skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Design Dilemma
markeyp

Need help choosing correct shape and style coffee table?

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I am trying to get a coffee table for my new living room. I am trying to go with a traditional / Mediterranean style, but it is a small room and I don't want to get something too overpowering. I am also limited in size since my sofa has a chaise on one end and a recliner on the other, so there is only approx. a 3 feet area to place the coffee table. I was thinking maybe a glass top so it won't make the room look too cluttered. Or, maybe a custom marble top coffee table that would match my fireplace surround. Also, could I do a round, since I can't seem to find any small rectangular tables.
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    None of the 3 above would be right. They all look dated and too ornate and heavy. Think of something more fresh, not necessarily modern.

    Do any of these work for you?

    Comments (27)

    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Oval table would work well.
    • 13 years ago
      Still trying to get the perfect cocktail table. Need help choosing. I would appreciate any comments or recommendations on the 3 attached pics!

    • Related Professionals

      Columbia Interior Designers & Decorators · Saint Joseph Architects & Building Designers · Escanaba Architects & Building Designers · Trenton Architects & Building Designers · Amarillo Architects & Building Designers · Bozeman Architects & Building Designers · Bismarck Architects & Building Designers · Orlando Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · West Palm Beach Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Athens Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · College Station Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · New Braunfels Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sugar Land Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Davenport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Webster Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
    • 13 years ago
      Also, size needs to be on the shorter side, approx, 42" long, since the end of the sofa is also a recliner.
    • 13 years ago
      Angle chair to look at TV move closer to sofa. remove small area rug. Get 2 round ottomans in a color or print keep the same. Put a 5 x7 area rug in a gold, black cream design under them. Add panels to end of windows, should be 2 shades darker than walls. Remove awful wall paper, paint a latte color. Leave all trim white. Add candles, plants books to TV center don't clutter, behind sofa wall add very large sunburst mirror in gold tone. Open shades. Let light in.
    • 13 years ago
      Add small round table next to chair, with a plant.
    • 13 years ago
      Add pillows to sofa in colors from rug. Same with chair also add a throw in black zebra.
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      I'd suggest a travertine w metal legs. The thick wood surrounds of the models you are showing are too massive.
    • 13 years ago
      If you have a coffee table with a glass top or a plain top coffee table, I think you need a rug with some pattern. I find there are too much solid colors.
    • 13 years ago
      If you have room to put a table around 24 in. in front of sofa then you don't need to have a short table. Just to confirm the space measure how much space you need when the recliner is opened then add 6 to 8 in.
    • 13 years ago
      Hi Suzanne_m, I have 54" from the edge of the chaise to the edge of the recliner. But don't you have to leave space between the sofa and the cocktail table to walk between? Yes, I was thinking of getting a rug with some pattern also.
    • 13 years ago
      leelee, I was trying to get a mediterranean or tuscan look and feel, but I see what your saying about the tables I choose being to heavy. I do like the double glass oval table you showed,
    • 13 years ago
      If the recliner is closed, you will have enough space to walk between the sofa and the table. If the recliner is open, you can walk in front of the fireplace. I also think an oval table would work fine in this room.
    • 13 years ago
      I think because of the built of your furniture, a table that is 42 in. long might look too small.
    • 13 years ago
      suzanne_m, Thanks suzanne! So you think a 48" L oval table would work?
    • 13 years ago
      I would say measure the length of your sofa (less the chaise) and your table should be 20 in. less than the measure you took and center your table in this space.
    • 13 years ago
      suzanne_m, Ok, so my sofa (less the chaise) measures 85", so I should get a table 65" long? But won't the recliner always be hitting the table when opened?
    • 13 years ago
      Hi travisinteriors, Wow, you gave me so much great advise for my whole room. I really appreciate all those comments on how to finish off the details of my room. I've been stuck with how to finish decorating the room, so I've just been living with it empty like this for the past 6 months. I was contemplating adding side panels to my window, but the right side is very narrow because of the built in wall unit. What about adding a valence instead?
    • 13 years ago
      No. Your table need be only so big that everyone can set a glass down! (The area rug you have used as a fill-in looks about right for that.)
    • 13 years ago
      I have the same layout at my place and it works ... except that I would put 30 in. in front of sofa just to make sure that a tall person who his feet go past the foot rest won't hit the table when reclined. Also it will give you more space to walk around. If you leave 30 in. between the sofa and table and the same distance between the fire and table, how much space you are left for the width of the table? I guess one way to calculate the width of the table you can have is to measure the distance between the sofa and fireplace then subtract 60 in.
    • 13 years ago
      Yes, I was just using that area rug for a template for the cocktail table size originally. It's not really meant to stay there, I definitely replacing it with a larger area rug.
    • 13 years ago
      Sorry markeyp, I made mistake when I told you how to calculate the space you have for your table. So what I have at home and it works just fine is my sofa is 86 long and I have an oval table that is 50 x 32 and the table is 30 in. in front of the sofa.
    • 13 years ago
      markeyp, I did a photoshop of your living room. I removed the rug since you said it is going. I had a table that I found in the houzz browse living room. If you click on the green label on the table, you will have a bit of information. With photoshop I could not turn the table the other direction otherwise I would deform the table but at least this will give you an idea. The has an antic mirror on the bottom shef.

