If your living room is a pass through, and you’ll frequently be walking around the coffee table, round works well. Different spaces and layouts call for different shapes, but here’s something to think about. For a layout that’s more closed off, square or rectangular works perfectly. Aesthetically, we like to balance round and square shapes in a space, so if most of your furniture pieces are square (think a sofa with tuxedo arms, square fireplace, and square side tables), a round coffee table adds balance. Alternatively, if you have curvy arms on your furniture, a big round mirror, and round side tables, a square or rectangular side table works beautifully. It’s all about balance.

A table is a table designed to be placed in a group of one or two other tables. Each table in the group is usually graduated in size. As a result, nesting tables are often 'layered' or 'stacked' to emphasize the varying heights. Now, take a look at our favorite ways/ideas/tips for styling with one!

If you have a nubby fabric on your couch or more rustic elements, a glossy or shiny coffee table will contrast that rough texture. Or if you’ll be using your living room for TV watching, choose a finish that you won’t mind putting your feet on, like a slightly weathered wood or an upholstered ottoman.