Coffee tables are frequently the central focus of a living area and therefore have a tremendous impact on a room's decor and ambiance. A wise choice can create a feeling of style and harmony whilst a poor choice can make a room look disordered and can overwhelm the other furniture, making the room look smaller and feel less unified.
The choices that you make regarding the size, shape, cost, material and style of the Coffee tables are thus vitally important to making your living room a welcoming space and setting the tone that you desire for your home.

Before beginning your search for the perfect coffee table you should therefore work out what it is that you want from it. Do you want it to be purely ornamental- to create a modern and stylish statement, or are you more interested in its functions- do you plan to eat from it, place drinks on it, store magazines in it or use it as a display cabinet?
You also need to consider the cost of any piece that you plan to purchase. It is often a good idea to set a maximum budget before you begin your search. This should prevent you from even considering purchases that you may later regret. Coffee tables can be bought as cheaply as twenty dollars, however they can also cost in the thousands. It is a good idea to have an idea of your budget so that you do not fall in love with a Coffee tables that is far out of your reach.
Coffee tables come in thousands of different shapes and sizes, as do living areas. When making your purchase you need to find the size and shape that will best match your room whilst still looking and functioning how you require.
Some people consider the look of a coffee table their number one priority and may prefer a very large coffee table for maximum visual impact. Others prefer to maximize the amount of floor space available for other uses.
As a general guideline it is preferable to have a minimum of two feet around each side of the coffee table and it should be reachable, without standing, from each of the seating areas. Some people also suggest that your coffee table should be no larger than sixty percent of your sofas length.
The height that you choose very much depends on what you intend to use it for. Modern coffee tables are often very low; however this may make using it for eating difficult.
It is often a good idea to place an item of a similar size and shape to any table that you intend to buy in the room. This will give you a feel for how it will work with the space that you have.
Rectangular coffee tables are the most popular shape on the market currently and come in a variety of heights and forms. They can be used in small or large rooms and can often make a large impact in a big room where a very large coffee tables is required so as to be accessible from all of the furniture.
Similarly square coffee tables are excellent in larger rooms although they can overpower smaller spaces when not chosen with care. If you are buying a square coffee table be sure to mark out the floor area that will be covered to make sure that it will not overwhelm the room.
Many people with small children prefer a round coffee tables as they consider the lack of sharp corners a safer option and less likely to cause accidents. Round tables can be difficult to fit into smaller rooms and can take up more floor space than other shapes. They can be very social however and are a good choice if you regularly sit around playing cards or board games.
Consideration should also be given to whether you prefer a coffee tables with legs or one that is solid to floor level. Raised coffee tables that allow a clear view under the table can help to create an impression of space; however solid coffee tables can often look more expensive and substantial.
A glass coffee table can be an excellent choice for small rooms as they helping to make the room feel more spacious and airy. They can also lend a very modern feel to a room that might otherwise look dated.
Caution should be used where small children might be likely to use the room however. Although glass tables will be made of toughened glass it is not impossible to break one. Safety should always come first.
Wooden coffee tables are a timeless and beautiful choice, and unlike many materials they can actually improve with age. An oak coffee table will look as good in a few years as it does now, as long as it is properly cared for. Coffee tables can be made from a range of woods, from pine through to walnut.
Modern furniture is frequently constructed from MDF (medium density fiberboard) which is strong and easy to maintain whilst also being able to be manipulated into almost any shape. The beauty of real wood by contrast however is that it can be repaired and restored whereas MDF cannot be.
Coffee tables serve a variety of uses. Whilst some are used only for the display of ornaments, in many homes they have replaced the family dining table. What functions your table must fulfill should be one of the key considerations when you are selecting it. You must decide whether you need storage and if so whether you want the items you are storing to be on public display or hidden from view. Lift top coffee tables sound like a good idea but are only really useful if you intend to keep the surface clear. Otherwise each time that you need to remove or replace an item you have to clear the top of the table first. Often a coffee table with a drawer or shelf can be a more convenient choice.
A coffee table will be a key purchase for your living space. It is worth investing the time and energy into choosing a table that will meet both your aesthetic and functional needs and be something that you will use and love for many years.
Rebecca J Thomas is an expert author who writes extensively on home and family issues. For further home improvement advice visit her other sites where she has written further guides to buying a coffee tables.
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