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Everything Yoou Need To Know Before Choosing A Coffee Table

Coffee tables play a vital role in elevating both the functionality and visual appeal of your living area. Whether you're sipping on coffee, entertaining guests, or requiring a convenient spot to keep your items, coffee tables serve a diverse range of functions. In this article, we'll delve into a comprehensive discussion of coffee tables, encompassing their historical significance, diverse styles, optimal placement, and maintenance requirements.

History of Coffee Tables

The origin of coffee tables can be traced back to the late 19th century when they were initially referred to as "tea tables." These tables were initially created to serve as platforms for displaying tea sets during social gatherings. However, as coffee gained popularity, these tables underwent modifications to accommodate coffee cups and saucers, leading to their eventual name, "coffee tables." As interior design trends evolved, coffee tables also adapted in both design and functionality to meet the changing demands and preferences of the times.

Different Styles of Coffee Tables

Traditional

Traditional coffee tables boast a timeless design featuring four sturdy legs and a rectangular shape, typically crafted from wood. They are straightforward, functional pieces of furniture placed in front of seating areas and often lack additional storage.

Storage 

Storage coffee tables come in various styles and configurations. They can include features like storage drawers, a second shelf, or cubbies and baskets. These tables may take on different shapes, such as rectangles, squares, circles, or ovals, and can be crafted from materials like wood, metal, or acrylic, with surfaces made of glass, wicker, rattan, and more.

Lift Top 

The lift top coffee table offers a unique twist on the conventional design. It combines storage with a top that can be raised and moved toward you, creating a comfortable workspace for tasks like using a laptop, writing, or dining while seated on a sofa or loveseat. These tables typically feature rectangular or square shapes, with wood being the predominant material of choice.

Nesting 

Nesting coffee tables consist of smaller tables or ottomans that neatly fit underneath the main table, making them convenient for pulling out and using as needed. The smaller tables can serve as separate surfaces for beverages, books, or decor, and some may include storage drawers. Ottomans within this style are particularly useful for children to sit at the coffee table and often have storage compartments. Nesting tables can take on round, rectangular, or square forms and be constructed from various materials like wood, upholstery, metal, glass, and more.

Upholstered 

Upholstered coffee tables primarily come in a square shape. These tables may feature a wooden frame with a tufted cushioned top or be entirely upholstered, with a tufted cushioned top that can be lifted for storage. The latter design is also referred to as an ottoman and serves as an excellent space for storing items such as blankets and toys.

How to Choose The Right Coffee Table

Before Buying a New Coffee Table

Coffee tables serve various purposes and find use in a multitude of ways. They often serve as the initial repository for books, the landing spot for hastily tossed keys, or the platform for resting tired feet. The choice of the ideal coffee table, considering factors such as material, size, shape, and features, can significantly influence its functionality and longevity for both you and your family. It can either evolve into a pivotal piece of furniture within your living space or remain an overlooked accessory. As you embark on your quest for the perfect coffee table, remember to prioritize your specific needs to ensure it perfectly complements your lifestyle and family dynamics.

Considerations to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Coffee Table

Location

The choice of a coffee table depends largely on where it will be placed. Different rooms have different demands for coffee tables, so it's crucial to factor in the location.

• Living Room: Your living room may require a more formal coffee table, depending on your decor. Delicate surfaces like glass can be suitable in this setting.
• Family Room: In a family room, durability is key. Look for a sturdier coffee table with storage options like drawers. The surface should be able to withstand rough use, as spills and foot traffic are common. Avoid glass tops due to fragility, susceptibility to fingerprints, and scratches, especially if you have small children. Delicate surfaces are prone to damage in high-traffic areas.

Centerpiece

The coffee table often serves as the focal point of a room. To make it stand out as a centerpiece, consider style, size, material, surface finish, and color.

A coffee table can become a statement piece with its unique style and functionality. Combine these attributes to create a visually striking element in the room.

Materials

When shopping for a coffee table, you'll discover a wide range of material options beyond just wood. Consider the room's overall aesthetic and existing furniture to select the most suitable material.

• Clear acrylic and glass can make a small room appear more spacious.
• Metal accents can add a touch of gleam and modernity.
• Darker woods like mahogany or walnut, along with materials like marble and metal, complement traditional decor.
• Leather or faux leather is versatile and easy to maintain.

Factor in the material's durability and safety, especially if you have young children.

Shape

Coffee tables are available in various shapes, and your seating arrangement should guide your choice.

• Rectangular or oval tables work well in smaller rooms.
• Square or round tables are ideal for large seating configurations, like sectionals or large sofas with love seats.
• Round or oval tables are safer around children due to their absence of sharp corners.
• Abstract shapes, including triangular tables, add a unique dimension to the room and complement regular-sized sofas or modular sectionals.

Size

Proportion and style play a vital role in choosing the right coffee table size.

• Ensure the table's size complements other furniture, especially the sofa or sectional in front of it.
• Keep in mind the scale and leave enough space around the coffee table for legroom, at least a foot and a half between the table and the sofa.
• Ideally, the coffee table should be the same height as the sofa's seat or slightly lower, but no more than one to two inches lower.

Functionality

The level of functionality your coffee table provides depends on your specific needs. While most coffee tables offer a flat surface atop a base, some come with additional features.

• Consider coffee tables with shelves, drawers, or compartments for added storage.
• Trunks and ottomans can provide ample hidden storage space.
• Tables with adjustable surfaces are handy for working or dining.
• Casters or wheels are convenient if you need to move the coffee table around easily.

Cost

Coffee tables come in various price ranges, influenced by factors such as their construction materials, the reputation of the manufacturer, and their features. It's advisable to establish a budget before embarking on your search for the ideal coffee table for your home, taking into account your financial constraints. Typically, you can expect to find coffee tables priced between $150 and $400.

For those who are starting out in their first apartment or new home and need a more budget-friendly option, there are less expensive coffee tables available. However, it's important to note that these may not have the same level of durability but can serve as a temporary solution until you can afford a higher-quality one.

Conclusion

Coffee tables serve a dual purpose, not only as functional furniture but also as central pieces in your living room's decor. This guide covers different styles, materials, placement options, and maintenance tips to help you select the ideal coffee table that matches your style and elevates your living area. Therefore, take a moment to unwind and savor your coffee on a stunning coffee table that mirrors your unique preferences and lifestyle.