Selecting the perfect coffee table

Q. I am shopping for a coffee table for our family room and now I’m all confused as to what works best for my space. What do I need to consider as I go shopping for this piece of furniture?— Rebecca from Golden, CO

A. Completing your living room space requires selecting the perfect coffee table. A coffee table must functionally do many jobs while also visually balancing the room. It’s a home for everyday remotes and magazines. Then, it turns into a surface for an evening of games. The next night it may become your entertaining headquarters. And it does it all while sitting right in the middle of your living room.

Browse our tips for finding your perfect coffee table to fit your space, function and style.

Selecting a Height
A great rule of thumb when selecting the height of your coffee table is to consider the height of your adjacent seating. Keeping the table and furniture at the same height will allow you to set drinks and plates down on the surface without having to first lift them up. Items should seamlessly flow from lap or resting hands to the table.

One Table versus Two
If you have a large seating arrangement that encompasses multiple sofas and chairs, you may be inclined to opt for a large coffee table. This, however is not your only option. Instead, look to a pair of coffee tables. The benefits?

• Your eye won’t focus on one big piece of furniture. It’s rare that a designer opts for the coffee table to be the focal point anyway.

• Your eye will travel easily around the room, creating a comfortable feeling.

An Open Look
Whether you are decorating a small space or are simply looking to create an airy feeling, try glass table tops atop metal bases. These tables are also great options for showing off other interesting items in your room including your beautiful rug.

A Cozy Look
Perhaps you are looking for a cozier environment instead. Solid tabletops will do the trick. Add storage underneath it to ground the look further. Think baskets and trunks to fill the open spaces.

Beware that solid tabletops typically have square corners. Leave a little extra space around the edges to avoid guests bruising their shins.
Don’t Shy Away From Fabrics
An upholstered coffee table provides many benefits. You can implement an accent color and they almost always instill a feeling of comfort. You will be amazed at how people are drawn to a seating area that has an upholstered coffee table or ottoman. A tray can be used as a place to set drinks, vases or any other accessories you wish to display. Select your fabric carefully as liquids are bound to be spilled at some point and feet, shoes and all, are often attracted to the fabric as a resting place.

Tip: take a swatch home and test out dirt and your favorite drinks on it to see how it will hold up.

Kid Friendly
If you have kids or you know kids will be frequenting your home, try a lip edge coffee table. It will make dealing with spills much easier. Many
households who entertain often also consider a lip edge as you won’t have to worry about the likes of coffee and red wine making contact with your fine rugs or carpet.
Consider Round and Sculptural Options
Round coffee tables help promote circulation throughout your living room, especially when multiple seating surfaces are present. Sculptural options can also help add visual interest and warmth to your space.

When you choose rounded or sculptural coffee tables, you will often lose your table’s functionality for select seats. If this happens, make sure to provide other nearby surfaces for this person to set down his or her drink. HLM