How To Choose The Right Coffee Table For Your Home

Some pieces naturally become part of everyday life. A coffee table is one of them. It holds morning coffee, favourite books and conversations that stretch long into the evening. Thoughtfully chosen, it brings a sense of balance to a living room while supporting the way a home is lived in.

With so many materials, shapes and sizes available, knowing how to choose a coffee table can feel overwhelming. The right piece should feel considered within the space, balancing form, function and materiality while complementing your lifestyle.

In this guide, we explore the key considerations when choosing a coffee table, from proportions and placement to craftsmanship and design, helping you find a piece that feels purposeful, enduring and at home within your space.

Why wooden coffee table designs remain a top choice

Among the many coffee table styles Australian homeowners gravitate towards, timber designs remain enduring favourites. Their lasting appeal can be attributed to several qualities:

• Warmth — Natural materials bring a sense of comfort to living spaces, creating environments that feel welcoming and lived in.
• Versatility — Timber complements a broad range of interiors, from contemporary and minimalist spaces to homes with a more relaxed, layered aesthetic.
• Materiality — Every timber species carries its own grain, tone and character, introducing depth, texture and visual interest.
• Longevity — Thoughtfully crafted timber pieces are designed to be lived with for years to come, developing character through everyday use.
• Enduring design — Timber has a timeless quality that transcends trends, allowing a coffee table to evolve alongside the home

What sets a designer coffee table apart

A designer coffee table offers more than functionality; it reflects thoughtful craftsmanship, quality materials and enduring design. Distinguished by refined detailing and considered proportions, designer pieces balance form and function for everyday living.

At Jardan, our coffee tables combine contemporary Australian design with enduring craftsmanship, helping bring character, warmth and materiality to your living space. Explore our coffee table collection to discover pieces designed for the way we live.

Sizing and placement: getting the proportions right

When considering how to choose a coffee table, scale and proportion play an important role. As a general rule, your coffee table should be approximately two-thirds the length of your sofa. This helps create a sense of balance without overwhelming the space. Height is equally important, with most coffee tables sitting at or slightly below the height of the surrounding seating.

A practical coffee table sizing guide also considers circulation space. Aim to leave approximately 40–45cm between the coffee table and seating to allow for comfortable movement while keeping everyday items within easy reach. Shape can also influence how a space feels and functions. Rectangular designs often suit larger living rooms, while round or oval coffee tables can soften spaces and encourage flow in compact layouts.

Why choose made-to-order?

A coffee table is a piece you'll live with for years to come, making material, finish and proportion important considerations. Made-to-order furniture offers the opportunity to create a piece that feels considered within your home, with greater flexibility across finishes, materials and customisation options.

This approach allows each piece to be crafted to suit the character and palette of a space, resulting in a coffee table that feels both personal and enduring. Thoughtfully made and designed to last, a made-to-order coffee table reflects a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and longevity.

Bring your living room together with Jardan

Designed and crafted to last, Jardan coffee tables bring together considered proportions, quality materials and enduring craftsmanship. Made for everyday living, each piece balances form and function while contributing warmth, character and materiality to the living room. Discover Jardan's collection of coffee and side tables, crafted for the way we live.

FAQs

What size coffee table should I choose for my living room?

As a general guide, a coffee table should be around two-thirds the length of your sofa and positioned approximately 40–45cm from surrounding seating. This helps create a sense of balance within the room while allowing for comfortable movement and everyday use.

Are timber coffee tables still popular in Australia?

Yes. Among the many coffee table styles Australian homeowners gravitate towards, timber designs remain enduring favourites. Valued for their warmth, natural character and longevity, they complement a wide range of interiors and continue to evolve alongside the home over time.

What sets a designer coffee table apart?

A designer coffee table is distinguished by the craftsmanship, quality materials and considered proportions. Balancing form and function, these pieces are designed to support everyday living while offering enduring appeal

What should I consider when choosing a coffee table?

Consider the size of your room, the scale of your furniture, your preferred material, storage requirements and how the table will be used day to day. A well-proportioned coffee table should complement both your lifestyle and your interior style.