Coffee Table Selection Guide

Types

Think about the main purpose of your coffee table. If it’s only to elevate the style or aesthetic appeal of your space, opt for something ornate or eye-catching. By making it a focal point of your room, size, place, and the material will be important factors in your decision-making process.

If the coffee table is more than just something to look at, then utility is what you have to zero in on. Would your room benefit from open storage or closed; depending on that you can look at tables with shelves or drawers or both.

Standard

A standard coffee table is usually a single-tier piece that has enough room for beverages, a decorative article, and maybe a couple of coffee-table books stacked one on top of the other.

Storage

You can use the space under the coffee table to store whatever you like, such as extra pillows, throw blankets, books, and other media. Storage can be either drawers or shelves.

Nesting Tables

Nesting tables allow you to change up their positioning as needed; either to use them to display your favorites or as extra space while working or entertaining. Storage of these tables is easy, when not in use.

Construction & Shape

A square coffee table is ideal for large sofas, traditional sofas, and sectional sofas.

A rectangular coffee table works well with standard-sized sofas and long sofas with a chaise

An oval coffee table can be placed in compact spaces with a standard-sized sofa or long sofas with a chaise.

*Color palettes are typically subtle and may be monochromatic.

A round coffee table can be placed in compact spaces with a loveseat or sectional sofa to create a cozy nook.

*This table is good for homes with kids because it does not have sharp corners.

Table Placement

When considering where your coffee table will go, ensure you have ample walking space around to avoid bumping into it. While size is an important factor for placement, existing furniture is another. Ample clearance helps maintain the functionality of a coffee table, which is why a minimum distance of a foot is recommended on all sides.

Note: Make sure to consider any space needed to open drawers and to provide ample legroom for people seated when placed close to a sofa.

Ample space around your coffee table ensures adequate legroom. A minimum distance of 12 to 18 inches would allow people to walk around easily.

Size and Material

Think about how you’ll use your coffee table daily. If it doubles as an ottoman, choose a larger table for adequate space. For compact rooms with limited space, look at tables with slim frames or pedestal bases.

Size

Height: The height of your coffee table can be the same as your sofa seat height or up to 2 inches lower. If your table has a lip on it, you’ll need to consider it as well. A lip will add to the height of the table.

Width: The approximate width of your table will be the space remaining after you deduct placement distance from the sofa and TV stand.

Note: Don’t forget the space between the floor and the bottom of the table when considering the height of your ideal coffee table.

Length: A general rule of thumb for figuring out an ideal coffee table length is to settle on something approximately two-thirds the size of your sofa. When you center it in front of the sofa, that will leave ample room on either end.