Living Room Table Types

Living room tables add both style and function to your home. Some living room tables are used to display decorations, while others are used for functional purposes, such as displaying magazines or holding drinking glasses. Some tables serve a dual purpose by combining decoration and function to enhance your living room area. Does this Spark an idea?

Coffee Tables

Group your furniture around the central accessory of your living room.

A coffee table is often the largest accessory in the living room. Choose a theme or style for your living room and adapt your coffee table to that theme. For instance, if your style for the room is shabby chic, you might look for a white, distressed coffee table. If your style is traditional, your coffee table might be oak or cherry wood. Be sure to choose a table of the correct size for your room. Generally, a coffee table should be about the same height as the sofa cushions and be less than two-thirds of the sofa's total length. Plan to keep two feet of clearance around the coffee table.

Sofa Tables

Traditionally, a sofa table is set against the back of a living room sofa. However, depending on the style of the room, a sofa table can also go against an accent wall adjacent to the sofa. There are two types of sofa tables. One type contains several small drawers. Sofa tables without drawers have four legs, a top and sometimes another shelf and are more decorative in purpose. They can be used to display family photos or objects that tie into the theme or style of the room. However, be wary of cluttering a sofa table with too many items.

Folding Tables

Folding tables are a great way to add style and function to your living room. When having guests over, set up two to three medium-sized folding tables around the living room. Use each table as a station for guests to serve themselves and mingle around. Use one table for drinks, one for appetizers and one for cups and napkins, for instance. Place coordinating fabrics over each table for a streamlined look.

End Tables

End tables are most often placed on either side of a living room sofa or on one side of a chair. They can be used as stands for lamps or contain drawers for storing items such as remotes. You can easily mix and match end tables to suit the style or theme of the living room. For instance, if the decor is country style, you could use wicker, white or wood end tables. Depending on the size of the room, place two to three end tables throughout the space to add decoration and function to your living room.