What is The Perfect Coffee Table?
Your living room is where you unwind, relax and entertain family and friends. There is, of course, a sofa and chairs, but one piece of essential furniture which can be the most hard-working and sometimes most challenging to select is the perfect coffee table.
Selecting the Perfect Size
The ideal coffee table is two-thirds the width of your sofa. If you have a sectional with a chaise, then the table should be two-thirds the size of the sofa portion only. This creates a balanced look in the room.
Leave Some Room
The ideal distance from the sofa's edge to the table's edge is 18 inches. You want the table close enough to reach for a drink or put a book down but sufficient not to bump your knees. Unfortunately, people often leave too much or insufficient room if there are other seats in the room you want to reach the coffee table.
Think about your room's central passageway, and leave at least 30 inches from the outer edge of the coffee table the next piece of furniture. You can get away with 24 inches if you have a narrow room.
Think about the Height
A coffee table's height is vital. The surface should be about one or two inches lower than your sofa seat. Standard tables are 16 to 18 inches high, but if you have a higher sofa or entertain a lot, consider a taller table—20 or 21 inches—so it's easy for guests to set down their dessert plate or cut a piece of cheese.
Thoughts on Glass Tables
Glass tables are less bulky than wood or metal and easier to wipe down. Plus, if you can’t find a coaster, putting your drink on a glass top is OK. Think about a glass table to avoid covering a beautiful rug design. Also, consider lucite and acrylic. They are other good options.
What about an Upholstered Cocktail Ottoman
When your vibe is about living casually, nothing compares to putting your feet on an upholstered ottoman instead of a hard coffee table. A leather cocktail ottoman is terrific for durability, and with the addition of a tray serving table for drinks, it has all the use of a coffee table with all the comfort.
Ready to start a design project?
