Hunting for furniture for a small room is quite the task. It’s interesting to note that most people, when trying to figure out how to furnish a small living room, focus on the sofa, the TV stand, the recliner. Then, once all those things are placed just where you want them, you sit on your sofa and breathe a sigh of relief, only for that sigh to be cut short as you realize: AH! I forgot the table! Where on earth am I going to put that? Here are a few tips on choosing the right coffee table for your smaller place.

First, take a good look at your current furniture. What style is it? If your cushions are big and comfy looking, try to go with a solid wood table. Traditional or feminine couches should be paired with a traditional, rounded table. Modern? Try glass and iron to complement. Keep in mind that nothing creates more of an eyesore than clashing styles. Discordant decorating can make a room feel smaller and more cramped than it really is.

Also, it’s always a good idea to try to use furniture that has more than one purpose. Coffee tables can come in many styles, one of the most useful of which is the storage table. Find a table that can open up and be used to store items you use every day. Clutter is the enemy of the small space, so being able to keep items in your table will reduce the feeling of cramped space. There are many different styles of coffee table that can fulfill this need; you can find a trunk style, with a single large space to place blankets, books, any miscellaneous items you may require. For the more detail-oriented person, there are tables that open up into drawers with different nooks for your smaller items. These tables provide multiple functions and can create an interesting focal point in your room.

Lastly, try to find a table that doesn’t take up all the median space in the room. You want to be able to walk around without knocking your knees and shins on that unforgiving piece. Make sure to get a feel for the size of the space in your living room where you would place the coffee table, remembering to keep in mind how much space you’ll need between the table itself and the other furniture. It’s also a good idea to get a feel for what shape of table would best suit your needs, and begin your search with these thoughts in mind.

All in all, just because you live in a smaller space, that doesn’t mean you need to forego certain pieces of furniture. With careful consideration and a little planning, you can come up with the perfect coffee table upon which to place your book, your remote, or even (don’t tell mom!) your feet after a long day.