Coffee Table Advice (Part II)

6 years ago

Hey Everyone,

A few weeks ago I posted a question about what kind of coffee table I should get for my living room. Though I got great advice from the Houzz community and thankfully was lead away from certain terrible ideas but was also given a better set of ideas. I still have not been able to choose the right coffee table. I guess it's because I love the rest of the room so much and I would hate to have something that stands out as an eyesore in the middle of the room.

The seating is the statement - the table is more functional (this will be the room that is not used as much as the den) and I would like a bit of glam and not so much masculinity to this room. I need to keep the feel airy and light.

I'm posting my living room pic again along with the 9 tables which I have narrowed this down to. (These tables are within budget and height specifications). The jury is still out regarding shape: i think rounder (ovals and rounds) would add a softness to the room but the rectangle might balance better? I will say that I like nesting tables, but not with solids and I do not like mirrored tops of tables (seems dated).

Not sure. Please help!

My living room:

Thank you!

Rectangle 1

Rectangle 2

Rectangle 3

Oval 1

Oval 2

Oval 3

Round 1

Round 2

Hexagon

Featured Answer

Elle

6 years ago

Ps I’m not a huge fan of the two lights next to each other, at least from this angle. I would put a side table on the left side of the couch with the green lamp on it, and do a black and white picture over the sideboard.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (52)

SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@ellenoir...i feel the need to have a coffee table, even it isn't too big. The middle of the room looks too open for me. I just moved in so that whole side of the room with lamps/console is going to get cleared up and then art will be added (I just put those things in the corner). From the tables posted, which do you like best?

