Where to place a coffee table?

Place a coffee table in front of the sofa or in the middle of a group of seats, so it serves the whole seating area. When the table sits at a comfortable distance from the [sofa], it gives you somewhere to put drinks, books and a coffee cup or two without getting in the way of movement. You can also set a coffee table slightly off the centre line if you want a more relaxed, visually interesting look in the living room.

How far should a coffee table be from a sofa?

A coffee table should sit about 40 cm from the sofa. That leaves enough legroom between the sofa and the table, while keeping drinks, the remote and anything else on the table within easy reach.

What types of coffee tables are available?

Coffee tables come in different shapes, materials and sizes. Common options include round coffee tables, oval coffee tables, rectangular coffee tables and square coffee tables. Coffee tables are built from materials such as wood, glass, metal and natural stone such as marble. Some coffee tables also have practical features like built-in storage, or they come as a nesting set of tables that tuck inside one another.

What is a nesting coffee table?

A nesting coffee table is a set of two or more tables in different sizes. You can push the smaller tables under the larger one to save space, then pull them out when you need somewhere extra to set things down. A nesting coffee table suits a living room especially well when you want to add or free up table space depending on the moment.

What is a storage coffee table?

A storage coffee table is a versatile piece that gives a living room both surface space and a home for small items. The storage can be open, such as a shelf under the tabletop, or hidden away in drawers, a chest-like frame or beneath a lifting lid. If the living room needs more storage, [media furniture] can round out the setup alongside the coffee table.

How to choose a coffee table?

Choose a coffee table based on the size of your sofa, the proportions of the room, your storage needs and how you use the space day to day. First, think about whether the coffee table is mainly for putting things on, for storage, or as the visual centrepiece of the living room. How well a coffee table works day to day also comes down to its material and shape, and the clearance you leave around it. If you want to leave room on top for books, a tray or [decorative objects], factor the things that will sit on it into the size you choose.

What size coffee table should I choose?

Choose the size of a coffee table to match the proportions of your sofa and living room. A good rule of thumb is for the coffee table to be about two-thirds the length of the sofa. Leave around 40 cm between the table and the sofa, so you can reach the table easily while keeping movement smooth.

What coffee table is best for a small living room?

The best coffee table for a small living room is a light, slim or multipurpose one that doesn't block the walkways. A round or oval table can work well, because the cornerless shape makes it easier to move around in a small space. A glass coffee table keeps the look lighter, while a nesting table or a small [side table] can add extra surface space when you need it.

Which coffee table material should I choose?

Choose the material of a coffee table based on how hard it will be used, how easy the surface is to keep clean and how big the living room is. In a home with children or a busy everyday routine, an easy-care surface may be the deciding factor, while a larger living room can take a more striking table in wood, metal or stone. A glass coffee table lightens the look of a room, but fingerprints and dust show up on it easily. Wood brings warmth to a living room, and solid wood can often be maintained or restored as signs of use appear.

Are wooden coffee tables a good choice?

Yes, wooden coffee tables are a good choice if you want a warm, timeless look in your living room. A solid wood coffee table stands up well to use, and small scratches or knocks can in many cases be sanded out and treated again. A wooden table can also be a practical choice for family life with children, since it doesn't break the way glass can.

Are marble coffee tables worth it?

Yes, a marble coffee table can be worth it if you like the timeless look of natural stone and you're willing to care for the material carefully. Marble brings a luxurious feel to a living room, and every slab has a unique pattern. As a porous material, though, marble absorbs stains easily, so wipe up spills quickly and seal the surface according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Which coffee table material is easiest to maintain?

The easiest coffee table material to maintain is usually a dense, easy-to-wipe surface such as glass or metal. These coffee table materials don't absorb stains as readily as more porous materials, and a damp cloth is often enough for daily cleaning. Solid wood can be a long-lasting choice, but it needs more attention when it comes to moisture, heat and its surface finish.

How much do coffee tables cost?

Coffee tables can cost anything from a few tens of euros to several hundred or even thousands. Price depends most on the table's size, material, condition and whether it's from a well-known design brand. Second-hand and overstock coffee tables are often cheaper than new, but rare models and more valuable materials can keep the price higher even pre-owned.

Are designer coffee tables worth it?

Yes, designer coffee tables can be worth it if you value quality materials, considered details and timeless design. A coffee table from a well-known maker can last a long time in use and hold its value better than a mass-produced alternative. If the table is only for temporary use, though, a cheaper model may be the more sensible choice.

How to clean a coffee table?

Clean a coffee table according to its material, though the same basic rules apply to most surfaces. Wipe away spills and dirt as soon as you can, so they don't have time to soak into the surface. A damp cloth or microfibre cloth is often enough for daily cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools unless the manufacturer's care instructions recommend them.

How do you remove scratches from a coffee table?

Removing scratches from a coffee table depends on the material and how deep the scratch is. On a wooden coffee table, small surface scratches can often be disguised with furniture wax or light sanding. For glass, metal and stone, use only products suited to the material and test any treatment on an inconspicuous spot first. Deep scratches or valuable materials are safest left to a professional to assess.