How to Choose the Right Coffee Table for Your Living Room

The coffee table is a key piece of furniture in any living space. It combines practicality and aesthetics, but it's not easy to choose. When you start to make a choice from the numerous options on the market, how can you find the one that suits your living room among so many choices?

In this detailed guide, we will help you narrow down the range of choices for coffee tables, so that you can easily pick out the suitable coffee table and instantly enhance the style of your living room.

Consider the placement location

When placed in the living room, the choice can be made according to the decoration style. For a more formal decoration style, a more delicate coffee table can be considered. A delicate glass coffee table is a good option. 

When used outdoors, it is a must-have in the backyard relaxation area. Whether family members sit around to play board games or have a good time with friends, it is an excellent gathering point. Choose a sturdy and durable material that can withstand the outdoor environment and is convenient for placing various leisure items.

When placed in a campervan, due to the limited and special space, the coffee table should be small and multifunctional. For example, a folding coffee table can be folded and stored when not in use and opened when needed. It adapts to the space of the campervan and daily use, adding comfort to the journey.

Size and Height Compatibility

It is also necessary to select a suitable coffee table size according to the size of the space. For a small living room, overly large coffee tables should be avoided to prevent the space from looking more cramped. Sufficient moving space should be reserved.

For example, there should be at least 18 - 24 inches between the coffee table and the sofa to facilitate people's walking and sitting.

Recommended reading: The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Table Sizes.

Shape Compatibility

Choose the shape of the coffee table according to the layout of the living room and the shape of the sofa.

Square Coffee Table

A square coffee table is suitable for a living room with a relatively regular space, especially when paired with an L-shaped or rectangular sofa. Its distinct corners can form a neat and symmetrical layout with the surrounding furniture, giving a sense of stability and grandeur.However, the sharp corners of the square coffee table may cause inconvenience in a limited space, and it is necessary to consider whether it will affect the safety of passage.

Round Coffee Table

A round coffee table has no sharp corners and can make the space look softer and more fluid. It has obvious advantages in a small space because people will not be bumped by corners when moving around it, and it can better fit into an irregular space layout.

Oval Coffee Table:

An oval coffee table combines the advantages of a round coffee table and has no sharp corners. At the same time, its shape has a more extended sense than a round coffee table and can visually elongate the space. It is suitable for a long and narrow living room or paired with a long sofa. It can provide a relatively large area for placing items and looks more elegant in the space.

Rectangular Coffee Table:

A rectangular coffee table is suitable for a long and narrow living room space or paired with a long sofa. The ratio of its length to width can be adjusted according to the length of the sofa and the shape of the living room. The long side can be used to place magazines, books and other long items or as a display area, enhancing its practicality.

Coordination with Other Furniture

Style Matching: The style of the coffee table should match the overall decoration style of the living room. For example, a living room in a modern minimalist style is suitable for choosing a coffee table with simple lines and a plain shape; while a living room in a classic European style may be better matched with a coffee table featuring delicate carvings and a retro charm.

Meanwhile, it is also necessary to consider stylistic harmony with other furniture such as sofas and TV cabinets, so that the style of the entire living room is unified and harmonious.

Considering Color Coordination: The color of the coffee table should echo the main color tone of the living room. You can choose a coffee table in a similar color to the sofa to create a harmonious atmosphere; or you can choose a contrasting color to increase the visual impact. For instance, placing a dark coffee table as an embellishment in a living room with a light-colored sofa. Avoid choosing a coffee table with overly gaudy colors or one that doesn't match the overall style, lest it spoil the aesthetic feeling of the living room.

Especially when purchasing online, pay attention to the possible deviation between the product pictures and the actual colors. Due to factors such as shooting light and display effects of monitors, the actual color of the received coffee table may be different from what is seen online. You can check the description about the color in the product details. If possible, refer to the actual pictures uploaded by other buyers or ask the customer service to obtain more accurate color information.

Consider Functional Requirements

Storage Function: If you need to store items such as remote controls, magazines, blankets, etc., you can choose a coffee table with drawers, shelves or storage compartments. A coffee table with hidden storage functions can help keep the living room tidy by storing sundries and making the space cleaner.

Consider whether the size and layout of the storage space are reasonable. For example, check whether the drawers slide smoothly and whether the height of the shelves is suitable for placing items of different sizes.

Multifunctional Uses: Some coffee tables can have multiple functions. For example, an adjustable-height coffee table can be used as a dining table or a work table when raised; a folding coffee table can be unfolded to increase the tabletop area when needed and folded up to save space when not in use. There are also coffee tables with built-in sockets or wireless charging functions, which are convenient for people to charge their electronic devices when using them.

