Living room with beige sofa, green accent chairs, geometric pillows, and a glass-top coffee table on a beige rug, featuring large windows and modern decor.

Your sofa may be the focal point of your living room, but no sofa would be complete without its stylish sidekick: the coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as ‘cocktail tables’, are a staple in any living room. Along with enhancing the aesthetic of the space, coffee tables provide a convenient spot to place drinks, remote controls, devices, and even your feet at the end of a long day. With so many sizes, styles, and materials to choose from, finding your perfect coffee table in a sea of many can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, the experienced Star Furniture design team has made shopping for your ideal coffee table simple. Check out these tips for selecting and styling your living room's centerpiece.

Selecting The Right Coffee Table

It’s important to think about the specific style, features and functionality that you need in a coffee table before you go shopping. Here are some factors to keep in mind when searching for the right coffee table for you.

Understanding Scale and Proportion

Your coffee table should be the appropriate scale and proportion to the other furnishings in the room, particularly your sofa. It's best to choose a coffee table that is two-thirds the length of your sofa or less. Additionally, your coffee table shouldn't be higher than the seat of your sofa. If its height is lower than your sofa seats, it shouldn't be more than two inches lower. It's also important to leave around two feet between your sofa and coffee table to ensure that you have plenty of leg space. 

Considering the Shape

There's more that goes into choosing the shape of your coffee table than personal preferences. The shape of your coffee table should be determined by the space that it's in, particularly how the seating is arranged within the room. Keep these tips in mind to choose the best shape for your living room:

  • If your space is small, rectangular and oval-shaped coffee tables will make the space feel more spacious.
  • Square and round coffee tables pair well with large seating arrangements, including sectional sofas. 
  • Round and oval coffee tables are a good option for homes with young children.
  • To add personality and visual intrigue to a modular sofa, consider bringing in an abstract coffee table.

Material Matters

Coffee tables can be made from many different materials, such as wood, metal, and upholstery. Each one offers different styles and benefits. The home decor style of your living room as well as your lifestyle can help point you in the right direction of which material would be best for your home. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your coffee table material:

  • Wood is a classic coffee table material and provides many benefits, including being durable, easy to care for, and versatile.
  • A glass-top coffee table can go with virtually any home decor style and also make small spaces feel larger.
  • Get the best of all worlds with a coffee table made from mixed materials. A glass-top table with a metallic base, for example, adds visual interest and will serve as a stylish focal point in your living room. 

Style Coordination

Like any other piece of furniture, your coffee table should complement the existing decor within your home. No matter how beautiful a particular coffee table may be, if it doesn't pair well with the other furniture in the space, the room as a whole will look off. With this in mind, be sure to choose a coffee table that is the same style as your sofa, side tables, and other living room furnishings. However, if your living room is decorated in a neutral, understated way, bringing in a bold coffee table could make an unexpected yet refreshing statement. 

Functionality and Usage

When choosing a coffee table, consider how you plan to use it to ensure it meets your needs and complements your lifestyle. If you frequently entertain guests, opt for a larger table with ample surface area for drinks and snacks. For those who love storage, choose a coffee table with built-in shelves or drawers to keep remotes, magazines, and other essentials organized. If you have children, a rounded or upholstered coffee table can be safer and more child-friendly. Some families use their coffee table as a dining table during movie nights, so a sturdy, easily cleanable surface is ideal. Look for a table that is at a comfortable height for sitting on the floor or sofa, ensuring everyone can reach their food and drinks easily. By tailoring your coffee table choice to your specific usage, you can create a functional and stylish centerpiece for your living room.

Styling Your Coffee Table

Once you've found the perfect coffee table for your living room, it's time to style it like a professional. Doing so will not only make sure that the piece shines but also that the space as a whole feels polished and flows well. Here's what you need to know to style your coffee table like the experts at Star Furniture.

Creating Visual Balance

When it comes to arranging items on your coffee table, balance is key. A good rule of thumb is to pair items in groups of three, such as books or candles. This will create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Likewise, it's a good idea to include pieces of varying heights. Having something tall, such as a plant or candle, along with smaller items can give your coffee table a dynamic aesthetic. Pairing pieces with different colors and textures can do the same, such as a few neutral pieces with an accent color or two.

Making it Functional Yet Aesthetic

Your coffee table should be as functional as it is attractive. With this in mind, be sure to include some items that enhance its practicality while maintaining its visual appeal. This could include decorative coasters to place under your drink or trays that can keep your knick-knacks contained. Better still, choose a coffee table that can help you keep clutter at bay, such as one with built-in storage. 

Adding Personal Touches

To make your coffee table shine as your own, pairing it with personal items is a must. Don't hesitate to add your favorite books, a vase you love, or collectibles you've acquired over the years to reflect your personal style. While you don't want to incorporate so many pieces that the coffee table isn't practical, maintaining your unique personality is an important part of decorating any home that feels inviting and stylish.

Find Your Perfect Coffee Table at Star Furniture

The right coffee table can make an ordinary living room feel extraordinary. If you're looking for the perfect coffee table to enhance the functionality and beauty of your living room, the trusted design experts at Star Furniture are here to help. Visit us in-store or online to browse our large selection of quality coffee tables. We look forward to helping you make the most of your home with the right coffee table.