vintage coffee table
                     HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COFFEE 
TABLE 
 
                                   
 
COFFEE TABLES ARE A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY LIVING AREA. THEY CAN BE 
FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL, GIVING YOU THE SURFACE SPACE YOU NEED TO 
PUT YOUR COFFEE, REST YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK AND STORE THE REMOTE 
CONTROLS. BUT VINTAGE COFFEE TABLES CAN ALSO BE LOVELY, DECORATIVE 
PIECES OF FURNITURE AND USED TO PULL THE ROOM TOGETHER. 
  
If you want to achieve the perfect proportions, start with measuring up your room, 
seating and space. This will help you with a few of the golden rules of room planning 
and picking furniture. The ideal space between a sofa or settee and edge of a coffee 
table is approximately 12 to 18 inches. They can vary in height, with a standard 
coffee table being between 16 and 18 inches. Remember to check the height of your 
seating, if your sofa is higher, you may want a higher coffee table. Choose any 
shape you like, but it should be at least half the length of your sofa. This may all 
seem like a lot to think about, but don't let it stop you from picking a table you have 
fallen in love with! Your space should make you feel relaxed and comfortable when 
you use it, so if you need a higher table to use a laptop at, just go with what feels 
right for you. 
 
There's nothing stopping you from stepping away from the traditional table when it 
comes to choosing a coffee or occasional table. Think vintage storage trunks or 
upholstered ottomans, both can work particularly well in a room where extra storage 
is required, and let's face it, who doesn't need a bit of hidden storage! If you're 
anything like my family, blankets and extra cushions are often used on the sofas on 
cold nights and need to have a space to be cleared away. If you want to use them 
around the room, choose smaller low side tables that can be put together or used 
separately where they are needed. Use vintage luggage or suitcases for really low 
level storage or tables. You could use trays on top of ottomans and footstool to 
shake things up a bit and provide a bit of layering throughout the room. Whatever 
furniture you choose, be confident that you can use it! 
 
        
 
Kernow Furniture is online store based near Redruth, Cornwall. We hold a large selection of 
furniture and decorative items. You can find many eras and styles of antique, retro, and 
vintage furniture, homeware and gifts. We offer fast national delivery on all items. We 
welcome viewings by appointment on 01209 316220.