Coffee Table Buying Guide: What You Need To Know

What Height?

• For the best ergonomic fit, measure the height of your sofa and the chairs around where you are wanting to place the table. The table itself can be slightly higher or lower than your seating area- there’s no set ‘rule’- but it’s best to opt for what sizing best suits your space.
• If you want a surface to work at, go for a higher table that can accommodate your laptop or books. If you want to create a more relaxed and casual look, go for something lower as a spot for you to place your cup of coffee and snacks.

What Shape?

• For a really aesthetically pleasing setting, find a rectangular coffee table that is half the length of your sofa.
• If space is tight, especially in small corners, it’s best to opt for a round coffee table as there are no sharp edges to have to manoeuvre around in a tight spot.
• Oval shaped coffee tables work a treat alongside L- shaped seating areas and sofas as they give a substantial enough styling surface but still allow for ease of movement around and between the coffee table and the seat.

What Size?

• If you are really pushed for space, or if you’ve already got a coffee table but want an extra styling surface, an end table would be perfect. Shorter in length, a coffee end table has all the style and shape of a normal coffee table in a more compact and practical size.

• If you’ve got a larger seating area to cater for, you could go for a larger coffee table that reaches all of the seating spaces or opt for more smaller coffee tables and place them by each seat.

What Material Coffee Table?

If you want to coordinate, pick an accent in your space you want to accentuate further, whether this is a wooden finish or shiny metal elements and tie this in with materials on your coffee table. This will create a seamless look throughout the setting.

If you want to create a sense of space, opt for a glass coffee table. It will

TOP TIP: Coffee tables can be a great way to add discreet storage to your room, so if you feel your space would really benefit from having an extra storage spot, choose a table that has drawers or a lift up lid, or even a table that has a handy shelf underneath.

Style

Do you have a more traditional interior that you want to add a modern twist? Or are you looking to coordinate with existing finishes? Coffee tables are a great way to tie your whole room together as they tend to sit centre stage in the space.

Function

Coffee tables aren’t just places for your cups of coffee. They’re storage units, display areas, places for tasty snacks and your favourite magazines. So if you’re looking for extra storage, opt for a coffee table with a drawer or shelf. Want to display? Choose something with an open compartment or lots of surface space.

 If it’s versatility you’re after, choose a coffee table set or even build up your side tables into a coffee table arrangement, as then you can move and adjust them to suit your setting. 

Budget

Coffee tables can differ greatly in price depending on size, quality and materials.  If you love the look of a coffee table but it’s out of your price range, try and see if the same style is available with a different finish. Coffee tables are a key part of any living interior so you’ll want to make sure you choose one that you love and that will stand the test of time!

Versatility

If you need a coffee table that can be moved around the room easily, opt for something smaller and simpler in design, perhaps something that is more like a side table. It’s a pretty obvious point to make but remember that with mobile coffee tables, the lighter the better.  

How To Dress Up Your Coffee Table

• SOMETHING TALL: Give your table dressing substance by adding height. Take care not to go too tall as you need to still see your TV! Try styling objects such as vases, candlesticks or a tall lantern, adding a candle for instant mood setting.
• AN UNUSUAL OBJECT: Think of something quirky or interesting that you can style as the focal point. We always find placing an object in a cloche works really well.
• SOMETHING FRESH: Adding a plant or a small vase of flowers to the space will add life and zest to your setting. Succulents are ideal as they also have a sculptural quality and need no maintenance.
• A STACK OF BOOKS: A pile of colour coordinated books or magazines will give your coffee table instant style. Use a few books to make a real impact, topping them off with something decorative like a candle, small vase or plant.
• ODD NUMBERS: Three really is a magic number, especially when it comes to creating displays that are visually pleasing. Check out our blog ‘The Power of 3’ for loads of tips on how to create this style staple.

Care and Cleaning Coffee Tables

Wood Veneer: 

What is it? An oak veneer with a fully opaque, matt finish. The resulting finish is an even matt look but with a subtle wooden texture.

How to clean it: Dampen a non-abrasive lint-free cloth and move in the direction of the wood grain. For more stubborn marks, apply a dab of mild dishwashing detergent to your cloth.  When cleaning, use a paper towel or a clean dishcloth rather than a sponge, as a sponge will more than likely just spread the liquid across the surface. It’s best not to place drinks or plates directly onto the coffee table surface. Instead, we suggest using coasters and mats to give the oak veneer an extra layer of protection.

 High Gloss:

What is it? Multiple layers of paint applied in controlled conditions and dried for 24 hours between each coat. The surface is then hand finished and polished to a reflective shine.

How to clean it: Use a soft microfibre damp cloth, without applying too much pressure, to wipe any marks away. A mild detergent like washing up liquid is ideal for cleaning up more stubborn or greasy marks caused by food and drink. After cleaning, don’t leave the table to air dry. Instead, give the gloss surface a quick wipe over with a dry cloth to remove any moisture or watermarks.

Brushed Metal: 

What is it? Solid stainless steel that has been buffed to give a brushed look. The surface is treated with a slight abrasive in a linear motion to give a matt metallic look.

How to clean it: For everyday cleaning and non-stubborn marks, you can simply use some hot (not boiling) water and a cloth or sponge to wipe over your brushed metal furniture. You can always add a little bit of washing up liquid if your cleaning needs an extra boost. Try to keep it dry as possible, whether this is after cleaning the material or mopping the floor around it. This is because if the metal is left to air dry, marks and water spots will occur. Avoid using steel brushes or any highly abrasive scrubbing pads as this can cause scratches or leave behind residue which can over time lead to rust.

Tempered Glass: 

What is it? Strengthened tempered safety glass which has been certified to British Standards to ensure safety, durability and strength.

How to clean it: You can use antibacterial sprays, even ones that contain bleach, as the glass is nonporous. Then use a specific glass spray, such as a window cleaner, to protect the surface from smears using a lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you can also use soapy lukewarm water and dish soap to give the coffee table a good clean. Don’t place abrasive materials on the coffee table as this will scratch its beautifully smooth surface. Most things will be fine but objects with a rough underside could leave a mark if dragged.

So There You Have It!

Have we inspired you to get a stylish new coffee table for your home? We have such a wide variety of designs, styles and colours in our coffee table range, so there is sure to be something that catches your eye. If you’re revamping the whole of your living room, then you can’t miss our Ultimate Living Room Buying Guide.

Show Us Your Style!

Already have a Danetti coffee table sitting pretty in your space? We’d love to see! Send us a snap or share one on social with the #mydanetti for your chance to be featured on our page.

Published Date: September 2018