FurniChoi Rustic Farmhouse Coffee Table With Shelf

The television might be the focus of the family in most living rooms, but don’t underestimate the impact of a solid, well-chosen coffee table. It draws the eye of new guests, provides a space for boardgames, and is a resting place for our remote controls, books — and sometimes an actual coffee cup or two.

The shape, size and construction of a coffee table can vary wildly, but its function is almost always the same. It’s that low table that traditionally sits between the sofa and the TV stand, but you might also find a coffee table complementing the benches on roomier patios, backyards or anyplace where families gather.

As such, the type of coffee table you choose is going to have a lot to do with what kind of seating arrangement you have. You’ll want to fit the shape of your table to the general shape of your sofa. Rectangular coffee tables tend to be popular because they complement the wide, long sofas that are equally common in most living rooms. Got a tight, L-shaped sectional? Consider a square table to fit snugly into the primary corner. Do you have a loveseat / sofa / chair combo? A circular table tends to pull those elements together. As a general rule of thumb, your coffee table should be about 2/3 the length of your primary sofa.

Table shape is a particular consideration for new parents. Those with a baby just learning to walk should stay away from coffee tables with sharp corners (or consider covering them up with baby “bumpers,” available at most children’s stores). They’ll also want to avoid tables with glass tops, for obvious reasons.

A practical word about height, as well: Coffee tables should almost always be just below the level of the cushions. In other words, perfect for reaching over and grabbing a drink.

Materials matter, too, and not just because they determine how long your coffee table will last. Glass-topped tables are great for showing off an especially pretty rug or complementing a plush, stuffed sofa. Bulkier wood tables do well in open, well-lighted spaces, and weathered wood is especially good at hiding scratches or other wear and tear.

Finally, make sure you consider how you use that living space. Will you need a table with a shelf underneath for extra storage, or will you want recessed legs so that you can stretch your legs out? When it comes to this unsung hero of the living room, make sure you choose for practicality above all.

When you’re setting up your coffee table, make sure you leave the proper amount of room. Body type matters here, but in general you’ll want around 18 inches between the edge of your sofa and the coffee table — in other words, just enough space to reach out and grab a drink from the reclining position.