The Basics Of Coffee Table Styling
August 20, 2020Rachel
Today Im also joining 4 of my friends as part of our monthly, Simply Home Series. We are all sharing our favorite tips for styling and sources for coffee table decor. Be sure to check them out at the bottom of this post!
Artfully decorating a coffee table elevates the style and feel of a living space. It adds layers and textures to a room in a small scale, but really makes a room look put together and intentional.
There are many ways all kinds of designers will style a coffee table, but over the years I have learned combinations and a method to the madness that works for me.
The first thing you want to do is gather all the smaller decor items that could possibly work to decorate your coffee table. Pictured above is items I pulled around my house so I could look at everything in one place. Anything that wasnt in the color palette of the room I was working in, I excluded.
What More Should Be Considered Before Buying A Coffee Table
Height is an important, but not the only factor that makes your preferred coffee table perfect. There are multiple aspects that should be considered before taking that final call. And now that you have a fair idea about deciding on the ideal height, lets have a look at some of the other points to take into account.
Length
Homeowners generally follow the two-thirds rule while determining the length of the coffee table. In that sense, the tables length should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa. So, for an average three-seat sofa thats 84-inch long, the length of the coffee table should be at least 54-inch.
This guideline ensures that the coffee table is in proportion to the seating around it and doesnt look disproportionately big or small. While long coffee tables can hinder movement, small tables dont provide adequate access to everyone sitting on the sofa.
This brings us to another crucial aspect-the placement. Make sure that you leave a minimum of 12 to 18-inch space between the coffee table and the surrounding seating. By doing so, you allow an averagely tall person to effortlessly get on and off the sofa.
Additionally, this gives him sufficient room to stretch the legs fully. And there are fewer risks of people bumping into the table while walking around.
Shape
Coffee tables come in various shapes, and each one has a role to play in enhancing the overall setup.
Color
Can A Coffee Table Be Longer Than The Sofa
If you are considering a coffee table that is longer than your sofa, its important to know that this is not recommended. Coffee tables are supposed to be placed in front of a couch, or between 2 or 3 couches. If your table is longer than your sofa, your space will look off-balance, based on traditional norms.
In addition, if your table is longer than your sofa, this will make it difficult for you and your guests to get up from the couch. And, depending on your specific layout, you may need to purposely walk around the table when you get up from the couch. This could become an annoyance.
Your coffee table should be shorter than your sofa in virtually every case.
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Standard Console Table Height
Console tables are often pushed against a wall or behind a sofa, so these aspects influence the standard console table heights. In general, a console table should be no taller than the sofa back height, or up to 1 inch below.
For entry console tables and buffet consoles, aim for around 33 inches . Otherwise, console tables are typically the same height as dining tables .
TV consoles are typically higher. For optimal TV viewing height, measure around 42 inches from the floor to the TVs center, then calculate your ideal console height. This matches a sofa seat height of 18 inches, plus 24 inches which is the general eye-level of an adult in a relaxed seating position.
Round Coffee Table Dimensions
Depending on the design, the surrounding seats, and the area of the living room, you can choose from an array of round and oval coffee tables in different dimensions. Again, you have to take note of the 2/3 rule in choosing the right round coffee table that will best complement your couch. As such, following this rule of thumb, if you have a 72 inches long sofa, your round coffee table should be 48 inches long.
But at standard, most round coffee tables are 30-48 inches long and 22-30 inches wide. Oval coffee tables are 54 inches long and 22 inches in width.
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Signs Your Coffee Table Is Too Small
If you have already purchased your coffee table and are wondering if it is too small, then this section will be helpful to you. Below, we will examine the signs that your coffee table is too small.
Your Back is Hurting
Your back will be the first to let you know that your coffee table is too small. When your table is too small, you will find yourself reaching and straining to use it. So, if the lower back pain kicks in when you sit down to use your table, chances are its too small and needs to be switched out.
The Room Feels Empty
A room without a large enough coffee table feels empty. When you walk into the room, it may feel like something is missing. If you see more floor than anything when you sit down in your living room, it could be that your coffee table is dollhouse-sized
There is Not Enough Room for Your Things
If your coffee table is too small, youll find yourself rearranging things often. This could be because you just dont have enough space for your things. Since your coffee table should fit your needs , it should be large enough for you to use it how you prefer.
