The Importance of the Coffee Table in your Living Room

Having a coffee table in your living room can be that element that gives it functionality and versatility. However, it's common not to give it the attention it deserves.
The Importance of the Coffee Table in your Living Room

Last update: 27 September, 2018

In this article we´re going to talk about the importance of coffee tables in the living room and why you should give it more thought.

Placement is important

Coffee tables are normally found in the living room or lounge room of the house.

It’s worth remembering that the principal living room is a very important part of the house. It’s the room that all your guests will get to know first, the obligatory first stop for all who arrive at your home.

Coffee tables, found in this room, are also important.

Depending on what coffee table you have, the living room can go unnoticed, or really stand out.

On the basis of the size of your coffee table, the living room can seem bigger or smaller. Therefore, choosing an appropriate one for your house is very important, among other things, to balance the proportions of the room.

Varied uses

We usually don’t give it the importance it deserves, but if you stop and think about what you use it for, you realize how important it is.

Coffee tables can have as many uses as you can think of for them.

It’s usually the gathering place for different objects, such as:

  • TV and DVD remote controls
  • Magazines
  • Flower vases
  • Glasses
  • Photo frames
  • Candles
Wooden coffee table with a book holder

Coffee table / pmsteele.com

It can also be used when you have dinners or informal gatherings to hold trays of hors d’oeuvres or drinks or simply to have coffee.

Also, obviously you can’t forget its common use as a footstool.

However, its uses have evolved over time. Today we find coffee tables that can be converted into extra seats for when you have more guests.

As we’ve seen, coffee tables have many functions. Depending on what you want to use it for, you will need to choose one that suits your needs.

If we didn’t have this object in the living room, we simply couldn’t do all we do there.

An element of your decor

If it’s true that the coffee table should be useful, it’s also true that it’s an important part of your decor. Don’t forget that it should combine well with the rest of your decor.

The couch and the coffee table are the main features of the living room

Marble-topped coffee table with ornaments

Marble-topped coffee table / switchmodern.com

It’s important to understand that your sofa and coffee table don’t necessarily have to be the same style, material or color. But they should be in harmony.

For example, if you have a Chesterfield leather sofa it would be better if your coffee table was made with another material, not of leather. Otherwise the room would look overdone.

To sum up the above, your coffee table should complement the sofa.

A coffee table to suit each family

It’s important to understand that there is a coffee table for every family.

Each family is different and has different needs. Therefore, it’s important to take into account the type of family you have when making your choice.

You might not think it but having children in the home will affect your choice in furnishings, such as the coffee table. In this case, safety should come first before other considerations.

If you have little children, it’s not recommended that you have a glass-topped table for instance, or a table with sharp corners.

If you have a big family, the most appropriate coffee table for your living room might be a big one with drawers for storage.

On the other hand, what if you only live with your partner, and you like art and innovation? You could opt for a coffee table with an asymmetrical top.

Two tone double surface coffee table

Double-top coffee table / pinterest.fr

Choosing a coffee table will also depend on the number of guests that frequent your living room.

If you often have guests, it would be convenient to have a table that can double as a bench or pouffe to have a few extra places.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, the coffee table plays an important role. Take care when choosing it so you have a living room in complete harmony, and you can make the best use of it.

Although the functionality and versatility of your coffee table is important, don’t forget it should be a complement to your sofa. It shouldn’t be exactly the same shade or color as the decor, but neither should it be out of place with the rest of your living room.

Take into account your family and their needs to have the perfect living room decor.