When decorating specific areas of your home, there are essential components that every room should have to maintain a certain level of functionality and comfort. If you live in a smaller space, you may need to sacrifice certain items to save space. Should you still have a coffee table in a small living room?
Every living room should have a coffee table, even in a small space. It is important to prioritize function over form. Coffee tables are a high-quality staple in any living room and allow you to set down your drinks, magazines, remote controls, and other decorations you might want to bring together the space.
In this article, we will discuss why every living room, no matter how big, needs a coffee table. We will also look at what type of coffee table is ideal for a smaller living room. If you want to learn more, keep reading.
Contents
Function Over Form
A coffee table is one of the most important pieces of furniture next to your seating areas. With a proper coffee table, you can feel comfortable in your space, no matter how small it is, while also adequately entertaining guests.
While you may think you are creating space for more important pieces of furniture by forgoing a coffee table, you are missing out on a necessity that you don’t know how much you need until it’s gone.
Before completely giving up on the coffee table, ask yourself these questions:
- When hosting friends for a cozy gathering or movie night, where will you serve your refreshments and drinks?
- Where will you keep your TV remote control so it doesn’t get misplaced?
- Where will you place certain decorative pieces to really bring the room together?
These are some of the key reasons why every living room, no matter how big or small, should have some kind of coffee table to make it comfortable for you and your guests. As mentioned above, this doesn’t mean that even if you have a smaller living room, you have to completely forgo a coffee table.
What to Consider When Adding a Coffee Table to Your Living Room
If you plan on adding a coffee table to a smaller space, there are some important components to consider in advance so you can invest in the best coffee table for you.
Size
When incorporating a coffee table into a smaller living room, you need to consider both the size of your coffee table and the size of your space. You should also consider the size of your sofa or seating area, which will be directly in front of your coffee table.
Width
By keeping these components in mind, you can save space in a living room that already has a limited amount of space while still remaining as comfortable as possible.
It is recommended that your coffee table be ⅔ the width of your sofa, so that you can comfortably walk around your coffee table and sofa without feeling cramped.
Front of Your Sofa
It is important to consider the length of your sofa and how much space you need between your table and your seating area to move effortlessly around these elements.
It is clear to see that by taking the time to measure both the length and width of these two pieces of furniture, you will be able to feel comfortable and at ease in any living space, no matter how big.
Height
Another component to consider is the height of your coffee table. When selecting the right type of coffee table for your small living space, it is ideal to choose one that stands a few inches below your sofa.
If you prefer your coffee table to be at the same height as your sofa’s seat height, this is also highly recommended. This generally depends on your comfort level and preferences in terms of practicality and aesthetics.
Depth
You should also consider the distance between your coffee table and your seating area, as well as how much space you have around you when placing these items in the desired location.
It is recommended that you place your coffee table about 12 to 18 inches away from your main seating area so that you have enough space to move around and get comfortable. If you place your coffee table any closer, you will end up stubbing your toe and feeling too cramped.
If you place your coffee table further away, it will be too far to comfortably place your materials on top or put your feet up. By keeping all of these components in mind, you will ensure that you not only select the right coffee table for your space but also have a clear idea of how to organize your furniture to keep your space in prime condition.
Shape
The last component to consider when choosing the best coffee table for yourself and your small space is the shape. If you want to add a coffee table to a small living room, a small square or rectangular table is recommended.
A round coffee table also works if you feel more comfortable going with that type of shape rather than a larger square one. Round coffee tables are also recommended if you already have square and rectangular furniture.
Adding different shapes and sizes in your living room adds a nice balance to your space that you and your guests will find visually appealing. By taking the time to remember all of these factors, you will ensure that you save space while still keeping your coffee table.
Your Coffee Table Holds the Room Together
Not only is your coffee table a practical and essential piece of furniture, but it also ties the entire room together as it is usually located in the center of your living room.
Whether you want to use your coffee table for books and decorations or your favorite drink and TV remote, having an appropriately sized coffee table in your living room has many benefits.
If you are still unsure if a traditional coffee table is right for you, many opt for an ottoman or a smaller side table as a functioning coffee table. This not only saves space but is also a visually appealing alternative to a larger and bulky coffee table in your small living room.
Regardless of your preference, now you hopefully have all the information you need to choose the right coffee table for yourself and your space. It is clear to see that there are many components to consider when selecting the right coffee table for you and your room.
To make yourself and your future guests comfortable, you should want to incorporate a coffee table into your space where all your important things like drinks, reading material, and the TV remote can be placed.
If you are looking for a central piece of furniture to hold the entire room together, you should find a coffee table that not only fits well in your space but also makes your life easier.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed whether every living room should have a coffee table, even a smaller living room. While this is a topic with many different viewpoints, it is recommended that every living room has a coffee table.
We have gotten into detail about what you should consider before investing in a coffee table, such as the length, height, and depth of your coffee table. It is also important to prioritize function over form, as coffee tables are an essential piece of furniture that allows you and your guests to feel as comfortable as possible.
Sources
- Ballard Designs: The Truth About Coffee Tables and Why You Need One
- Ballard Designs: 10 Living Rooms Without Coffee Tables
- Apt. 2B: Why Coffee Tables Are an Important Piece of Living Room Decor
- Nimvo: 10 Coffee Tables Perfect for a Small Living Room