Want to know more about coffee tables? Check out the FAQs we’ve assembled below to find answers to some questions you may have in mind. Of course, if the answers you are looking for can’t be found below, take a moment to reach out for help from our team. 

Do you really need a coffee table?

When designing a room, you need to decide which elements to include and which to leave out – there is never enough space for everything. In the case of a coffee table, you don’t have to include one in your design, but they do play a functional role in the usefulness of the space while also delivering an additional element of style. If you decide to include a coffee table in your layout, consider a metal version for impressive durability and modern style. 

Should a coffee table be lower than the couch?

Most people like to have their coffee table just slightly lower than the level of the couch. And, since the average couch has a seating surface about 18’’ off the ground, you’ll want to have your coffee table somewhere around 16’’ tall. Of course, you are free to experiment with alterations on that standard to see what suits you best, but those numbers are a good starting point when picking out a base for your new metal coffee table. 

How much room do you need between a couch and coffee table? 

If your couch and coffee table are too close together, you’ll struggle to use the couch comfortably. You want to have room to walk in between these two pieces, and you need to leave room for your legs to hang off the couch once you sit down. As a general rule of thumb, try to leave 16’’ between the table and the couch. You can use this measurement as a starting point when planning the size of the table you are going to order. 

What can I put on a coffee table to protect it?

Unlike a dining room table, which will often be protected by a table cloth, coffee tables are often left bare and open to damage. Consider using a small table runner or a drink tray to keep items off the surface of your table that could damage it. Also, when picking out your new table, go for a durable material like the metals we offer at CopperSmith. That way, even if the reality of real-life does lead to some rough contact with the table, it will be able to stand up to those accidents and keep looking great.  

What size coffee table is better?

You are free to pick whatever size you want for your coffee table, and working with CopperSmith will make it easy to get a table that is precisely the right size for your vision. With that said, many designers aim to use tables that are approximately two-thirds of the size of the couch. So, if your couch is six feet long, you might pick out a table that is roughly four feet long to go with it. This will give you some room on the ends to get around the table while still providing plenty of table surface for various items and decorations. 

How do I choose a coffee table for a small living room?

When designing a small living room, a round coffee table is often the best option. Getting rid of the corners makes it easier to get around the table to wherever you need to go in the room. Additionally, an oval table can provide a similar advantage while giving you more surface area to work with than a circle. Even a small coffee table can give you the convenience of having somewhere to set down your drink and phone, so it’s probably best to err on the small side to avoid using up too much of your room on this one feature. 

Should a coffee table match the couch?

There is no reason to focus too intently on making sure your coffee table matches your couch. Yes, you can try to match the two if you so wish, but that is not necessary for a good overall design. Consider using a metal coffee table as a nice modern contrast to the soft materials that cover your sofa – the blend of hard and soft in the same space can make for a wonderful look.