• You may want a more formal coffee table in your living room depending on how you have decorated. More fragile and delicate surfaces such as glass can be used in living rooms.
• A family room needs a sturdier coffee table. You may also want to look for one that has storage options, like drawers. The surface should be able to take abuse because spilled snacks or feet on the table are more common in casual settings. Glass tops are generally not suitable for family rooms, not just because of fragility, but finger marks and scratches too. For glass-tops without frames, there is the danger of sharp corners, especially when you have small children.
• Delicate surfaces can also end up getting scratched if it is a heavy-use area.

The coffee table is often called the centerpiece of the room. But you will notice that the same term is often used for a sofa, a rug, or any other piece of furniture.

• Style
• Size
• Material
• Surface finish and color

Combine two or more of the above if you want it to truly stand out.

When you shop for a coffee table, you'll become aware of how many choices you have when it comes to material. The most obvious material that comes to mind is wood, but you don't have to restrict yourself to wood if you don't want to.

• Take a look at your room and other furniture to determine what material would look best. Clear acrylic and glass can make a small room look more open. The glint of metal can accomplish the same purpose. Glass, acrylic, metal, and stone also look good in a modern room.
• Darker wood, such as mahogany or walnut, or materials such as marble and metal can look good in a traditional room.
• Leather or faux leather can work well in a variety of settings, and they are also easy to maintain.
• Consider the material's durability and safety especially when you have small children.

Coffee tables are available in many different shapes. While the shape of the room can play a role in choosing a coffee table, you must pay attention to your seating configuration more than anything else.

• A rectangular or oval coffee table works well for smaller rooms.
• Squares or round coffee tables are good for large seating configurations, such as large sectionals or a large sofa and love seat.
• Round or oval tables are useful around children because of the absence of sharp corners.
• Consider scale as well as actual measurements when selecting a size. Select a coffee table that is no more than two-thirds of your sofa's total length. An important thing to remember is to leave enough space around the coffee table for leg space. Leave at least a foot and a half between the table and the sofa.
• Your coffee table should be the same height as the seat of your sofa or lower.

The level of functionality your coffee table offers depends on how you want to use it. While most coffee tables have a flat surface supported on a base, there are plenty that offer additional features.

• Look for coffee tables with additional shelves, drawers, or compartments if you need them to double up for storage.
• Trunks and ottomans can offer lots of storage.
• Some tables have surfaces that can be raised for working or eating.
• Casters and wheels are useful if you need to roll away the coffee table.