@havingfun - no, going for glam over natural, there's already enough natural in the room for me. Im not sure that I want end tables at all. Just a coffee table, some accessories and a find piece of art.
Related Discussions
Next Season Tomato Planting Plans -part II
Q
Comments (36)
For my planting for the coming season. 1. Cherokee Purple of course. I plan to have at least a 1 gal pot sized one to go in ground after LFD. Our season is so short for the first part you have to start bigger plants if you want to get many fruit off of it. If it is a large fruited variety it may be the only way here to get the full size fruit. 2. Bush Goliath will be planted again. Lots of slicer sized tasty fruit from a fairly compact plant. I plan on doing another of the Bonnie basket cage planter sized one. The one I planted last year gave the most fruit in the smallest space. 3. Black Prince it was tasty. It was compact enough. It was prolific. Fruit was early. I will use land scape fabric over this one to see if I can prevent the cracking issues I had. 4. Creole Hybrid a true work horse. 5. Mr Stripey will get a larger plant to start the season this year. The plant got huge though production was cut short by the heat. I have several of the greenies in a box wrapped in news paper. The taste is the deciding factor on this one. 6. Arkansas Traveler a crowd fave. A close second only to Cherokee Purple. 7. Park's Whopper Nice pretty, and good taste. My wife loved them for tomato sandwiches. I agree they are good. Way better than anything from the store. The plant was prolific till the mercury rose to over 100 during the day. Then production stopped, fruit that was set stunted, though the good taste was still there. Not planting again. 1. Homestead Heirloom I planted two of them year before last. Neither produced even one tomato. They were sickly the whole time. f 2. Heat Master got zip off this one as well. 4. Better Bush due to the fact that it has been replaced by Bush Goliath. The Goliath out produced better bush by a literal 5 to 1 rate. BB did produce. Fruit was good, not great. Tasted was good as a sliced in a salad tomato. My thing for this year is that anything I am going to plant from seed will be started way earlier this year. Also I will keep potting up, to keep from having to replant so many times, as I can take them back into the house if it is going to rain, then freeze. I will plant more than what I listed, the list is the just off the top of my head list.
...See More
Using Design-Seeds....Part II
Q
Comments (110)
No I don't have a design background at all, other than what I learned from watching Christopher Lowell or Lynette Jennings. But my mother was a sewist and she made all my clothes when I was growing up...I used to design my own wardrobe, pick fabrics, mix and match, and she'd make it for me. I was also allowed to decorate my room as I wished (including having the mattress on the floor in my "hippie" days) and it was great fun. I've always been sensitive to my environment and needed my surroundings to feel comfortable and be well balanced. It's so funny as the principles for the exterior are the same as the interior, but somehow decorating porches and patios or landscaping are beyond me. Somehow I do so much better when the space is defined by walls. I had a similar reaction when I was working on this house and had to select tile. I can walk into any fabric store, no matter how large, and feel quite comfortable despite the cacophony of pattern, texture, colors....but when I started selecting tile, I was confused and struggled with where to look and how to put it together. I realized it was because the fabrics are "done" but tiling a room is like designing the fabric...you are selecting the colors, the patterns, the textures to put together to create the "fabric" if you will. Once I realized that, I got a lot more comfortable and did better. So I think applying your color, pattern, texture skills is the same thing, only in reverse...I had to learn to go small, you need to find a way to go big. Once you realize it's all the same thing, you'll be more comfortable with it.
...See More
Gallery Wall Part II
Q
Comments (24)
Demifloyd! Wow - so good to see your name! One of my absolute favorite homes! For the most part I do 'eyeball it' when I am hanging the arrangements. First I use the hook or whatever is on the back of the pic to lightly mark the wall (by lightly rubbing it on the wall) where the nail or hook should go and then 'rearrange' a nail or two to get it even. When I get down to a row where they are all of the same frame and I want them all even is when I start measuring from the bottom of the picture frame in the row above to where the nail should go. I try not to let perfection get in the way. Life's not perfect and it's killer to try. Some pics hang perfectly straight and some get wonky when a door is slammed or kids are jumping up and down. I don't worry about it - I just re-straighten when I walk by. That is if and when I feel like it. I could totally see a bulletin board style format. Maybe you could make copies of the pics and use pretty tacs to afix them like jewelry and then swap out the regular bulleting board frame w/ a really pretty ornate one. Shoot - I'd bet it'd be real easy to make one to the size you want! Nicole - my dad said that it's a little stainless steel camera that can shoot underwater (I'm sure not too deep) and can shoot in the rain and snow. He said it's about the size of a cell phone. We'll see! Sable CA - I'll have to check out that level yardstick. DH had gotten me a laser level but I never use it since hooks aren't often placed evenly and by the time I got my level set up I could have eyeballed 2 or 3 in the same amount of time. Catkin - I'll see ya over there. Revere Pewter is one of my favorites! Newhomebuilder - I love that picture. Apparently a couple traveled all over on a road trip in that truck with their dog and took a picture of him at every stop. My mom went back to get me more but they were gone. :( Judging by the style of her clothing I think they picture is from the 30's or 40's. Beekeepers wife - I bought my frames black but I know that many people spray paint their frames black. Excellent way to save money! Personally I like the odd ball frame thrown in the mix. While most of the frames are standard gallery style there are a few that have a more ornate frame that are hanging up there. Another suggestion that I found helped me accumulate frames more cost effectively is not to worry about whether or not you have a picture in mind to go in the frame. Buy the frame anyway. It's so cheap to scan a pic and have it made to fit the size of the frame that you already have. Or you can have a mat made to accomdate a smaller sized picture that you have to fit in a larger frame. Don't get bogged down w/ "But the picture that I have won't fit that frame" or "Do I have a picture to go in that frame" etc.
...See More
Moving, Part II
Q
Comments (62)
Hi again Deeby ... my Dad used to say, "Don't let the bastards grind you down!". Also, I heard as a child, "Sticks and stones can break your bones ... but words (and I add "opinions/attitudes) aren't going to hurt you!". Ah - but that earlier advice was wrong ... because they definitely can ... if you let them. When you hear some criticism, give it some thought, and if it's not relevant, discard it. Let it roll like water off of a duck's back. And ... as you get older, it's a good idea to develop a thicker skin. Hope you're still listening. ole joyful
...See More
Elle
6 years ago
I like rectangles 1 and 3. 3 is a little softer and more feminine. 1 is more classic in shape, but the double gold lines will grab more attention. Of the two I would go with the smaller one.
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
I don't know that I would choose any of those. they just don't click for me. maybe more of a solid top if you want the gold. how about one w/the marble top if you want the metal base?

this is here on Houzz and isn't that expensive.

I like the wood because it ties into the chairs.

here are similar set ups to yours...
kulrn
6 years ago
I'm in love with your room! Don't know what your budget is, but this one from Macy's for $284 would look great. Otherwise, I pick oval 1 or rectangle 3.
table - Polyvore · More Info
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@beth H - So my original plan was the marble table top and gold legs but then was swayed away from it because 1) I want to keep the room light (so does the marble top block everything?) and 2) I figured I'd put a marble and gold tray on a glass table just not to commit. What do you think?

Is the marble and gold table that you listed above an oval?

Here are some tables which were in the running before:

I really love nesting, just not sure it's a dated look:

A rectangles with the glam look:

And rounds which I always question:

Still in the running:

The original table which was ordered and then cancelled:

Please let me know what you think.

