I always get a sense benches, such as those pictured, are really just another piece of "garden art". To be looked at - maybe to set down a flat of plants while digging holes; lean a spade against; to sit on briefly surveying one's little realm once the bird droppings are daubed off... but not for hunkering down with a good book and beverage of choice.

#1 is almost the same in size and shape of the table you already have, though the finish is different. It's no wonder you like it. #3 is too slight in scale to compete with the size of your various sofas and loveseats. I've included a selection of various style coffee tables that would be successful additions to your family room. All are from Ashley Furniture except the last selection. I noticed in one of your pictures there was a lap top computer on the floor. You might consider a lift top coffee table illustrated as the last selection in this grouping. of coffee tables. This feature would provide an additional work surface for someone using their computer in the family room. In addition, this table has concealed casters that allow it to be rolled where it's needed. Just a thought. Here is a link that might be useful: Lift Top Coffee Table

Thanks everyone! I guess it's back to the drawing board. Fwiw none of the side tables are necessarily staying, I wanted to start with the coffee table and then move on to finishing the rest of the room. It sounds like the consensus is a rectangle, and not as light as I'd been shooting for. @nosoccermom, the table we have has seen a decade of two boys. Much of the finish has been rubbed off the top. I don't mind it too much but it's one of the few things in the house my husband feels strongly about. I should just refinish it as @linelle suggests. But I have so many unfinished projects and so little time to do things like this (as opposed to seemingly unlimited time to procrastinate work by surfing the internet!) @olychick, you nailed part of my issue - any table that is equally useful when sitting on either sofa would take up too much space in the room. I'd thought about bunching tables or something like @jlc712 posted, but I wondered if I'd drive myself nuts trying to re-align them every 10 minutes after my kids drag them about the room. @Beverly, rattan + kids is a bad combination, unfortunately. I like some of the first tables you posted, but my husband nixed ones that look rustic-y. Maybe something like the first table @starnold posted? I really like the oval, and the color seems like it could work with the dark brown sofas. I'm sure part of my problem is that I'm just so used to the light table; I need to try out something darker to get over that hangup. Thanks everyone!

You need some warmth, something like this would be fabulous. arhaus