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Sectional sofas are great an excellent choice for your living room. It provides ample seating capacity while creating a statement in your space. But it could be an eyesore looking at an off-putting arrangement because of the wrong coffee table shape!
Sometimes the coffee table has the wrong size for a sectional or traditional sofa. It can also be the wrong shape that throws off balance in your interior design. Or a coffee table can even be the wrong style, breaking the design cohesion and consistency in your living room. So what’s the best coffee table shape for a sectional sofa?
Here are our recommendations.
Rectangular Coffee Table Shape for an L-Shaped Sectional Sofa
If your coffee table bears the brunt of everyday items like coffee mugs, plates, books, or whatnot, choosing a rectangular coffee table is smart. A rectangle coffee table is the most common choice in most modern-themed homes.
This coffee table shape pairs well with longer sofas, especially a bigger contemporary sectional sofa. They are best paired with an L-shaped sectional sofa or sectional sofas with a chaise because it offers an excellent layout. But a traditional sectional sofa also works best with this shape as it doesn’t hinder space on either side of the coffee table.
A coffee table with a rectangular shape measures 40 to 60 inches in length and 20 to 30 inches in width. Make sure your coffee table length is ⅔ the length of your sofa. Don’t forget to measure the coffee table and sofa length before buying anything.
Pro Tip: Avoid extending your rectangular coffee table beyond the sofa’s armrests on both sides. Also, the width of your coffee table must be proportionate to the sofa’s connected loveseat or chaise. This way, you won’t block foot traffic flow and make the room look imbalanced.
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Square Coffee Table for U-Shaped Sectional Sofa
The best coffee tables for a U-shaped sectional sofa fit within the space in the middle. That said, a square coffee table can go between your U-shaped sectional with equal length measurements on both sides.
A U-shaped sectional couch lets you assume the space is relatively bigger. And this makes bigger coffee tables a perfect fit that goes well in your living room.
Since a U-shaped sectional also creates a good and equal seating setup, it makes sense to choose a square center table to cater equally to all sides. It’s a perfect sofa choice that creates a place for easy conversations since people face each other.
Pro Tip: You can choose an upholstered, square ottoman to place between the sofa’s arms. Just make sure to display a tray for holding drinks and snacks. Using ottomans as coffee table alternatives lets you put your feet up comfortably. But make sure you’re contrasting fabric colors, so if your sofa is lighter, go for black coffee tables or ottomans.
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Round Coffee Table for L-Shaped Sectionals with Chaise
It’s best to use round coffee tables for smaller spaces. A round coffee table is relatively smaller, apt for mid-length sofas or condensed seating arrangements. This is the best coffee table shape for L-shaped sectionals or loveseats with a chaise.
Choosing a coffee table with a round shape creates unity and promotes sociability because it encourages closeness to the people gathering around it. Moreover, a round or circular coffee table boosts traffic flow due to its lack of sharp corners.
Pro Tip: Try a round nesting table for carrying drinks and items if you need more tabletop space. Also, if you’re into feng shui, round coffee tables create good chi and positive energy according to eastern feng shui philosophy.
Oval Coffee Table Shapes for an L-Shaped Sectional Sofa
Oval coffee tables are similar to rectangular coffee tables in terms of length and similar to round coffee tables in terms of corners—or the lack thereof.
This is the best coffee table shape for sectional sofas with a chaise. It can sit in the middle and cover the length of the chaise extension with its width. An oval coffee table works best with an L-shaped sectional sofa, creating seamless traffic due to the lack of sharp edges.
In terms of functionality, an oval-shaped coffee table offers more tabletop space yet occupies less area in your living room.
Free-Form or Abstract Coffee Tables
Free-form or abstract coffee tables are perfect for contemporary or modern homes. They take any geometrical shape and instill visual interest in your room.
You may also display them as outdoor coffee tables surrounded by a few low-slung chairs for easy conversation. These free-form coffee tables are perfect sculpture pieces that can be the focal point in your home.
Since these types come in various forms, it’s hard to identify which type of sectional goes well with them. A general rule is to check the seating arrangement and analyze the coffee table shape.
Remember always to follow the 2:3 rule in coffee table selection so it doesn’t overwhelm your space.
Conclusion
These coffee table shape recommendations for different types of sectionals are your guide in choosing the perfect coffee table. However, don’t be limited to these tips. Always scale in comparison to the kind of sofa you have.
If you want more coffee table options, we have every style in our collection. Browse Local Furniture Outlet’s website for modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, coastal, traditional, rustic, or antique coffee tables.
