider a storage piece. Are you one to play board games in the living room constantly? Make sure it’s a comfortable piece to gather around. Do you have a tendency to put your feet up on the coffee table when watching TV? Maybe an ottoman is a better option for you.
As for coffee tables that are kid-friendly, opt for a piece that has no sharp edges and isn’t made of glass. There are enough horror stories of kids breaking glass tops to know it’s NOT a good idea.
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Standard Size Of An End Table
When choosing your end table, the most important dimensions youll want to consider are height and width, as these will largely determine the functionality of your piece.
Therefore, lets first take a look at standard end table dimensions:
Standard end table height ranges between 18-24 inches. In other words, these tables range from approximately 1.5-2 feet off the ground, with an average width of around 16-22 inches.
Floating On The Floor
To float a couch means to place it away from a wall. In most cases, you can freely move around the entire couch. When you float a couch, you need to keep about 3 feet of space around the couch to allow movement around the furniture.
Of course, if you have a sofa table, end tables, or lighting, these will often be against the couch, so include them in the size of the couch and make sure there are about 3 feet of space around them.
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Different Types Of Materials:
- Woven
- Natural materials
Side note: upholstered coffee tables in fabric or leather look amazing, but arent the most practical since they are hard to clean. You also have to use a tray for drinks, so they are limited in their use.
Also think through how durable you need the top to be.
Do you need it to be cleanable or do you want to put your feet up on the table.
Can it handle people who dont or wont use a coaster?
My previous coffee table had a wood top and it took a beating! Here is a similar looking coffee table.
We used it without concern and propped up our feet, ate on it, and I would lay on the sofa and set my drink in the corner every night.
The finish wore off, chipped and eventually it ended up with a bunch of college kids LOL!
When I went to replace my old coffee table, I looked for different qualities this time.
Plus didnt just focus on getting a good looking table.
Furniture Arrangement By Shape
- Oval or rectangular coffee tables are best in smaller rooms or in rooms with 2 identical sofas facing each other
- Square or round coffee tables work well with sectional sofas or large furniture groupings
Lets look at some layouts get an idea of how the furniture can be arranged with the various shapes of coffee tables.
My main reason in showing you these layouts is to show you scale and the distance between furniture.
Two Sofas and a Rectangular Coffee Table
Having a rectangular table that is a little larger is perfect for this furniture layout with sofas directly across from each other and a chair at the end.
Everyone in the room has access to using the coffee table, so they can prop up their feet or set down a drink.
Sectional Sofa, Two Chairs, and a Round Coffee Table
Many people have sectional sofas and get confused by what shape table will look best.
The best approach with a sectional sofa is to focus on tucking the coffee table into the L shaped area.
Both a round or square table fit nicely in that space, if you have a shorter sectional like I show above.
If the sofa part of the sectional has 3 cushions and is longer, then an oversized rectangular coffee table may be best.
Deep Sofa, Two Deep Chairs, and a Large Square Coffee Table
In this layout, both the sofa and chairs are really deep at 44 inches.
Oversized furniture in larger rooms coffee tables have to be dealt with differently.
An oversized square coffee table looks amazing in a space like this!
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Placement Distance From The Sofa To A Coffee Table
A coffee table does double duty in your living room — as a decorative accent in front of the sofa, and as a functional space where you can set drinks, the TV remote and a magazine or two. Figuring out exactly where to put the table in relation to the sofa may seem tricky at first. If it’s too far away, you’ll need to lean or stand up to reach it from the sofa too close, and you won’t be able to squeeze between the table and sofa to sit down.