Show me a room, and I’ll show you a table put to good use. This indispensable, versatile piece of furniture doesn’t get the credit or consideration it deserves. Tables play a central role in eating areas, such as the dining room and kitchen, but without the omnipresent table, no room would ever feel complete.
But with all the different table types, qualities and styles on the furniture market, how do you know what to choose? Here are three things to consider before you hit the showrooms.
Function
Yes, it’s a table – coffee, dining, console, bedside. But despite its name, the indispensable table serves more functions than just the one it’s named after. With the rise of remote working, learning and entertaining, we’re really giving the table a run for its money. But before you go shopping, establish your use of the table and determine the criteria. Will you be seated at the table? At chairs, a sofa or kneeling on the floor? Is it functional, decorative or both? Does it need to accommodate any objects or tools, or storage otherwise?
Style
Consider material and shape in the context of how the table will be used, and the broader scheme of the space. The kitchen table will double as a craft and homework area, ensure it’s durable and easy to clean – or better yet, cover up!
Design Tip: If your home is on the smaller size, glass and reflective elements such as polished chrome and mirrors can be your best friend, dramatically lightening the visual impact if the table. Look for “leggy” pieces that don’t block views of the flow of natural light, and create some depth and perspective by positioning a fabulous area rug underneath.
Dimensions
This consideration is multi-faceted, so let’s not waste any time.
Consider the size and specs of the space, which should help inform the dimensions of your table. In addition, it should be appropriately scaled to balance the other furnishings in the space.
Coffee tables can be the trickiest to “size up,” so to speak. The wrong scale or height can make a living room appear awkward and uninviting. To ensure your physical comfort and a well-scaled look, opt for a coffee table that’s the same height as the cushions on your sofa, or one to two inches lower.
Similar to height, your coffee table has to hit the right length in relation to the width of your sofa. Specifically, it should measure approximately two-thirds the length of your sofa. So, a 96-inch sofa would accommodate a 64-inch coffee table.
One final rule of measurement is in your coffee table’s positioning. The ideal placement is 12 to 18 inches away from your sofa, making it easy to reach but well out of the way.
Measure the room, placement of walls, paths of traffic, doorways and windows. Don’t forget to measure doorways and elevators. Now sketch it out, mark the measurements and bring this with you when you hit the showrooms – online or in-person!
Time to Shop!
If you’re shopping in person, be mindful of the showroom, which is usually a large, bright space with soaring ceilings and lots of “breathing room.” This can be deceiving. Never assume that because “it looks like it will fit your space,” that it actually will. This is especially the case with a larger-scale item, such as a table.
Now you’re ready to shop for a table that will meet your household’s needs for years to come – with measurements, purpose and confidence!