12 Great Coffee Tables & How to Choose the Right One

Every living room needs a coffee table or ottoman. They’re essential drop zones for drinks and snacks, give you a place to put up your feet, and can even offer extra storage! They can be workhorses for your home if you have the right one in place.

When I’m designing a room, I source the coffee table after I choose the seating, rug, and any other major pieces of furniture. I let the other pieces dictate the size, style, and shape. Order is important when you’re selecting pieces of furniture!

There are several factors to consider to make a wise coffee table choice and today I’m sharing five simple tips that will help you guide you toward the right one for your space:

1. Consider the size and shape of your seating.

Typically, a coffee table is paired most closely with a sofa, so that’s the most important piece to factor in. Depending on your living room setup, you may also want to think about having a coffee table that can be reached by chairs or an additional sofa.

A coffee table should be proportional to the overall size of your living room too. If you have a small space, consider a smaller coffee table or a round shape to maximize space. If you have a larger living room, you may opt for a larger rectangular or square coffee table.

2. Think about the style of your living room.

The coffee table should complement the overall style of your living room. Think about color, wood tone, texture, etc. If your style leans coastal modern like mine for example, look into coffee tables with lighter wood tones or woven textures with clean lines.

3. Consider the material.

Coffee tables come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and acrylic. Choose a material that fits your style and functional needs. For example, if you have children or pets, durability is key and you may want an all-wood table or maybe one with a stone top. Glass probably isn’t in the cards for this stage!

4. Think about functionality.

How do you use your coffee table?

They can serve multiple functions, such as storage or seating. If you need additional storage space, consider a coffee table with drawers or shelves, or even one with a top that lifts up. If it’s the right size and shape (e.g. a bench you’re using as a coffee table), you can even use it for additional seating when needed.

If you want to be able to use it for activities like game nights, make sure it’s a good size and can be reached by the seating that surrounds it.

5. Don't forget about height.

This is one that people often forget! The height of the coffee table should be proportional to the height of your sofa and chairs. A good rule of thumb is to choose a coffee table that is roughly the same height as your seating or slightly lower. That’ll often look the best aesthetically as well as function well.

Now to help you kickstart your search! I’ve rounded up 12 great coffee tables for you. Many of them come in different colors, shades, or sizes, so if you see something that’s close, click through to see the options!

I titled “under $600,” but know that many are far less and are more budget-friendly! You can decide whether to save or splurge. :)

decorating adviceChaney WidmerDesign Tips, roundupsComment