An important piece of furniture for the living room is the coffee table. When you sit in the living room and drink coffee or read the newspaper, it is necessary to have a coffee table in front of you. If you can choose the right coffee table, it can fulfill your needs and double the beauty of the living room. But if you don’t know how to choose the perfect coffee table, there is no reason to worry. We will teach you how to choose a perfect coffee table, which can enhance the beauty of the living room in addition to its excellent functionality. Let’s find out.
Understanding Your Living Space Style
Since the environment of every living room is not the same, tables are made in different designs, keeping this aspect in mind. So, to choose the perfect coffee table, select a table that suits your living room.
1. Modern Living Rooms
Glass Coffee Tables: Coffee tables made of glass are very well designed. They are slightly smoother than tables made of other materials.
Metal Coffee Tables: Metal coffee tables are stronger than glass tables. Such tables are not made entirely of metal, but the base of the table is made of metal, and a top made of wood or glass is used.
2. Traditional Living Rooms
Wooden tables are ideal for a traditional living room. Such tables are usually made from two types of wood: solid wood and engineered wood.
Solid Wood: Solid wood is stronger and more durable than tables made of other materials. Some wooden tables have different types of craftsmanship. Moreover, such tables can easily adapt to the living room environment of any design.
Engineered Wood: Engineered wood generally refers to two types: MDF board and plywood. MDF boards are made by gluing together solid wood logs. Plywood is made by gluing together sheets of low-quality solid wood.
Antique Coffee Tables: These types of coffee tables are made from wood. Such tables have very intricate designs crafted on wood. To put it simply, they look like somewhat royal or historical tables. You can choose antique coffee tables to add a royal touch to your room.
Choosing the Right Material
The durability and beauty of a coffee table depend on the material it is made of. So, when choosing a coffee table, you need to choose the right material.
1. Solid Wood
Advantage: Coffee tables made of solid wood last longer than those made from other materials. They can easily be used for ages if maintained properly. Usually, this type of table is made from wood like oak, walnut, and maple. Moreover, they can be customized into different designs and shapes to suit the environment of the living room. Wooden tables look very beautiful as they often feature various types of craftsmanship.
Consideration: A disadvantage of wooden tables is that they can get scratched, and water can cause damage. Their cost is slightly higher than that of other materials due to the manufacturing process. They need to be cleaned regularly and refinished every few years to maintain their shiny finish. If you don’t choose a table made of good mahogany wood, insect damage or cracks may appear over time.
2. Engineered Wood
Advantage: Although tables made of engineered wood look like solid wood, their price is much lower. They can be used as a substitute for solid wood. Moreover, they do not have issues with insect attacks or finishing like solid wood. Tables made of engineered wood are smooth and easy to keep clean. Engineered wood is strong enough for coffee tables and long-lasting.
Consideration: Although engineered wood is used as an alternative to solid wood, it is not as strong or durable. If you live in a humid environment, it is better not to choose a table made of engineered wood. These tables swell in humid conditions and wither away after a few days. If you choose a table made of engineered wood, keep it away from water and moisture.
3. Glass
Advantage: Glass tables are simple in design. Moreover, the possibility of scratching a glass table is lower, and they can play a great role in enhancing the beauty of the living room. Another benefit is that they are very easy to clean. These tables are made of tempered glass, so you can use them safely.
Consideration: Although they are made of tempered glass, they are prone to breaking under hard impact. Frequent cleaning is required due to fingerprints and smudges. If there are small children or pets at home, it is better not to choose glass tables.
4. Metal
Advantage: Tables made of metal are very strong and long-lasting. They do not break easily and can be used for many years. They are easy to cleanโjust wipe with a damp cloth.
Consideration: Tables made of metal are usually a bit heavy. While choosing a table, make sure that the base has a protective cover; otherwise, the floor may get scratched. If a good quality finish is not applied to the table, it can easily scratch.
5. Marble
Advantage: Tables made of marble are usually very attractive and stylish, which can enhance the beauty of the living room. They can be easily used in both cold and warm environments.
Consideration: Tables made of marble are a bit heavy and tend to cost more than tables made of other materials.
Functionality Matters
So far, I have only talked about beauty; now let’s discuss functionality. A coffee table can enhance both the functionality and beauty of the living room.
1. Storage Needs
Coffee Tables with Drawers or Shelves: Tables with drawers and shelves can store small items like TV or AC remotes and magazines with ease. As a result, your table stays organized.
Lift-Top Coffee Tables: If your living room is a bit narrow, then these types of tables are perfect for you. Lift-top tables have hidden storage, which provides more space than drawer and shelf tables to store a variety of items.
2. Multi-Purpose Use
Ottoman Coffee Tables: You can choose Ottoman coffee tables for more convenience. These tables can be used as a surface in addition to offering storage.
Nesting Tables: These tables are a boon for small living rooms. Nesting tables can be expanded when in use and collapsed when not needed.
Size and Shape Considerations
Since coffee tables come in different sizes, you need to choose one that fits easily in the living room without causing any difficulty in movement once the table is placed. In addition to size, coffee tables also come in different shapes, such as:
– Rectangular Coffee Table
– Round Coffee Table
– Square Coffee Table
– Oval Coffee Table
