Which rectangular coffee table should you choose?
A coffee table is an essential piece of furniture for successfully furnishing a living room and giving it style. However, when choosing the right coffee table, shape is one of the key factors to consider. It helps distinguish between several different styles, namely the square coffee table, the oval coffee table, and the very popular rectangular coffee table. The latter is by far the most common in homes.
However, it’s not always easy to choose the model that best suits your aesthetic preferences and your decorating or storage needs. Let’s explore a few tips and tricks to help you do just that.
Choose based on the available space and your furniture
Whether you want to buy or have a square or oval coffee table custom-made, it’s essential to make sure you have enough space in your living room to accommodate it. This consideration is even more important when choosing a rectangular coffee table, as it’s only suitable for large spaces.
However, a coffee table can work just as well in a narrow living room, provided it is designed to be long and narrow. In any case, it is essential to take existing furniture into account, since any choice of coffee table must also be based on the layout of the living room.
With a rectangular coffee table, the choice is easier, since this shape works best in any layout and on any surface. However, a rectangular coffee table fits most easily into living rooms furnished with a large corner sofa or two sofas placed facing each other.
Choose Based on Your Decorating Style
A coffee table is a decorative accessory, just as much as a dining table, a sofa, or any other piece of furniture found in living areas. As such, it must have certain characteristics and, in this case, complement the decorative style chosen for the interior design. To make the right choice, you must consider the chosen decor style, of course, but also the colors and design that are characteristic of it.
In general, a rectangular coffee table is the best fit for a classic style. However, it can also be used in a Scandinavian-style interior, provided it is painted in neutral colors. A retro-style rectangular coffee table also fits perfectly in a vintage interior.
Choose Based on the Material
Choosing the right material for a rectangular coffee table is essential if you want the piece to give your living room the look you desire and enhance your interior decor. There are several options to choose from.
Wood
A noble, fresh, natural, and authentic material, wood is a popular choice for coffee tables designed for interiors decorated in Scandinavian, bohemian, country, industrial, contemporary, or rustic styles. Rectangular wooden coffee tables are sturdy, durable, and easy to maintain.
Steel or metal
A rectangular coffee table made of steel or metal is an excellent choice, as these materials allow it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the decor. However, it is best suited for living rooms decorated in an industrial or loft style.
Ceramics
Available in several colors, the rectangular ceramic coffee table can fit into any interior. What’s more, it’s scratch- and heat-resistant. But if you don’t want to go with ceramic, you can also opt for Dekton, a material that offers the same durability and aesthetic appeal as ceramic.
Glass
The rectangular glass coffee table is elegant and understated. It is highly stain-resistant and easy to maintain. Depending on the desired aesthetic, you can also choose from clear, tinted clear, or lacquered models.
Plastic
Rectangular plastic coffee tables are generally very decorative, as the material's malleability allows designers to achieve the desired effect. They also come in a wide variety of colors and are easy to maintain.
In addition to these materials, which are among the most common, you can also choose others, such as stone, laminate, Plexiglas, marble, etc.
Choose Based on Dimensions
It is essential to consider the dimensions of a rectangular coffee table when making your selection. In terms of dimensions, be sure to check the length and width of the tabletop, as well as the overall height of the table.
The dimensions of the tabletop
Rectangular coffee tables, like those of other shapes, are available in a wide range of sizes. The most common include:
- 60 x 40 cm;
- 100 x 40 cm;
- 100 x 60 cm;
- 120 x 90 cm;
- 130 x 68 cm;
- etc.
In large living rooms, it’s best to choose rectangular coffee tables measuring 120 x 90 cm. However, in a narrow space, a rectangular coffee table measuring 100 x 40 cm is ideal.
Height
The size of the sofa, the size of the room, and the existing furniture are the main factors to consider when choosing the right height for a coffee table. When these criteria are taken into account, the ideal height is slightly lower than that of the sofa and should therefore not exceed 45 cm.
Choose Based on Intended Use
A rectangular coffee table can serve several purposes in a living room. For example, it can be used as a decorative piece, a comfortable surface for eating or drinking, or a place to store items. Depending on these different functions, there are several options and choices available.
The Decorative Coffee Table
The rectangular coffee table, intended solely for decorative purposes, is stylish and unique. When choosing one, look for models made from materials such as tinted or clear glass and plastic, which are known for their aesthetic appeal. A nesting coffee table is also a choice that is both decorative and space-saving.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure the colors and materials complement your interior decor. For decorative purposes, you should also pay attention to the table legs, choosing ones that add a special touch to the decor—such as thick legs, designer legs, legs with casters, or small drum-style legs, among others.
The coffee table for everyday use
A rectangular coffee table can be used for serving snacks and drinks while watching TV, but also for eating, resting your feet, or setting down a glass. For this type of use, the requirements are less stringent, particularly in terms of design. However, it’s best to choose models that are stain- and scratch-resistant —and, above all, easy to maintain.
The coffee table with storage
If you plan to use a rectangular coffee table to store newspapers, books, a remote control, etc., it’s a good idea to choose models that come with an extra shelf, a drawer, or a storage compartment.
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