A coffee table may seem like a small decision compared to a sofa or sectional, but it often becomes the centerpiece of your living room. It anchors the space, adds functionality, and helps tie your entire design together. Choosing the right coffee table isn’t just about looks—it’s about balance, lifestyle, and how you actually use your space.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the endless styles, shapes, and materials available, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose a coffee table that works beautifully in your home.

Start With Size and Proportion

One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a coffee table that’s either too big or too small for the seating area.

A good rule of thumb:

• Your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa
• The height should be the same height or slightly lower than your sofa cushions
• Leave 12–18 inches of space between the table and seating for comfortable movement

In smaller living rooms, oversized tables can make the space feel cramped, while tiny tables in large rooms can look lost.

Choose a Shape That Fits Your Layout

The shape of your coffee table should complement your seating arrangement and traffic flow.

• Rectangular coffee tables work best with standard sofas and sectionals
• Square tables are great for large seating areas or sectionals with equal sides
• Round or oval tables are ideal for small spaces or homes with kids, as they soften the room and eliminate sharp corners
• Nesting tables offer flexibility and are perfect for multifunctional living rooms

Think about how people move through the space and choose a shape that keeps things flowing smoothly.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle should play a big role in your decision.

Ask yourself:

• Do you entertain often?
• Do you need extra storage?
• Do you have kids or pets?
• Do you eat meals or work from the couch?

If you need storage, look for coffee tables with drawers, shelves, or lift-top designs. If durability matters, materials like wood, metal, or tempered glass are easier to maintain than delicate finishes.

Pick the Right Material

Coffee table materials can completely change the look and feel of a room.

• Wood coffee tables add warmth and work well in farmhouse, traditional, and transitional spaces
• Glass tables create an open, airy feel and are great for smaller rooms
• Metal or mixed-material tables bring in a modern or industrial edge
• Upholstered or ottoman-style tables add softness and can double as extra seating

The key is balance—if your room already has a lot of wood, consider mixing in metal or glass for contrast.

Match Your Home’s Style (Without Being Too Matchy)

Your coffee table should complement your home’s style, not compete with it.

• Minimalist homes benefit from clean lines and simple silhouettes
• Boho spaces shine with natural textures and unique shapes
• Modern homes look best with sleek finishes and bold materials
• Traditional spaces pair well with classic wood tones and details

Instead of matching everything perfectly, aim for pieces that feel cohesive but still interesting.

Don’t Forget Functionality

A coffee table isn’t just decorative—it’s meant to be used.

Look for features that make life easier, such as:

• Lift-top designs for working or dining
• Lower shelves for books or baskets
• Rounded edges for safety
• Lightweight designs that are easy to move

Function should always come first, especially in everyday living spaces.

Style It With Purpose

Once you’ve chosen the right coffee table, styling brings it to life.

Keep it simple with:

• A small tray for organization
• A stack of books
• A decorative object or candle
• A touch of greenery

Less is more—your coffee table should feel styled but still usable.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right coffee table is about more than trends. It’s about finding a piece that fits your space, supports your lifestyle, and reflects your personal style. When you take time to consider size, shape, material, and function, your coffee table becomes a seamless part of your living room—not just another piece of furniture.

A well-chosen coffee table doesn’t just fill space—it brings the room together.

Contemporary home style is one of the most sought-after looks in today’s interior design world—and for good reason. It’s clean, comfortable, flexible, and effortlessly stylish. But what makes a home contemporary, exactly? And how can you bring this look into your own space without it feeling cold or overly minimal?

Let’s break down what contemporary home style really means and how you can design your home using its core principles.

What Is Contemporary Home Style?

Contemporary style refers to what’s current—the design trends happening right now. Unlike modern style (which refers to a specific time period), contemporary style is ever-evolving. Today’s contemporary homes usually include:

• Clean, smooth lines
• Neutral color palettes
• Natural light
• Innovative materials
• Thoughtful use of texture
• Minimal yet warm décor choices
• Open layouts that feel airy and uncluttered

You can think of contemporary design as a blend of minimalism + comfort + artistic expression.

