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Choosing the right coffee table for a small living room can be tricky with so many options, but it’s an important part of creating a comfortable and stylish space. The coffee table often serves as a focal point in your living room, so it’s important to pick one that fits well and complements your decor.
Today, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect coffee table for a small living room, like how to measure your space and how to find the right shape.
In this article:
Why the Right Coffee Table Matters
A coffee table is more than just a place to set your drinks. It can provide storage, enhance your room's style, and serve as a functional centerpiece. Choosing the right one for a small space is crucial because you want to maximize functionality without overwhelming the room.
Measure Your Coffee Table Space
Before you start shopping for a coffee table, you need to measure your living room. Knowing the dimensions of your space helps you choose a coffee table that fits well and leaves enough room for movement.
How to Measure Your Living Room
- Measure the Length and Width: Use a tape measure to find the length and width of your living room.
- Measure the Area Around Your Sofa: Measure the space where you plan to place the coffee table. This area includes the distance from your sofa to the other furniture.
- Consider Pathways: Leave at least 18-24 inches between the coffee table and your sofa to ensure there is enough space to move around comfortably.
Ideal Coffee Table Dimensions
For a small living room, the coffee table should typically be:
- Length: About two-thirds the length of your sofa
- Height: The same height as the cushions on your sofa or slightly lower
- Width: No wider than 18-24 inches if you have limited space
Choose the Right Coffee Table Shape
The shape of your coffee table can significantly impact the flow and look of your living room. Here are some common shapes and their benefits for small spaces:
Rectangular Coffee Tables
As the most traditional shape and material, rectangular wood coffee tables work well in narrow spaces and can be placed parallel to your sofa, like ART Furniture’s Valencia Collection cocktail table.
Square Coffee Tables
These can fit well in square or slightly wider rooms. Square coffee tables provide a lot of surface area but may take up more space than rectangular tables, such as the River Place Lift Top Storage Cocktail Table by Liberty Furniture, Noralie Collection square coffee table by Acme Furniture, and Kendyl Occasional Square Coffee Table by Elements International.
Round Coffee Tables
Round coffee tables are great for small spaces because they lack sharp corners, making them easier to walk around. Pieces like the Zane Collection cocktail table by Aspen Home Furniture and the Cedric Round Coffee Table also create a nice flow in the room.
Oval Coffee Tables
This type of table combines the benefits of rectangular and round tables. Oval shape coffee tables, like Pulaski Furniture’s Oval Shape Cocktail Table, provide ample surface area while being easy to navigate around.
Consider Your Coffee Table’s Functionality
In a small living room, every piece of furniture needs to work hard. A coffee table with additional functionality can help you make the most of your space.
Storage Options
Look for coffee tables with hidden storage or built-in storage. This can include drawers, shelves, or lift-top designs that provide hidden storage space for items like remotes, magazines, and blankets, like this Lodge Collection piece from Parker House that’s constructed with hardwood solids and acacia veneers.
Lodge Rectangular Lift Top Cocktail Table
Multi-Functional Tables
Some coffee tables can double as additional seating or even as a dining table if needed. Consider tables that can be adjusted in height or have extra features to maximize their use, like the Augustine Round Cocktail Table by Progressive Furniture, which offers two different variations for a more modular approach to entertaining.
Nesting Tables
Nesting tables are a set of smaller tables that can be stacked together. They offer flexibility as you can spread them out when needed and tuck them away to save space. Check out the Fridley Collection nesting coffee tables by Ashley Furniture, Avilla Round Nesting Coffee Table Set, Anpay 3 Piece Nesting Coffee Table by Acme Furniture, and Adola 3 Piece Nesting Tables by Crown Mark Furniture.
READ: 8 Best Coffee Table Sets That'll Match Your Home Perfectly
Coffee Table Material Matters
The material of your coffee table affects both its appearance and how it fits into your room. Here are some materials to consider:
Glass Coffee Tables
These can make a small room feel larger because they create an illusion of space. Glass coffee tables, like the Orla II Coffee Table by Furniture of America, are also easy to clean and maintain.
Wood Coffee Tables
If you want to add warmth and texture to a room, wood coffee tables are your best bet, such as Emerald Home Furnishing’s Interlude Collection cocktail table and Westwood Lift Top Cocktail Table by Legacy Classic Furniture.