@kulrn - this was in the running but I think it's a bit too masculine...i need the gold (glam):
kulrn
6 years ago
This is pretty!
Glass Coffee Tables | Birch Lane · More Info
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
UPDATE: Hi Everyone! Thanks for the input. I've narrowed the selection down to the following(the first one wasn't in the running originally):

Please choose from these three!

Thank you!
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
1 or 3
SPROUT117 thanked Beth H. :
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@Beth H - thanks for bringing me back to the marble idea. At some point I had deleted it but I fell back in love with it again. I think I like table 3 but just out of curiousity - what does each table (not #2) say to you when you see it in my living room? I am trying to get a certain feel...Thank you!
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
I like the wood w/the marble because it brings in the wood of your chairs. Now, if you had more traditional, glam type chairs, I'd say #2 would work. The marble and glass seem too 'formal' for what you have. ( I don't mean that in a negative way either)

I don't know how big#1 is, so maybe if you could tape it off, on the rug, it may give more a visual perspective?
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@ BethH

So #2 is definitely out of the running - I agree with you. It's #1 and 3 that I'm deciding upon.

The blue couch is 82" long and the seat is 18" high. The rug is 6 x 9.

The marble and wood rectangle table is 48"w x 20"d x 17"h.

The oval marble and metal table is 40"w x 25"d x 17.5"h

I think both would fit somewhat nicely, but I'm leaning towards the oval just because it's a little shorter and might leave the airy look in the room.

Thoughts?
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I'm not worried about the height, i was worried about the depth. #1 might be too narrow in depth for that spot. find something of the same measurement and stick it there so you can see. But, I can see #3 working in that spot.

please do a taller plant in the corner

art/decor ideas
SPROUT117 thanked Beth H. :
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Yes - I taped it off and I feel like #3 is working best out of these three. Thank you for your help on this. The rectangle one feels a bit too matchy for me ...

Thanks so much for photoshopping...another user had done that with the oval table and I liked it the, still like it now...
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@BethH - if you had to choose between these two...which would you choose?

(the one above) 40x25x17.5

This one is 58" across...do you think it's a bit much for the length of the couch?

58x28x17.5

The second one is a cleaner look BUT a bigger table which could clutter.
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
if the sofa is 82", that table leaves almost a foot at either end. will that be too big for you? I think the 28" is a good depth though. If they had that table a foot shorter, it'd be perfect. tape off the 58" and sit o the couch. see what you think. I do like .
SPROUT117 thanked Beth H. :
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@ Beth H - i taped off and it's a bit large... I'm trying to get a bit of the glam feel and I'm not sure that the second one can do that. I'm torn between the two OR reverting back to glass/brass. Many say that glass/brass cheapens the room...your thoughts?
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
I don't like the glass brass in your room. I do like the marble top w/either the wood or the gold.
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks so much...somehow the rectangle completes the vibe but I think the oval goes more formal and can be dressed up. Agreed?
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
i think either shapes can work there. I think the glass/brass one is too formal for what you have. the oval shape in the marble/wood would work just as well as the rectangle. if you have a lot of squared off edges in the room, the oval would soften things up a bit.
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
I like things with edges and have no round/curves/oval tables in my house (even my watches are all rectangles or squares- I never realized until a friend pointed this out). In a new house this might be a refreshing change. I feel like I’m going oval. The size seems good also. Maybe I’ll add one of those garden stools for a table in between the brown chairs...
User
6 years ago
Rectangle #3 is really pretty! There’s also something similar at Serena & Lily- gold legs and a glass top.
PRO
Blue Diamond Remodeling
6 years ago
Option one says "We spend a lot time laughing in here" and "stay a while". Definitely more of a family oriented living space look.

Option three says "This is our sit and chat over coffee space". More formal and bachelor pad look.
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@bluediamond ....you mean from
The two tables in this post, correct?
PRO
Blue Diamond Remodeling
6 years ago
Yes! I was referring to the rectangular one for option one and the circular for option two. I'd love to see what you go with.
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
The space isn't my main guest room - I have a much more comfy/casual den so this would be the more formal/less used space...BUT i dont want it to be a bachelor pad!! Either way, I'm almost 100% set on the oval table...this has been a crazy journey and I have gone between up to 30 tables to try to figure this out....Somehow the oval has more character and the rectangle is "safe" to me. Oval meaning:

The accessories on the console will change and the green lamp will probably also be gone. The following accessories will be added:

Over the console:

Next to the window by the console:

One of the pillows below matched with the blue that you see (removing two) plus one more that I haven't found on the couch/sofa and/or chairs (both come in lumbar or square): Any help on the pillows is greatly appreciated...
Sumatra Throw Pillow, Multicolor, 16"x16" · More Info
or

Let me know what you guys think!!
PRO
Blue Diamond Remodeling
6 years ago
I love those accessories! The colors and pieces are really going to bring the space together.
SPROUT117 thanked Blue Diamond Remodeling
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
I tried to photo shop them in with a number of different tables...what do you think? I thought this would help me...and it did in knowing that the accessories will work but this table just kills me...
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
1,4, and 7. the round in number 4 actually looks good. I like that one. get a marble top and I might go w/that one. here, try this . they sell them on houzz. you'd have to find the correct size.

