Practical design tips and thoughtful questions to help you select the right coffee table for your space and lifestyle

Antony's NYC apartment living room with a styled marble coffee table in Architectual Digest designed by Torrey LLC. — ***@antoni**’s NYC apartment, as seen in*** ***@archdigest**; styling by*** ***@dorciakelley**; photos by*** ***@manoloyllera**; design by*** ***@torreyllc***

In a recent blog post, “How to Choose the Right Size Coffee Table for Your Living Room”, I talked about selecting the right coffee table for your space based on size, scale, and circulation space tips. This time, I’m diving deeper into style, shape, and visual weight. Who knew choosing a coffee table could require so much thought?!

Greenwich village nyc apartment designed by Alexander M Reid with an eclectic layered styled living room — **SHOWN HERE:**

Greenwich Village apartment designed by @alexandermreid; photos by @twilliamsphoto.

Lifestyle Questions to Ask Yourself

Before anything else, take a moment to think about how you’ll actually use your coffee table day to day. These questions can greatly help guide your decision:

Do I want to rest my legs on it?
Do I need hidden storage (drawers, shelves)?
Will I be eating or working from the coffee table regularly?
Do I host often? Do guests need easy access to the table from every seat?
Do I want the table to blend in or make a statement?
Do I prefer a minimalist look or layered styling opportunities?
Do I have kids or pets that might affect the material choice (glass, wood, upholstery)?
Would a set of smaller tables work better for flexibility?

These questions are meant to guide you toward not just the right shape, size, and style, but also the material, finish, and features that truly suit your lifestyle.

Brooklyn Heights Brownstone living room designed by Global Home Interiors — **SHOWN HERE:**

Brooklyn Heights brownstone project designed by @global_home_interiors; photos by @rachel_robshaw

Shape Matters—Especially with Sectionals

It’s easy to assume a rectangular coffee table works in every space (as it is the most common), but your seating layout should guide your choice. The right shape not only improves traffic flow, it also makes the surface feel more functional and visually balanced within the room.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Rectangular – Best for long sofas and traditional layouts
Round or Square – Great for sectionals or seating arrangements with equal spacing on all sides
Oval or Organic – Ideal for tight spaces or rooms where you want to soften edges and improve traffic flow

♠ Grace House Rule: To create a more dynamic and intentional composition, avoid matching the coffee table shape to the shape of the negative space. For example, if an L-shaped sectional forms a square, choose a round, irregular, oval, or rectangular table to break up the repetition and add visual interest.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of side tables or drink tables in these layouts. You may not want to overcrowd the center of the seating space with a large coffee table, but still want to ensure everyone has easy access to a surface.

Green living room design by Georgia Tapert Howe as seen in Elle Decor — **SHOWN HERE:**

Living room design by @georgiataperthowe as seen in @elledecor; photos by @maxb.photo; styled by @aspoonfulofbenjamin

Consider Visual Weight & Style

Now its time to think about how the table feels in the room. This is where material, visual weight, and style come into play.

Visual weight refers to how heavy or light an object appears within a space, not in terms of its actual weight, but in how much attention it draws or how grounded it feels visually.

Heavier Visual Weight:

Solid wood, stone, or metal material
Dark or saturated colors
Thick legs, chunky silhouettes, or boxy shapes
Highly textured or ornate detailing

Lighter Visual Weight:

Glass, acrylic, or rattan material
Light, pale, or clear finishes
Slim legs, open frames, or low-profile shapes
Smooth surfaces with minimal detailing

♠ Grace House Rule: Heavier visual weight tables can overpower airy spaces, while lighter ones may fade in bold, visually busy rooms.

Interior Design by Beata Heuman in living room with cozy fireplace and ottoman. — **SHOWN HERE:**

Interior design by @beataheuman with ottoman done in collaboration with @andiedinkin and @vandrarugs

Different Style & Function Options

Here are some popular styles and what they offer:

Upholstered Ottomans
Perfect for relaxing and putting your feet up. They add softness to a room, but they’re not ideal if you frequently eat or place drinks on the table. Pairing with a tray can help add surface stability.
Glass or Slim-Leg Tables
These create the illusion of more space, making them a smart choice for small rooms or tighter layouts. Their transparency helps keep things feeling open and airy.
Statement Tables
Whether it’s a natural wood slab, a sculptural base, or a bold finish, a statement table can function as a piece of art. Keep the styling minimal to let the table shine.
Multiple-Level Tables
Ideal if you enjoy decorating but also need everyday function. Use the lower level for books and decor, and keep the top level free for daily use.
Tables with Storage
Options with drawers, shelves, or lift-tops provide hidden storage for remotes, coasters, or games. This is especially helpful in small spaces where minimizing clutter is key.
Multiple Tables
Instead of one large table, consider two or three smaller ones. Using tables with different heights or shapes can add visual interest and allow the space to function in more flexible ways.
Trunk or Chest-Style Tables
These bring in a vintage or collected feel while offering deep, concealed storage. They’re perfect for eclectic or travel-inspired interiors.
Pedestal Base Tables
A pedestal base provides more legroom and easier access from all sides. This style works especially well in conversational seating layouts or compact spaces.

Thank you for reading! I hope this list is helpful to you in your search for the perfect coffee table. I was recently approved for an Amazon Storefront (woohoo!), so feel free to check out my page here, especially my curated selection of coffee tables also found below.

*The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt is a fantastic resource if you’re looking for a reference book with clear visuals and straightforward design principles. It even inspired many of the tips in tricks found in this post!

COFFEE TABLES

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