Is a Coffee Table in the Living Room Necessary?

Though the idea for a coffee table can come with a majority of living room furniture design, experts don’t think that you always need one. But if your space and needs dictates, an ottoman or set of side tables are more practical choices.

Accent tables – also called end or sofa tables – make a smooth and balanced statement to any room, as they can hold lamps(es) and drinks.

Size
A coffee table must not be too big, it will take over a room. Conversely, it needs to have enough cushioning for drinks, food and décor.

And don’t forget to find the right coffee table size and shape for your sofa and seating arrangement. Short coffee tables can be used in narrow living spaces and round coffee tables can be used with regular sized sofas or sectionals.

There are also coffee and end tables that come with internal storage in order to organize your living space like shelves and cabinets for books, movies, remotes, etc. And there are models even with wheels to make them easier to transport. You can also get ottomans if you want extra surface area for snacks or drinks but also as seats or footstools for guests in your living room. Many have plush, upholstered seating for maximum comfort – ideal for households with small children – and you may even be able to get ones with hidden storage pockets for added convenience!

Shape
Your table form can also make a world of difference to a room. Curving round tables are communal in style, they open up a room; square coffee tables have sharp edges that anchor the room and give it balance and order.

If you’re working in an area with children, opt for a table with rounded edges to avoid bumps and bruises. : If snacks, remotes and tech cables will be buried under your coffee table, look for a model that has storage compartments or drawers hidden away to keep them all out of sight.

Many people assume that the tables in a living room should all be the same to be elegant and chic. Too much symmetry is not necessarily good, unfortunately – mix different types of tables to add variety, and to create more interesting rooms.

Material
The table you choose will make all the difference in the appearance of your living room, so it is important to match with other furniture and accessories.

Glass tables can be modern and wood tables can add an ancient warmth to any space. Even the metal tables can be a great statement piece when paired with other metal furniture like chairs or ottomans.

Check to see that your coffee and side tables are also in the same size and shape as your sofa so that they don’t float too low or high and don’t block any space in the living room for anyone to move around in freely.

Function
Tables are not only a necessary thing to have in the space, they’re also key to the conversation. Whether it is storing a collection of ornaments or just books and magazines, a great coffee table instantly communicates something about the homeowner or visitor.

In rooms with a lot of open areas, it’s good to use a coffee table as a reference to divide the room into living area and kitchen/dining area. Seating it around so people can chat.

Stone or glass tabletops are chic, wooden and metal choices are warm and timeless. And if you want some extra storage, you can buy coffee tables with built-in drawers or shelves; ottoman tables double as extra seating as well as space for pillows, blankets and other essentials. When you buy a swivel table, you are more open to catering to your needs and decor.