Ultimately, if you feel like your coffee table is too small, it probably is. At that point, you should take action to make your space more comfortable and functional.
The Living Room Rules You Should Know
Its pop-quiz time, how many of you are currently sitting in your living room, looking around at things and wondering why something feels off but you cant totally put your finger on it? If you have to take a second to think about it then this post is for you. And if you are confident that youve got everything all together in your living room then this is a good quiz for you to take to see how your living room measures up to EHDs Living Room Rules. Think of these as the 10 Commandments of arranging furniture in your living room although technically there are 22 rules. However unlike said commandments sometimes design rules can be broken and things can still look good. We get it, its confusing, but we pulled these together to act more as guidelines to follow more so than rules. All of these rules below should help you answer the basic questions that we get asked every day like, how tall should my coffee table be in comparison to my couch or how big should my rug be if my living room is blank big or maybe where should I hang my TV?
In case you need more design rules, check out: Bedroom Design Rules | Dining Room Rules
Today we are talking living room layout, planning rules and all the basics so that you and your living room feel pulled together.
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Can You Put A Sofa Table Against A Wall
Even if your sofa can actually be pushed against the wall and you wouldn’t technically need a sofa table to fill the space, you can still have one. … It would allow you to display a few items behind the sofa and even have a place to put a couple of table lamps and it would take up very little floor space.
How To Get The Perfect
When you plan to buy a new coffee table, you must first do a thorough analysis of your living room furniture. This is essential to find a size at coordinates with all the other pieces in your living.
You must get a tape and measure all the height of your sofa set, of your TV compartment and the other furniture pieces in your living room. These measurements will be the building block for selecting a good coffee table that will be great for your space.
It would help if you had the dimensions of length, height with depth, and the placement style of your coffee table to make a wise decision.
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Coffee Table Size Rules
You can consider this section as just a summary of what we have mentioned in the previous ones. So here is a rundown of the coffee table size rules that you should always keep in mind when that redecoration comes kicking.
In terms of height, the coffee table should be at least 16-18 inches high or as high as your sofas cushion. Having the coffee table at 2-3 inches lower than the sofa cushion is still tolerable.
On the other hand, remember that the ideal width for a coffee table should be 2/3 the width of the couch. If the placement is at the center of the seating, each side must be at an equal space with all the seats. As for the length, it should be at a range of 32-48 inches or more depending on the length of the sofa too. In terms of depth, always follow the 30-inch rule.
Tips For Decorating A Room With A Small Coffee Table
Even if you know that your coffee table is too small, there are some things that you can do to make your small coffee table work. The following list will give you some helpful tips:
- Ensure balance. If your coffee table is small and you have no intention of purchasing another one, you can change up other parts of your living room to help with balance. For instance, you can incorporate side tables on the side of each of your couches, or you can bring in other pieces of furniture to fill in empty space.
- Mind your rug. If your coffee table is small, make sure that you havent paired it with an oversized rug. Your coffee table and rug should be proportionate. Choose a small-to-medium rug to draw attention away from the fact that your coffee table is small.
- Create a multi-piece table. Who says that you cant have multiple coffee tables? If the one that you have is too small, you can add one right next to it or in front of another couch .
- Push your furniture closer to the table. Furniture does not have to be against a wall. If your tiny table is far away from your furniture, this can look awkward. Moving your furniture closer to your table can make your room decor feel a lot more cohesive.
- Choose a smaller couch. Addressing the scale of your furniture can make a lot of difference. To make your existing table look larger, you can consider pairing it with smaller furniture. For instance, a loveseat would look much better with a tiny coffee table than a traditional sofa would.
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Pay Attention To The Proportions
Similarly to finding a coffee table that has the right height, you should look for one that has the right length in relation to the width of your sofa. Specifically, your coffee table should be approximately two-thirds the length of your sofa. So for a 96-inch sofa, for instance, you should look for a coffee table that’s 64 inches long.
