How to Choose a Coffee Table

A Brief History

Coffee tables date back to the 18th century Victorian era and were about 27” high. Modern coffee tables are roughly around 18” high as to align more with a sofa’s seat height than the amount ones willing to bend at the waist while wearing a corset without compromising oxygen consumption.

Today’s coffee tables rival the kitchen table where homework, party snacks, footrests and impromptu seating are the norm. Designers should be creating spaces and selecting furniture that has a workhorse quality while still lending to the over all aesthetic of the room.

Coffee Table Basics

Everyone wonders what to put in that lovely space in front of your sofa. Online, you will find beautifully curated centerpiece coffee tables flanked by poufs or even fabric covered ottomans, but how do you know it will work for your space?

If you have kids, pets, are single and eat in front of your TV, let’s be real and safely say a vase of flowers or ‘coffee table books’ are not going to be your daily norm. So, if this is the case why do we strive to have that magazine image home? Yes, if looks great in your Instagram account but let’s look at this design dilemma with reality in mind.

For Families

If you have children leading qualities in a coffee table is that it has a durable top, minimal sharp edges and the understanding that it will likely be climbed on and jumped off. But don’t forget options that allow for kids chairs to be tucked up to them or have simple storage access.

New Homeowner

If you are in your first home; Eco conscious and inexpensive might be your go to. For you, I recommend something simple, recyclable or pre-loved.

*Whether you scoff at IKEA as a ‘college dorm furniture’ or not they are thinking of the environment. IKEA is now starting to offer a recycle program where you can return your gently used IKEA furniture back to be recycled. (Yay IKEA!)

For the Entertainers

Your table wants to look sexy and show off your taste while not being hard to clean between all those lovely parties you host. Here I recommend forgoing the typical single table and consider a cluster of small tables that can be easily separated for use. This will create versatility in the space and when it needs to be moved out of the way for an impromptu dance party and you won’t need a team of strong men and a spare room to hide furniture in.

For the Couple

If you love an evening in with a good book or watching the latest Netflix show, why not forgo the traditional hard top table altogether and replace it with a rectangular, coffee table height, ottoman. It makes a wonderful footrest and when guests are visiting creates another impromptu seating option.

Final Thoughts

There are many trends in furniture but when you are designing a place to be lived in think hard about your lifestyle and how these pieces of furniture will help you to continue to do what you love to do.