Consider Quality and Craftsmanship Details

Carefully examine the structure of the coffee table to make sure that the table legs are firmly connected to the tabletop, without any signs of looseness or wobbling. For coffee tables with drawers, shelves and other components, test whether they can be pulled out and pushed in smoothly and whether they fit tightly when closed, avoiding any jamming or failure to close properly. This not only affects the user experience but also reflects the level of refinement in the overall manufacturing process.

Observe the surface of the coffee table. Whether it is made of wood, glass, metal or other materials, the surface should be smooth and flat, without obvious flaws, scratches, bubbles (for materials like glass) or uneven areas. For wooden coffee tables, also pay attention to whether the paint layer on the surface is uniform and thick, and whether there is any peeling or flaking. Good surface treatment can enhance the aesthetic appearance and also help protect the coffee table itself.

Pay attention to the corners of the coffee table. Families with children or the elderly should pay particular attention to this point. The corners should be rounded and smooth to avoid accidental injuries caused by sharp corners. Even for square or rectangular coffee tables, you can choose styles that have undergone special corner treatment to make them safer while maintaining their overall shape.

Materials of Coffee Tables

- Wooden coffee tables have a warm texture and diverse styles. Whether it's simple and modern or classic and traditional, it can all be reflected through the use of wood. High-quality solid wood coffee tables are sturdy and durable. However, attention should be paid to the quality of the wood to avoid problems such as cracking and deformation. 

For areas with waterproof requirements, such as those close to balconies or places prone to water stains, you can choose wooden coffee tables that have undergone waterproof treatment or consider using other materials instead.  

- Glass coffee tables give a sense of transparency and won't make the space look crowded visually. They can make the living room look brighter and more spacious. Pay attention to the quality of the glass. Tempered glass is a safer choice to prevent sharp fragments when it breaks. Meanwhile, the glass surface is prone to fingerprints and water stains and needs to be cleaned frequently.  

- Metal coffee tables are usually quite sturdy, with modern and simple shapes, which are suitable for living rooms in modern industrial or minimalist styles. Pay attention to the material and surface treatment of the metal to prevent rusting. If it's a chrome-plated or gold-plated metal coffee table, check whether the plating layer is uniform and firm.  

- Stone coffee tables (such as marble, granite, etc.) have a hard texture, are elegant and beautiful, and possess good wear resistance and high temperature resistance. They are suitable for placing hot drinks or heavy objects. However, stone is heavy and inconvenient to move.

Moreover, natural stones may have inconsistent textures and flaws, while for artificial stones, attention should be paid to their quality and environmental protection performance.

Cost and Budget

Price Range: The prices of coffee tables vary widely, generally ranging from $100 to $400, but this is just a rough range. Prices will differ depending on factors such as materials, brands, and functions. For example, coffee tables made of high-grade wood, high-quality metals or with intricate craftsmanship will be priced higher; coffee tables with more advanced features (such as electric lift, built-in refrigeration, etc.) will also be more expensive.

Budget Setting: Before making a purchase, determine the price range that you can afford, that is, set a budget. At the same time, consider other possible expenses, such as shipping fees. If you buy from a physical store, you may need to pay for the delivery of the coffee table to your home; if you buy online, check whether they offer free shipping. Many online stores provide free shipping and free return and exchange services.

Consideration of Purchasing Channels

Purchase in Physical Stores:

Advantages: You can see and touch the coffee table with your own eyes, intuitively experience its actual conditions such as materials, workmanship, and size, so as to better judge whether it meets your own needs.

Disadvantages: The styles of coffee tables available in the store may be relatively limited, and you may not necessarily find the product that completely suits your liking. When purchasing, take the time to visit several stores to compare prices, and communicate fully with the sales staff to understand the detailed information of the product, after-sales service and other situations.

Online Purchase:

Advantages: There is a wider selection range. You can browse numerous coffee tables of different brands, styles, and functions, which can meet more personalized needs.

Disadvantages: You can't experience the actual texture, size, etc. of the coffee table in person. There may be problems such as the color not matching what is shown online and the actual feel of the item being different from expectations. Before purchasing, carefully read the user reviews of the product to understand other buyers' usage experiences and feedback;

Understanding the Warrant Policy

Understand the warranty policy provided by the merchant, including the warranty period, the scope of warranty, and the way of warranty. For example, some merchants may offer a long warranty period for the structural parts of the coffee table, while situations like surface wear may not be covered by the warranty. Making these clear can help you know your rights and the available guarantees when problems arise.

Understanding the Return and Exchange Regulations

Be clear about the merchant's return and exchange regulations, especially when purchasing online. Since you can't view the actual item in person, there may be situations where the received coffee table doesn't meet expectations. Understand under what conditions return and exchange are allowed, such as whether you need to bear the shipping fees and whether there is a time limit, so that you can conduct return and exchange operations smoothly when needed.