| We've got the lowdown on all you need to know. | | | | the room will feel cramped. |
| How to choose the right one | | | | Think about the height. A low table will make it |
| A coffee table can affect the look and feel of a living | | | | awkward to serve refreshments, while a table too high |
| room, so it's important to choose the right one for you. | | | | might interfere with the view of the TV. |
| Here's a list of points to consider before you buy. | | | | What design to choose |
| What will it be used for | | | | Pick a design that works with the rest of scheme. For |
| If you'll be using it to serve refreshments and snacks | | | | example, if you have other pieces of wooden furniture |
| then it will need to be a robust design with a sturdy | | | | around the room, choose one to match or opt for a |
| surface, that can easily be reached from the sofa. | | | | table that's neutral, like white or glass, so it will blend in. |
| Stacks of large books make a stylish display and | | | | Traditional living rooms would benefit from a formal |
| create a focal point in the room. If this is your plan, then | | | | style, with decorative touches such as a glass top. |
| a wide, low table is your best option. | | | | In modern living rooms, a sleek one with simple styling |
| They are ideal for storing unsightly clutter like remote | | | | will work well. |
| controls, magazines and newspapers, so choose one | | | | Glass or perspex styles add a minimal feel and are a |
| with plenty of drawers and shelves. | | | | great solution in smaller rooms as they allow the floor |
| Some have a glass surface to show the shelf below | | | | space to been seen all the way around. |
| and are ideal for creating an interesting display of your | | | | Other Options |
| favourite collectables. | | | | Large upholstered footstools can double up as a |
| Size and shape | | | | coffee table and extra seating, but make sure the |
| Choosing the right size of coffee table is very | | | | fabric is washable in case drinks get spilled. |
| important so that it works in harmony with the rest of | | | | An old trunk or suitcase can make a vintage-style one |
| your living room furniture. Too small, and it will look odd | | | | and provide deep storage for bulky items like |
| and impractical. Too large, and it will look out of place. | | | | magazines or floor cushions. |
| As a general rule it should be 3/4 of the length of the | | | | Using several small tables in a row is a stylish and |
| sofa so it doesn't feel dwarfed, and you should allow | | | | versatile option as they can then be moved to |
| plenty of space to walk around the table, otherwise | | | | differnet positions around the room. |