Need a spot to rest your drink while you’re lounging in in your living room? A living room table is as much a decorative device as it is a necessity. When picking out a table for your living room, you should consider both the style of the table as well as its function. To help you find the perfect table, we’ve outlined three types of accent tables to instantly add personality and convenience to your space:
Coffee table
Coffee tables are usually placed in the center of a living room, in front of seating such as a sofa or love seat. They are constructed using metal, wood, or glass, but they can also be made with more unorthodox materials. Some ottomans can even be substituted for coffee tables. Coffee tables are generally low-lying 18-20 inches in height– making it easy to place a cup or other item on them. The width and length of the table depend on the size of the surrounding furniture. To avoid banging your knees, coffee tables should be about 14-18 inches from any seating.
Coffee tables are often the focal point of the living room and should be accessorized accordingly. Be careful not to overcrowd the table. You may want to add a couple of books, a candle, or a center arrangement. Be sure to leave plenty of room to set cups, glasses, and other items.
Console table
A console table (sometimes called a sofa table) is most often placed behind the sofa to hold a lamp, photos, or other decorations. They are about 30 inches in height, and range from 14-18 inches in width. They can be placed between a sofa and the wall, helping to break up a large expanse of wall space, or they can also be used to “hide” the back of a sofa that faces into a room. Their narrow width also makes console tables a nice choice for a foyer, hallway, or as a room divider.
End table
It is a good idea to have a table within arm’s reach of every seating spot in the room. End tables are located at the end of the sofa, and range in height from 16-22 inches. End tables can be any height, as long as they are easily accessible. Depending on your design style, an end table can be something as simple as a wicker trunk, or it can be part of a matched set of tables.
Be creative when choosing your accent tables. They can be a great opportunity to add flair to a room while exhibiting your eye for interior design.