Whatever inspiration you’re after…. a new recipe to wow the family, a little bit of help making the perfect bed, styling a sideboard, some lifestyle articles or what’s new at Provincial, our Journal will bring you stories to brighten your day.
Is a living room truly complete without a coffee table? We don’t think so. Firstly, consider the practical aspect: where else would you place your drinks, glasses, books, remotes, and other essentials so they're conveniently within arm's reach? It also is the perfect place to add some decorative items and coffee table books to showcase your unique style and reflect your personality.
At first glance, a coffee table appears to be a mere piece of furniture. However, upon closer scrutiny and contemplation, it becomes apparent that it serves as a central focal point that unifies the entire room. Additionally, it carries a significant responsibility of having to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The coffee table is often considered the second most essential piece of furniture in your living room, right after the sofa. Although some people may argue that the TV holds that title, for the sake of this discussion, let's give due recognition to the coffee table!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COFFEE TABLE
So, how do you choose the perfect coffee table? Selecting the ideal coffee table can be quite an endeavour and there isn't a universally "perfect" coffee table. But the perfect coffee table tailored specifically to you, your needs and your living room does exist – it’s out there you just need to find it.
SHOULD THE COFFEE TABLE BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN YOUR SOFA?
As with most interior design, there is a general rule of thumb for the ideal coffee table. The height of the coffee table is important – you don’t want one that is too high, but conversely, one that is too low won’t work as you intended either. The standard height for coffee tables is between 36-40cm and ideally the top of the coffee table should align with the height of the sofa cushions. So, all you need to do is measure the height to the top of your sofa cushions from the floor and that will give you the ideal height of your coffee table. A general guideline is to choose a coffee table that is the same height as your sofa but preferably within 2.5-5cm of this measurement – and lower is better than higher.
Ok, now you have the optimum height, but you’ll need to take a few other measurements into account. Visually a coffee table that is 2/3 the width of your sofa will look best and still be functional. The proportions are important, both within the room and with the sofa, to achieve a balanced and pleasing look. If you have a sofa with a chaise, look for a coffee table 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the sofa, as it will have to fit in front of the sofa but beside the chaise.
Now you have two important measurements, but what about the distance between the sofa and the coffee table? The coffee table should be within easy reach when sitting on the sofa, but still allow room for people to pass between them 46cm is an ideal distance between the sofa and the coffee table, as it is easy to reach the tabletop while seated and to sit comfortably without hitting your knees.
Now that you've determined the perfect height and width for your coffee table, let's dive into the fun part – choosing the style and material! There's a whole world of options for coffee table styles out there, but before you get too carried away, take a moment to look around your living room. Consider the vibe you've got going on with your other furniture pieces – their style, material, and colours. Keep in mind that the coffee table doesn't have to match everything else in the room, but it should complement the overall look and feel of your living room and look as if it “belongs” in the room, like it's been there all along, just waiting for its moment to shine. That's when you know you've found the perfect match for your space.
Choosing a coffee table is a big decision and it’s a costly mistake if you get it wrong. If you take all the measurements you need before going shopping, the height is one thing that you will absolutely get right.
Hopefully, you’ll come home with a beautiful and practical coffee table that will stand the test of time so you will love it for many years to come.
