A coffee table serves a double purpose. It will add personality and dimension to your living space, but also allows for storage, is a place to put drinks and a way to display books and other collectibles. Choosing the right coffee table for your home means considering a few factors. Whether you opt for a glass coffee table or something more solid, think about the following things before you make a purchase.

Think About Space

When you place your coffee table, there should be about 18 inches between it and the edge of the sofa. All chairs or other seating options should also be placed at least 18 inches away from the coffee table. Be sure the one you choose allows for this or it will look out of place and it might not meet your needs in terms of function.

Don’t Ignore Height

The ideal coffee table is 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat of your sofa. Most standard coffee tables are 16 to 18 inches high, so keep that in mind in relation to your sofa before you make a purchase. If your sofa is higher, consider a coffee table that is 20 or 21 inches tall so that it still serves its purpose.

Style is Important

Of course, your personal preference plays a big role in the coffee table you choose. Many experts suggest a glass coffee table if you have a solid sofa in a dark colour. A modern sofa will look great with a chunky coffee table, but these rules aren’t written in stone. If you find a coffee table you love, and it looks and feels right in your living space, you should definitely go for it. After all, you’re the one who will be looking at it all day.

Shape is a Factor

Coffee tables generally come in a rectangular shape, which usually pairs well with the shape and size of your sofa. However, if you have small kids at home, you might want to consider a round coffee table that doesn’t pose the risk of sharp corners. A coffee table with drawers or a shelf underneath offers your family plenty of storage options so that’s another thing to take into consideration when you choose the shape of your coffee table. Of course, if you want a high design or an irregular shape, the choice is yours.

Consider Colour

While coffee tables with a glass top offer a sleek and modern look and warm wooden coffee tables are great for large spaces with lots of natural light, sometimes a coloured coffee table is a great choice. If you love the look of lacquer, you can almost choose a coffee table in any colour you want, which is a fun way to add personality to a room and inject some brightness at the same time. Of course, you can always paint a wooden coffee table in a fun colour too. Just be sure to keep the rest of the furniture toned down to balance things out.