How to choose a coffee table: what to consider
A coffee table is small and often the centre of a room, so proportion and use matter more than decoration. These are the things worth settling before you choose one. The numbers are common rules of thumb, not fixed rules.
Height
- A coffee table is commonly about the height of the sofa seat or a little lower, around 35-45 cm. Much higher and it is awkward to reach over; much lower and it is hard to put anything on or lean forward to.
- If you eat or work at it, a slightly higher table is more comfortable.
Size and room
- A common guide is a table about two thirds the length of the sofa, so it does not dominate.
- Leave about 40-50 cm between the table and the sofa, so you can reach it and still walk past.
- A round or oval table is kinder to a small room and to knees; a rectangular one holds more.
- Nests of two or three tables can be pulled apart and tucked away when you need the floor.
Top and material
- Solid wood can be sanded and refinished. Veneer is more stable but allows less refinishing. Stone and ceramic resist heat and scratches but are heavy and can chip at the edges. Glass shows every mark.
- Oiled wood marks more easily but is easier to repair in one spot. A lacquered finish resists marks and is harder to repair.
- Whatever the top, use coasters under hot cups and wipe standing water, especially on wood and untreated stone.
Edges and safety
- A coffee table sits at knee and shin height. Rounded or softened edges and corners are kinder where children or pets play.
- Glass tops should be toughened or laminated safety glass.
Storage and use
- A shelf or a drawer adds storage but also fills up. Consider whether you want a clear surface to put things on.
- A table that raises or tilts is useful for work and meals, but check how stable it is when raised.
Questions worth asking the maker
- What are the exact height and top dimensions? What is the top made of and how is it finished? Is the glass safety glass? Is the top heat-resistant? What are the delivery and return terms?
Sources and further reading
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