Choosing the right coffee table is essential to creating a balanced, stylish, and functional living room. It not only anchors your seating area but also adds character and convenience to your everyday living.
While Style My Home is best known for our signature Hamptons aesthetic, our timeless furniture is designed to suit all interiors—whether you live in a modern apartment, contemporary coastal retreat, classic federation home, or country cottage. Our pieces are versatile by nature, allowing you to personalise your space with classic designs that never date. Choose classic, choose forever.
If you're wondering how to choose the right one for your home, here are the key considerations to help you make a confident, informed decision.
1. Consider the Proportions
Proportion is everything. The size of your coffee table should suit the dimensions of your room and the furniture it pairs with—especially your lounge and armchairs.
In smaller rooms, a large choice can overwhelm the space. Aim to leave at least 50cm between the sofa and the coffee table, and similarly between the table and entertainment unit.
In large rooms, a small choice can look out of place and feel impractical. Everyone seated should be able to reach the surface comfortably.
If your coffee table doesn’t cover all seating zones, consider adding side tables to ensure convenience and balance.
2. Choose the Right Shape
The shape of your coffee table should complement your room layout and seating configuration.
Rectangular: The most versatile choice, perfect for standard lounges and rugs. They provide structure and are ideal for traditional and Hamptons-inspired interiors.
Round: Great for L-shaped lounges, small spaces, or families with young kids—offering better flow and no sharp corners.
Square: Balanced and bold, they’re best in large living rooms or paired with spacious modular sofas.
'Samuel' design
3. Select the Best Finish
Your coffee table finish affects both style and practicality.
White Painted Finish: Ideal for classic or Hamptons interiors—fresh, timeless, and easy to pair.
Timber Finishes: Create warmth and character. Match or contrast with other timber pieces in your home for flow.
Glass Tops: A best-seller for a reason—glass creates the illusion of space and light. Choose tempered glass for safety in family homes.
Mother of Pearl- Known for their irradescent charm, these handcrafted coffee and side tables are just gorgeous.
💡 Tip: If you have small children, avoid raw or weathered timbers which may stain easily.
Sahara design
4. Think About Storage Needs
Ask yourself how much hidden or display storage you really need:
Coffee tables with drawers are ideal for stashing remotes, coasters, and daily clutter.
Tables with open shelves offer space for coffee table books or stylish baskets.
If you prefer a clean aesthetic and have other storage, opt for a simpler design with no additional compartments.
🗣️ “I like storage—but not too much. If it’s there, I’ll just fill it with junk!” – A common customer sentiment.
📸 'South Beach' Hamptons Cross Leg Coffee Table
South Beach design
5. Don’t Overlook Ottomans as an Alternative
More and more customers are choosing upholstered ottomans instead of traditional coffee tables—especially in casual or downsized homes.
They double as footrests and soft surfaces.
Use a decorative tray on top to add structure for drinks and candles.
Choose linen or upholstered options that contrast or match your lounge.
📸 'Justine' Upholstered Rectangle Ottoman
'Tweed' Upholstered Large Round Ottoman
Final Thoughts
A coffee table is more than just a place to rest your drinks—it’s the design anchor of your living room. Whether you love crisp whites, natural oak tones, or luxe glass, there’s a perfect piece for your home.
At Style My Home, we specialise in timeless, versatile furniture that transcends trends. Our designs aren’t just made to look good—they’re made to live with. So whether you’re redecorating your lounge or furnishing a new home, let us help you find the perfect fit.
Choose classic. Choose forever.
Shop our range here.
FAQs
What shape coffee table works best in a living space?
The best coffee table shape depends on the layout of your room, your furniture configuration, and who uses the space.
Rectangular coffee tables are the most popular and versatile—they suit most living rooms, especially those with standard 2- or 3-seater sofas. They provide generous surface area and work well with rectangular rugs or formal seating layouts.
Round coffee tables, however, are an increasingly popular choice—especially for families with young children. Their curved edges eliminate sharp corners, reducing the risk of bumps and bruises. They also improve flow and safety in compact spaces or high-traffic areas like open-plan lounges. If you have an L-shaped sofa, round tables work beautifully to soften the angles and create a more relaxed, inviting zone.
Square coffee tables can suit symmetrical or larger seating arrangements, while oval-shaped options offer the visual softness of a round table with the added length of a rectangle—making them ideal for narrow rooms with kids or pets moving around.
Ultimately, the best shape is the one that balances function, flow, and safety for your family’s needs while enhancing your space's overall proportions.
What size coffee table should I choose for my living room?
Your coffee table should be proportionate to your seating area. Leave at least 50cm between the edge of the sofa and the table to allow room for movement. If you have a larger room, make sure all seats can easily reach the table.
Should I choose a coffee table with storage?
It depends on your needs. Coffee tables with drawers or shelves are great for hiding clutter like remotes, while simple designs offer a cleaner look if you have storage elsewhere.
Can I use an ottoman instead of a coffee table?
Absolutely. Ottomans are a great alternative, especially in cosy or downsized homes. They are great for eatra seating and kids. Just add a decorative tray to create a stable surface for serving or styling.
What finish works best for a timeless coffee table?
White painted or oak timber finishes are classic choices. Glass tops can make small rooms feel more open, and timber adds natural warmth and texture to any space.
