Coffee Tables

Designer coffee tables – how to find the right one for your home

1. The ideal size
2. The right height
3. Trend: combining coffee tables
4. Which table shape suits which sofa?
5. Coffee tables in wood, glass or marble?
6. Extra functions to look out for
7. Summary

1. How big should a coffee table be?

For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly half to one third of the length of your sofa.

You should also be able to sit comfortably and move freely between the sofa, the table and any other furniture around your seating area. So allow about 45 cm between the sofa and the table and about 80 cm between the table and other pieces of furniture.

2. How high should a coffee table be?

When it comes to height, take your cue from the seat height of the surrounding seating. Coffee tables are low pieces of furniture with a height of between 30 and 50 cm. Slightly taller living room tables can double as an alternative dining table, while lower coffee tables give your living room a lounge feel. If you can't decide, go for a height-adjustable coffee table.

3. Trend: combining coffee tables

Instead of a single classic coffee table, you'll increasingly see modern arrangements of tables in different sizes and shapes.

"Combining several coffee tables in different heights and sizes gives you flexibility – both in where you place them and in how you use them, from displaying home accessories to putting down drinks and snacks." – Viktoria, interior expert

Manufacturers such as HAY, Normann Copenhagen and Mater offer series in which the coffee table can be combined with matching side tables. There are also living room tables with several built-in levels.

4. Shapes: round, oval or square coffee tables

For small sofas, a round or square coffee table is a particularly good choice. You can pair it with a matching side table.

If you have a long, straight sofa and like soft curves, an oval or rectangular coffee table is a good choice.

For U-shaped seating areas, a square coffee table works particularly well: it fits in neatly and offers the same surface area from every side.

For large modular sofas, on the other hand, a rectangular table is ideal. It offers plenty of surface space and is easy to reach from every seat.

Tip: Round coffee tables are a particularly good choice for households with children, as they reduce the risk of injury from corners and edges.

5. Coffee tables in wood, glass or marble

Wooden coffee tables

Solid wood is sturdy and durable, and it creates a homely atmosphere. Bear in mind that the colour of wooden furniture can change over time with age or exposure to sunlight.

With wooden coffee tables, you can choose between solid wood and veneer. While a solid wood table is made from solid timber, veneer is a board with a thin layer of wood on top, which is much lighter and more affordable.

Coffee tables with coloured surfaces usually consist of a lacquered board, made of MDF, for example. They are particularly scratch-resistant and easy to clean, and come in a wide choice of colours and textures.

Glass coffee tables

When buying a glass coffee table, make sure it's made of safety glass, which doesn't shatter into sharp shards if it breaks. A glass tabletop looks light and airy, making small living rooms appear larger and brighter.

Metal coffee tables

Metal coffee tables are sturdy, stable and hard-wearing. They are also easy to clean with a damp cloth. Aluminium furniture is particularly lightweight, so it's easy to move around. Metal tables are often lacquered or powder-coated and come in a wide range of colours.

Stone coffee tables

A designer coffee table made of marble or another stone is heavy and has a solid presence. The modern coffee tables by Ferm Living, &Tradition and Ox Denmarq stand out for their individual veining.

Coffee tables made of recyclable materials

More and more designers are creating coffee tables from recyclable materials. Pulpo has designed a table made of glass ceramic – a by-product of industrial glass production – while Eternit makes its furniture from the fibre cement of the same name.

6. Extra functions coffee tables can offer

Coffee tables with storage

Models with an extra shelf under the tabletop or a drawer are particularly useful in small rooms, as they create additional storage space. While a decorative vase and your coffee cup sit on the table, remote controls and magazines disappear underneath.

Tray tables

A tray table has a removable top. You can use this serving tray to carry food and drinks to the coffee table with ease, for example.

Illuminated tables

Coffee tables designed as light objects are real eye-catchers and create a cosy atmosphere with their indirect lighting. Often, the brightness can be adjusted smoothly with a dimmer, and coloured bulbs add special accents.

Tip: "If you like things a little unconventional, you can also opt for creative coffee table alternatives such as serving trolleys, low benches, stools and storage baskets." – Viktoria, interior expert

7. Summary – what to consider when buying a designer coffee table online

• For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly half to one third of the length of your sofa.
• Allow about 45 cm between the sofa and the table and about 80 cm between the table and other pieces of furniture.
• Round coffee tables are a particularly good choice for households with children, as they reduce the risk of injury from corners and edges.
• Wooden coffee tables are sturdy and durable, and create a homely atmosphere. A glass coffee table makes small living rooms appear larger and brighter. Metal coffee tables are sturdy, stable and hard-wearing. A designer coffee table made of marble or another stone is heavy and has a solid presence.
• Coffee tables with an extra shelf under the tabletop or a drawer are particularly useful in small rooms, as they create additional storage space.

Buy designer coffee tables online at Connox – your benefits at a glance

• High-quality original coffee tables from top design brands
• Personal support from our customer service team
• Fair delivery costs
• Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption

Shopping advice at Connox

Would you like to buy a coffee table online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.