The coffee table is arguably one of the most important elements in a typical living room. Nestled between the focal point and seating, it serves several purposes. The coffee table balances the colors in the surrounding the environment while also offering functional benefits in the process. But if you want your coffee table to enhance your living room decor, there are a few things you should know.
Quality Matters
Don't make the mistake of choosing a cheap, poorly made coffee table. Sure, you can probably save a couple bucks by purchasing a cheap coffee table, but it will ultimately hurt your efforts to create a stylish and attractive living room. The problem with many of these mass-produced coffee tables is their lack of high-quality materials. Rather than using natural, hardwood materials, companies use cheap particle board that literally falls apart. So unless you want to replace your coffee table every couple of years, spend the extra money and purchase a high-quality, well-made coffee table from a reputable vendor.
DIY Coffee Tables
Of course, there's no rule -- written or otherwise -- stating that you must buy a coffee table. On the contrary, you can actually make your own using just a few basic supplies. Wooden pallets, for instance, can be transformed into brilliant, unique coffee tables, such as the one depicted in the image above. If you have a knack for DIY projects, perhaps you should try building your own. It's a fun and inexpensive decorative solution for the living room.
Keep it Clean
Whether you plan to buy a coffee table or make your own, you should keep it clean. I know this is easier said than done, but try to avoid placing junk mail, your wallet and keys, and other unnecessary items here. A cluttered coffee table doesn't offer any real aesthetic value. So, consider investing in a storage ottoman for these and other items.
The Color
The color of your coffee table will directly affect its appearance in your living room. Hopefully, you've already chosen a color palette for your living room, in which case you can select a coffee table in a matching or otherwise appropriate color. Going all black with your living room furniture is a great choice, assuming you are going for a modern theme. But if you have brown incorporated into your living room decor, it's best to avoid all-black coffee tables. Glass coffee tables are another great choice for modern living room designs.