The Complete Guide to Styling and Selecting the Perfect Coffee Table

The coffee table is the centerpiece of any living room - it ties your furniture together while providing a platform to show off decor and serve guests. With endless options spanning sleek modern to ornately carved, choosing the right coffee table takes some consideration. Read on for tips on selecting a coffee table to match your style, along with creative styling ideas.

What to Look for in a Coffee Table

As you evaluate coffee table options, keep the following criteria in mind:

• Size - Measure your sofa and surrounding furniture. The table should be proportional without dominating. Leave 15-18 inches of clearance around the edges.
• Shape - Rectangular tables work well with sectionals. Square and round tables complement conversational seating.
• Height - Standard heights are 15-18 inches. Low tables allow you to see over them while seated. Higher tables are better for serving food and display.
• Material - Wood tables with glass insets provide both style and practicality. Durable stone, metal and acrylic are other options.
• Storage - Lift-top coffee tables or ones with shelves or drawers provide bonus concealed storage for remotes, blankets and more.
• Style - Choose a table that matches your existing decor - sleek for modern spaces, carved wood for traditional, etc.

Benefits of a Quality Coffee Table

Investing in a well-made coffee table has many advantages:

• Ties the room together - A stellar coffee table that complements your sofa, chairs and other furnishings makes the room look cohesive.
• Provides serving space - From displaying coffee table books to trays of appetizers and drinks, the tabletop offers valuable real estate.
• Adds style - The right coffee table makes a strong style statement, whether it's midcentury modern or industrial chic.
• Offers hidden storage - Lift-top and storage-equipped coffee tables keep remotes, magazines and more out of sight but within reach.
• Makes cleaning easier - A large surface area makes it simple to occasionally clear away dust, dog hair and clutter in one sweep.

How to Style a Coffee Table

When it comes to coffee table decor, the styling options are endless. Some stylish ideas include:

• Books and magazines in neat stacks
• Houseplants or fresh flower arrangements
• Curated decorative objects like shells, candles or vases
• Baskets and trays for corralling smaller decor items
• Large statement pieces like ornate lamps or sculptures

Also consider layering:

• Top trays with appetizers, drinks and remotes
• Add woven baskets for throw blankets
• Try decorative coffee table books stacked horizontally
• Switch things up seasonally or when entertaining to keep your coffee table display looking fresh. The space allows plenty of room for creativity.

FAQs About Coffee Tables

Do you still have some questions surrounding coffee tables? Read on for commonly asked coffee table queries:

• What size should a coffee table be?

  Measure existing furniture pieces. Size it at 50-75% the length of your sofa or seating arrangement with 15-18 inches of clearance all around.

• How far should a coffee table be from a sofa?
  Around 16-18 inches from the edge of the sofa allows enough leg room while being able to reach drinks and remotes.
• What is the standard coffee table height?

  The most common coffee table heights range between 15 to 18 inches tall. Lower heights around 12-15 inches can work well for tighter spaces.

• How do you mix and match coffee tables?

  Place a large rectangular coffee table centrally and supplement smaller accent tables on each end, or flank a square coffee table with round end tables.

• What should you not put on a coffee table?

  Avoid clutter like stacks of unsorted papers, cleaning supplies, or tech gadgets not in use, which create visual chaos.

The right coffee table draws the eye while offering ample functionality. Choose a size, shape and material that enhances your existing decor, then get creative styling the surface with accessories that express your personal tastes. Your coffee table should reflect your lifestyle and design sensibility while acting as the anchor and focal point of your living room. With so many options, you can easily find the perfect table to suit your space.