Coffee tables & side tables
A coffee table supports the little rituals that bring the living room to life: putting down a book, sharing a drink, keeping a cup within reach or displaying a few carefully chosen objects. Its role goes beyond decoration, as it affects comfort and the space to move around the sofa. The Nordlys collection helps you find a table that suits your room, with careful attention to proportions, materials and design. Consider shape, height and storage together to create a welcoming living room that works well every day.
How do you choose a coffee table for your living room?
Start with how you want to use the table. Do you need a clear surface for entertaining, a place for remote controls or a more decorative feature? Your answer will help determine the right size and functions. Then consider the sofa, armchairs and usual routes through the room: the table should bring these elements together without becoming an obstacle between them.
Choose dimensions that suit your sofa and leave room to move
First, compare the table's height with the sofa seat. A tabletop close to cushion height may be easy to reach; a lower table feels different, so consider your sitting position and habits. Check the actual measurements rather than judging the proportions from a photograph.
For length, roughly half to two thirds of the sofa can be a useful visual starting point, adjusted to your layout. Leave enough legroom and space to pass. Around 40 to 50 cm between the seat and the table is a guideline to try at home. Routes through the living room need more clearance.
Choose a shape that suits the room's layout
A round table makes moving around a sofa easier and creates a focal point. A rectangular table suits a straight sofa and provides an elongated surface. An oval shape can combine these benefits. In an irregular space, several small tables can sometimes offer a more flexible arrangement than one large piece.
Mark the outlines on the floor to check the space needed with your seating in place. Nesting tables designed to fit together offer different arrangements, but check how much space they occupy when spread out. The best shape keeps other parts of the room accessible and meets your main needs.
Which materials make a durable coffee table?
The material helps define the table's character and the care it needs to stay in good condition. Consider the tabletop's composition, the frame and the finish together. A durable piece suits its purpose and has care requirements that fit your daily life. Check each model's details to compare surfaces accurately.
Solid wood: a reliable choice for everyday life
Solid wood brings a natural presence, with grain that gives the tabletop character. Its strength also depends on the joints and intended use. A coffee table should not be used as a seat or step unless it is specifically designed for that purpose, even if it looks sturdy.
Our selection of wooden coffee tables explores different expressions of the material. Check the composition of each part and the finish before choosing. Protecting the tabletop from hot objects, wiping up spills and using the recommended care products helps preserve its appearance without complicating everyday routines.
Rattan, metal and two-tone designs: different ways to add character
Rattan introduces a visually light texture and a natural atmosphere. Metal can highlight a slender frame or create a contemporary contrast. A two-tone table connects two materials or colours already present in the living room. You do not need to match every piece of furniture: one well-placed repeated detail may be enough.
Also consider how much of the surface you can actually use. A tabletop intended to hold glasses must be stable and suitable for this purpose. Pieces combining several materials may need different care for each part. Check the instructions before using the same product on the entire table.
Coffee tables with storage: extra everyday practicality
A coffee table with storage keeps useful items nearby without cluttering the top. A drawer can hold small accessories, while an open compartment keeps books or magazines accessible. Check these features on the model you choose: an enclosed space and an extra shelf serve different needs.
Measure the space needed to open the drawer and consider which way it faces in relation to the sofa. Keep only a few objects in an open compartment to preserve a light appearance. Storage works best when it suits the things you actually use, rather than simply providing space that gradually fills up.
In a small living room, a console table can provide extra storage and let the coffee table serve a simpler purpose. Our article on multifunctional furniture for small spaces offers more ideas for sharing functions across the room without adding too many pieces. Practicality comes from a well-planned arrangement, rather than necessarily expecting one table to do everything.
Styles and combinations: fitting a coffee table into your décor
Scandinavian style often favours clear lines and warm materials. A coffee table can express this through a simple top, a natural colour or a softly curved shape. In a modern interior, a stronger contrast or distinctive table legs can become a focal point. Above all, keep the proportions consistent with the surrounding furniture.
Pair the table with your armchairs, checking that everyone can reach the top without blocking passage. A rug can bring the seating and table together, but it needs to be large enough for the whole arrangement. A few objects of different heights add depth; leave part of the surface clear for spontaneous use.
In an open-plan room, dining tables can share a colour or material detail with the coffee table. This continuity connects the spaces while preserving their different functions. Different shapes can give each area its own rhythm within a harmonious whole.
Nordlys coffee tables: Scandinavian design for everyday life
Choose a Nordlys coffee table with equal care for its design and the life around it. Picture your living room in use: someone relaxing on the sofa, a guest in an armchair, a tray of drinks and the routes to other rooms. This makes the dimensions and functions easier to assess.
Before choosing a model, check its height, usable surface, stability and any storage. Then choose a material whose appearance you like and whose care needs feel manageable. A practical, well-proportioned table fits naturally into daily life. It quietly supports time spent together, from peaceful moments to gatherings in the living room.
