Ten Things to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Table
I cannot think of a coffee table without thinking of Cosmo Kramer's coffee table book about coffee tables that turns into a little coffee table. So in honor of that, I've been picking out some of my favorite coffee tables here on Houzz. There are SO many great ones here that it was really hard to choose. If you have a favorite, please share it in the comments section to add to the ideabook!
When picking a coffee table, think about some of these criteria:
1) What will you use it for? Remote control holder? Ottoman? Extra storage space? Extra seating? Do you need it to multi-task or do you just need a piece of furniture in front of your sofa?
2) What is your room like? Is it cramped? Spacious?
3) What do you need the table to do for you aesthetically? Will it need to be the star of the room or do you need it to fade into the carpet? Will it bring in the only color to a neutral palette? Will it be the one eclectic element?
4) Will you need to cart it out of the room or move it around for entertaining? Consider portability - weight and even casters for the bottom.
5) Measure the height of your sofa or chairs that will be adjacent to the table. You don't want the table to tower over the seat height of the furniture.
6) If you do need storage, consider a table with a shelf underneath for stashing books, remotes, wii, etc. You may also want to consider a pair of storage cubes.
7) If you have kids who are guaranteed to plop down sweaty drinks without coasters, you may want to stay away from wooden tables where rings will be left. Either that, or start intensive coaster training now.
8) Speaking of drinks, I have a slatted Danish modern coffee table myself. It is way too tipsy for wine glasses (pun intended). I either have to plop a thick Vogue down to set my drinks on or risk spillage. This is why I have a $99 rug from IKEA underneath it!
9) What style are you going for overall? Sleek and modern? Danish modern? Shabby Chic? Traditional? If you are mixing old and new, think about the balance of the two and which one your coffee table should be.
10) Consider the material. Does your room need more texture? A natural element like rough hewn wood or something super-sleek?
When picking a coffee table, think about some of these criteria:
1) What will you use it for? Remote control holder? Ottoman? Extra storage space? Extra seating? Do you need it to multi-task or do you just need a piece of furniture in front of your sofa?
2) What is your room like? Is it cramped? Spacious?
3) What do you need the table to do for you aesthetically? Will it need to be the star of the room or do you need it to fade into the carpet? Will it bring in the only color to a neutral palette? Will it be the one eclectic element?
4) Will you need to cart it out of the room or move it around for entertaining? Consider portability - weight and even casters for the bottom.
5) Measure the height of your sofa or chairs that will be adjacent to the table. You don't want the table to tower over the seat height of the furniture.
6) If you do need storage, consider a table with a shelf underneath for stashing books, remotes, wii, etc. You may also want to consider a pair of storage cubes.
7) If you have kids who are guaranteed to plop down sweaty drinks without coasters, you may want to stay away from wooden tables where rings will be left. Either that, or start intensive coaster training now.
8) Speaking of drinks, I have a slatted Danish modern coffee table myself. It is way too tipsy for wine glasses (pun intended). I either have to plop a thick Vogue down to set my drinks on or risk spillage. This is why I have a $99 rug from IKEA underneath it!
9) What style are you going for overall? Sleek and modern? Danish modern? Shabby Chic? Traditional? If you are mixing old and new, think about the balance of the two and which one your coffee table should be.
10) Consider the material. Does your room need more texture? A natural element like rough hewn wood or something super-sleek?
This luxurious cowhide piece is the star of this room, but no one should ever be allowed to put their feet on it unless they are wearing impeccably clean socks!
OK, this is the dangerous slatted table of which I spoke - it looks so great it's worth the lack of stable places for drinks.
A clear table leaves a room much more open - it's like it's hardly there. This is a great solution for smaller spaces. There are a few more examples of clear tables below.
This lucite encased vintage trunk is a stunner.
Vanessa used clear tables to help her small living room appear larger than it is.
Isn't the metal bamboo detailing beautiful?
An upholstered piece is made functional by adding a tray.
Think outside the usual coffee table box: These two Moroccan tables work well as a pair. The same trick can be accomplished using ceramic Chinese garden stools.
Another clear table adds a contemporary shape to a traditional living room.
This glossy block adds a great bit of geometry to this modern room.
I had to add another shot - that finish is so beautiful.
I love this quirky table - it's like a plant stand and adds sculptural interest to the room. It keeps the residents from being Unhappy Hipsters (have you seen that blog? It's HILARIOUS!).
This pair of stools serves many functions - coffee table, extra seating, and secret storage!
This George Nakashima table is absolutely the star of the room. Below are a few more rough hewn wood tables that add textural appeal.
Another clear beauty. The round shape is easier to navigate around in a smaller area, i.e. no mystery bruises on your shins from knocking into coffee table corners on a daily basis!
The clawfoot legs on this table add wonderful shape!
I love this industrial cart so much. I believe it came from one of my favorite stores here in Atlanta, Victory Vintage.
This table provides the perfect surface for a bright tablescape.
This room is large enough to contain two coffee tables and sitting areas. I like that they have different styles - it keeps things from being too matchy-matchy. the rug, drapes, and wall color do all the unification work.
This wood and glass tray shaped table is just super cool. I don't have anything more profound than that to say about it!