Coffee table – How to choose a coffee table
The purpose of a coffee table seems simple enough, at its most basic level it is a table in the center of your living room on which you can place your coffee, magazines and remote controls, it can also function as a dining table, a desk, a kid’s everything table and footstool, or sometimes double as extra seating or a place to sort your clothes. However, this relatively simple piece of furniture has the potential to define your character, or at least the objects that compose it, so what does your coffee table say about you?
More than a coffee table
The coffee table usually sits in the space between the sofa and the TV, and while it offers a handy spot for a glass of wine, its central location means that most eyes are on it when looking around the room and looking at it. becomes the most important focal point. So are you the artistic type with heavy art books and sketchbooks stacked sky high, or maybe a slightly uptight clean freak with a spotless surface and coaster at the ready? Regardless of what your personality really is, or who you want to project, taking some time to consider the “presentation” of your coffee table, just as you would a display on a buffet or dresser, could make a world of difference in your room. If you want to create a coffee table display, select pieces with a similar theme and group them together, then balance the display with an off-center flower vase or bowl. If you prefer to keep your coffee table surface uncluttered, find a more attention-grabbing coffee table design, to add interest to the center of the room, if you have a minimalist theme, create depth by contrasting shapes, a simple round vase on a square table for example.
Quick styling tips:
– Books are key items, a couple of stacks of coffee table books that you love, arranged at one end or opposite sides.
– Trays are key to creating a look when there’s not much going on, either contrasting the shape of the table (ie round on square or square on round), or choose the same shape, placed perpendicular or off center, place a a vase of fresh flowers or a chandelier and place the remote controls.
– Pretty boxes also make for an easy display; Placed on top of some magazines or stacked in different sizes and colours, they’ll add an instant display and also form a place where you can hide your remotes.
– Create a more personal style with one or two small objects or knick-knacks placed on top of a stack of books or a box.
– Fresh flowers: a sculptural vase or bowl will often form the center of attention on coffee tables, for an extra touch; fill it with fresh flowers when guests come.
what to look for
If perhaps your coffee table is letting you down, or you’re just looking for a new one on the market, what are some key factors to look for?
scale and size
Firstly the scale of the table is probably the most important factor, the table will anchor the room and if it is too big or too small the proportions of the room could be thrown off. The space where the coffee table goes will largely dictate the size, if it is to be placed between a sofa or chaise longue and the TV on the opposite wall (or between 2 facing sofas) then a rectangular coffee table will complement the space If there is a square space between a sofa set, such as a 2+3 or a corner lounge, then you could go for a square, round or oversized rectangle. If you reckon it should be just within reach of the main seats, it’s likely to take up a decent amount of floor space, a general rule of thumb is that it should be up to two-thirds the length of the sofa and sit at about the same height. like the seats (with variations that achieve different looks, that is, very low will create a modern and minimalist feeling).
function
How you use your coffee table is a key factor, if yours tends to double as a dining table for you or the kids, find an easy-to-clean surface such as glass or poly, if you intend to store your DVD collection on your coffee table you’ll have to look for something with storage. If you have young children who crawl or climb on furniture, you might want to consider something with rounded edges, which doesn’t necessarily limit you to rounded designs; many rectangular tables will have a smoother curved edge.
style and color
There are many styles available, from very modern to traditional styles, look for something that will complement the room and other furniture, and a classic glass top will usually be quite safe for those who are unsure. In terms of material, wood works well if you have small wooden elements in the rooms, it helps bring the room together. If you already have a lot of wood, it can easily become overwhelmingly ‘mixable’ if you select a matching coffee table, break it up with glass with wooden legs, or a complementary wooden accessory on top of a polyethylene or glass tabletop. . Modern polyurethane options are often suitable to buy a whole color; then they form the background for accessories such as the rug, flowers or patterns in the room. If you want to create a beautiful artistic display on top, go for a simpler style that doesn’t compete, if you’re not so sure about creating bold displays, select more of a statement piece that can become the talking point, a more bold will be make sure your guests don’t think you’re boring!