Choosing the Right Coffee Table for Your Space

Coffee tables might seem like a simple purchase, but the right one can completely transform your living space, both aesthetically and functionally. From proportion to purpose, choosing a coffee table involves much more than picking something pretty. It’s about balance, flow, and how the piece will serve your day-to-day life.

Whether you're styling a minimalist flat, a busy family lounge, or a cosy reading nook, this guide will help you choose the perfect coffee table for your space, based on shape, size, and function.

1. Start with Function: What Do You Need It For?

Before you dive into styles and trends, think about how you use your living space.

• Is it a social hub? If you often host friends or enjoy family movie nights, look for a larger surface for snacks and drinks.
• Need storage? Coffee tables with hidden compartments or shelves can help keep clutter at bay.
• Just for looks? A sculptural or minimal table might be the right choice if you're all about the aesthetic and don’t need heavy-duty functionality.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need drawers or storage baskets?
• Will this table hold drinks, books, or a laptop?
• Do I want it to blend in or be a statement piece?

Once you’re clear on function, the rest falls into place.

2. Size Matters: Get the Proportions Right

Coffee tables serve as a central anchor in your living room. If it’s too big, it’ll overwhelm the space. Too small, and it’ll look out of place.

Here are a few basic rules to help:

Height

The ideal coffee table height is typically level with your sofa cushions or just a couple of centimetres lower. This makes it comfortable to reach over for a drink or a remote.

Quick Tip: Standard sofa seat height is about 45cm, so aim for a coffee table between 40–45cm tall.

Length

As a general guide, your coffee table should be around two-thirds the length of your sofa. So, if your sofa is 210cm long, your coffee table should be roughly 140cm.

Distance

Leave about 40–45cm of space between your coffee table and the seating around it. This allows for easy movement while still keeping the table within reach.

If you’re dealing with a smaller room, opt for a compact table or a nesting set that can be moved around as needed.

3. Shape: More Than Just Style

The shape of your coffee table should complement both your room layout and your seating arrangement.

Rectangular Coffee Tables

These are the most traditional and versatile, particularly suited for standard-sized three-seater sofas or longer seating arrangements.

• Ideal for: Large rooms, symmetrical layouts, and those needing more surface area.

Round Coffee Tables

Great for smaller spaces or where you want to soften sharp lines. They’re particularly family-friendly, as there are no corners to bump into.

• Ideal for: Compact lounges, homes with small children, and L-shaped sofa arrangements.

Square Coffee Tables

These work well with sectional sofas or when paired with two smaller sofas facing each other.

• Ideal for: Balanced, symmetrical rooms where you want to create a focal point.

Oval Coffee Tables

Like a round table but with more surface space — and just as smooth-edged and family-safe.

• Ideal for: Narrow living rooms, or when you want something a bit more visually interesting than a basic rectangle.

Abstract or Freeform Shapes

Think pebble-shaped, wavy, or asymmetrical tables. These are perfect for modern spaces or when you want a bold design element.

• Ideal for: Creative or eclectic interiors where the table doubles as a piece of art.

4. Materials: Style Meets Practicality

The material you choose not only affects the look of your table but also its durability and practicality.

Wood

Timeless and sturdy. Light oak brings Scandi vibes, while dark walnut feels more traditional.

• Best for: Cosy, natural interiors or when you want warmth and texture.

Glass

Sleek, modern, and perfect for making a room feel more open and spacious.

• Best for: Small spaces, contemporary styles, or when you want to show off a beautiful rug underneath.

Metal

Adds a hint of industrial chic or glam, depending on the finish. Brass and gold-toned metals are trending right now.

• Best for: Modern, minimal, or industrial spaces.

Marble or Stone

Elegant and luxurious, though heavier and often pricier. Faux marble is a good budget-friendly alternative.

• Best for: Sophisticated interiors or when you want a dramatic centrepiece.

Rattan or Woven Materials

Textural and bohemian, these materials are lightweight and relaxed.

• Best for: Beachy, boho, or relaxed living spaces.

5. Extra Features to Look For

Depending on your needs, you might want to consider:

• Lift-Top Tables: Great for working from the sofa or dining while watching TV.
• Nested Tables: Space-saving and flexible — pull them out when guests are round, tuck them away when not needed.
• Shelves or Drawers: Keep remotes, magazines, or blankets out of sight but close at hand.

6. Match (or Intentionally Mismatch) Your Style

Your coffee table doesn’t need to match your entire living room set — in fact, mixing materials and styles can create a more dynamic and layered look.

• Pair a sleek glass table with a plush velvet sofa.
• Offset a traditional room with a bold modern table.
• Combine rustic wood with metal legs for a trendy industrial finish.

Just ensure that the scale, tone, and texture complement the rest of your space.

A coffee table might be just a table, but when chosen carefully, it becomes the heart of your living room. By considering the function, shape, size, and material, you’ll find a coffee table that not only fits your space but enhances it.

So measure up, get inspired, and choose a piece that reflects both your needs and your style. Your living room will thank you for it.