How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Living Room

As one of the most important rooms in the house, your living room deserves some love. It’s where families and friends come together to connect over conversation, movies, board games, and more. When it comes to setting up a good living room space, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a coffee table.

Whether you’re going with a Hamptons style coffee table or any other kind, this piece is more than just a surface for holding drinks or decorative items, it actually defines the style of the entire living room. It also adds to the functionality of the space, so it’s important to choose it well. To help you do that, here’s a complete guide!

 

Why Should You Have a Coffee Table?

Before we discuss how to choose the perfect coffee table for you, it’s important to understand why you should have it in the first place. As mentioned above, they’re not just an extra surface.

Coffee tables add functionality to the living room because it’s a central space for conversations, games, and more. It’s also a statement of the style of the living room and defines the ambiance that you’re trying to create.

Of course, a coffee table is also very useful. It will hold your drinks, snacks, books, remotes, and so much more. Not to mention it’s a space you can decorate to add to the aesthetics of the living room. All in all, a coffee table is a must!

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Coffee Table

Coffee tables are available in many different styles, designs, and materials. Each piece contributes to a unique aesthetic and ambiance, so you have to find the one that suits your overall interior design style. Here are a few of the main style options for coffee tables:

 

1. Hamptons Style Coffee Table

The Hamptons style coffee table offers the timeless and effortless charm of the classic coastal style. This type of coffee table usually features ornate details and is available in light finishes. The most common material is wood, often light wood, to convey the essence of the ocean. A round coastal coffee table is a very popular option within this style and it can suit any living room space.

The most common color for this style is crisp white, which stands out and helps you create a beachside-inspired ambiance. In terms of shape, a Hamptons round coffee table is a nice alternative to the usual square or rectangular shape, but they all work really well. We recommend you consider the available space to find the right shape for maximum impact.

2. Modern Coastal Coffee Table

The modern coastal style is a contemporary spin on the classic coastal style. Coffee tables in this style usually feature clean lines and they’re made with materials like rattan, warm timber, or a combination of both.

A modern coastal coffee table can be a great way to create a modern yet cozy space. It’s an elegant option and you’ll find many different designs to choose from. We recommend looking into white finish options with rattan accents because they look timeless and help create a coastal feel.

 

3. Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Mid-century modern is another popular style for coffee tables because it provides a vintage look. Mid-century modern coffee tables are usually made with dark wood, which makes a strong impression. The designs often feature sleek or curved lines and ornamentation is kept to a minimum.

A mid-century modern coffee table will help you create a sophisticated space and it can be a statement piece. You’ll find many different designs to choose from, so take your time browsing the options to find the perfect blend of retro and modern aesthetics.

 

4. Scandinavian Coffee Table

Last but not least, Scandinavian coffee tables are popular for a reason. They embody the essence of Scandinavian design, blending simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. They typically feature clean lines and a minimalist design with a low profile, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness in your living room.

Light-colored woods like oak, ash, and birch are most common, but leather, glass, or metal can also be incorporated to complement the natural feel, all while emphasizing high-quality materials and construction for lasting beauty and durability.

How to Determine the Right Size for a Coffee Table

Choosing the right size and proportion for your coffee table is essential to achieve a balanced and harmonious living space. This goes beyond just aesthetics; it ensures functionality and comfort for you and your guests. Here’s what you need to consider:

 

• Coffee table height: The height is one of the main factors because it should ideally be at or slightly lower than the height of your sofa seat. This allows for easy interaction with the piece, making it convenient to place or retrieve items without straining. For most standard sofas, the recommended coffee table height is 16 to 18 inches.

 

• Coffee table length: To maintain a balanced look, the length of your coffee table should be proportional to the length of your sofa. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that is two-thirds the length of your sofa. For instance, if your sofa is 8 feet long, a 5-foot-long coffee table would be ideal. This ensures the coffee table isn’t too large or too small.

 

• Coffee table shape: While square and rectangular tables are classic choices and work well for most styles, round or oval tables can add a touch of softness and they’re ideal for small spaces. Round tables also improve traffic flow because they eliminate sharp corners that people can bump into. Consider the overall style of your living room and the amount of space you have when choosing the shape.

 

The Centerpiece of Your Living Room

Given that the coffee table will be the centerpiece of your living room, we recommend taking your time considering the options. Whether you’re going for a Hamptons style coffee table or any other style, make sure it suits the space and ambiance you want to create.

If you’re looking for high-quality coffee table options, browse our store to find a great variety of pieces to elevate your living room!