Coffee table – how to choose the right height ?

Today’s range of furniture manufacturers offers a huge choice of furniture suitable for us. In the category of coffee tables we have a gigantic selection of different solids with different shapes, heights, top sizes. The material from which the tables are made is no longer just wood. Steel, glass, concrete, quartz sinters or stones or marbles are commonly used. So what kind of coffee table to choose ?

Round or square coffee table? What shape should our living room table be?

Traditionally, coffee tables are associated with a living room “bench,” and undoubtedly the first thought about a coffee table is usually to choose a rectangular or square solution. A popular shape is round or oval coffee tables. The amount of space in our living room should determine the choice of a suitable solution. Undoubtedly, an important criterion for selection is also to match the lounge furniture. If in our living room we have opted for a corner sofa or a long sofa then a table with sharp shapes will work well. Mostly rectangular. If, on the other hand, we prefer armchairs, chaise lounges or small recliners, a round table or tables would be a good idea.

Why do we need such a piece of furniture in the living room?

It is very common to see designs that use two or even three tables side by side. This significantly expands the arrangement possibilities and gives the flexibility to adapt the space to current needs. Why ? Let’s think about the basic functions of a coffee table – after all, it’s often the central piece of furniture in our living room. Having a smaller and larger table, we can always change the layout, slide one under the other or simply move it.

The table in the living room must give you the opportunity to put a cup or plate – after all, these are coffee tables. It’s also not uncommon for them to serve as a place to spend time together outside of dessert like a place for board games, a book, a scrapbook or ad hoc work on a laptop. Let’s not kid ourselves, a coffee table must also do a great job of propping up our legs while we relax after a long and busy day.

“The tables, therefore, must provide the right amount of space and height for our needs.”

The golden rule is that the coffee table should match the length of the sofa and take up about two-thirds of the length of the seat. We should also take care of the proper distances, which are important in selecting the optimal living room bench for us. If you plan to watch TV, the minimum distance from the edge of the table should be a minimum of 75cm. We also need to provide space between the lounge furniture. Design professionals indicate that it is no less than 45cm. If we want to have additional poufs or armchairs in the living room, we must also take care of the distances around the table. Otherwise, the use of such a living room will not be convenient.

Color is also important…

Just like the number of shapes, we may also be surprised by the colors of the living room tables available on the market. The flashy and bold colors should be toned down with the rest of the design elements. The safest furniture here is universal and timeless. Here natural glulam or solid wood will look delectable. Although, of course, they should be properly taken care of. We will match the colors of the structure in black or white flawlessly even in the case of changes in the arrangement or color scheme of accessories.

“The key in choosing the height of the table is always the height of the seat…”

To maintain optimal ergonomics in our living room, we should look for solutions from 1cm to 6cm lower than the seat level of our sofa or armchair. This way the “little black” will always be at hand. The table will also never cover our screen should we feel like spending a moment lounging on the couch with Netflix in the background.

The standard height of a coffee table that we find on the market is between 40cm and 45cm. However, if you are planning to buy a sofa with a higher seating position, then also consider buying a higher table. Then reaching for a newspaper or a cup will be most convenient. Of course, when you like low seats then the popular 40cm height may be too high. Then you should be tempted to do more extensive market research and find a suitable coffee table.

Aesthetics is one thing. However, we must not forget about convenience.

People who like cut flowers in vases, for example, must take care of a suitable coffee table. After placing decorations on it, we should still have enough space to place cups or plates. The living room is usually also the center of home entertainment and a place where we want to relax. Convenient shelves will significantly improve the usability of the table when we like to put console pads, remotes or newspapers there.

What else to consider when choosing a coffee table for the living room ?

“Aesthetics but also individual preference in terms of utility value is a must have.”

When choosing a coffee table for our most important room, we must also keep in mind the undoubted aesthetic qualities. According to many designers, the coffee table is a key piece of furniture (though probably not the most costly). The first glimpse of our living room is usually focused on the sofa and coffee table. This is where our guest is supposed to spend time together with us. Modern interiors in Scandinavian style is a table with sharp shapes, usually wooden. Here simplicity and natural materials must appeal. When we think of a modern interior, for example, in the glamour style, it is good to take care of chrome elements and glass.

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