When you think of living area furniture, the priority should always go to the sofas – they are usually the larger pieces and the most practical. However, a close second will be the coffee table, and this is not always an easy choice. There are a lot of different kinds on the market, after all, and picking the right one for you and your needs is not always straightforward.
Often decisions are simply made with size in mind (will it fit?) or the priority could be given to the style (will it match the sofa?) – or equally important, the budget will be considered first. However, it’s wise not to jump to conclusions and to tackle the problem in a systematic manner. Looking for that perfect coffee table for you? Here are the top five questions you should ask yourself before buying a coffee table.
What kind of table do I really need?
It’s important to make a distinction between two different kinds of coffee tables. Figuring out which one you need most will allow you to narrow down your choices significantly. They are:
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Living area coffee table – it’s more formal and is used mostly when there are visitors or when there is an occasion. It could be more stylish than practical, and often glass is used. Style is more important than function.
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Family room coffee table – it’s going to be used a lot, and it should be able to withstand some abuse. Functionality is more important than style.
Is it a centrepiece?
It often is – but so is the rug, or the sofa. Do you want to draw attention to it? If you want it to stand out, make sure you pay special attention to at least two of the following: style, materials, colour, or size.
How should it serve me?
Will you rest your feet on it? Will it house magazines or albums? Will it support your snacks?
What’s the best size and shape?
Measure the available area carefully. Ideally, it has the same height as the surrounding seating furniture.
What materials do I like?
You should either match or severely contrast with the materials around it. In case of doubt, match.
It’s important that you take your time when choosing the coffee table that is right for you, as confirmed by the furniture experts from http://www.housejunkie.co.uk.
Hurried decisions are most always regrettable – you should consider the coffee table as a very important piece of furniture in your home, and it requires a lot of thought and consideration. It’s an investment, after all, and the right coffee table could end up serving you for years and years – if not decades – to come. Take your time to look around, and be methodical. That perfect coffee table for you is out there.
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