Purchasing a coffee table

Coffee (and cocktail) tables come in many shapes and sizes and can range in texture from wood, metal and even stone. Incorporating natural elements into your space, like a wooden coffee table for instance, is one alluring way to enrich a design. Using multiple high-contrast wood pieces in a room adds depth and visual interest.

A coffee table may be preferable for:

• A more formal room
• A flat surface/high functionality
• Extra storage

What are the limitations to a coffee table?

• Not as comfy and casual as an ottoman — no place for feet to go
• Easier to bang a knee or stub a toe on (and does not come childproofed)
• Extra storage is visible (often just a lower shelf or tabletop)

Purchasing an ottoman

An ottoman may be preferable for:

• A more informal space
• Comfort vs. functionality
• Incorporating more pattern into room design
• Extra seating in a pinch
• Rooms with too much wood or too many hard surfaces
• What are the limitations to an ottoman?
• Not a flat surface for placing items — need a basket or tray to safely place things like drinks
• Easier to stain and more challenging to clean
• Can fall into the trendy instead of timeless design trap