how to choose a coffee table

1. Judge Proportions

When selecting a coffee table, it is important to choose one that is the right height. A coffee table that is too low or too high could be awkward to use, causing you to strain your back whenever you need to set something down or pick it up.

Additionally, coffee tables must fit the space well, so they should not be large enough that they take up all the space between your couches, and it shouldn’t be too small either because their functionality would be lost. 

Choosing between a square, rectangular, oval, or round-shaped coffee table is shouldn't just be determined by how it looks, but also by the length and clearance needed around it. Ideally, your coffee table should be about 12 to 18 inches from your couch.

Anything else could be too uncomfortable. You should leave about 24 inches to 30 inches between the coffee table and the TV stand or other structures to allow for movement within the space.

Round tables can help save a lot of space, depending on the size you choose, while larger, rectangular coffee tables are ideal for those who need a spacious coffee table. 

A coffee table should blend in perfectly with your living room décor and should complement your other furniture, walls, and flooring well. If your space has a minimalistic design, it is best to stick with a minimalistic coffee table that blends in well with the design you have already chosen.

Another aspect to consider is weightiness. If your couch has thin legs, it is best to go with a solid coffee table with no legs, and vice versa. This can help a space feel more "grounded." Whatever you choose, your coffee table should look good in your space and not just in the furniture showroom.

Coffee tables aren't just designed to be decorative, but they are functional too. Therefore, when selecting a coffee table, it should cater to your needs. If you have a large family that tends to have afternoon tea together, then a larger coffee table may be more suitable for you.

There are several different materials that coffee tables can be made of. These include marble, concrete, brass, wood, glass, and mirrored coffee tables. Each of these materials could make valuable additions to your space, drawing attention to or away from itself depending on the material you choose.