1. Start With a Neutral Foundation

Contemporary interiors typically begin with a neutral palette. Think soft whites, creams, taupes, warm grays, and blacks. This doesn’t mean your home has to be colorless—these neutrals simply serve as your backdrop.

Tips to achieve this:

• Paint walls in warm white or light beige to keep the space bright.
• Choose large furniture pieces in solid, neutral colors.
• Add contrast with black hardware, dark accent chairs, or charcoal decor.

This foundational palette allows your artwork, textures, and statement pieces to shine.

2. Embrace Clean, Simple Lines

Straight, smooth, and unembellished lines define contemporary style. Everything from your sofa arms to your cabinetry to your lighting should feel sleek and intentional.

Where to incorporate this:

• Opt for streamlined furniture—avoid ornate details.
• Choose flat-panel kitchen cabinets.
• Use slender, minimalistic lighting fixtures.
• Select geometric shapes for décor and furniture (rectangles, ovals, rounded edges).

This keeps your home feeling fresh rather than busy.

3. Incorporate Natural Light

Light plays a huge role in contemporary design. The goal is to create spaces that feel open, airy, and connected to the outdoors.

Simple ways to maximize light:

• Use sheer curtains or roller shades instead of heavy drapery.
• Add mirrors to reflect light.
• Keep window trim and furniture placement minimal.
• Choose light fixtures with warm LED bulbs for a soft glow.

Natural light helps neutral colors feel more vibrant and textured.

4. Mix Materials for Added Interest

Because contemporary style is clean and simple, mixing materials is essential for preventing your home from feeling flat.

Try pairing:

• Glass with metal
• Wood with stone
• Leather with fabric
• Polished surfaces with matte finishes

Think: a marble coffee table, a wood accent wall, or a metal-framed mirror. Each adds depth without adding clutter.

5. Let Texture Speak for You

Contemporary design uses texture to add personality, especially when the color palette is neutral.

Textures that work well:

• Textured rugs (looped, woven, or shag)
• Bouclé or linen upholstery
• Slatted wall panels
• Ceramic vases
• Soft, layered throws

Texture warms up the space and balances clean lines.

6. Use Minimal but Meaningful Decor

Contemporary homes aren’t empty—they’re simply curated. Every piece should feel intentional, adding purpose or beauty.

Ideas for décor:

• Oversized abstract artwork
• Sculptural vases
• One or two impactful statement pieces
• Plants with architectural shapes (snake plants, fiddle leaf figs)
• Open space as a “design element”

Think quality over quantity. Less visual noise = more impact.

7. Create Open, Functional Layouts

The heart of contemporary design is flow. Rooms should feel connected, uncluttered, and easily navigated.

How to achieve this:

• Keep pathways clear.
• Float furniture rather than pushing everything against the wall.
• Use multifunctional pieces (storage ottomans, nesting tables).
• If you have a small space, choose furniture with legs instead of bulky bases to keep things airy.

8. Add Pops of Color Through Art and Accessories

While contemporary homes lean neutral, they are not afraid of bold color—it’s just used strategically.

Use color in:

• Artwork
• Accent cushions
• Rugs
• A single statement chair
• Floral arrangements

This allows flexibility: you can change the vibe of your home seasonally without fully redecorating.

9. Keep Clutter Out of Sight

Storage is your friend. Contemporary homes thrive when surfaces stay clean and items are tucked away.

Quick clutter-free rules:

• Invest in closed storage cabinets.
• Use decorative baskets for everyday items.
• Make a habit of “one in, one out” when buying decor.
• Keep kitchen and bathroom counters clear.

A clean environment feels instantly more contemporary.

Final Thoughts

Designing a contemporary home is all about balance—simple but warm, clean but lived-in, neutral but expressive. When you combine smooth lines with natural light, thoughtful textures, curated decor, and a functional layout, your home becomes a calming yet stylish reflection of today’s design trends.

Whether you’re updating one room or your entire home, contemporary style offers a versatile, timeless foundation that adapts as trends evolve.