Every inch of space is important when designing a room, but it’s especially crucial when dealing with restricted space. In a cosy living room, the coffee table is an often-overlooked but essential element. It serves as more than just a surface for your morning coffee; it is a piece of furniture that influences the functionality and flow of your room.

When putting a coffee table in a small living room, you must think about both style and how it will work. It presents a challenge in terms of dimensions, aesthetics, and functionality. It can be a game changer when done correctly, making your area feel more open and inviting. However, a poorly positioned coffee table can make the space feel claustrophobic and restrict movement.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best way to place your coffee table in a small living room. 

Provide At Least 18 Inches Between Furniture

If you have a small living room, leave at least 18 inches of space between your coffee table and any other furniture in the room so that you have room to walk around it. Depending on your setup, you could try to increase the distance to 30 inches, but this may not be practical if you want to reach your coffee table easily.

Ensure The Coffee Table Is Centred To The Sofa 

If there is room, the ideal location for your coffee table should be in the middle of your main seating area, which is usually your sofa. By doing this, you will create a natural focal point in your area that will establish visual harmony and ensure that there is enough clearance unless you have a very small space.

To achieve a balanced aesthetic, place the coffee table in the middle of the room in relation to the sofa if its length is between two-thirds and one-third that of the table. If you have a chaise sectional, the recommended coffee table size is 1/2 to 1/3 of the horizontal seat length. 

Even if your coffee table and sofa don’t quite match up in terms of these dimensions, you can still work with the space you have available to arrange the furniture in a way that looks good and doesn’t get in the way.

Keep In Mind Space For Easy Traffic Flow

In addition to the room needed to get in and out of your seats, there are other factors to think about depending on the specifics of your home. For instance, consider allowing enough space for your doors to open easily, as well as access to the TV, bookshelves, and other vital areas. Additionally, if you have a pass-through to the dining area, you’ll want to keep this area clear, particularly if you’re carrying drinks or food. 

If you have kids or pets, you’ll want to be extra careful that they don’t hit the coffee table if they run through the room. This is even more critical if your coffee table is made of glass or has sharp points or edges.

Choose The Right Coffee Table Height 

With a few inches difference, your coffee table should be the same height as your sofa’s seat. If it were any higher, it would look out of place and overwhelming in the room. 

On the other hand, if it were any shorter, your coffee table might not have the same level of functionality that you’d like it to have. A short coffee table might make it challenging to place drinks or other items within easy reach or at a comfortable angle from a seated posture on the sofa.

Pick Coffee Tables With Tapered Legs 

If you want to make your small living room feel more spacious, use a coffee table with slim, tapering legs and no lower connecting parts. This will allow more of the floor to be seen and will open up the room visually. 

You can find numerous mid-century coffee tables that suit this design, and they can look great in many small living spaces.

Use Round Or Oval Shaped Coffee Tables 

The shape of your coffee table is just as crucial as the size when it comes to setting the mood in your living room. Round coffee tables are excellent in small living spaces since they offer the most clearance and can be put almost anywhere without clashing with more angular furniture.

In addition, their lack of sharp corners makes them the safest choice for households with young children or active dogs. If you need extra surface area at your coffee table, an oval table can also work, provided you have room for it in your living room.

Pick Adaptable Coffee Tables

Due to the limited space in your living room, you must make the most of every inch. Adding extra features to your coffee table allows you to make the most of your available space and eliminates the need for additional storage and furniture.

Find Your Aesthetic And The Right Placement For A Coffee Table In Your Home 

The ideal placement of a coffee table in a compact living room is the one that best expresses your personal style and preferences. It should be an expression of your taste in design, a natural part of your daily routine, and an invitation to get together with friends and family.

Are you looking for a quality coffee table in Malaysia? Visit Maxim Furniture today!

If you’re looking for quality, functional, and fashionably elegant coffee tables in Malaysia, visit Maxim Furniture today. Maxim Furniture is a leading retailer of furniture, appliances, and home decor. We offer an extensive selection of coffee tables and other living room furniture with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship that are perfect for any living room. Visit us today and pick the best ones for your home.