Coffee tables are often the last purchased piece of a living room, yet it lies at the core of its personality. The design and shape of your coffee table speaks volumes about your tastes and sets the vibe for your setting. Depending on how often you have people over, sometimes chair-side upholsters can do, but the absence of a coffee table is bound to be felt on the occasion you host colleagues and friends.
As such, it is an essential part of your space, and it must either blend in or stand out from its surroundings. It must fit your lifestyle, both visually and functionally. This article will help you find beautiful modern coffee tables for your needs. It’ll explore the various things one should know before purchasing a centerpiece, and four excellent options to consider on Amazon.
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How Do I Match a Coffee Table With My Living Room?
The aesthetics of your room plays a big part in the persona your coffee table projects onto the room. If your space is narrow or heavily furnished, a minimal coffee table will prevent an overcrowded vibe. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space, a durable, heavyset table can be the perfect spot for guests to gather around. Two main factors will help you visually match your sofa to your coffee table.
Size
The first step to picking a beautiful modern coffee table is to measure the length of your sofa. Typically, coffee tables are around 17 inches high, but they should ideally be slightly lower than the base of the enclosing chairs and seats. This is a mere benchmark, however, and there are pros and cons of having the coffee table be slightly higher or lower.
Taller coffee tables can be beneficial if you regularly intend to use them to place drinks or food on, while shorter ones can provide a modest look if you want to have guests sit on the floor/carpet around the table.
Regardless of the height, make sure to leave adequate space for movement, especially on the side facing your television set. 24-30 inches is the range to stick to. Less, and the surroundings might feel cramped, but too much could cause inconveniences in function.
Shape
The second factor worth considering is the shape of your coffee table. Round tables are great for those who regularly host friends, family, and acquaintances. It leaves plenty of room for people to maneuver around, and for them to place their drinks on the table. On the other hand, rectangular tables will suit those who wish to place showpieces or other items on their table. Lastly, square tables can seem like a good option for small spaces, but in reality, they can reinforce the compactness of the room. However, if you don’t use your table often, a square table can help you fill the space well.
How Do I Know if a Coffee Table Fits My Needs?
While the previous section focused more on the visual factors to consider before purchasing a beautiful modern coffee table, this one goes over how to select coffee tables based on how you intend to use them. If you have kids, or if you want to use your coffee table heavily, you’ll need a sturdy material that can take some rough and tumble. Some types can also be bad at absorbing moisture, despite the ‘coffee’ table epithet, while others are easier to clean and maintain.
The first question to ask yourself here is: do you intend to store anything in your coffee table? If so, you will need a table with drawers, or additional compartments attached. Some tables also have lift tops that you can stow after use. These are handy for meals and working on your sofa.
Secondly, you’ll need a robust material. Solid wood is the best choice for heavy usage because it is by far the most robust option available. However, you will need to maintain it properly to avoid natural wear and tear. Wicker and glass tops are ideal for those who only intend to use their tables occasionally, but they come with various issues. Glass tops are easy to clean yet susceptible to breaking. While wicker is flexible, in that it can be moved around. But don’t eat on it, they’re hard to clean. Acrylic is another option for those who want a genuinely minimal look.
This selection fits a comprehensive set of needs and designs. Here are four good coffee tables you can buy from Amazon.
We decided to clump these two coffee tables together due to their similar look and price (below $30!), but the variance in user preference. The first comes with additional draws in its second tier, giving it more space for storage, while the latter has a more sleek design, whose second tier is ideal for storing stacks of books and magazines. However, the 11159 is made of a material called particleboard, which will wear down over time. The 11158 uses composite wood, which is more durable.
What We Liked
- Long enough and wide to eat at and still have laptop on it
- Very light
- Easy assembly
What We Didn’t Like
- Very low budget materials
- Sections are close but not perfect fit for assembly
This one is for those who can afford to spend upwards of $150 on their furniture, but you will undoubtedly get the bang for your buck. Made of solid wood and spanning 45-48 inches, this table is at once minimal, and sturdy. Its rustic, vintage look would go well in a slightly larger space, and its two tiers are bound to give its user adequate space to keep things on the surfaces.
What We Liked
- It’s a good looking table for the price
- This table is solid and sturdy
- Very easy to put together
What We Didn’t Like
- Once the finish gets even a small chip, it will continue to come off, and it’s not real wood
If you’re looking for a tall table and price is no barrier, this handmade option could be the one for you. Its classic wooden look never gets old, and it has been derived after processing from a single block of wood. Made of solid wood, and weighing 75 pounds, it is built for heavy use and is another trendy option on Amazon.
Thanks for reading with us today! Let us know in the comments below what kind of coffee table you have at home and what coffee you like to enjoy at that table.
If you found this read interesting, check out our related content like “How to Make Coffee Taste Good Without Creamer“, “Can You Freeze Brewed Coffee?“, or “How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker“.
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