How to Buy A Coffee Table

Tips on buying a coffee table

1. Decide how big of a coffee table you want. The size of the coffee table you want will determine the price and, in some cases, the design. Do you want a square one or a rectangular one? Or an oval one? Whichever strikes your fancy, measure the space where the table will go from end to end and across. Take these measurements with you when you go shopping.
2. Coffee tables are made with all sorts of materials. You can buy one with a tempered glass top, or one made entirely of wood or one that is fashioned out of one sheet of aluminum or steel. Many coffee tables are a combination of several materials. Decide which kind of material best matches the décor that is already in the room where your coffee table will sit.
3. You also need to think about what functions your particular coffee table will perform. Will your coffee table display several big books? Will it hold magazines? Do you plan to have people gather around the table to play games? The answers to questions like these will determine the design of the table you purchase.
4. If you need extra storage, you can buy a coffee table with drawers or one with an extra shelf beneath the tabletop. However, if you think people might sit on the floor next to the coffee table, you do not want anything to obstruct their legs. In this case, look at coffee tables that have a leg at each corner, but not crossbars, shelves or other structures blocking the area beneath the tabletop.
5. Consider whether you will want a mobile coffee table. Coffee tables that can be easily moved will help you make room for parties, games, cleaning and more. Some coffee tables, particularly those with more contemporary designs, are built with wheels on them for easy moving.

Caution

Coffee table that you want to place in high traffic areas should not have sharp corners. Pick tables with rounded corners if there are toddlers or elderly people in your home.

Where to buy a coffee table

You can buy coffee tables and have them delivered to you without even leaving your home. Try one of the following online retailers for the best selection and prices:

• FurnitureNY.com offers traditional and contemporary coffee tables. Also find end tables and consoles.

• Everything Furniture displays a big variety of coffee and occasional tables. Find them high and low, long and short, round and square.