When considering your coffee table options, keep in mind the following tips:

What style coffee table will work best for your needs? To determine this, think about how you’ll be using it. If you love to entertain, you may want a circular or elliptical shape to encourage guests to gather around. If you’re trying to create a center focal point to your furnishing arrangement, a square table works well to unify different seating areas. Looking to add storage? Seek out a coffee table with lift tops, low shelves or drawers. An oversized storage ottoman is also a stylish and functional option. Want a coffee table to display decorative items but don’t want to make a loud statement? Consider a glass table: they’re easy to maintain and will blend in with the surroundings.

What size should you purchase? Proportion is key to unifying your coffee table to the rest of the room’s décor. If you’re shopping for a classic rectangular table, it should measure no more than two-thirds the sofa’s total length and allow two to three feet between it and the surrounding furniture. In general, the height should be approximately the same as the sofa’s cushions to create a comfortable reach. If your space is tight, you may want to consider a round coffee table. Without sharp edges, they’re easier to walk around if the surrounding furniture is closer than usual.

What level of quality should you consider? Coffee tables tend to get a lot of use, so good quality should definitely be a standard when you’re comparing different options. A solid wood table is almost always a beneficial choice: durable and versatile, they can withstand the wear-and-tear of daily use. Glass or acrylic tend to get pricier, but are long-lasting and timeless. For particularly budget-friendly options, consider treated wicker, reed and bamboo: they’re sturdy materials that come with an affordable price tag.

Don’t forget to analyze the coffee table’s support system. Coffee tables are rarely without items adorning their surfaces, ranging from cocktails to decorative items, to the weight of your children. Take into account what you plan to pepper your coffee table with, and be sure the legs of your chosen table are sturdy enough to accommodate your desired function.

What can you do to protect your coffee table’s condition? Buy inexpensive coasters; they have the power to maintain your coffee table’s pristine condition for years to come. Regardless of whether your table is carefully sealed, water rings have a way of leaving their mark. Watch out for wayward feet as well: sweaty socks can leave unsightly marks, so keep throw pillows or magazines near for coverage.