January 20, 2025, 1:24 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A coffee table is typically essential in a living room. However, if space is limited, there are a few things to consider when choosing one.
Even if you have limited space, you shouldn’t forgo a coffee table in even the smallest living room. It offers many advantages. A coffee table is not only an important piece of furniture but also practical. It can hold decor or books and provides a surface for drinks and snacks. Depending on the model, it may also offer additional storage space–ideal for a small living room.
What You Should Definitely Consider
In both small and larger living rooms, you should pay attention to the right proportions to the sofa when choosing a coffee table. If the table is too large, it can look bulky and overcrowded. If you choose a table that’s too small, it can appear insignificant and lost.
Not only should the size match the sofa, but also the placement. It’s important to be able to walk around the coffee table–even if space is limited in a small living room. The height is also crucial. The table should be either at the same level as the seating area or slightly lower.

7 Alternatives to the Classic Couch

5 Tips to Help Decorate Rooms With Curved Walls

Setting Up a Reading Nook in the Living Room
Coffee Table in a Small Living Room–Tips and Inspiration
If you have a small living room with limited space, there are a few things to consider when choosing a coffee table. This way, the table fits perfectly into the smaller space and doesn’t look out of place or inappropriate.
Material and Appearance
The material is an important factor for a coffee table. To prevent it from overshadowing the sofa or making the room look overcrowded, a transparent material is worthwhile. Coffee tables made of bent plexiglass are currently popular. They come in classic colorless designs as well as transparent colors like brown, yellow, or blue.
Nest Tables
Nest tables are also practical in a small living room. These usually consist of two or three small tables that can be nested together. This allows you to quickly and flexibly adjust the size depending on your needs. When guests visit, you can pull the tables apart. In everyday life, one tabletop is often enough, with the others just slightly visible.
Side Table
Depending on the layout of the small living room and the placement of the sofa, you can replace the coffee table with a side table. This would not be in front of the couch but on the side and would be higher–about as high as the armrest. This way, you still have a place for drinks, snacks, or decor, even if there’s no room for a coffee table in front of the sofa.
Pouf or Ottoman
A coffee table usually stays in one spot in front of the sofa. If that’s too inflexible, you can opt for a pouf or ottoman without a backrest. These can be moved quickly and easily, while also providing space on top for decor or drinks and snacks. For the latter, you can use a tray as a base to prevent glasses or bowls from tipping over. It’s especially practical if this coffee table alternative also offers additional storage space inside–essential in a small living room.
Practicality Is Important
No matter what type of coffee table you choose–in a small living room, you should always ensure the table has more than just one level. Either the table should have an additional shelf or be able to open up, providing extra storage inside. This way, you create more storage space in an already limited area.