I like the accessories. not the mirror by the window. it's too nautical looking. get a taller plant to go in the corner and call it a day.

I don't know about the bright yellow pouf.

look at how they done the tree in the corner, the slat bench, the ceramic garden stool, (you could do that in a bright blue) and a few more plants. camel colored pouf.
SPROUT117 thanked Beth H. :
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
We keep coming back to number one....and really my only hang up is if it will make the room feel heavy. Glass might or might not but it's that heavy marble top that I question, but also love. And yes...the round really did shock me in looking better than I thought it would. I also tried to photoshop these two in but couldn't get them to work out and gave up...

Though again, these are a lot safer than the first one.

What feel does the first one give you? What kind of vibe?

Regarding the plant, yes I have something better and taller...that stuff is just in the corner.

I found the brown pouf to be somewhat boring to me, but could also look cheap. That's just an afterthought, not sure that the pouf would make it in.

I have a very cool vintage mirror from my parents old bedroom set which will replace the mirror or go somewhere else in the room - but I needed some accessories to just make the room look complete.

That #1 seems to win every time even though i keep thinking i want glass. It's the airy vs. formal thing... but i won't lie, #1 has the most character.
Pajarito
6 years ago
It looks as thought the art was bought to match the couch.I l prefer the colors in your pillows for the artwork. No to the mirror and yellow pouf for me. I think your room looked much better without the proposed changes. Agree with the taller plant.
SPROUT117 thanked Pajarito
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@pajarito...too crowded now? I put some accessories in to make it look lived in - as i said, this is photoshopped so don't worry - I haven't bought anything yet. The real question is still this coffee table. Now that you see them in the room - any change in opinion of the best table?
Hutchae84 Zone 8b/PNW
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I would go with the brass oval with marble top that you have been considering since the beginning. To me, it has the most character and fits the vibe of your room the best. The others seem too safe, something that could be in any room.
SPROUT117 thanked Hutchae84 Zone 8b/PNW
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
@hutchae84...thank you. i keep on going back to that one. The only hang ups are 1) does it add a heavy feel to the room? 2) what three words come to mind when you see the room with that table in it?
Hutchae84 Zone 8b/PNW
6 years ago
Photoshopped into your room it doesn't feel heavy to me. It's a little "heavier" then the others but I think the Oval shape and lighter top help it feel not too heavy.

As far as vibe....do you know the style blogger Emily Henderson? It reminds me a lot of one of her rooms in a previous house (I think one of the above inspo pics is actually her's). So for me, I would assume the room (and you) are fun, artsy, California style.
Hutchae84 Zone 8b/PNW
6 years ago
The one Beth posted is Emily Henderson and the room reminds me of yours, super fun and quirky but still pulled together. I think the original brass and marble table fits that best.
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
yes its formal...but a bit of fun/quirkiness in it ...and yes, this was my inspiration - the yellow/pinks catch me but I am not a fan of the table at all..the color pops are my personality

It's funny because I'm NY in that I live in NY and wear black every day but those pops of color and fun in a room whether formal or not always get to me...EH is one of my favorites! hard to believe that the pic is from her living room 5 years ago (and she no longer has it or likes it).
kulrn
6 years ago
I say go for the one your drawn to! Your room is light enough to carry it I think. 1, 2, 7 are my favs! I like Beth's too. I agree with Pajarito about the art, have more fun with it!

art - Google Search · More Info

Pilgrims (2017) Oil painting by Arun Prem | Artfinder · More Info

Family Room and Office Art · More Info

Frederic Pissarro's "Original Spark of Life" 40"x30" · More Info
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
Funny that you should comment about the art...so here is my idea of awesome art:

First of all - I do love the one in the image because I'll have it printed on metallic paper and that makes ALL of the difference...but here are a few more (not necessarily for this room) that are fun (and I have gold fish on white in another room). Anything with a fun illusion, plenty of color, stark white backgrounds or pop art...that's my style...clean, but fun:
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
While we are looking at this room - does anyone have ideas for blinds?
havingfun
6 years ago
for tables i would like would or gold or a mix of both.
Living Room Coffee Table with Steel Base Bowl Shaped - Reclaimed Wood · More Info

