How to Choose a Coffee Table When Decorating

A coffee table is an absolute necessity for any living area. Coffee tables not only hold drinks, but are also footstools, game areas and even artwork or conversation starters. A coffee table is, in many ways, the centerpiece of a room. So make sure that you pick a good one when you are selecting a coffee table to enhance your decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Evaluate the room before you go look at tables. This will help you determine what will fit in your room and with your decor. As you are evaluating, remember the purpose of the room. If it gets a lot of traffic, for example, you will need a tougher table than you will need for a sitting room that is rarely used. If your room is a family room or den, you might want to consider a solid table with storage. Many coffee tables have hinged lids that lift to reveal a large storage space similar to that of a trunk underneath.

2




Measure the space that you have for your table. This will help you avoid getting carried away and purchasing a table that may look great in the store but be too big for your room. Many modern tables such as the one in the picture are deceptively large because they are made mostly out of glass. This table is a highly practical table because of its large surface area, but if it does not have a large clear area around it, it will likely get cracked because people will bang into it.

3

Take a picture of the room where you want to place the coffee table. This picture will help you envision how a table will look in the space and how it will look with the rest of your furniture. You need to make sure that your coffee table is roughly the same height as the seats on your sofa. The picture will help you keep this in mind.

4

Scout out several options before making a selection. You might try furniture stores, thrift stores and even art boutiques to view a wide variety of coffee tables. This will help you avoid making an impulse buy and compel you to compare and evaluate your options. Coffee tables are inherently practical, but you still must keep in mind how you plan to use your table as you are scouting. For example, if you have children or rowdy friends, then you should not succumb to the temptation to buy a delicate glass table or one that can be easily damaged by water or scratched. Scouting will help you view your choices rationally rather than emotionally.

5

Keep your budget in mind. Once you know how much you can spend, do not give in and go overboard. Staying within your budget will help you enjoy your table even more, and it will enable you to worry about your table a little less. If you have spent too much, then every time someone jostles your table---and it will happen---you will flinch and find that your table brings you more stress than pleasure.