How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Living Room

Choosing the right coffee table may seem simple, but it plays a much bigger role in your living room than most people realise. A coffee table is not just a surface to place cups or decor, it connects your seating, adds balance to the room, and supports everyday living. At Wood Factory, we believe the right coffee table should combine practicality, durability, and style that suits Australian homes.

I will confidently show you how to choose the perfect coffee table that fits your space, lifestyle, and interior design without making costly mistakes.

Why the Right Coffee Table Matters

A well-chosen Coffee Table improves how your living room functions. It brings comfort, helps with organization, and adds visual harmony. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a spacious family home, the right coffee table can make your living area feel more complete and comfortable.

Australian households often look for furniture that is durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for daily use and the coffee table is no exception.

1: Get the Size and Proportions Right

Length

A good rule for how to choose a coffee table is to go for one that is around two-thirds the length of your sofa. This keeps the layout visually balanced and ensures easy access from seating.

Height

Your coffee table should sit at the same height or slightly lower than your sofa seat cushions. This makes it comfortable to reach without leaning forward too much.

Distance from Seating

Leave 40–45 cm of space between the coffee table and your sofa. This allows enough room to move freely while keeping the table within reach.

2: Choose the Right Shape for Your Space

The shape of your coffee table can influence both comfort and flow.

• Rectangular tables work well with standard or large sofas
• Round or oval tables are ideal for smaller rooms and family homes, as they reduce sharp corners
• Square tables suit sectional or L-shaped sofas
• Nesting tables are perfect for flexible living spaces and apartments

At Wood Factory, many customers prefer rounded or oval designs for safety and ease of movement.

3: Think About How You’ll Use It

Before choosing a design, consider how your household will use the coffee table daily.

• Do you need space for books, remotes, or magazines?
• Do you entertain guests often?
• Do children use the living room regularly?

If storage is important, look for:

• Coffee tables with shelves
• Drawers or hidden compartments
• Lift-top designs for multi-purpose use

4: Pick the Right Material

Solid Wood

Solid wood coffee tables are popular in Australian homes because they are:

• Long-lasting
• Easy to maintain
• Timeless in appearance

They work well with modern, classic, and rustic interiors.

Glass

Glass tables create a light, open feel and suit contemporary spaces, but may require more frequent cleaning.

Metal & Mixed Materials

Metal frames combined with wood tops offer a modern, industrial look and strong durability.

Wood Factory specialises in high-quality wooden coffee tables, designed for everyday use in Australian conditions.

5: Match Your Interior Style

Your coffee table should complement the rest of your furniture.

• Modern interiors: clean lines, neutral finishes
• Natural or coastal homes: warm wood tones
• Minimalist spaces: simple shapes with practical design
• Traditional living rooms: solid wood with classic detailing

Choosing a style that blends naturally will make your living room feel intentional rather than cluttered.

6: Consider Maintenance and Lifestyle

A coffee table should suit your lifestyle, not complicate it.

• Families may prefer scratch-resistant finishes
• Busy households benefit from easy-to-clean surfaces
• Pet owners often choose sturdy, solid materials

Always consider long-term use instead of just appearance.

Common Coffee Table Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Choosing a table that’s too large for the space
❌ Ignoring height in relation to seating
❌ Picking style over function
❌ Forgetting about storage needs

Avoiding these mistakes can save time and money.

Why Buy Coffee Tables from Wood Factory?

At Wood Factory, we focus on furniture that suits real Australian homes. Our coffee tables are designed with:

✔ Practical dimensions
✔ Durable materials
✔ Timeless wooden finishes
✔ Everyday usability

Whether you’re updating a living room or furnishing a new home, our range offers both style and functionality.

Final Thoughts

The perfect coffee table brings balance, comfort, and usability to your living room. By considering size, shape, material, and lifestyle needs, you can make a choice that looks great and works for years to come.

If you’re looking for quality wooden coffee tables in Australia, explore the collection at Wood Factory and find a design that truly fits your space.

Coffee Table FAQs – Wood Factory

1. What size coffee table is best for a living room?
The ideal coffee table is usually around two-thirds the length of your sofa. This keeps the space balanced and allows easy movement around seating areas.

2. How high should a coffee table be?
A coffee table should sit level with or slightly lower than your sofa seat cushions, typically between 40–45 cm, for comfortable everyday use.

3. How much space should be left between the sofa and coffee table?
Leaving 40–45 cm between the sofa and coffee table ensures enough legroom while keeping items within easy reach.

4. Which coffee table shape is best for small living rooms?
For smaller spaces, round or oval coffee tables work best because they improve flow and reduce sharp corners, making the room feel more open.

5. Are wooden coffee tables a good choice for Australian homes?
Yes, wooden coffee tables are highly popular in Australia due to their durability, natural appearance, and ability to suit different interior styles and climates.

6. What material is best for a long-lasting coffee table?
Solid wood is one of the most durable options, offering strength, stability, and timeless appeal when properly maintained.

7. Should a coffee table match the sofa?
A coffee table doesn’t need to match the sofa exactly, but it should complement the overall colour palette and style of the living room.

8. Are coffee tables with storage worth buying?
Yes, coffee tables with shelves or drawers are ideal for keeping remotes, magazines, and everyday items organised—especially in compact living spaces.

9. What type of coffee table is best for families with children?
Rounded-edge coffee tables made from sturdy materials like wood are safer and more practical for households with children.

10. Can a coffee table be used for more than just decor?
Absolutely. Coffee tables often serve multiple purposes, including storage, casual dining, work-from-home use, and entertaining guests.

11. What coffee table styles are popular in Australia?
Popular styles include modern wooden coffee tables, minimalist designs, and natural finishes that suit contemporary and coastal Australian homes.

12. Is a rectangular or round coffee table better?
Rectangular tables suit longer sofas, while round tables work better in smaller or high-traffic areas. The best choice depends on your layout and usage.

13. How do I maintain a wooden coffee table?
Regular dusting, avoiding direct heat, and cleaning spills quickly will help maintain the finish and extend the life of a wooden coffee table.

14. Do coffee tables need to be centred in the room?
Yes, coffee tables generally look best when centred with seating to create balance and easy access from all sides.

15. Why choose a coffee table from Wood Factory?
Wood Factory offers quality wooden coffee tables designed for Australian homes, combining functionality, durability, and timeless design.