Accent & Coffee Tables: Living Room Furniture | Pier 1 Imports · More Info
you have lots of gold, so here are a couple with wood.
havingfun
6 years ago
you can not see me,but i am shivering in excitement. your art corresponds wiht my pillows! yeah,, I love pillows, do you want just ones that go with yours or sets that go with them. pretty much all are under $25 for 18x18. oh what the heck, let me know what you do not like and i will toss them. do you like kitties?
Amazon.com: Chinoiserie Pillow Cover - Black Pillow Cover - Koi Pillow Cover - F · More Info

$25-$50 & Under $25 Decorative Pillows on Hayneedle - $25-$50 & Under $25 Decora · More Info
i can do blue oriental or an oriental set.

Amazon.com: HOSL Animal Style Giraffe Pink Glasses Sofa Simple Home Decor Design · More Info

Amazon.com: YPY Creative Fashion Cotton Linen Square Decorative Throw Pillow Cov · More Info

Amazon.com: Me Brands Orange And Bright Yellow Giraffe Print and the Cat Cushion · More Info

Amazon.com: Euro Cotton Linen Throw Pillow Cover Case 18"x18", Colorful Imaginar · More Info
giraffes, i can even pick one and do a set with that.
Amazon.com: octopus throw pillow · More Info

Amazon.com: octopus throw pillow · More Info
no jellyfish, but i do have several octopai.

also not big on women but
Amazon.com: Yo-You Flaming-red Lips Print Modern Pillow Slipcovers 18-inch Throw · More Info

DOZZZ Canvas Cotton French Poster Impression Decorative Pillow · More Info
oops, out of space.
havingfun
6 years ago
ok bird pillows
Amazon.com: branch white flowers pillow · More Info

Amazon.com: branch white flowers pillow · More Info

Amazon.com: Pillow Case,Vovotrade Super Soft Square Throw Pillow Case Decorative · More Info

Amazon.com: Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Throw Pillow, 24 X 18-In · More Info

Amazon.com: Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Throw Pillow, 24 X 18-In · More Info

Amazon.com - Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Throw Pillow, 24 X 18-I · More Info

Amazon.com: Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Throw Pillow, 24 X 18-In · More Info

and last but not least whovian birdies! lol
Amazon.com: Doctor Who Owl Pillowcase Custom Cushion Case Zippered Two Sides Pri · More Info
off to make sure they are still there.

I have many more birds and animals, foxes, bunnies, kitties, elephants, puppies. love them all.
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
havingfun,,,any koi?
havingfun
6 years ago
yeah koi were the first two! the one from hayneedle is still there, just follow the trail and then type in koi.

amazon is gone but it leads you to all these other cool koi. nope my mistake the one from amazon is still there it just went from under $25 to over $50. but i picked up some more if you like.
Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info

Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info
and one more coming.
havingfun
6 years ago
so cool....
Amazon.com: koi pillows · More Info
suezbell
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Your chairs are Danish mid-century modern -- or close -- and oval table 2 comes closest ... in my opinion.

Note: Clear glass/metal will not "fit" your current décor.

Note 2: Don't pick a coffee table -- or any furniture -- that has legs that extend beyond the rest of the piece unless you want a stumble hazard.
Pajarito
6 years ago
Yes, too crowded for me, I am bit of a minimalist. I prefer the Elke from Crate and Barrel. I like the legs on it for your room and it's less predictable. Here is something to consider if I remember correctly you purchased the marble top dining room table from Calliagaris. Do you want two marble top tables in your space or something different or does it not matter to you? When I decorate my home I always consider the other rooms regarding how the style,shape and colors flow. I know other people may disagree with that approach but for me it works.

Love this painting for your room and the price is great for an original canvas. It pulls the pink into his room from your dining room chairs.
SPROUT117
Original Author
6 years ago
Hey Everyone! Thanks so much for the table advice - I ended up with the oval table and it will be delivered between mid/end of march. While i'm waiting....what do you guys think of this table? Better? Worse? I would need two of them as they are much smaller and lower...i'm 95% sure about the oval but would love your opinions!!

@havingfun - thanks so much for all of the pillow options!!! I will revisit all accessories as soon as the table is placed in the room. I really love some of those!! How exciting that they match my art tastes!

While we we are waiting for the table, I was thinking about cream blinds (perhaps honeycomb) with some wood to mirror the chairs. Please let me know what's out there!!

Thank you!

J
havingfun
6 years ago
thanks for liking the pillows. can't wait to see your room and help narrow down those pillows to perfect. unfortunately i do curtains so can't help with blinds.