Saying “yes” to the right coffee table never gets any easier. An essential element of any well-thought-out living room, the choice often comes down to finding the right balance between form and function. Regardless of the designer’s direction with their space, choosing the right coffee table is a critical step toward achieving a cohesive and visually appealing interior design.

Designers must consider several factors when choosing a coffee table. First, the table size should be proportional to the size of the living room. A small coffee table in a large room will look out of place, and a large table in a small room will overwhelm the space. The table’s height is just as important. The ideal height typically falls between 16 and 18 inches, the same as most sofas. A coffee table that is too high or too low will prove uncomfortable for everyday use.

Designers must also consider shape, style, color, material, and space awareness. The table should complement the architecture of the room. 

For example, round coffee tables are ideal for square rooms because they create contrast. It’s also important to consider the shape of the furniture, specifically the edges. A round coffee table would be an ideal fit for a living room where the sofa’s edges are also rounded. 

The contrast in shapes, however, must be paired with coherence in materials. For example, if the furniture is made from mahogany wood, the table should reflect similar materials and hues. Different materials can be incorporated if the furniture contains metallic elements while considering the room’s overall coherence.

Space awareness is also essential to consider when choosing your coffee table. For instance, rectangular tables fit better in longer and narrower rooms because they don’t take up as much space as round or ragged tables. Suppose your room is spacious and wide enough. In that case, especially if it were an open studio, you can easily fit in round or ragged coffee tables, which are typically more challenging to style and arrange in certain spaces. 

Most of the time, the table should match the space’s overall aesthetic. However, mixing elements and styles can help achieve a more dynamic finished product. Consider incorporating a mid-century coffee table in a room with more contemporary pieces or vice versa.

Ragged tables, however, are more sophisticated art pieces. Such tables don’t have a conventional shape, size, color, or edges. They can also have different and unique color patterns that must be mixed and matched professionally with your room’s overall aesthetic.

Of course, you can pick any type of coffee table that suits your needs and preferences in style and aesthetic. You need to make sure, however, that it is the ideal fit for the chosen room, furniture, style, and design. One way to do that is by choosing the right person for the job. 

Coffee tables are an essential part of interior architecture. Not only do they function as practical surfaces for drinks and snacks, but they also contribute to the space’s general mood. Interior architects like Aly Hammoud understand coffee tables as powerful tools for tying a room together. They can create a focal point or complement other furniture pieces in the space.

Whether professional or amateur, the right designer should choose the coffee table carefully to ensure it fits seamlessly into the room’s overall design.

Check out Aly Hammoud’s Instagram account for more information.