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It's fair to say that the coffee table is one of the most underrated pieces of furniture inside your casa. Over time, it will be the home of remotes, magazines, newspapers, keys and even smelly feet from time to time. Therefore, it’s worth putting a little extra consideration into the coffee table you buy.
So how do you find the right one for you and your home? Whether you're after a coffee table with a marble tabletop, or would prefer one made from glass, or solid oak, in this guide we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your living room. From round wooden centrepieces, to decorative coffee tables for modern homes, we rank the top 10 best in the UK on Amazon, Argos and John Lewis!
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Table of Contents
Whether you’re looking for a coffee table to take up centre stage in your living room, or something that will fit in a small corner as a drink’s holder, this buying guide should help you determine precisely what you need, before you buy it.
The first thing you’re going to want to do prior to purchasing a coffee table, is to measure your room and the space within which you want to put the table. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are three basic rules of thumb.
Firstly, the height should be around the same as that of your sofa cushions, or a little shorter. Secondly, the length of the table should be no more than two-thirds of the sofa’s length. Finally, you should leave around 2 ft (60 cm) of space around each side at all times.
Of course, these are only guidelines, so don't be afraid trust your instinct. For example, if you’re taller, don’t be afraid to add a few inches to the height. Conversely, if you’re looking to create a down-to-earth, tranquil space, think about incorporating a lower table instead.
It’s no surprise that the textbook coffee table shape is rectangular. This is because the shape generally fits well into most interiors, mirroring the shape of other common types of furniture found in one's living room, such as sofas, TV's and framed artwork. These also tend to be longer, which is useful if you have a three seater sofa, or would prefer the additional tabletop space.
Circular and oval coffee tables are easier to have around the home as they take up less space than rectangular or square tables. They're a popular option since they provide a more social gathering space should you have friends or guests over, and will soften the look of a room otherwise dominated by harsh geometric shapes.
However, you might want to opt for a square coffee table instead. These will help unify facing seating arrangements, that could otherwise look a little too far apart, by adding a common island between sofas and chairs. Unlike circular table, they will compliment rectangular furniture, rather than contrast.
If you're looking for a versatile coffee table design, glass works well with many different home décor themes. Because of the material's reflective nature, these can bring a lot of light and space into a room that would otherwise feel a little small or gloomy. You may be concerned that a glass table would break or shatter easily, but don't worry, they’re pretty robust nowadays.
Metal is unlikely to be used for the tabletop, although it’s not unheard of. However, it is regularly used for the legs or frame in conjunction with other materials. Depending on the metal you choose, these could either have a sleek or industrial look. Our only advice is to try and match it with any other metal décor in the room to keep things cohesive.
The final feature you’ll want to consider is whether you'll need some storage or not. This can come in many forms, such as drawers to help you hide the clutter that will inevitably end up living there.
If you’d like a storage option that’s a bit more open, you could look for coffee tables with multiple tiers. These don’t necessarily hide your clutter away, but what they do is give you more space to store or display decorative objects, such as classy photo books.
If neither of these options take your fancy, then some coffee tables have a hidden storage compartment. These tend to be inside the construction of the table, for extra storage without ruining the look of the design. However, these can be a little more difficult to get into, especially if the table is in use.
It might be a little on the pricey side but, in our defence, it does have the holy trifecta of coffee table criteria. First, The surface has been crafted using American Walnut veneers on top of an MDF base. This makes for a sturdy yet lightweight table that can easily be repositioned within a room.
Second, the draws slide open to reveal a storage space spanning the length of the table - plenty of space to hide clutter! Finally, its retro, Scandinavian-inspired look merges two very cool styles into one very tasteful piece of furniture.
With its vintage design, this coffee table is sure to bring something unique to your living room. The tabletop is made from tempered glass, which is stronger, more durable and less of a hazard than regular glass. Plus, there are protective feet on the bottom of the legs, so your hardwood floors should be protected too.
We think the size is ideal for your average home, and whilst this style of furniture can often be wallet-shattering, this particular coffee table comes in at a very reasonable price!
This coffee table has a wonderful design that encapsulates the perfect balance between retro and futuristic furniture design aesthetics. The square shape will provide a focal point between the seating arrangement of your room, making it a great option if you're looking for a centrepiece.
Another feature we like are the slightly taped legs. This isn't only for show, as they make sure the table is stable and well supported. Moreover, there's a large pull out draw that allows you to stash away anything you think makes the table look crowded.
With a robust and chunky design, this Stratford coffee table from Argos Home is capable of handling pretty much anything a busy household can throw at it. That's because this coffee table has a maximum weight load of 20kg, which should be plenty enough for all your favourite books, kids toys and other everyday items.
It's made from oak veneer which can be easily wiped clean without damaging the finish, and it's pretty straightforward to put together.
This coffee table from Aspect is bang on trend, with an industrial iron frame and rugged wood tabletop. This stripped-back style has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and is a favourite of many trendy 'hipster' bars and cafes.
In addition to the tabletop, there's a shelf underneath that can be used for storing everyday items such as snacks, magazines and books - which, we can assure you, are very useful to have near the sofa. Just make sure you've got the tools ready as there'll be some assembly required when it arrives.
This coffee table is possibly one of the best-selling items of furniture in the world. This is likely because its simplicity allows it to slot seamlessly into almost any interior, without ever looking out of place.
It's relatively small in size, so can be utilised as either a coffee table or a side table depending on the room, and it comes in a choice of either black or oak. Best of all, as it's Ikea, you don't have to worry about any tools as the legs are screwed in easily by hand.
This offering from Gallery Direct perfectly balances minimalism and new-age design. The coffee table features a glass surface inlaid into a brushed bronze frame, fusing different engineering practises for sophisticated yet subtle style.
We think it's safe to say that this baby is going to turn heads no matter who walks into the room. Sure, it's expensive and might need a lot of cleaning to stay on top of smudges and dust, but for some, it'll be more than worth it!
There are many features we like about this offering from Gallery Direct. The legs, for example, have a modern, geometric design that provides a solid, stable base for the mango wood tabletop. On top of that, the ornate fretwork finish around the outside edge takes this piece from being just a coffee table, to an eye-catching centrepiece.
This coffee table is available in two different finishes; the rich, walnut that we've opted for here, and a more conservative black. We'd have liked a bit of storage, but this may detract from the appealing design.
Here we have a rather cute little Scandinavian-inspired coffee table from Argos. This table has a fresh, clean and contemporary design that's both functional and fashionable enough to suit most modern UK homes.
The tabletop doubles as a removable lid that, once separated, will reveal ample storage space inside. It is on the small size, so you're unlikely to be able to gather everyone around it. Still, for day to day use, there's plenty of room for a couple of brews.
This coffee table from John Lewis & Partners has something that none of the others in our ranking have. The marble tabletop gives this piece of furniture a luxurious appeal. Supported by a minimalist iron frame with a black powdered coat finish, it's sure to add a bit of elegance to any room.
It's simple, it's sturdy and it's sophisticated. But it's also very heavy, so it could be a bit of a hazard in a busy home. Make sure you have someone to help out, as you'll likely need a hand when putting the tabletop on the frame.
Whether relaxing, working, or entertaining guests, a living room is meant to be lived in. The focal gathering point of most homes, the right furniture will transform any interior into a warm and welcoming space, no matter how big or small. To help you deck out your lounge, here are some of the best sofas, TV stands and soft furnishings in the UK!
Whether you're looking for a perfect centrepiece, or just doing your best and working with the space you have, we hope that you've found our buying guide and recommendations useful. Here's to having a more comfortable and convenient living room!
Author: Lewis Clark
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