How To Choose A Coffee Table
The coffee table is one of the most important pieces of furniture in any living room. That said, it is also one of the most challenging to buy. A coffee table needs to be functional for more than just as a place to set your mugs and keep your magazines from sliding off—it is also an extension of the style and personality of its owners. When deciding on your ideal coffee table, think about these factors:
Shape
Coffee tables can come in many different shapes, so it is important that you choose one that suits the room it will be placed in and matches your needs. You will want to make sure that the coffee table is large enough for people to rest their drinks and food on when they are sitting around it, but not too big that it takes up excessive room. Here are some of the most popular types of shapes:
Round
A round, or circular, is one of the most common shapes for a coffee table, and it will fit in with most living rooms. Round coffee tables can be used for all purposes: reading books on them or eating meals around them; they're great when you need to create a conversation space in your living room area; they look nice and sophisticated on their own or when paired with other pieces of furniture like end-tables. You'll also find that round coffee tables are quite versatile and child-friendly with their edge-free design.
Rectangular
Rectangular coffee tables are the most popular in the world of furniture design. They're used in homes, offices and businesses, hotels, restaurants and even hospitals. Rectangular tables are great for seating, as they can be used as footrests, or even as dining tables. They're also excellent for playing games on—think Monopoly or chess! And if you're looking for something to display magazines or books, rectangular coffee tables are perfect: their edges are often wide enough that items can be set out neatly across their surface
Square
A square coffee table is an ideal choice for those who want a small, compact piece of furniture to complement their living room or office space. A square design can also be used to create a conversation area in a smaller room by arranging the sofa and chairs around it. This shape will help draw attention to any focal point—a fireplace, artwork or even just the TV screen—that you have placed on top of it. In addition, this shape helps create a sense of symmetry about your home decor by giving off a feeling that everything has been thoughtfully placed with purpose and care.
Square tables are perfect if you're looking for something minimalist: they'll blend seamlessly into almost any existing decor scheme while still making an impactful statement when paired with other furniture pieces like sofas or chairs in geometric shapes (like triangles).
Oval
An oval-shaped coffee table makes a good choice if you're looking for something that's going to be both chic and practical. It's stylish without being overly ornate, which means it can fit into just about any room or décor style. Its shape also makes it perfect for smaller living rooms because it'll give the illusion of more space—and since it's circular and edge-free, it is great for families with young children.
Measurements
Measurements are crucial when buying a coffee table. You want to make sure that the table is large enough for your space and gives you enough room for activities like eating, playing games and putting up your feet. The general rule of thumb is to measure at least one foot on each side of the table (depending on how far away you want to sit) to determine its ideal placement in your home. In addition to these factors, you should consider the table’s own dimensions too:
Height: This should be about two inches lower than the height of the couch or sofa it’s meant to sit next to. That way, you can easily reach over and grab a magazine or book without having to get up out of your seat. If you have kids, this is especially important since they’ll likely be playing on the floor next to their toys and games.
Width: Coffee tables should be at least eighteen inches wide so that people can comfortably place drinks and snacks on them without knocking them over too often. If they’re too narrow, they can become an obstacle when trying to walk through the room. You should also consider whether or not you want a round or square shape for your table; both options have their pros and cons
Functionality
Functionality is often overlooked when choosing a coffee table, but it's one of the most important aspects of your decision. The right table can be twice as beneficial and practical to your space if it serves a purpose and looks good while doing so.
For example, if you're looking for a place to display knick-knacks, look for a coffee table with drawers or shelves to hold them. If you're looking for a place to set down snacks and coffee mugs, find a table that has an open shelf or two underneath—this will not only provide storage, but also keep the table-top neatly decluttered. If you're looking for an area to sit and chat with friends, choose one that has either an ottoman or extra length so you can stretch out your legs. While most of these things aren't strictly necessary for a coffee table, they can make it much more functional and therefore more appealing.
To make sure the furniture you choose is both functional and stylish, first think about how it will be used; then find something that has that functionality while still fitting in with your décor scheme.
Materials
Coffee tables are made from a variety of materials. You can choose from wood, metal, glass or even plastic furniture. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand what each one offers before making your choice.
Wood
Wooden furniture is usually more expensive than other types of furniture, but it can last for decades if properly taken care of. Wooden tables are not only very durable but also look great in any room of your home. They can be stained or painted to match the rest of the furniture in the room and come in many different styles and shapes to fit any décor theme you have going on in your home.
Metal
Metal coffee tables tend to be cheaper than wooden ones because they don’t require expensive maintenance like stain or paint jobs. Metal tables are also very durable and do not get damaged easily when bumped into by pets or children running around your house. Metal tables come in all sorts of shapes as well as finishes so that you can pick one that looks best with your current décor theme.
Glass
Glass coffee tables are one of the most popular options as they're stylish, easy to clean and look great with all types of decorating schemes. Many glass coffee tables feature tempered glass, which is much stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is made by heating regular glass until it becomes viscous and then cooling it rapidly in a pressurized chamber. This process results in extremely strong pieces that are less likely to break if dropped or bumped into.
Style & Colours
While this is a matter of personal taste, how your coffee table looks should complement the rest of your interior. Consider whether you want to add some warmth and comfort, or keep things sleek and modern. If you're going for a specific look, make sure that whatever style or design you choose complements it.
The colour scheme is another important factor to consider when choosing the perfect coffee table for your living room: after all, what's the point in having an expensive designer piece if it clashes with everything else? If necessary try using complementary colours like reds with purples or blues with oranges (these can work really well together).
Conclusion
We hope that this buying guide has helped you to decide on the perfect coffee table for your needs. If you're still unsure about what type of coffee table will look and function best in your home, don't fret: it is worth shopping around for a bit before making a decision. You can narrow down your options by thinking about size and cost, but also think about your personal taste, style and the amount of foot traffic your living room tends to get. The best coffee table for you is one that doesn't just fit with what you like, but also fits in with your lifestyle.
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