Coffee Table Design Ideas for Every Living Room

Looking for a coffee table that fits your couch, your style, and your budget? You’re not alone. The right coffee table can tie a room together, give you a spot for drinks, books, and decorative pieces, and still keep traffic flowing. Below you’ll find practical tips on size, height, material and styling so you can pick a table that works for real life, not just for Pinterest.

Pick the Right Size and Height

The first rule is simple: the table should be close enough to your sofa that you can reach it without stretching, but far enough away that legs don’t bump into it. A good starting point is to measure the distance from the front edge of the couch to the floor – the coffee table height should be about the same, usually between 16 and 18 inches. For length, aim for a table that’s two‑thirds the length of the sofa. If your sofa is 90 cm long, a 60 cm coffee table fits nicely.

Round tables work well in tight corners because they don’t have sharp edges that eat up space. A 90‑cm diameter round table gives you plenty of surface without blocking walkways. If you prefer a rectangular shape, keep the width under 45 cm and leave at least 30 cm of clearance on each side. These dimensions keep the room feeling open and make it easy to move around.

Choose a Material That Matches Your Lifestyle

Material choice is more than a look‑and‑feel decision – it affects durability, upkeep and sustainability. Glass tops look sleek and make a room feel bigger, but they show fingerprints and can chip if you’re not careful. Acrylic offers the same visual lightness as glass, yet it’s lighter and less likely to shatter. The downside? Acrylic can turn yellow over time if exposed to direct sunlight.

Wood, especially sustainably sourced bamboo, brings warmth and is a core part of our brand’s identity. Bamboo tables are strong, renewable and easy to clean with a damp cloth. If you love the natural vibe but worry about scratches, look for a table with a protective finish or consider a mixed‑material design – a bamboo base with a glass or acrylic top gives the best of both worlds.

Metal frames add an industrial edge and hold up well in high‑traffic homes. Powder‑coated steel or aluminium won’t rust, and it pairs nicely with both wood tops and glass surfaces. When you pick a metal frame, check that the joints are welded rather than just screwed – that’s a sign of better build quality.

Whatever material you pick, think about the room’s traffic. Families with kids often choose rounded edges and sturdy surfaces. Pet owners might favor easy‑wipe finishes and materials that won’t show hair or scratches.

Once you have size and material sorted, styling is the fun part. Keep the surface clear for a clean look, or add a tray with candles, a stack of books and a small plant for a curated vibe. If your sofa is neutral, a bold‑colored table—like a tiger‑striped acrylic piece—can become the focal point without overwhelming the space.

Remember, the best coffee table is the one you’ll actually use every day. Measure, feel the material, and picture your favorite coffee mug on it. If it checks those boxes, you’ve found a design that works for you and your home.