The right coffee table in just a few steps
22.4.2020
Translation: machine translated
If you can't see the wood for the trees with the large selection of coffee tables, answer a few questions first to make your search easier.
Coffee tables are more than just a storage surface. They can round off a seating area or stand on their own. This makes the variety on the market huge. To find the right model for you, answer the following questions first:
Which shape suits the couch?
For a harmonious and unobtrusive overall look, I recommend a table in the same shape as the sofa. If it is long and angular, square or rectangular tables are suitable. Coffee tables with rounded corners are suitable for round or oval silhouettes. These have one advantage: they don't have any sharp edges that you or your flatmates could bump into. You can completely avoid bruises with poufs, as they are as soft as a cushion. Add a tray and you have your side table.
You can also create unity by choosing the coffee table in a tone that comes from the same colour palette as your sofa or, if applicable, your rug. As complementary colours and similar shapes can quickly look monotonous, you can also do the opposite: Mix different shapes and colours and be bold in your choice of coffee table. After all, it can be changed more quickly than the sofa.
What style should the table have?
The same applies to the style: the table can take on a boho-, Landhaus-, einem industrial look or go for an eclectic living style with a colourful mix of furniture styles.
What do you use the coffee table for?
Your habits will tell you a lot about how your table should look: The more surface area you need, the more suitable solutions that have several levels below or next to each other as well as a hollow space are.
Placing two or three tables in front of the seating area is another way to create more storage space. If you leave enough space between the tables, you can still walk through comfortably and don't have to choose just one model.
If you only want to place a glass of water or a vase on it, opt for decorative side tables that resemble sculptures.
How big should the table be?
It's worth factoring in the distance between the seating furniture and the table so that you have enough legroom. The guideline for this is at least 30 centimetres. For the optimum size, also use the sofa and carpet as a guide if the coffee table is directly in front of it. The length of the table should not extend beyond the carpet - and the height should not exceed that of the sofa or armchair. A length that covers about two thirds of your sofa provides balance. However, you can also avoid the size issue by placing the table to the side of the sofa.
The lower the seating, the more suitable poufs are. They are lower than most side tables and you can rest your feet on them. Just make sure that they have a wide surface so that there is room for a tray. Poufs with storage space are a good choice if space is limited.
Which material is suitable?
Glass surfaces are magnets for dust and fingerprints, but thanks to their transparency they look light and accentuate your carpet. They therefore score particularly well in small rooms. Alternatively, choose coffee tables that are made of rattan or metal mesh and allow you to see through them.
Side tables made of solid wood or stone are particularly robust. Go for cool marble for a modern look or add warmth with wood. The advantage of marble is that its surface is easy to care for and hardly changes over the years. With wooden and metal surfaces, on the other hand, I advise you to use coasters.
The material should always be compatible with the surface: when choosing, make sure that there are no scratches on your floor or protect it by covering the table legs with felt.
Now that you (hopefully) have an answer to all your questions, you're ready to set the appropriate filters and "scroll" through the couchtable range without getting dizzy. ;)
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
Furniture
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
