Looking to revamp your living room? A stylish centre table is a great way to spruce up your space. Not only does it look great, it’s one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in the room, and serves a myriad of functions.
Traditionally, the coffee table has always been used to serve snacks and drinks when guests arrive. But it’s also where you put down your coffee cup and the magazines you’re reading, and a place to park your feet when you’re binge-watching Netflix serials. And that’s not all. It doubles up as a workstation on work-at-home days, or as a table for homework times.
Again, you use it for Scrabble evenings, or as a table on which you spin the bottle when you play Truth or Dare. Some coffee tables even have hidden storage compartments that can tuck away unsightly clutter. Think a bit more, and you can come up with a dozen more uses!
Considering that it’s such an essential element in the room, there are many factors to keep in mind before choosing the perfect centre table for your living room. Here’s what you should look out for!
Size
The size is always an important consideration when you are buying home furniture.
- When you are designing the floor plan, keep in mind that a coffee table placed in the centre of the room should be placed at least 45 cm away from the seating, but not further away than 60 cm. This is the ideal distance to allow you to easily stretch out for snacks without having to reach out too far.
- The length of the table should be half or a maximum of two-thirds of the sofa length, ideally.
- Leave enough space all around to be able to walk around without bumping into the corners.
- The height of the table can be the same as, or an inch lower than the top of the cushion of the sofa seat.
Shape
The shape of your centre table talks more about how much of the space it will consume, as well as the style you want to show. The most popular shapes are square, rectangle, oval or circle.
- If you have small kids or old people in the house, then you can opt for a circular or oval coffee table, or one with corners that are gently rounded, so that they don’t hurt themselves inadvertently.
- A rectangular table is the best fit for a compact living room.
- In a larger room, you can opt to have square tables at the sides of each sofa, in addition to the centre table, for easier access.
- Abstract, irregular-shaped coffee tables add a unique aesthetic and go well with both classical and contemporary décor styles.
Functionality
What are all the uses your coffee table will be put to?
- If you require extra storage in the living room, consider having pull-out drawers below the top.
- A lift top coffee table offers hidden storage that can be used to stash newspapers, old magazines or anything else that you don’t want on display. The top can be raised to a comfortable working height, allowing you to work while seated on the sofa.
- Some coffee table tops can be extended outwards to provide a larger surface for eating or working.
- A coffee table on wheels is good to have if you need to move it around the room.
- Nested tables have smaller tables in the same shape that are tucked in under the main table, and can be pulled out and used when needed.
Style
It goes without saying that the style of the table should be in line with the décor of your room.
- A wooden coffee table goes well with a traditional setting. Darker wood, such as rosewood or teak, always looks more formal.
- A table in light wood like ash, cedar, or pine goes well with modern or transitional décor themes.
- Upholstered coffee tables can have leather tops or a tufted cushioned top, and can either have a wooden frame or be fully upholstered. A fully covered table is also called an ottoman.
- Straight lines and simple silhouettes look more contemporary, while ornate and carved styles lend themselves better to a classical look.
- A glass-topped table looks light and adds transparency to the room, while a table in dark wood can look bulky and heavy.
Material
While wooden coffee tables are very popular, you can also get a coffee table that’s upholstered, made of metal and glass, or stones like marble or granite.
Look for materials that suit the look and feel of your room, and blend well with the décor and colour palette. Also, if it is a table that’s going to be used for multiple functions and by different people, ensure that your choice of material is durable and hard-wearing.
Whatever may be the materials used, it’s always a good idea to put down coasters or mats on the table when it’s being used to serve food, so that you can avoid those inevitable coffee mug rings and food stains!
How Can You Choose?
With so many styles, materials, and design options to choose from, zeroing in on the perfect table can be overwhelming!
Ask yourself these questions before you make your choice:
- Who will be using the table the most? How often will it be used?
- Do you need storage? For what?
- Will your table also be used as a work desk? If so, a lift-top coffee table is a good choice.
- If you’re in a rental home or plan to redecorate in a few years, you can buy a cost-effective coffee table. However, if it’s going to be a long-term investment, look for ageless styles that are finely crafted and will stand the test of time, even if they cost a little more!
For support in choosing furniture that matches the style of your home, you can always lean on the expertise of a HomeLane designer. We know what’s best for you, and we’re always happy to help!