If you’re furnishing a small living room, the right coffee table can help make it feel bigger. There are plenty of styles to consider.
Try one with transparent legs for a modern nod to trending design features. This style also works well with transitional, boho or shabby chic decor.
Or, choose a barrel-style wood table that’s cinched for a more organic shape that feels mid-century modern. The cinched silhouette also adds visual interest to simple decor.
small coffee table
1. Added Functionality
Adding a piece of furniture to the space is important but you need to make sure it’s functional. With the right coffee table you can add extra seating and storage without sacrificing room to move or creating visual clutter. Thankfully, the best modern coffee tables for small spaces are multitaskers that allow you to do just that. From ottomans that double as seating to tables that hide storage, there are plenty of options to choose from.
To ensure that your coffee table is as functional as possible, it’s crucial to have the right height. The ideal size is around the same height as your sofa’s seat, allowing you to easily reach for drinks and other items from a seated position. If your table is any taller, it may start to block the natural flow of traffic in your living room and make it difficult for guests to navigate the area.
You can also find coffee tables that offer added functionality with built-in shelves or even drawers. These pieces are perfect for storing books, magazines and other decorative items in your living room. They can be used to showcase your personal style and they look great in both casual and contemporary living rooms.
You can also find unique modern coffee tables with see-through designs that are ideal for smaller spaces. These tables are designed to disappear into your living room space so they don’t take up too much visual real estate. They’re a great option for modern or minimalist-themed rooms and they pair well with monochromatic or neutral-colored decor. They can also work in more eclectic and boho-inspired spaces with the right table linens. A glass top and metal frame combine to create a sleek coffee table that’s ideal for small space living.
2. Visual Clutter Can Be Hidden
When used well, a small coffee table can be a great way to conceal the clutter in your living room. This can help make the space feel cleaner and more organized without sacrificing storage or style. To hide visual clutter, place smaller knick-knacks in the table’s storage spaces and use the surface for other purposes. This can be a great way to get your home ready for guests or simply tidy up after a busy day.
The right coffee table can also be a great way to add color and interest to your living room. For example, if you have a sofa with a bold design, choose a table that compliments it rather than clashing with it. Similarly, you can match the colors of your table to other furniture pieces such as chairs or curtains.
There are many different styles of coffee tables to choose from, so you can find one that fits the size and style of your living room. For example, you can opt for a glass or transparent coffee table that can almost disappear into the room and save space. Or, you can choose a bolder table with thin legs and a rectangular or rounded shape to fit your room’s proportions better.
You can also choose a table with an abstract base that shows through the glass top to add some character and interest to your living space. These types of tables look especially amazing in minimalist or modern styles and can work well in contemporary living rooms. Alternatively, you can go for a wood or reclaimed tin table that works well with rustic designs. Solid wood is timeless and can stand the test of time regardless of fashion trends, but if you’re worried about that, there are plentry of other options available as well.
3. Added Style
Aside from providing an anchor point for a living room layout, a coffee table is also an opportunity to showcase your interior style. Whether you go for an open-square design that allows you to display a collection of contemporary decorative objects or a sleek modern piece that boasts an eye-catching geometric base and frame, a small coffee table can help your style shine.
As you browse the selection of small coffee tables at Pottery Barn, keep in mind that scale is key when it comes to choosing the right one for your space. For example, a coffee table that sits more than a few inches lower than the sofa isn’t practical and can look awkward.
You can avoid this common mistake by mapping out your space with tape or a piece of cardboard before shopping for furniture. This will allow you to visualize the scale of your chosen pieces and ensure that they leave enough walkway for your family’s comfort.
Aside from the height of your coffee table, another important factor to consider is its shape. Round shapes are a good choice for small spaces because they offer more flexibility in terms of positioning. The circular form helps to deflect visual clutter and adds a touch of graceful elegance to a room.
When it comes to the material of your small coffee table, reclaimed wood is a stylish and sustainable option that complements both rustic and contemporary decorating styles. For a casual yet elegant look, try a coffee table that showcases the natural beauty of reclaimed pine with knots, holes and other unique markings on the tabletop.
For a modern take on this eco-friendly material, opt for a budget-friendly coffee table that boasts an appealing warm neutral finish and clean lines to complement contemporary interior color schemes. This table group is made with a tubular polished steel frame and manufactured wood top, and the lower tier offers plenty of storage for remote controls, magazines and more.
4. Added Storage
The added storage of a small coffee table can help you keep your living space organized and uncluttered. You can use open shelving to store books, blankets and pillows or built-in drawers for storing remote controls, coasters and other small items. The key is to choose a coffee table that offers convenient storage while still looking stylish.
Look for tables with shelves that are easily accessible so that you can quickly store frequently used items and pull them out again when needed. You might also want to consider a table that features a lift top. This feature can transform the table from a simple coffee table to a stylish cocktail or dining table. It’s also a great choice for a family with children or pets who may need to store sharp objects that could pose a hazard when left out in the open.
Another way to add more storage is with a tray. You can find trays in a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit your needs. They’re the perfect solution for corralling items that might otherwise clutter a coffee table, such as coasters, remotes and small plants. A decorative tray can also serve as an eye-catching centerpiece that elevates the overall style of your living room.
Before purchasing a small coffee table, take the time to measure your space so that you can be sure the piece will be functional and won’t block out other seating areas or traffic paths. If you’re unsure about what size to choose, it’s a good idea to ask for assistance from an interior designer who can advise you on what furniture will work best in your home.
5. Added Flexibility
In addition to being a stylish accent piece, the right coffee table can be an added layer of flexibility in your living room layout. For example, a modular table allows you to add stools that pull out from underneath the main tabletop to provide additional seating when you have guests over. Another option is an ottoman-turned-table that features a solid surface to place decorative or functional items on, but also has the capacity for extra storage with hidden compartments. You can even find pieces like this one, which has a sleek metal base and frame supporting two separate tempered glass tabletops.
The shape of your coffee table can also impact how versatile it is. Round tables, for instance, tend to work best in small spaces because they lack the sharp corners of rectangular models that can get in the way of tighter layouts. You can also choose a trestle style that’s more open and airy, creating a less-structured look that suits modern or eclectic spaces.
When it comes to visual clutter, a streamlined and minimal approach works best in smaller rooms, especially if you have a lot of furniture or other decor in the space. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to sacrifice storage for the sake of style when choosing a minimal table, so if you have a lot of things to organize or display, consider a design with built-in shelving for an extra layer of flexibility.
A great way to test out the functionality and versatility of a small coffee table is to visit a Bassett showroom near you and speak with a design consultant. They’ll be able to help you find the ideal piece for your space that meets all of your needs and matches your décor.