Coffee Table Dimension Guide
Are you overwhelmed by the many coffee table height and length options available to you and have no idea of how to choose the right one? Are you confused about all the rules that you need to remember to avoid choosing the wrong one? Keep reading to find out what measurements you need to take and what coffee table dimensions you need to know in order to create a comfortable space for you and your guests.
Prior to embarking on your search, pull out your tape measure. Certain measurements need to be taken to find a table thats a perfect fit. A coffee table in proper scale with surrounding furniture will keep the overall look in proportion.
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Next I Recommend 20 Sofa Tables That I Think Are The Best For You
Tribesigns Sofa Table, Narrow Long Sofa Table
Unique Design
The X-shaped structure ensures strong load stability, no wobbling problem when freestanding on the floor. Wooden finish mixed with a black metal frame creates a rustic style.
Large Storage Space
3 tiers open shelves design adds an additional storage space for your stuff, you can find a good place for your organize bins, books, decorations, plants, DVDs, beverages, magazines.
Multifunctional Use
Our narrow and long table is great as a console table, sofa table, TV console table for entryway, hallway unit, behind of your couch and living room.
Size: 11.81″D x 70.86″W x 35.43″H
$209.99
Tribesigns 70.9″ Sofa Table,3 Tiers
Suit for Different Occasion
It is long and narrow, so it suits the hallway, entryway, or behind the couch. It would not take too much space but can offer big storage space. This console table suits 85 inches sofa.
Freestanding and Stable
Putting this table behind the couch or the entryway is all your choice. Each tier of the console table has extra bars to support on the back, ensuring stability. The board is manufactured wood in E1 level, which is easy to clean and water-proof.
Simple and Industry style
The board is brown and the frame is black. The whole design is simple and more like Rustic or Industry Style. It can be a decoration to your home and also can be the storage space in your home.
Size70.86″D x 13.77″W x 35.43″H
$189.99
Easy to Assemble
The Number Of Sofas You Have
If you have one sofa, you may be able to get away with a small coffee table since your coffee table would need to only serve people sitting on that one couch.
However, if you have more than one couch, you should opt for a larger table that is able to serve both of your sofas. There is nothing more annoying than eating on your lap.
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How Tall Should A Coffee Table Be In Comparison To A Sofa
Coffee tables, as a general rule, should be equal to or lower than the height of the seat cushions on the sofas they will sit amongst. Interior designers recommend that the ideal height of a coffee table is either level with the sofa seat cushions or between one and four inches shorter than the sofas seat cushions.
If the coffee table is any more than four inches shorter than the sofa, then it will look out of proportion with the surrounding furniture and also be at an awkward height to place drinks on while youre seated at the sofa. Keeping your furniture in proportion with other items in the room is important so that the space flows nicely and looks visually appealing. Well-proportioned furniture also has functional benefits which can make your daily life easier and more comfortable.
What Is The Perfect Height For A Coffee Table
3.9/5
Likewise, is it OK for coffee table to be taller than couch?
RULE: Your coffee table should be no more than 4 higher or shorter than the top of your sofa seat cushions. To avoid the awkward visual of having your coffee table too high or low in relation to your sofa’s seat cushion use the 4-inch rule.
Additionally, how do I choose a coffee table? The standard coffee table height is between 16″ and 18″, however, we recommend choosing a coffee table height that pairs well with your sofa. We recommend choosing a coffee table with a height that is the same as your sofa cushions, or 1″ 2″ lower. This allows you to easily grab any drinks or food off the tabletop.
Also know, how can I increase the height of my coffee table?
How to Raise Up Coffee Tables
What is the proper height of an end table?
End Table Height. End tables should be within two inches of a sofa’s arm height. For example, if the sofa’s arm is 22″ tall, a proper end table can be anywhere from 20″ 24″ tall.
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Strike The Right Balance
Another handy rule to follow when choosing a coffee table is its “weightiness.” In other words, it should complement the other furniture in the room to make the space feel proportional and balanced. What does this all mean? If your sofa has high skinny legs, consider a table that’s solid all the way to the ground or has shorter chunkier legs. On the other hand, if your sofa has no visible legs, choose a coffee table that has higher skinnier legs. An interior designer once told me that when a room feels too “leggy,” it doesn’t feel as groundedand it’s something that’s never left me.