You can also find cherry wood coffee tables and dark brown wood coffee tables if you want something darker.
Metal Coffee Tables
Metal coffee tables can give your living room a modern and industrial feel. They are durable and often come in sleek designs that are perfect for small spaces. Check out the Paradox Rectangular Cocktail Table, Aegean Cocktail Table, and Koblenz Collection coffee table.
Coffee Table Style and Design
The style and design of your coffee table should complement your existing decor. Here are some popular styles and how they can fit into a small living room:
Modern Coffee Tables
Modern coffee tables often feature clean lines and minimalistic designs. They work well in contemporary and minimalist spaces, such as this Square Coffee Table with a geometric design by Coaster Furniture and the Langston Rectangular Cocktail Table by Magnussen Home.
Rustic Coffee Tables
These add a touch of charm and warmth. Rustic coffee tables are great for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, like the Sundance Collection cocktail table.
Mid-Century Coffee Tables
Characterized by their sleek lines and tapered legs, mid-century coffee tables can add a vintage touch to your living room. Acme’s Gasha Collection coffee table and Orion Coffee Table are great mid-century pieces for your home.
Industrial Coffee Tables
Industrial coffee tables often combine wood and metal. They are perfect for urban lofts or modern industrial spaces, just like the Industrial Collection cocktail table, Wiltshire Rectangular Cocktail Table, and Terri Collection round coffee table.
Coffee Table Color and Finish
The color and finish of your coffee table can affect how it blends with the rest of your room. Here are some tips:
Light Colors
Light-colored coffee tables can make a small room feel larger and more open. Choose off-white coffee tables, light grey coffee tables, or champagne coffee tables to keep the space airy, like the Modern Farmhouse Collection cocktail table and Havalance Collection lift-top coffee table.
Havalance Lift-Top Coffee Table
Dark Colors
Dark coffee tables, like black lift top coffee tables, charcoal coffee tables, and espresso coffee tables can add depth and richness. However, they may make a small room feel more cramped, so use them sparingly and in well-lit spaces.
Check out elegant pieces from Progressive Furniture: the Winter Park Lift Top Cocktail Table and Foxcroft Collection storage chest cocktail table.
Glossy Finishes
Glossy coffee tables, such as white hi gloss coffee tables, reflect light, which can make a small room feel brighter and more spacious. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
Coffee Table Costs
When choosing a coffee table, it’s important to consider your budget. Here are some tips for finding the right table within your price range:
Set a Budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on a coffee table. Setting a budget helps narrow down your options and prevents overspending.
Compare Prices
Shop around and compare prices from different retailers. Look for sales, discounts, and second-hand options to find a good deal.
Consider Quality
Invest in a coffee table that is well-made and durable. While it may cost more upfront, a quality table will last longer and provide better value for your money.
Tips for Choosing a Coffee Table
Here are our recommendations for choosing the best coffee table for a small living room:
Go for Clear or Light Materials
Choosing a coffee table made of clear or light materials like glass or acrylic can help make your small living room feel more open and less cluttered.
Opt for a Lift-Top Table
A lift-top coffee table provides extra storage space and can also be used as a workspace or dining surface, making it a versatile choice for small spaces. You can find brown lift top coffee tables, cherry lift top coffee tables, and lift top coffee tables on casters.
Choose a Table with Built-In Storage
Coffee tables with built-in storage options, like drawers or shelves help keep your living room organized and free of clutter.
Keep It Simple
In a small living room, less is more. Choose a coffee table with a simple design that complements your existing decor without overwhelming the space.
Match Your Decor
Choose a coffee table that matches the style and color scheme of your living room. This creates a cohesive look and enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.
Check out our buyer’s guide to coffee tables for more tips when choosing a coffee table.
A Cozy Space with the Right Coffee Table
Choosing the right coffee table for a small living room requires careful consideration of size, shape, material, and functionality. By measuring your space, thinking about how you will use the table, and considering your decor, you can find the perfect coffee table to enhance your living room.
Remember to prioritize functionality and choose a table that complements your existing furniture and decor. With these tips and recommendations, you can create a stylish and comfortable living room that feels spacious and inviting.
Shop inexpensive coffee tables as well as brown, black, and white coffee tables for sale at Local Furniture Outlet.
