How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Small Apartments

Living rooms in small apartments are usually tiny and often need to accommodate multiple functions such as relaxation, entertainment, and dining, which makes the space feel crowded.

When it comes to choosing a coffee table for a small - sized living room, many people are at a loss. An improper choice of the size of the coffee table will exacerbate this problem.If your living room space is rather limited, choosing an oversized coffee table will make the whole space look extremely cramped. Or its style may conflict with the overall decoration, ruining the aesthetic harmony. Besides, if its functions don't match the actual needs, it may be more of an obstacle than a help.

A coffee table is usually the focal point of the living room, so it's very important to choose one that fits and complements your decoration. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive guidance to help you select the perfect coffee table for your small space to solve these problems.

What coffee table makes a room look bigger?

Round coffee tables, glass coffee tables, and folding coffee tables can make a small living room appear larger.

The round shape allows for a better flow. It also takes up less physical and visual space, creating a more open and spacious feeling in the room.

The glass material gives a sense of transparency. It doesn't look heavy visually, making the space seem more open as it allows your eyes to see through it and lets light pass through. In this way, you won't disrupt the visual flow of the room. Glass coffee tables are very popular in living rooms as they can instantly make the room look bigger.

Folding coffee tables can be folded and stored away when not in use, occupying very little space. When you need to use it, just unfold it to meet your requirements. This effectively avoids taking up too much fixed space in the small living room, making the space look more spacious both visually and in actual use.

The overall size of the coffee table should match the size of the overall space in the small living room as well as the proportion of other furniture. Avoid making it too large or too small, as this may affect its aesthetics and usability.

Best Coffee Table Length

To determine the ideal-sized coffee table for you, you can first measure the length of your sofa. The ideal length of the coffee table is two-thirds of the length of the sofa. This is to prevent it from occupying too much space and causing the living room to look crowded.

Best Coffee Table Width

To make it convenient to move around the coffee table, it is recommended to place the coffee table 12 to 18 inches away from the sofa. To ensure comfortable traffic flow around the other parts of the living room, we also recommend leaving 30 inches of space between the coffee table and other furniture such as the TV cabinet or entertainment center. By measuring these two dimensions, you will get the width of the coffee table that is most suitable for your space.

Best Coffee Table Height

The ideal height of the coffee table should be the same as the height of the sofa seat (or 1 to 2 inches lower). It must not be higher than the sofa seat. You know, we usually like to put our feet on the coffee table to relax. From an ergonomic point of view, if the coffee table is too high, it won't be a comfortable position.

Generally speaking, the height of sofas and seats is usually around 17 to 18 inches. So the height of your coffee table should also be roughly in this range or a little shorter. More specifically, the coffee table is usually about 2 inches lower than the top of the cushion of the sofa or chair, that is, around 15 to 16 inches. This way, it can ensure convenience in use and also look more coordinated visually.

Avoid choosing an oversized coffee table. An overly large coffee table will make a small space look even more crowded. It not only blocks the passageways but also disrupts the sense of balance in the space, making the entire living room feel oppressive.

Avoid choosing a coffee table that is too high or too low. A coffee table that is too high is inconvenient to use and will look obtrusive visually. A coffee table that is too low requires you to bend down too much. The appropriate height can ensure the comfort of use and the harmony of the visual effect. Either being too high or too low will affect the overall look of the small space.

Avoid choosing a coffee table with a complex shape. Coffee tables with too many irregular shapes, curves, or protrusions will increase the visual burden and look messy in a small space. A simple shape can better maintain the simplicity of the space.

Avoid choosing a coffee table with a heavy style. Heavy traditional-style or over-decorated coffee tables will intensify the sense of crampedness in a small space. A simple and light style can make the space look more open.

Avoid choosing a coffee table with overly complex functions. Coffee tables with too many drawers, storage compartments, or overly complex functions are usually bulky and will take up a lot of space in a small space. You should choose a simple and practical style instead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a coffee table for a small-sized living room, many factors need to be considered. The shape, type, size, and placement position of the coffee table should not only provide convenience for daily use but also ensure smooth traffic flow within the limited space. Avoid using coffee tables that are too large, too high or too low, have complex shapes, heavy styles, or excessive functions. This can prevent your small living room from looking cluttered or uncomfortable, thus achieving the best comfort and visual balance.

You must evaluate the actual situation of your own small living room. By taking all these factors into account, you can select the most suitable coffee table to transform your small living room into a comfortable, beautiful, and practical space, enhancing your overall living experience within the cozy confines of your home.

Common Questions

What shape coffee table is best for a small space?
Round or oval shapes are usually the best choices for the living rooms in small apartments or those with a relatively small area.

What kind of Coffee table makes a room look bigger?
Round coffee tables, glass coffee tables, and folding coffee tables can make a small living room appear larger, making the space look more spacious both visually and in actual use.

Where should a coffee table be placed in a small living room?
In a small living room, a coffee table is usually placed about 18 to 24 inches away from the sofa.

Should the coffee table be higher or lower than the sofa?
The ideal height of the coffee table should be the same as the height of the sofa seat (or 1 to 2 inches lower). It should not be higher than the sofa.

How far should a coffee table be from the sofa?
The coffee table should be placed 12 to 18 inches away from the sofa.