A coffee table is not just a surface to put your drinks on; it can be a focal point of the room and can also be used as a display surface for items.
Some people have an entire house dedicated to the coffee table. This is because they use it as a place to put all their magazines, books, and other items that are related to the living room or family room.
The most common use for a coffee table is to put magazines, books, or trinkets on it for decoration. However, there are other uses too. For example, some people use their coffee table to put their feet on while watching TV or reading a book on the sofa.
Here Are The Benefits Of Having A Coffee Table
A coffee table in your living room can provide extra versatility and attractiveness to your home’s interior. Many factors show that having a coffee table in the living room can be very beneficial.
1. The Main Element For Your Decor
If a coffee table is versatile and can be used for several purposes around the home, then it is also an essential piece of furniture when decorating your living room.
Keep in mind that when choosing a coffee table, it should complement the couch and other furnishings in the room.
2. To Hold Different Items
Coffee tables are versatile pieces of furniture that can be used for many purposes. For example, they often serve as the gathering place for different objects, such as:
- Candles
- Photo frames
- Flower vases
- Magazines
- Glasses
- TV and DVD remote controls
A coffee table is a perfect place to set down drinks or trays of food when hosting dinner parties or other gatherings. Its surface also provides a convenient spot for guests to rest their feet.
3. Doubles As A Work Bench
In these days of side hustles and freelancing, where people are working from home more than ever, it’s no surprise that coffee tables are being designed to serve as workbenches.
These days, your coffee table is just as likely to be used for your laptop. The coffee table is a small and safe place for children to get their feet wet with art and writing.
It also provides an extra flat surface when you have many paperwork or documents to spread out. In addition, it is a great place to put your coffee cup, coaster, etc.
A coffee table is not only a place to put your coffee cup, but it can also be a useful tooling surface. If you are repairing or assembling an appliance, having a sturdy coffee table can be helpful.
4. Extra Seating
Although they may not be the cleanest, coffee tables have become a place to put your feet up and relax. They have also been known to serve as extra seating when needed.
Undoubtedly, coffee tables now accompany them and do serve the dual purpose of adding extra seating when necessary, at some of my friends’ dinner parties.
This function is nicely served by ottoman benches or seats, which also double as coffee tables. If you want to buy such a multifunctional coffee table, be sure the construction is sturdy enough.
I’ve discovered that metals and hardwoods are better. If you plan to use coffee tables as extra seating, avoid choosing ones with readily scratchable surfaces.
5. Decorative Furniture
The coffee table’s function is implied by its name alone. Initially, coffee tables were only intended to be used to set coffee utensils down when sipping coffee in a parlor, drawing room, or, most recently, a living room or sitting room.
Over the years, coffee tables have been crafted from several materials and in a wide range of forms, from wooden to metal to steel and now glass, mostly for the convenience of setting coffee or teacups when drinking coffee.
In recent years, coffee tables have also taken on the additional duty of becoming attractive furniture pieces for living areas as “civilized society” has gradually grown more casual/informal.
Because of this, coffee tables have changed along with living room and seating furniture from wood to metal to a combination of steel, glass, leather/leatherette, and toughened plastic.
Can A Living Room Not Have A Coffee Table?
For most people, a coffee table provides a main functional reason. It’s where you can keep your coffee or food, keep a collection of art books, or rest your feet after a hectic day.
However, the one thing that nobody really thinks about is how much space this piece of furniture can consume. Without the coffee table, your living room might be missing something.
The coffee table is often the center of attention in a living room, but it can also be a great way to help define the space and make it feel more put together. So, if you’re looking for a way to add something to your living room, consider investing in a coffee table.
How To Layout Your Furniture Without A Coffee Table?
What about a coffee table? Some interior designers contend NO! A coffee table is not necessary for your living area. However, a coffee table in your living area has various benefits and drawbacks.
Although it will take up a lot of space and possibly make your living room small and crowded, a coffee table helps your area look complete and lovely.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using an ottoman in your living room rather than a coffee table. Here are some ideas for using furniture arrangements in your living space without a coffee table. I’ll see!
Wall Connections
There are advantages and disadvantages to using an ottoman in your living room rather than a coffee table. Here are some ideas for using furniture arrangements in your living space without a coffee table. I’ll see!
Make A Mark
The center of the room shouldn’t be left vacant and unsightly just because you chose not to use your coffee table. Instead, use a tailored rug to brighten the atmosphere.
Do We Really Need A Coffee Table?
While a coffee table may make your living room appear more complete and attractive, it can also take up valuable space and make the room appear smaller and more crowded.
What Are Some Alternatives To A Coffee Table To Have In Living Room?
You are not required to choose something conventional or expected just because they are a focal point of your living room’s furniture.
Instead, some coffee table substitutes are available that will fit your interior design preferences, decisions, and lifestyle.
For that reason, keep reading if you’re looking for some coffee table alternatives. In some ways, coffee table ideas allow you to express your creativity.
A Storage Ottoman
Need a little more room? Your best option is a storage ottoman; in addition to serving as an additional seat and hidden storage, it also functions as a coffee table substitute.
Just slightly open the lid to adjust the contents. It’s ideal for storing blankets, books, periodicals, and other items that you wish to keep around yet hidden.
A Cluster of Side Tables
A coffee table doesn’t need to be a large table. One of the easiest methods to fill coffee table voids is to utilize a group of side tables as an alternative.
This allows you to easily shift them when you are there so that your guests have a convenient spot to set their beverages.
Use A Cocktail Height Table
Cocktail tables are often forgotten, yet they are the greatest solution for living areas where a coffee table might not be necessary.
One of the best furniture options for living rooms is the round table. Although keeping it in front of a sofa works just as well, placing it next to a large armchair is ideal.
A Bench
You don’t really want to make a big table the focal point of your event, do you? Utilizing a bench is one of the best coffee table replacement concepts.
Using an eye-catching wooden bench as a coffee table can increase space, provide additional seats, and even provide additional storage for your valuables.
Guidelines
Whatever the use, while buying a coffee table, there are a few fundamental principles and recommendations to take into account. The first piece of advice is to make sure your coffee table is equal to or just a little lower than the seat of your couch or sofa.
It deflects attention from the couch in a visually appealing way. Styling would also be difficult as the coffee table will already be high.
Consequently, whatever you add on top of it will make it appear crowded or restrict your view when you’re sitting down. How you will position your coffee table to make the most of your space is the second criterion to consider.
Depending on the size of your living room overall, the distance between your couch and coffee table should be between 12 and 18 inches. Generally, you don’t want to stretch too far to reach whatever you set on the coffee table.
Final Words
Keep your eyes and thoughts open when you select the furniture you will use because purchasing furniture is a significant decision. For example, a coffee table has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
In the living area, having a coffee table is optional for some people but necessary for others. An elegant coffee table does take up a lot of space in your living room, though.
