When a coffee table is too low or high, you’ll immediately notice it feels “off”. To ensure comfortableness for everyday use and guests, opt for a coffee table with a height 2.54 to 5.08 cm lower than the height of the sofa seating. Not only does this help with balance and scale, but it also allows a high level of comfortability for all guests. For instance, if you have a lower height sofa, a low lounge table works well but will look off with a traditional sofa. While a lower height table supplies a great lounge look with a lounge-like sofa. 

Now that the size and shape are figured out, it’s time to choose the perfect shape for your coffee table. More often than not, narrowing the selection between a rectangle, round, square, or oval coffee table is significantly reduced by the length and clearance required, which we’ve already figured out. 

Consider rectangle or oval if you have a sofa or a sofa with a chaise so everyone can have easy access to the table no matter where they sit. Rectangle and oval are great choices if you have a narrow space with minimal walk-around clearance. 

Consider a round or square shape coffee table with a sectional sofa, ensuring balance, scale, and ease of access to the table.

Most rectangular and oval-shaped coffee tables can almost be interchanged, depending on what kind of flow you’re looking for—the same goes with round and square.

Another item to consider is the “weightiness” of the coffee table. The table should complement the other furniture in the room. For the room to feel more open, choose a table with high skinny legs or space between the floor and the bottom of the piece. If you want the room to feel more grounded, choose a coffee table that’s solid all the way to the ground. 

Before selecting a coffee table, narrow down a few materials that work well with your lifestyle. Consider unique materials that elevate and complement your style.

Wood – Wood coffee tables are extremely popular due to their durability, practicality, and versatility. Plus, after a few years, it can easily be upcycled by sanding it down, priming it and refinishing it. Some wooden coffee tables are finished with a thin layer of veneer on the surface which usually makes them less expensive. A solid wood coffee table or a table that has a high-quality veneer finish is better in this case.

Glass – While glass is more fragile and delicate, it does help trick the eye into thinking a room is airier and larger than it actually is. Plus, if you have a cool rug you want to show off, glass doesn’t cover it up. Keep in mind, glass may not be ideal for families with small children due to its fragility and sharp edges.