March 05, 2023

Guide: Couch & side tables for the living room

Couch and side tables are an important part of any living room. They not only serve as a practical storage surface for drinks, magazines and snacks, but are also an important design element. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about couch and side tables to find the perfect model for your living room.

The importance of couch & side tables in the living room

Couch and side tables are not only practical pieces of furniture, but also have an aesthetic significance. They can help improve the appearance of a room and give it a personal touch.

Functional aspects

A couch or side table can serve many practical functions. It can serve as a storage surface for drinks and snacks, as a footrest or as a shelf for magazines and remote controls. Depending on the model, side tables can also be used as additional storage space.

Side tables come in many different designs. There are some made of wood, glass or metal. The shapes also vary greatly. There are round, square or oval tables. Some models are height adjustable or have wheels to move them more easily.

A coffee table can also serve as a central element in the room. It can visually divide the room and create a cozy atmosphere. When choosing a coffee table, you should make sure that it fits the size of the room and that it harmonizes with the other furniture.

Aesthetic aspects

Couch and side tables can also fulfill aesthetic aspects. They can complement the design of a room or give it its own touch. A harmonious design can make the room a cozy place to spend time.

When choosing a side table, you should make sure that it fits the style of the room. For example, a modern side table made of glass can fit well into a minimalist living room. A rustic side table made of wood, on the other hand, can be well integrated into a country living room.

There are also side tables that should harmonize with other furniture in the room. Thus, a side table can be chosen from the same material as the sofa to create a unified look.

Another aesthetic aspect of couch and side tables is their possibility of decoration. For example, on a side table can be placed flowers or candles to give the room a personal touch.

So, on the whole, couch and side tables are not only practical pieces of furniture, but also important elements in the design of the room. They can help make a room more cozy and personal.

Different types of couch & side tables

There are many different types of couch and side tables, which can play a different role in each living room. Choosing the right model depends on personal preferences and specific requirements.

Classic coffee tables

Classic coffee tables are usually larger tables that often form the center of the living room. They often have a rectangular or square shape and can be available in many different materials and colors.

A classic coffee table can be a real eye-catcher in the living room and play an important role in the design of the room. For example, a solid wooden table can create a rustic ambience, while a modern table made of glass or metal will give a minimalist flair.

Around the classic coffee table can be placed various seating furniture such as sofas or armchairs to create a cozy atmosphere. Another option is to decorate the table with decorative elements such as candles, vases or books.

Modern side tables

Modern side tables are often smaller and more flexible than coffee tables. They can be easily moved to be placed in different places in the room as needed. Modern side tables also come in many different materials and colors.

A modern variant of the side table is, for example, a filigree, round table made of metal or a minimalist table made of wood with clean lines. These tables are often very functional and can also be used as additional storage space or as a bedside table.

Another advantage of modern side tables is that they often save space and can look great in small rooms. They can also be used to complement a larger coffee table for added functionality and flexibility.

Multifunctional tables

Multifunctional tables can serve different purposes. For example, some have integrated storage solutions or can be adjusted to different heights. This type of tables is good for people who have little space or who do not want to buy a lot of furniture.

An example of a multifunctional table is a coffee table with built-in storage space that can hold magazines, books or remote controls. Another type of multifunctional tables are height-adjustable tables that can be used as a dining table or a workplace.

Multifunctional tables are a good choice for people who want to remain flexible and combine functionality and design.

Sustainable materials

More and more people value sustainability and ecological design. Couch and side tables can be made of various sustainable materials, including wood, glass, bamboo or recycled materials.

Sustainable materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also durable and long-lasting. For example, a coffee table made of recycled wood can create a rustic and natural atmosphere, while a table made of bamboo gives an exotic flair.

Another advantage of sustainable materials is that they are often handmade, making them unique pieces. Thus, they can also be considered as art objects and add a special touch to the living space.

Choose the right size and shape

Choosing the right size and shape for a couch or side table depends on several factors, such as the size and layout of the room, as well as the specific requirements for the table.

Consider room size and layout

When choosing a couch or side table, it's important to consider the size and layout of the room. A large coffee table can quickly look oversized in a small room, while a small side table can get lost in a large room.

For example, if you have a spacious living room, you can choose a larger couch and a coffee table to match. However, a smaller room requires a smaller coffee table to save space and not clutter the room.

The height of the sofa and armchairs

As a rule, a coffee table should be at the same height as the sofa or armchairs for comfortable use. Side tables can be slightly higher or lower, depending on your needs.

For example, if you have a low sofa or armchair, you should choose a lower coffee table to ensure an ergonomic sitting position. A higher sofa or armchair, on the other hand, requires a higher coffee table.

Round, square or oval tables

The choice between round, square or oval tables depends on personal preferences and the design of the room. Round tables can look softer, while square tables are often more modern.

For example, a round table can be a good choice if you have small children, as there are no corners for them to bump into. Square tables, on the other hand, can fit better in a room with straight lines and clean shapes.

An oval table is a good choice if you want the footprint of a round table, but prefer a more elongated shape. This can be especially beneficial in an elongated room.

Materials and colors for every style

Choosing the right materials and colors for a couch or side table depends on personal style and the existing design of the living room.

If you have a rustic and cozy living room, a wooden couch or side table can be a perfect choice. There are different types of wood that can be used to make tables, such as oak, pine or walnut. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and can help decorate the room in different ways.

On the other hand, if you have a modern and cool living room, a glass or metal couch or side table may be a better choice. These materials often have a shiny finish and can help make the room look brighter and more spacious.

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, plastic can be a good option. It's lightweight and easy to clean, and can come in a variety of colors and designs.

Colors and finishes

Choosing the right color and finish can help support a particular style. A light wood finish can complement a classic design, while a shiny metal finish can support a modern look. A surface with a natural grain can help make a room feel cozier.

The color of the table should also harmonize with the other furniture in the room. For example, if you have a white sofa, a couch or side table in a similar color can be a good choice to create a unified look.

Combination of materials

Sometimes couch and side tables can be combined from different materials to create a unique design. For example, a wooden top on a metal frame often looks very interesting. A glass top on a wooden frame can also be a good choice to combine the best of both materials.

Ultimately, choosing the right couch or end table is a personal decision based on your style and the needs of the room. However, with these tips, you can make sure you find the perfect table for your living room to make the space functional and stylish.