A coffee table buying guide
Coffee tables are often the central focus of a living room and therefore have a tremendous impact on a room’s décor and ambiance. A wise choice can create a sense of style and harmony, while a poor choice can make a room look cluttered and overwhelm other furnishings, making the room look smaller and feel less unified.
The choices you make regarding the size, shape, cost, material and style of the coffee table are therefore vitally important in making your living room an inviting space and setting the tone you want. for your home.
Before you start your search for the perfect coffee table, you need to figure out what you want from it. Do you want it to be purely ornamental, to create a stylish modern statement, or are you more interested in its functions? Do you plan to eat from it, place drinks in it, store magazines, or use it as a display cabinet? ?
You should also consider the cost of any parts you plan to purchase. It’s usually a good idea to set a maximum budget before you start your search. This should prevent you from even considering purchases that you later regret. Coffee tables can be purchased for as low as twenty dollars, however they can also cost thousands. It’s a good idea to have an idea of your budget so you don’t fall for a table that’s out of reach.
size of your coffee table.
Coffee tables come in thousands of different shapes and sizes, just like living areas. When making your purchase, you need to find the size and shape that will best fit your room while still looking and performing the way you need it to.
Some people consider the look of a coffee table to be their number one priority and may prefer a very large coffee table for maximum visual impact. Others prefer to maximize the amount of space available for other uses.
As a general guideline, it is preferable to have a minimum of two feet around each side of the coffee table and it should be accessible, without standing, from each of the seating areas. Some people also suggest that your coffee table should not be bigger than sixty percent of the length of your sofas.
The height you choose depends to a large extent on the use you are going to give it. Modern coffee tables are usually very low; however, this can make it difficult to use for eating.
It’s usually a good idea to place an item of similar size and shape on whatever table you intend to purchase in the room. This will give you an idea of how it will work with the space you have.
What shape and style of coffee table will suit your room?
Rectangular coffee tables are the most popular shape on the market today and come in a variety of heights and shapes. They can be used in small or large rooms and can often make a big impact in a large room where a very large coffee table is required to be accessible from all the furniture.
Similarly, square coffee tables are great in larger rooms, although they can dominate smaller spaces if not chosen carefully. If you’re shopping for a square coffee table, be sure to mark the area of the floor that will be covered to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the room.
Many people with young children prefer a round coffee table because they find the lack of sharp corners to be a safer option that is less likely to cause accidents. Round tables can be difficult to fit into smaller rooms and can take up more space than other shapes. However, they can be very social and are a good choice if you regularly sit down to play cards or board games.
It should also be considered whether you prefer a coffee table with legs or one that is solid all the way to floor level. Raised coffee tables that allow a clear view under the table can help create an impression of space; however, solid coffee tables can often appear more expensive and substantial.
Materials:
glass coffee tables
A glass coffee table can be a great option for small rooms, as it helps the room feel more spacious and airy. They can also add a very modern touch to an otherwise dated room.
However, caution should be exercised when small children are likely to use the room. Although glass tables will be made of tempered glass, it is not impossible to break one. Safety should always come first.
wooden coffee tables
Wood coffee tables are a beautiful and timeless option, and unlike many materials, they can improve over time. An oak coffee table will look just as good a few years from now as it does now, as long as it is cared for properly. Coffee tables can be made from a variety of woods, from pine to walnut.
MDF- The modern alternative
Modern furniture is often constructed from MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which is strong and easy to maintain while being able to be manipulated into almost any shape. However, the beauty of real wood is that it can be repaired and restored, whereas MDF cannot.
What functions should your coffee table fulfill?
Coffee tables serve a variety of uses. While some are used for ornamental display purposes only, in many homes they have replaced the family dining table. The functions that your table must fulfill should be one of the key considerations when selecting it. You need to decide if you need storage, and if so, whether you want the items you’re storing to be in public view or hidden. Lift-up coffee tables sound like a good idea, but they’re only really useful if you intend to keep your surface area uncluttered. Otherwise, every time you need to remove or replace an item, you must clean the top of the table first. Often a coffee table with a drawer or shelf may be a more convenient option.
A coffee table will be a key purchase for your living space. It is worth investing time and energy in choosing a table that meets both your aesthetic and functional needs and is something you will use and love for many years to come.