how to choose the right size and shape coffee table for your living room

Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table

 

After spending countless hours browsing the web to find the great couch, rug and accent chairs, you are so proud of yourself that you're so close to complete the living room.  The only item that is missing and more often gets overlooked is : Coffee Table.  Now it's time to add those finishing touches that will truly make your living space feel like home.

One of the most asked questions we have received is how to find the right coffee table that match with the sofa, the rug and tie the room together. It could be a difficult task because not only coffee table is often the last piece of furniture you pick for your living room but it comes in thousands of different shapes, sizes, and material options. Which one would be ideal and look best in your space?

The Ultimate Guide to Pick the Perfect Coffee Table

This guide will help you make the most informed decision of how to pick the right sizes, shapes and style for your coffee table. Follow these simple steps to make your coffee table shopping a breeze:

First up: Decide the shape of a Coffee Table

Round, Rectangle, Oval, Square, Nesting Tables, everyone has their own preference, yet the general rule to achieve balance is to consider what type of sofas you have. 

According to Houzz Magazine : "the ideal coffee table has enough room to hold everyone’s drinks while being in proportion to the sofa and allowing comfortable foot traffic all around. It also should match the scale of other furniture and work with the room’s overall interior design"

In simple terms:

  • If you have a standard sofa consider a rectangle (or oval), or nesting tables
  • If you have sectional sofas or those with chaise lounges: consider a Square or Round Coffee Table 

Harmonie Workshop         Helio Coffee Table 

Harmonie Workshop

        Paxi Coffee Table | Mid Century Modern

Secondly, Think about Size and Proportion:

Your coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa but no more than its length.

Next question: Should coffee table be higher or lower than sofa? 

It should sit at about the same height as your sofa seat, give or take 3-4 inches.

For Example: If your sofa is 90 inches long and 20 inches tall, look for a table that's around 45 to 54 inches wide and 16 to 24 inches tall.

Below is the infographic we make to sum up How-to-choose-the right shape and size for your coffee table

guide to choose the right shape and size of coffee tables

 

Now about Materials, what would be best: wood, glass, marble, wicker or stone?

We will list down the pros and cons of most popular materials

Wood coffee tables are sturdy and beautiful, wood coffee tables are a classic and ever-popular choice. Coasters can help keep damage from drinks at bay, but wood is susceptible to scratches and nicks.

  • Hard woods (oak, walnut, cherry, rubber wood, etc). Natural wood grains, beautiful and requiring minimal maintenance 
  • Soft wood (pine, bamboo) or engineered wood: Lighter weight, easier to move and generally lower price tag yet it is susceptible to scratches
  • Reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is an eco-conscious choice, keeping materials out of landfills and slowing the destruction of trees. It also adds character and can be of higher quality than new wood, because older wood is denser than newer wood.

Wicker. Traditionally made of  rattan, willow, or reed, wicker coffee tables are a lighter weight than tables made of wood, stone, or glass. They also tend to be less expensive while adding a casual, natural look to a living space.

Glass. Glass coffee tables make small spaces feel bigger. They are easy to match with furniture of any color. However, glass tables may require frequent cleaning of fingerprints, and coasters must be used.

Stone. Stone coffee tables, such as marble, have a luxurious look and can last for generations. However, they are heavy, expensive and difficult to move, and can be prone to damage as chipping and staining. 

Upholstered. Made with a frame topped by a cushion, upholstered coffee tables add softness and a cozy feel. You can use an upholstered coffee table as an ottoman or seating too, and the fabric can be swapped out for a new look. However, you will need to add a tray to hold drinks and snacks, and fabric tend to stain easily.

In Summary, best materials for coffee table are:

  • Easy maintenance: hardwoods
  • A luxury look: Marble, granite, and other stones; mahogany, ebony, cherry, and walnut woods
  • Longevity: Metal, hardwood, stone, cement

Lastly, let's talk about latest trend and styles

The latest trends for coffee tables in 2024 -2025 include:
  • Round, oval, and curvy coffee table shapes
  • Eco-friendly and natural materials, such as reclaimed wood, sustainable wood
  • Multifunctional pieces, such as flip-top or lift-top tables with hidden storage to keep clutter out of sight, or tables that can be transformed into a desk or dining table.

lift top wood coffee tablesHarmonie Workshop

     Cre: Four Hands

There you have it, the simple guide that help you make informed decision when it comes to choosing the right coffee table for your living space. We'd love to make your shopping journey a bit easier and love hear from you or answer any questions you might have. 

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