The Dos and Don’ts of Picking a Coffee Table for your Living Room

Coffee tables – just like snowflakes and people – come in all shapes, styles, and sizes. It’s great having so many to choose from. But all those options can also make picking a coffee table feel totally overwhelming.

But don’t stress over your coffee table conundrum just yet. We tried on 8 coffee tables in Modsy 3D to show you the dos and don’ts of pairing this living room duo.

Want to try on coffee tables in your living room? With a Modsy design package you can see how all kinds of furniture will look and fit in your exact space. Picking a coffee table has never been so easy!

The Coffee Table Don’ts

1. Don’t go too large

What makes sectional sofas extra tricky is finding a coffee table that fits nicely into that little nook of space in front.

This coffee table, as lovely as it is, is way out of proportion with our sofa, and we lose our ability to easily move around the space. Next please!

2. Don’t go too small

The opposite end of the spectrum, a coffee table that’s too small leaves much to be desired.

While the Delfia Coffee Table fits nicely into the space in front, it still feels out of proportion to our sofa and misses an opportunity to make the most out of that precious real estate. Where will everyone put their drinks?

3. Don’t go too tall

The height of your coffee table is also super important to consider. Too short and you’ll be stooping low to grab the remote. Too tall and you might find yourself constantly banging your knees!

A good – and simple – rule is look for coffee tables about 1 to 2 inches lower than the height of your sofa seat. A quick glance at this pairing, and we can easily see the Clairemont Coffee Table is too tall for our sofa. Next option!

4. Don’t go too wide

Another sectional-specific problem is finding a coffee table with the right length.

Ideally, you don’t want your coffee table to be wider than your sofa, so look for options with a width less than the distance between the chaise and armrest of your sofa. While we love the Go-Cart coffee table, it juts out past the arm of our sofa and feels awkward in the space.

The Coffee Table Dos

1. Do break up the angles

Round or rectangular aren’t your only options when it comes to coffee tables. Think outside the box and try grouping a few side tables together in front of your sofa.

This is a great way to break up all the straight lines of a sectional sofa.Have company over? Easily move the tables around when and where you need them. 

Read This Next: 7 Reasons Why You Don’t Need a Coffee Table

2. Do sneak in hidden storage

This coffee table has a secret. What could it be? Hidden storage!

A great pick for households with kiddos, coffee tables with hidden storage make for great hiding spaces to stash clutter in a pinch. Also a friend to small spaces, the wooden top on this coffee table is actually a lid that pops off to reveal gloriously inconspicuous storage.

3. Do open up small spaces

If you’re in a pinch for living room real estate, it’s a good idea to try an eliminate any extra visual clutter.

How do you do this? Choose pieces with elevated and open bases (like the Avery Coffee Table from West Elm). Mirrored or glass surfaces are another great hack, as they reflect light around your room and will help it feel more airy.

Read This Next: Small Space Hacks for Your Living Room

4. Do incorporate extra seating

Ok, this one is not really a coffee table per se, but there’s no rule that says you can’t use an ottoman, like this leather option, in place of your coffee table.

A great option for low sofas, simply plop a tray on top to hold remotes or books, and you’ve got yourself a coffee table. You can even use it as extra seating when you have guests over. 

Bonus: Ottomans as coffee tables are also great for homes with young kids or babies. No sharp corners mean no owies!

Need help finding the best coffee table for your sofa?

With Modsy, you can try out as many coffee tables as you like without purchasing a single one. See all your options in an exact 3D version of your room and then shop your favorite pieces knowing exactly how they’ll look and fit. Ready to get started?