When it comes to relaxing in your living room, furniture like loveseats and sofas are probably the first things that come to mind. But finding the perfect living room tables for this part of your home is also an important part of designing a beautiful, functional living space. Visit our living room furniture store in Great Falls to find a wide range of beautiful products, including tables and much more. Before you make the investment, read on for some tips to help you choose the perfect table for your living room and your lifestyle.
Living Room Tables: Types and Styles
Before you decide on a new table for your living room, it’s important to know which styles are available. Coffee tables are the most popular choice and typically go directly in front of sectionals, sofas, or chairs. These larger tables give you lots of room to put your drink down, stack a few books, and they can even double as a handy place to prop up your feet. End or side tables are other good choices, and these tables go on either side of the sofa or a loveseat. An end table is a great way to give your guests a place for their stuff, and they’re also perfect for adding a table lamp to get some extra lighting. Console tables (also called sofa tables) have a slim, slender silhouette and typically go directly behind your sofa, or in an entryway. If you’re short on space, try a set of nesting tables. These tables feature different sizes and neatly nestle under each other to free up extra room. You’ll also find convenient occasional table sets at our living room furniture store in Great Falls. These sets usually feature one coffee table and two end tables that match for an easy living room refresh.
Consider Shape and Size
Carefully examine the size of your living room and the current layout to help you choose the right table shape and size. Long rectangular or square coffee tables work best in standard to large-sized living rooms. If you have small children at home, consider getting a round coffee table to help prevent your kids from running into the corners and getting injured. Choose durable tables made of materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Tables in a half-moon shape should be placed against a wall rather than in the middle of the room. Long, slender tables work great in a hallway, entryway, or behind sofas and sectionals, as well as recliners. Remember that you shouldn’t put a table directly in front of furniture that reclines or else you could bump into the table whenever you lie back to relax. Make a template on the floor using some painter’s tape to create a guideline. Choose living room tables that fit within this template to ensure that the new table is a good fit for your space.
Look for Extra Features
Now that you know more about the basic types of living room tables, it’s time to consider which features are most important to you. Many tables for the living room include extra drawers, so you have space for storage. Choose a coffee table, console table, or end table with drawers. This will give you a place to hide items like the remote control or extra magazines. Some tables feature no drawers, but they may have a shelf on the bottom, so you can stack books or create a nice display of photographs or collectibles. Many new tables include things like hidden USB charging ports. It’s a great way to keep your devices constantly charged and connected without ever having to leave your seat. Explore a variety of tables with different features to determine which ones are the most important and useful to you.
Find Your Favorite Style
Just like settees, chaises, and sofas all have different styles, so do the tables you’ll add to your living room. Determine which style you like best, whether it’s contemporary and modern or classic and traditional. Most modern tables have features like slim, tapered legs and sleek, clean lines without too many excessive details. More traditional tables feature ornate accents like carved wooden legs and intricate detailing on the drawer fronts. Seek tables with sleek, unique hardware for a fun finishing touch. You’ll find these tables in an array of different materials, including solid wood, metal, and glass. The finish will also determine the overall style of your table, too. Tables with warm, rich finishes are ideal for classic living rooms, while something in a bright color or a shiny metallic finish is a good addition to a modern living space. Transitional furniture styles combine a touch of modern style with classic detailing that brings design elements from both worlds together.
Think About How You’ll Use the Tables
Part of finding the perfect living room tables for your home is deciding how you plan to use them. Look for a set of folding TV trays with a holder if you enjoy eating dinner and snacks in front of the TV in your living room. Some coffee tables feature a lift-top design that’s also perfect for eating as well as for doing things like homework or working on your laptop. An upholstered ottoman is a great alternative to a classic coffee table. These oversized ottomans have comfy cushioning, so they double as a seat or footrest. Use small end tables and place them next to chaises, settees, or on either side of sectionals, so you always have convenient surface space for whatever you need. The way you spend time in your living room will determine which tables work best for you and your family.
More Tips
Take the height of your new coffee table into account, and make sure that it’s similar to the height of your sofa or chair’s seat. Tables that are too tall will look strange and could overtake smaller living rooms. Short tables could be difficult to use since you’ll need to bend down in order to put things on them. Remember to always leave around 18 inches of space around all four edges of your table, and around sofas and chairs. This will ensure that you have ample space to walk around without bumping into the furniture.