As you may or may not have noticed, I haven’t had a coffee table in my living room for the last few months. I scored a boho pouf from HomeGoods that is currently taking the place of a coffee table. While everyone loves it as much as I do, in the long run, this baby needs to remain a pouf. Not a table.

3  Tips to finding a stellar coffee table

So, if you are in the market for a coffee table like me, you may be asking yourself, “What shape? Size? Style? Wood, Glass or Metal?” There are so many choices, it can be overwhelming!

Pick the Shape of Coffee table

I always like to start with shape. It seems to be a great first step in the design process because the feel or movement of the shape will help guide the rest of the accent design choices in the room.

Typically, you will have found your sofa first. (Or at least I hope you do because its much easier to source a smaller item to a bigger item than the reverse.) As for foundation pieces, think of the coffee table as the middle child. It is definitely important but not quite first born royalty in status. Don’t get me wrong though, it can make or break the design because its front and center with the sofa!

The two most common shapes for coffee tables are round and rectangle. For smaller spaces, a square table is another great option. If you are looking for something more modern, there are also tiered tables which can be multi-functional.

Round coffee tables are a favorite of mine for two reasons:

1. Its round edges are kid proof! Especially for homes with small children, the sharp corners are seen as the most dangerous part of the room. So round edges for the win because hey, most likely you wont poke your eye out if you fall directly on it.
2. In a room with assuming sharp lines such as sofas, chairs, end tables, windows etc, a round shape in the middle of the room is a welcome change. It is amazing to me how shapes collectively can alter your mood or opinion of the room. If there are too many lines, it feels too rigid and cold. Too much round and waves, you feel unstable and no direction. With a mix of both, you have the coveted design qi or balance.

Choosing the coffee table material

Just like shape can lend a certain vibe to the room, so can the material! Do you already have a lot of heavy wood furniture and floors? Perhaps lightening up the space with a metal frame glass top or marble table could do the trick. Or do you have a very light and airy space? Try adding a darker, textured table for more depth.

Remember, the coffee table height should be on average of 18 inches tall, give or take how high or low your sofa is. Place the table about 24-30 inches away from the nearest entry walkway such as between the TV console and your table.

Finding the style for your coffee table

It probably wouldn’t surprise you if I told you that mixing eclectic styles together is a good thing! And the best part of choosing your table is just that! Have fun adding some flair or conversation to your table.

It may be a rectangle table but has hair pin legs adding some modern feel to an otherwise traditional space. A brass base for a round mushroom table would be perfect in your mid mod room begging for some vintage bling. Even adding rattan wicker table to an otherwise transitional room can transform the vibe to something warmer and charming. The sky is the limit as long as you adhere to some basic rules. And even so, throwing design rules out are great if you feel it looks good, functions well and it gives you joy. After all, this is your haven.

I will definitely be keeping you posted on my finds on Pinterest and IG as well as here. So stick with me and we will find the purrrrrfect table together my friends!!

Happy day!

xo,

Anita