Factors To Consider When Choosing A Coffee Table
The coffee table is a muted centerpiece with heavy potential to ground and complete a room. These tables create a space to gather around after dinner, lingering over coffee and conversation, or a more casual workstation that welcomes energy and movement. It’s worth the effort to pick out the right one that fits into your space and your lifestyle. To do so, there are a few factors to consider.
FLOW AND MOVEMENT
The coffee table is a puzzle piece that connects to the existing furniture around it and provides an anchor for others. So, it’s important to consider what already exists in your space. Consider the overall size of your room and your seating arrangements. Unlike a dining room table, a coffee table is more personal. You have the freedom to decide how much space you want between it and the surrounding seats.
Next, take into consideration the size of the rug that will go underneath the coffee table and scale the table to suit your rug. Now, give yourself a range of sizes for your coffee table. Establish the smallest size that would fit into your space and then the largest. This range is important so that you aren’t locked into one size and miss out on other possibilities.
Because a coffee table is more personal, the way you will use it will also influence your choice. If you are more casual and enjoy resting your feet on a table, then let that influence the distance between seating and table. If your household is more formal, then creating a larger thoroughfare becomes important. Regardless, the table height should match the height of the seats around it. A standard height of 14" generally lines up well with modern sofas.
FUNCTION
Think about how you will use your coffee table, whether it will be a spot to showcase personality with unique arrangements that get rotated periodically, or a surface over which to play board games, pore over homework, or spread out your work. Imagine how many people will be around it at once and whether it’d be best to avoid sharp edges or opt for softer curves.
COLOUR AND TEXTURE
Now it’s time to select a wood type. You’ve looked at your space and the existing elements in it in relation to table size, but now take another look noticing the colours and textures that are already at play.
When setting up your space, you may have chosen one leading colour. If so, then the wood type and finish for your table should complement that for a monochromatic look. However, if you’re looking for contrast, then your table can stand out. For example, choose a dark coffee table for a light space to bring attention to other small details in darker hues within your space.
Choosing your coffee table is a rewarding process. Take these factors into consideration and have fun selecting the right piece to complete your space.