      Living room · More Info
    • 13 years ago
      Oops, it is not the photo I wanted to post:
    • 13 years ago
      TABLE 2:

      Similar to the table above. I like it better than table one because the metal is darker and more contrasting it the sofa and recliner:

      Hillsborough Living Room · More Info
    • 13 years ago
      Hi Suzanne_m, Sorry I had to go out to a Memorial Day BBQ. I like this oval glass table also. I love the way you photoshopped it, It really helps to get a better idea of how it will look.
    • 13 years ago
      markeyp, I have done a different photoshop with table 2.

      TABLE 2 take 2:
    Related Stories
    DECLUTTERINGDownsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind
    By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer
    What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down
    Full Story
    69
    FURNITURETen Things to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Table
    By Becky Harris
    Full Story
    23
    FURNITUREWhich Dining Table Shape Should You Choose?
    By Joanna Tovia
    Rectangular, oval, round or square: Here are ways to choose your dining table shape (or make the most of the one you already have)
    Full Story
    78
    Indoor Gardener: Topiaries Help Rooms Shape Up
    By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting
    Undeniably sculptural, topiaries in modern geometric to classic round shapes bring fresh artfulness to the home
    Full Story
    6
    DECORATING GUIDESHow to Choose the Right Decorative Mirror
    By Apartment 46 for the Home
    Follow these 3 tips for finding the perfect size, shape and style
    Full Story
    12
    DECORATING GUIDESHow to Choose a Lampshade
    By Fred Albert
    Height, width, shape ... we turn you on to all the info you need to pick the right shade for your lamp and your room
    Full Story
    68
    DECORATING GUIDESGive That Coffee Table an Extra Shot of Style
    By Catherine Funkhouser
    Corral necessities neatly or add an eye-catching base for display with a tray that sets off your table or ottoman
    Full Story
    39
    DECORATING GUIDESHow to Choose an Awesome Area Rug No Matter What Your Space
    By Apartment 46 for the Home
    High use, a low door, kids and pets running amok — whatever your area endures, this insight will help you find the right rug for it
    Full Story
    120
    BATHROOM DESIGNHow to Choose the Right Bathroom Sink
    By Anne Ellard Design
    Learn the differences among eight styles of bathroom sinks, and find the perfect one for your space
    Full Story
    254
    COLORHow to Choose a Paint Color
    By Erin Carlyle
    Designers offer tips for examining your closet, memories and daily life to find the right paint colors for your home
    Full Story
    138
    Sponsored
    Bella Casa LLC
    Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars17 Reviews
    The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County
    More Discussions
    Need honest, helpful, realistic feedback on nearly-completed kitchen
    41
    Mantle Frustration
    13
    I need help with this room, I have these carpets choices, which one?
    11
    Great Room Dining Location and Lighting
    3
    Floorplan issue - Entryway
    5