Choosing the right coffee table for the living room is quite overwhelming. You might think how a simple task like that could be so tricky. Well, it’s not because the coffee table is a complicated furniture element. Actually, the availability of a plethora of options makes these tasks somewhat hard. When you go out to buy coffee table for your living room, the wide range of options will leave you baffled. From geometric to round, glass tops to marble tops, solid bases to sleek stainless steel table bases, you would be surrounded by a lot of options. You would get confused as to which coffee table will look best in your living room. Unless you have a clear image in mind of what you want from your interior space.
Popular Coffee Table Shapes
As we already know that coffee tables are available in a wide selection of shapes. Let’s look at the most popular table shapes before delving into the “How to choose a coffee table” discussion.
Rectangular Coffee Table
Rectangular is the most popular shape for coffee tables. Be it the dining room, living room, or offices, rectangular coffee tables top the charts of popularity. They offer wide working space and add a sense of symmetry to the space.
Square Coffee Table
Square coffee tables are the second most popular on the list. Their balanced proportions create a concept of harmony in the living room. The square coffee tables are most effectively used in smaller living rooms.
Round Coffee Table
With their curved edges, round coffee tables are known for their soft elegance. They bring a unique feeling of class to the interior space. Round tables are mostly used as kitchen dining tables and living rooms of studio apartments.
Triangle Coffee Table
The triangle coffee table is a somewhat recent addition to the list of popular coffee table shapes. It features a unique three-edged shape that complements any interior setting. Therefore, triangle coffee tables are mostly employed to make a style statement in the interior space.
Oval Coffee Table
Oval coffee tables are an extension of the subtle elegance of round tables. The elongated round edges make the oval coffee table perfect for large living rooms. They are also used for dining tables as they offer a longer surface area to accommodate more people. You can think of oval tables as curved-edged-variant to rectangular tables.
Factors Affecting the Choice of a Coffee Table
Coffee tables are not just the central furniture item in the living room, they serve a variety of practical purposes and have numerous uses. They are typically the stack-point for the books, the resting place for the remote, and even the feet. So it’s important to choose the right table size, material, and features to support the many functionalities that we expect from the table. It also has an impact on how well the table functions and how long it lasts. In order to get the ideal coffee table for your living room, here are the things that you need to consider.
Size
According to the experts, the sofa height and the length of the seating area are the two reference parameters that you should pay attention to in order to choose the right table size. If the table is too far away from the sofas, you will have to get up every time you need anything from the table which could be inconvenient. Before you start looking for a new coffee table, it’s crucial to measure the existing furniture in your living room. These measurements will enable you to select the right length and breadth for the coffee table.
The ideal length of the coffee table should be roughly 2/3rd of the length of the sofa while it should be 12 to 18 inches from the seating to ensure convenience.
Height
The height of the coffee table should be such that it complements the whole living room interior. The standard coffee table height is between 16” to 18”. This table height sits well for almost all living room interiors. However, it’s best to take your sofa height as a reference. The key is to choose a coffee table that is 1 to 2 inches lower than the sofa seats. This height would be perfect for you to bend and pick up the drink or food from the table. You can also rest your feet with convenience at this table height.
Storage
Who doesn’t like multi-functionality? We are living in a time where a simple sofa can turn into a super-comfortable bed, a chair can be converted into a full-fledged table and a wardrobe can house a complete sleeping bed. So why confine the functional worth of a coffee table?
Nowadays, you can easily find coffee tables with built-in storage space, foldable chairs, and even small refrigerator units. Consider your usage and choose the coffee table that best suits your individual requirements and take the functional value of the coffee tables to a whole new level.
Durability
The durability of a coffee table can be evaluated by the material used and the excellence of construction. The right material and fine craftsmanship can effectively enhance the coffee table’s life. However, it is important to consider your personal use requirements to choose the right coffee table. For instance, an all-glass coffee table might not be good for a heavy-traffic area or for a household with kids or pets. Similarly, all wooden tables may not work well in humid conditions. So make sure to analyze your use consideration and choose the right coffee table to expect high durability value.
Material
Choosing the right material for a coffee table makes all the difference. Perfection lies in contrast. For instance, if your living room already has wooden shelves or china cabinets or the sofa set features wooden styles, consider getting a glass table to break the monotony. Similarly, an upholstered sofa set would reflect ultimate comfort while a metallic table would demonstrate sleek elegance. The choice of material mostly depends on the interior design of the living room so make sure to analyze the design thoroughly and determine which table style will go best for your space.
Cost
Coffee tables come in a wide cost range. It mostly depends on the size, style, and type of coffee table. A glass coffee table would cost more than a standard wooden table. Similarly, multi-functional coffee tables are relatively expensive compared to stand-alone tables. However, a standard coffee table comes in the price range of $150 to $400 depending on the size and style of the table. Customized coffee tables would even cost more than $500. So it all depends on your requirements. Make sure to set a budget before moving forward to the buying process to choose wisely.
Brand Reputation
The brand reputation also says a lot about the quality and durability of the coffee table. Don’t settle for an inexpensive coffee table because a coffee table is the focal point of the living room. It sets the whole mood of the interior setting. The refined look and polished feel that the right brand offers cannot be ignored. So make sure to go through the options available at reputed brands for a more desirable living room interior.
Is Glass Top a Good Option for the Coffee Table?
The glass top is absolutely the best option for the coffee table in the living room. It is the new favorite of homeowners. The glass top adds a touch of chic style to an ordinary table base and elevates the whole ambiance of the space. It is a symbol of class and luxury. Moreover, it creates a feeling of openness by allowing the light to flow. So if you are looking for a new coffee table for the living room, a glass table top surely is the best option.
Where to Buy a Glass Top Coffee Table?
Buying the glass-top coffee table from a reputable brand not only ensures the high durability value of the table but also elevates the buying experience. It is always recommended to opt for the right seller to expect the right functional value. Glass genius is the first-ever online marketplace that specializes in glass and mirror products. The platform offers you the unique liberty to choose the seller of your choice. You can choose from a plethora of product options along with selecting your preferred distributor. So head over to the online marketplace, search for your desired product, and find a whole world of design opportunities.