3 Simple Steps To Choosing The Best Coffee Table For Your Living Room 

A living room is the primary common space in most family homes. It’s where guests are welcomed and where family members socialize with each other. How this space is utilized depends on the homeowners’ lifestyle and chosen aesthetic.

When decorating your living room, coffee tables are essential. Aside from the aesthetic it provides, its functions are also notable. It can hold drinks, smart devices, trinkets and even food. It sure has a diverse set of jobs. Choosing a coffee table is more complex than it looks because you have to consider the dimensions, design, and functionality to suit your lifestyle.

Don’t know where to begin? Here are the simple steps in choosing the best coffee table for your living room:

Deciding The Shape

Upon figuring out the dimensions of your coffee table, it’s time to choose the shape of it that suits your living room. You can choose between square, oval, rectangle, and round coffee tables.

• Square: This shape provides a symmetrical look to your living room. If you have a sectional sofa with chairs as a set, this would be a great choice. It’s also the most practical shape as it often comes with storage underneath them.
• Oval: Oval coffee tables are great if you’re opting for a more balanced look. In terms of functionality, this shape boosts movement and provides sufficient space. This shape is also recommended in kids’ homes because there are no sharp edges that might cause an accident.
• Rectangular: Rectangular coffee tables are best matched with standard sofas. This is a great choice if you have minimal space in your living room. To maximize the space, choose a coffee table with drawers. It also offers sufficient space on the surface.
• Round: This type of shape is recommended for homeowners who accommodate many guests in their homes. Round coffee tables go well with the sectional kind of sofa set and if you have a narrow space in your living room. Choose this design with more storage underneath to maximize its function.

Selecting What Type of Materials

There are various materials used in making coffee tables available in the market. There’s surely one that would fit your design aesthetic. Here are some recommendations that might suit your tastes:

• Wood: Wood is the most common material for a coffee table. It’s also the most versatile for aesthetic purposes because it has many varieties of finishes that can fit any style — lighter finish for a modern vibe, dark wood finish for classic and rustic vibes and ornamental woods for contemporary vibes. You can also accent the living room by putting a rug underneath it. 
• Marble: Aside from wood, this type of material is by far the most common. It’s usually used to style minimal or modern living spaces. It’s important to note, though, that marble is a high-maintenance material because it’s easily stained by liquids.
• Glass: This material is excellent for living rooms with a minimal or transitional aesthetic. This often comes with metal or wooden legs. Glass coffee tables are easier to clean and maintain, but you have to use coasters because drinks will stain. Glass is also not recommended to homeowners who have small kids.
• Metal: Metals are mainly used along with other mentioned materials. It’s rare to see an all-metal coffee table because it’s hard to style with the other decors. This is a pretty strong material, and it’s easy to clean. But it would be best if you never forgot to use coasters because it’s prone to rust.

Choosing The Dimensions

Here’s a quick guide—a coffee table should be proportional to the size of the sofa. Measure your sofa set, and note that your coffee table should be half its length, and it should not be longer than the sofa itself. It will be perfect if it’s about two-thirds or three-fourths of the couch. As for the height, it should be as tall as the seat’s height or the sofa’s cushions with an allowance of one or two inches.

Conclusion

Coffee tables play an essential role in one’s home. Choosing one that suits your living room can sometimes be complicated and overwhelming as there are many options — depending on size, shapes, materials and styles. Aside from their function, you should also consider if it complements your sofa or if it suits the overall look of your living room. You must also take into account your lifestyle when choosing this room decor. Hopefully, you can choose a coffee table in harmony with your other sets with this article.