Emily here – A good coffee table is the centerpiece of any living room, bringing together the seating area and adding both style and function to the space. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for your home? 

Material

When it comes to picking the best coffee table for your living space, considering what it’s made of is key.

Let me tell you a quick story: my husband once surprised me with a gorgeous mirrored glass coffee table from West Elm that I had been eyeing for ages. I loved it… until we moved into our bright and sunny Brooklyn apartment and suddenly every little smudge and speck of dust was glaringly obvious. So, trust me when I say that while a glass coffee table might look chic, it’s not always the most practical choice.

Unsealed marble and wood are other beautiful options, but they require coasters and can be a bit high-maintenance. That’s why I recommend looking into materials like terrazzo, cement, or stone, acrylic or even an ottoman with a tray for a functional and stylish alternative.

In the end, the type of material you choose for your coffee table should depend on your lifestyle and the location of the table in your home. So, take some time to think about how you’ll be using the table and how much maintenance you’re willing to put in.

“Consider a coffee table designed for the outdoors; they tend to be more durable!”

— EP

Shape and Size

When it comes to picking the shape of your coffee table, it’s all about balance and flow. Consider the size and shape of your living room, as well as the other furniture in the space. If you have a lot of square or rectangular furniture, a round or oval coffee table can soften the look and add some visual interest.

On the other hand, if you have a lot of curved or circular pieces in your room, a rectangular or square coffee table can provide some contrast and balance. Large tables can make a statement and if you’re working with a small space, a square or two smaller tables can help make the most of your square footage.

1 Wood & Cane Coffee Table – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia // 2 West Elm Chadwick Mid-Century Rectangle Coffee Table // 3 Amazon 2-Tier Glass Top Coffee Table with Storage // 4 Article Vitri Walnut Coffee Table // 5 Target Glasgow Round Metal Coffee Table Black – Threshold™ // 6 Room & Board Slim Coffee Table // 7 Amazon Henn&Hart Round Nested Coffee Table // 8 Bourne Coffee Table – Threshold™

Function

Consider the function of your coffee table, too. Do you need extra storage for books or blankets? Look for a table with built-in shelves or drawers. For me, having a table that was flush with the ground meant one less piece of furniture for my dog’s ball to roll under – ultimately, the function of your coffee table should be tailored to your lifestyle and needs. So, take some time to think about how you’ll be using your coffee table and choose one that fits your unique requirements.

1 Target Ada Mixed Material Coffee Table with Glass Top – Threshold™ // 2 Target Belmar Woven Drawer Coffee Table Natural – Threshold™ // 3 UO Juliette Coffee Table // 4 UO Kirby Pop-Up Coffee Table // 5 UO Naya Pop-Up Coffee Table // 6 Amazon Wood Lift Top Coffee Table // 7 Anthro Palma Reclaimed Coffee Table // 8 WM Jill Pecan Wood and Glass Coffee Table with Shelf