How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Living Room

Dec 07, 2025

When it comes to styling your living room, one piece of furniture truly ties everything together – the coffee table. It’s not just somewhere to put your drinks or remote control; the right coffee table helps balance the room, creates a focal point, and makes your space feel complete.

If you’ve been wondering how to choose the perfect coffee table, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through size, shape, materials, and styling tips – and highlight 10 stunning coffee tables from the SOOXOS Coffee Tables collection that can instantly elevate your living room.

A coffee table might seem like a small decision compared to your sofa or TV unit, but it has a huge impact on how your living room looks and feels. It anchors the seating area, provides a practical surface for everyday life, and can be a beautiful focal point in the centre of the room.

If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will walk you through the key things to consider: size, shape, materials, functionality and styling – plus ideas on how to choose the perfect piece from the SOOXOS Coffee Tables collection.

1. Start with the right size and height

Before you fall in love with a specific design, it’s important to get the basics right: the size and height of your coffee table.

A simple rule is that your coffee table should be roughly the same height as your sofa seat, or up to 5 cm lower. For most living rooms, that means around 40–50 cm high. This makes it comfortable to reach drinks, snacks, books or a laptop without bending awkwardly.

In terms of length, a good guideline is:

Aim for a coffee table that’s about two-thirds the length of your sofa.
Leave enough space (around 40–50 cm) between the edge of the coffee table and your sofa so people can walk through comfortably.

If your living room is narrow, you might choose a slimmer, more compact design that still gives enough surface area without blocking walkways.

Jareal Marble Coffee Table White with Light Wood

You can then browse the COFFEE TABLES COLLECTION with your ideal dimensions in mind, filtering by width, length and height to find suitable options.

2. Choose a shape that suits your layout

The shape of your coffee table will influence how the room flows and how easy it is to move around.

Rectangular and oval coffee tables

Rectangular and oval designs work beautifully with standard sofas and large corner sofas.

They echo the length of your seating area and give each person a comfortable reach.
Oval shapes are especially good if you want a softer look without sharp corners.

These are ideal if you have a longer wall, a large rug area, or a U-shaped seating arrangement.

D.I.Designs Elmley Grey Shagreen Brass & Clear Glass Rectangle Coffee Table

Round and square coffee tables

Round and square coffee tables work well in:

Smaller living rooms
Cosy seating areas
Rooms with L-shaped sofas or armchairs arranged in a circle

They are easier to walk around and help soften the lines of the room, especially when you already have lots of straight edges (TV unit, sideboards, radiators).

Round tables are also a smart choice for households with young children, as there are no sharp corners to bump into.

Valencia Cane & Mango Wood Round Coffee Table

3. Pick the right material for your style

Once you know the size and shape, it’s time to think about what your coffee table is made from. The material will define the mood of your living room and how practical the table is day to day.

Warm and natural: wooden coffee tables

Wooden coffee tables are perfect if you want warmth and texture.

They pair beautifully with fabric sofas, woven rugs and neutral colour schemes.
Natural grain, knots and colour variations add character and make each piece feel unique.

Choose lighter woods for Scandinavian-style interiors and smaller rooms, or richer tones for a more classic, cosy feel.

Austin Solid Mango Wood Coffee Table

Sleek and modern: marble-effect and stone-look designs

Marble-effect and stone-look coffee tables add instant elegance and work particularly well in contemporary homes.

The patterned surface adds visual interest without needing much additional decoration.
Light marble-effect tops can help brighten the room, while darker stone-look finishes feel dramatic and sophisticated.

These designs look especially good with minimalist sofas, metal accents and simple, neutral accessories.

Halo White Marble Effect Coffee Table

Light and airy: glass and mixed materials

If your living room is on the smaller side or you have a lot of heavy furniture already, a glass or mixed-material coffee table can keep the room feeling open.

Glass tops reflect light and don’t visually block the space.
Mixed designs that combine metal, wood, rattan or glass can add layers of texture without overwhelming the room.

These are ideal when you want structure and style, but still need the room to feel spacious.

4. Make your coffee table work harder

A coffee table is more than just a beautiful piece; it should also support your everyday life.

Ask yourself:

Do you need storage for magazines, remote controls or kids’ toys?
Do you like to serve snacks and drinks when guests come over?
Do you sometimes use the coffee table as a work surface with a laptop or notebook?

If the answer is yes to any of these, look for designs that offer:

Lower shelves or built-in storage – perfect for baskets, books or tech.
Durable, easy-clean surfaces – such as certain lacquers, marble-effect tops or treated wood, which handle everyday use well.
Rounded edges if you have small children or a tight walkway around the table.

When you browse the COFFEE TABLES COLLECTION, check the product descriptions for shelf details, maximum recommended load and material care, so you know how each piece will work in real life.

5. Styling tips to complete the look

Once you’ve chosen the right coffee table, the final step is styling it so it feels intentional rather than cluttered.

Here are a few simple rules:

Use the rule of three – group items in threes, such as a small stack of books, a vase and a candle. This almost always looks balanced.
Mix heights and textures – combine items of different heights (e.g. books, a tall vase, a low bowl) and materials (ceramic, glass, greenery, metal).
Leave some clear space – don’t cover the entire table. Leave space for drinks and remotes so the table stays practical.
Use a tray – a decorative tray helps corral small items and makes the surface feel organised.
If your table itself is bold – for example, a striking marble-effect or sculptural wood base – keep accessories minimal so the design can shine.

D.I. Designs Crofton White Marble Glass & Gold Round Coffee Table

You can also link your coffee table styling to the rest of the room:

Echo the metals in your lighting or picture frames.
Pick out colours from your cushions or rug.
Add a small plant or fresh flowers for a natural, welcoming touch.

6. Find your perfect coffee table at SOOXOS

Choosing the perfect coffee table is a balance between practical details – size, shape, height, material – and your personal style. When you consider how you use your living room and what atmosphere you want to create, the right piece becomes obvious.

At SOOXOS, our COFFEE TABLES COLLECTION includes:

Warm wooden designs for cosy, natural interiors
Sleek marble-effect and stone-look tables for modern spaces
Glass and mixed-material pieces for lighter, more airy rooms
Compact options for smaller living rooms and apartments
Larger statement designs for bigger seating areas

Browse our latest coffee tables and discover the piece that will complete your living room, add personality to your space and make everyday living just that little bit more enjoyable.

Coffee Table Dark Wood with Black Southville

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