Dunelm, Habitat, Homebase or Tesco Coffee Tables?

How to Choose a Coffee Table

The Perfect Size..

As a general rule of thumb, your coffee table should be between ½ and ⅔ the length of the side of the couch or sofa  it will be facing.

The average height of a coffee table is between 16inches to 18inches, but depending on the height of your couch, you might want to go taller or shorter. For best comfort, the coffee table height should be within 2inches of the height of your sofa cushions.

Table Shapes..

Rectangle – The most popular coffee table shape, rectangular coffee tables fit well with longer couches. If your room has a lot of soft lines, consider breaking them up with a rectangular table.

Round – This shape works with shorter sofas and more compact seating arrangements because long sofas tend to make round coffee tables look smaller. Round tables are a great option if you have young children or pets as there are no sharp corners to bump into.

Square – Similar to round tables, square coffee tables tend to work best in a smaller or square-like seating arrangement. But, square tables may not be long enough for everyone to reach if they’re seated on a lengthy sofa.

Oval – An oval coffee table is great if you like the shape of a round table, but have a longer sofa.

Free form – If conventional isn’t your style, free-form coffee tables are for you. Geometric styles, like triangular, hexagonal, and half-circle tables would look good in a funky yet casual setting. If you choose a more abstract shape, your everyday coffee table can fit in your space like a sculpture or a work of art. A free-form style will suit if your living area has a modern & sophisticated look.

Materials..

Plastic/Acrylic – Durable and light, plastic or acrylic coffee tables are easy to move around and clean. Their sleek look fits well in a minimal setting.

Wood – The most popular coffee table material, wood is durable, reliable, and accommodating to any room style.

Glass – For small or cramped rooms, a glass coffee table will help open it up with style.

Metal – Industrial or structural themes go well with metal coffee tables.

Other Considerations…

Coffee Tables with Storage Space – Organizational features like drawers, bins, and shelves are great for storing magazines, pillows, blankets, remote controls, and anything else to help keep your living space clutter-free.

Trunk Coffee Tables – These can come in many shapes, but are usually rectangle-shaped. Their defining feature is a lidded top, like a traditional suitcase trunk. The lid opens to reveal a hollow inside, perfect for storing throws or toys.

Nesting Coffee Tables: These can come in any shape, and is where two or more tables that get progressively smaller and all fit under the largest table for easy storage when not in use.