A comprehensive guide to living room tables of all styles and sizes

Tables in the living room play a crucial role in achieving the elegance of the decor, in addition to the function of these pieces of furniture, and the choice of their style influences the overall look. Therefore, living room tables should match the aesthetics, style, space, materials, and colors of the room…

Tables can transform a living room into a cozy, visually appealing space, creating a welcoming environment. Here, a guide to lounge tables.

6 main categories of living room tables

A living room with a modern coffee table in the center

Lounge tables are available in different sizes, shapes, and designs, and are divided into six main categories:

1. Side or end tables, one of which is placed at the end of the sofa, with a height equal to the height of the sofa arm, or even the side chair. In other cases, they can also be placed between two chairs. Of course, the décor chosen for the living room determines the shapes of the end tables. For example, a round living room would look great with round or semi-circular end tables. They are great for keeping remotes, drinks, table lighting, and electronics within easy reach.
2. The coffee table, which is placed in the living room, in front of the main sofa, to hold drinks or food, as well as books and decorative accessories. The way the accessories are arranged on the surface of the coffee table is influential in the living room decor, as is the design of this piece of furniture. For example: In a rectangular lounge, a triangular or square coffee table is best suited. Add to that, when it comes to positioning, the coffee table is centered in the seating area. This ensures that everyone seated has a clear view of the table top. To maintain flow in the living room, it is recommended to maintain a distance of 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and the coffee table.
3. Ottomans are footstools, upholstered, but they can also act as surfaces to hold items. In the living room, choose a set of small-sized Ottoman tables, with good color coordination, in harmony with the sofa and carpets.
4. Nesting Tables; This type of table is ideal for the living room, especially if the latter is narrow. They are two or three tables that can be moved as needed and can be arranged underneath each other when not in use, taking up only one table space. However, you can divide the nesting table set and display its parts in a non-stacked fashion to add some visual interest.
5. Console Table; It is attractive to install a console table, right on the wall, in the living room, or behind the sofa. Of course, they come in different shapes and materials to meet the preferences of all homeowners.
6. The sofa table, also known as the sofa table, is a popular sofa companion, especially useful when working from home or having dinner in front of the TV. When you don’t need it, it can simply be stored away, thanks to its compact size.

Tips before buying tables for your living room

A distinctive living room, with a distinctively designed table, with two tiers

Tips to consider before buying tables for your living room include:

• The side table should not look too big or too small next to the seat, noting that round or oval ones require some extra space, compared to square or rectangular ones.
• Ideally, the length of the coffee table should not exceed two-thirds of the length of the sofa. For example, in front of a ninety-inch sofa, a sixty-inch coffee table is placed, without the table being too high or too low, compared to the height of the sofa, but it is recommended that the height of the coffee table is equal to the height of the sofa or at most two inches shorter. The coffee table is 12 to 18 inches away from the seats.
• It’s practical to look for side tables, or even a two-tier coffee table, with a lower display shelf, storage drawer, or built-in USB ports.
• The number of side tables you should have in your living room largely depends on the number of seating areas in the room. In general, you should have a side table next to each seating area.

Common materials used to make tables

Table with glass top and gold-plated metal frame (image via unsplash)

There are a number of materials that are used to make lounge tables, although some designers get creative with combining several materials. Materials include: Wood, metal, acrylic, glass, stone… Here’s a look at each of them, below.

Wood

Wood is the most common material for living room tables, especially solid wood, veneer, or engineered wood.

Glass

Many table designs incorporate glass in their tops, while metal or wood is used for the frames. For more family-friendly options, look for tables made of tempered or shatter-resistant glass, which are made with safety in mind. Tables with glass tops are great for making the space look bright and open.

Minerals

Metal is used in conjunction with stone, for a more rustic style, or with glass for a more contemporary style. There are a variety of metals used to make tables, including brushed steel, tubular metal, aluminum, or iron. An indication that a metal table is interesting.

Acrylic

Acrylic or Lucite tables are perfect for the modern living room, they add a touch of glamor to your space and are surprisingly durable, despite their translucent appearance.

Stone

Tables with stone tops can bring a rustic, contemporary or organic appeal to your space. They are often paired with a metal or wooden frame. Types of stone used to make tables include: Marble, bluestone, granite or slate.

Eco-friendly materials

Reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals remain at the forefront, so it’s finally common to see innovative tables made from sustainable materials.