The Truth about Coffee Tables

There’s many concerns people have when buying a coffee table. Which one will look the best? How long will it last? What size should you get? Should you get end tables to match? In Alaska, there’s even the very real question of where to get a coffee table (furniture options are very limited here).

While these are difficult questions to answer, you’re not alone! There’s many answers to these many questions, but this article is designed to put the power in your hands. Here at Plane Truth Woodworks, we want you to feel empowered to choose the right coffee table for you. This article is just the first step. An even better option is going to the “Contact Us” webpage of our website and put down some information. We can contact you to answer any questions you may have about getting a new piece of furniture.

First, what size should the coffee table be? There’s no defined official size, but the average height is usually 17 inches. The average length is 48 inches and the average width is 24 inches. Now, these are highly flexible! We recommend taking a string that’s several feet long and tracing out the size you want your table. Then measure it and see what’s best. It may be up to about 60 inches long or as wide as about 32 inches. It just depends on the look you want. This is all assuming you want the general shape to be a rectangle. Square tables are often about 36 inches by 36 inches.

Speaking of the shape, let’s tackle that one now. Rectangular is the most common, with square coming in second. However, there’s always the option for a round or oval shaped table as well. A nice oval shaped table can be a difficult shape to create. So as far as pricing, these can cost more simply due to the time it takes to shape them.

Then there’s the question of what wood and color to make it. First off, the wood determines what colors/stains are possible. For instance, a nice light birch wood coffee table will allow for some lighter colors while a dark walnut will only allow for dark tones. Keep this in mind and be willing to let the wood speak for itself when it comes to color! But there’s also a nice reddish cherry, and earthen brownish oak or maple as well. An interior designer might encourage you to look around your living room and determine the types of color tones you are trying to shoot for. Of course, we are not going to recommend other softwoods as they will not last long on a coffee table.

Then there’s the question of durability, but leave that to us. Typically, assuming the table is made of hardwood, the only thing to add is a high-quality finish, and that’s something we’re good at. You want this table to last through the coffee spills, the family game nights, and the game-time snack barrage. Not to worry, we pride ourselves at Plane Truth Woodworks on making the most durable coffee tables designed to last. And the best thing about a good coffee table is that it should always be able to re-finish. Whenever it needs a refresh or a few dents taken out, it’s no problem to sand it down and re-coat it with that durable finish once more.

Again, if you have any more questions, feel free to contact us on our webpage titled “Contact Us.” It’s free for you to reach out, and we’d love to help! Maybe we can put you at ease regarding what table to get, or even just hear what you’re considering. Don’t hesitate to reach out and someone will get back to you shortly. No matter what, with any new piece of furniture, enjoy the decision making process!