Which Coffee Table is Best For My Room?

Holly Bellomy Interiors LLC

This month let's focus on choosing the right coffee table! Often times coffee tables are not seen as a crucial furniture piece, but they bring more to the table than just being a drink holder. ;) There are three major aspects to consider when selecting a coffee table: shape, size, and functionality. 

1. SHAPE The basic shapes are round, oval, square and rectangle. Typically the round and oval shaped tables are more feminine and the square and rectangle shapes are more masculine with clean lines and sharp corners. When selecting the shape there are three things to consider: size of room/space, length of sofa. Round tables and square tables work well with L-shaped sectionals or an arrangement where there are furnishings that make up a square.

Take a look at these two examples from Ballard Designs and Pottery Barn.

Oval and rectangular tables work well with a longer sofa or two and a rectangular space. Look at this example of a long room with two sofas facing each other 

2. SIZE A common rule is the rule of thirds. In this case, finding the right size table depends on the length of the sofa or sectional. The table needs to be about two thirds of the length of the sofa. 

The proper height of the coffee table is the same height as the seat cushions or 1-3 inches lower. This makes it easy to set your drink down and pick it up. Also, some unique coffee tables such as old steamer trunks and such may be taller than the height of the seat cushions and I think that is totally appropriate. It really depends on all of the items in the room and how they work together. There are times to break the rules, you know?

For the movable space around the table, there should be a gap of 12-18 inches between the edge of the table and the seating surrounding it. This way there is enough space to walk around and still feel in an intimate space.

Here are some renderings for the dimensions courtesy of Wayfair.

3. Functionality Is the room used daily? Do you use it as an office space? Consider a piece with storage for throws, toys, etc. Is it for formal seating? Look into getting a delicate piece with glass, Lucite or marble. Do you have kids? Something sturdy without sharp corners is perfect or even an upholstered ottoman that does double duty with room for storage.

The coffee table below is from Williams Sonoma Home and is made of Lucite. Lucite is a popular material for coffee tables, mirrors, furniture legs, and drapery rods. You can use this coffee table in a traditional, contemporary or modern room.

Design Highlight: Coffee tables are multi-functional and can set the tone for a room.

Design Tip: Measure your sofa and coffee table to ensure the best fit.