Taking the time to consider all the aspects of buying one will ensure that you have a coffee table that looks good in your space but also functions the way it should.
When you don’t get things right, a coffee table can impact the flow of a room or end up cluttering the space. There are tools that can be used such as an online room planner to make sure that you are getting the right size. There are some other considerations as well. In this article, we will go over some of the important factors to consider before buying a coffee table.
Understanding the options
Although there are some standard sizes of coffee tables, this doesn’t mean there is a one size fits all scenario that works for all of them. The height and width as well as the length will impact how your space is used when you have a coffee table.
A typical coffee table is roughly 48 inches by 60 inches in length. The standard width is generally around 24 to 30 inches wide. Square tables can be around 36 to 40 inches on each side and an oval version usually measures around 30 to 40 inches.
When shopping for trendy coffee tables there is a wider variety of size options so there is more to consider before buying to make sure you have the right fit for your space. If you have an eye for design then picking something with non standard sizes could work out for you.
How to measure
It isn’t enough to simply look over the space where you want to put your coffee table. You have to take accurate measurements to ensure the table fits in the room and doesn’t clash with your existing furniture.
The first place to measure is the area where you think you want your coffee table. There needs to be enough clearance for people to walk around it. Make sure there is at least 18 inches of space between the coffee table and the nearest piece of furniture such as a couch.
Ideally, the height of the coffee table will be equal to that of the couch. This can be anywhere between 16 and 30 inches typically. The reason they should be roughly the same height is so that you can easily place things on the coffee table without having to move too much.
Consider the flow of the room
One of the biggest considerations with regard to the size of the coffee table is traffic flow. The table should not get in the way of people trying to enter the room or walk through it without having to walk sideways.
If the area where you want to put it is a high traffic area, then consider getting an oval table that doesn’t impede the passage through the room.
