help picking coffee table

8 years ago

We just bought a new couch in our new home and we’re trying to figure out what kind of coffee table to get. Shape? Finish? We love round nesting tables, but aren’t sure how they would look in our space. (We just moved about a month ago- we haven’t done anything to walls or windows yet, so the space is still largely unfinished- were waiting to get some more major pieces in, like a coffee table)

Featured Answer

Bette P

8 years ago

I would size it to serve those sitting on the sectional only, not the chair. Make a simple template out of newspaper for sizes you consider. Measure out 18 inches of legroom from the seat front on both sides of the L of the sectional. Do not go past the start of the sofa arm in length. You may find a rectangle or oval works best, or round or square. I would look for a table with an airy or leggy base rather than a solid base, considering the size of your room. A glass top would let your rug be seen. Front feet of your chair & sofa should be on the rug. If you pull it out more you will see more of the central rug pattern too.

Try to plan for layered lighting by adding floor lamps or table lamps. Overhead lighting only is not flattering to people, even on dimmers. A round table with a table lamp would work between the sofa and chair, especially if the chair will remain angled. If you choose a floor lamp, consider a C table for the chair person. It needs to be no higher than the chair arm. These type. https://www.pier1.com/c-tables

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Comments (7)

amykath
8 years ago
I think round nesting tables would look great! What finishes do you like? Gold oil rubbed bronze, wood or silver? It would have to be pretty small as to not take up too much space. Maybe you can try placing some various sized and shape items where your coffee table would be to get an idea of what you might like.

May I suggest pulling your rug out a bit.. so just the front legs sit on top of it?
Sueb20
8 years ago
What she said.

I would also like to see a round end table in place of the little square one, a bit shorter (closer to the height of the sofa arm).

I think a finish to coordinate with the tv console would work well.
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Erin M
Original Author
8 years ago
Oh my goodness we must have moved the rug a hundred times last night! I just can’t figure it out. Only the front legs are sitting on it. The side by the chaise has more rug under it than the side by the wall, but I was worried that pulling it out would put it too close to the door? In truth, it’s probably about 6-12 inches too long, but we won’t be replacing it. Which direction are you suggesting pulling it?
amykath
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Pull it closer to the tv. (away from the large wall with the two windows).. in that direction.

If you need you can also pull it more towards the chaise so that both legs sit on the rug.

It is hard to tell in the photo what centered is. Can you take a photo straight on the sofa and chair so we can see all three walls to determine best placement of the rug?
Erin M
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the tips. I will take another photo when I get home, although the windows are centered on the wall (the center of the wall between the two windows is the center of the room). It is a small room (LA area- everything is small!), so we are looking to maximize the space as much as possible. We are also thinking of a large statement art piece on the empty wall above the couch.
havingfun
8 years ago