When it comes to furnishing your living room, the coffee table is often the unsung hero. It’s not just a spot to plonk your cuppa or put up your feet at the end of a long day — it’s a centrepiece that ties your whole space together. Whether you’re kitting out a breezy beachside flat in Bondi or a spacious family home in the suburbs of the Inner West, picking the right coffee table can make or break the feel of your room.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect coffee table — from sizing and style to materials and functionality. Let’s crack on, shall we?
1. Understand Your Living Room Space
Measure It Up
Your coffee table needs to suit the size and layout of your room. If it’s too big, it’ll cramp your style; too small, and it’ll look like an afterthought. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Ideal height: Your coffee table should be roughly the same height as your sofa cushions — usually around 40–45cm.
- Ideal length: Aim for two-thirds the length of your sofa.
- Distance from seating: Leave about 45cm between the coffee table and your sofa or chairs. That gives you enough legroom without needing to stretch too far for your drink or the remote.
Consider Foot Traffic
In tight Aussie apartments or open-plan layouts, it’s crucial to ensure there’s enough space to move around the table without bumping into it. Think about where people naturally walk through the room — you don’t want your coffee table to be a tripping hazard.
2. Pick a Style That Matches Your Vibe
Popular Styles for Sydney Homes
- Coastal / Hamptons: Whitewashed timbers, light oak finishes, and open shelves fit this relaxed, beachy aesthetic. Perfect for homes near the water.
- Scandi / Minimalist: Clean lines, neutral colours, and simple forms — great for inner-city dwellings where less is more.
- Industrial: Think metal frames paired with reclaimed timber tops. These add a raw, grounded look ideal for modern apartments.
- Rustic / Farmhouse: A natural timber coffee table with chunky legs and visible grain brings warmth and character — especially popular in larger family homes.
Choose something that reflects your personality, but also plays nicely with your existing furniture.
3. Choose the Right Timber
Best Timber Options for Aussie Conditions
- Spotted Gum: Durable and striking, this hardwood thrives in Australia’s climate. Its distinctive grain pattern makes it a favourite among designers.
- Blackbutt: A light-toned, fire-resistant Aussie hardwood — ideal for open-plan and light-filled spaces.
- Tasmanian Oak: A versatile option with a fine grain that takes finishes beautifully.
- Reclaimed Timber: Eco-friendly, full of character, and tough as nails. These tables often become talking points on their own.
4. Consider Shape and Functionality
Shapes That Work
- Rectangular: Most common and works well with longer sofas or in narrow spaces.
- Square: Great for larger seating areas or L-shaped lounges.
- Round / Oval: Ideal if you have young kids (no sharp corners!) or a more fluid layout. They also soften the look of angular furniture.
Bonus Features
- Storage: Drawers or lower shelves give you somewhere to stash remotes, books, and the odd magazine. Clutter-free zone? Too easy.
- Lift-top designs: Handy for small spaces or for folks who like to work from the couch.
- Nesting tables: A smart solution if you need flexibility — just pull out the extras when guests pop by.
5. Colour and Finish — Match or Contrast?
- Matchy-matchy: Creates a seamless, coordinated appearance. Stick to similar wood tones or design styles.
- Mix it up: Add contrast by pairing a dark walnut table with light sofas or a blackbutt piece against white walls. This adds depth and visual interest.
In Sydney homes, especially those with lots of natural light, lighter finishes (like American oak or Tasmanian oak) help keep the space feeling open and airy.
6. Think Long-Term
A coffee table isn’t something you buy every year. Choose quality over trendiness. A solid timber table might cost a few extra bucks, but it’ll outlast cheap particleboard any day of the week.
Timber tables age gracefully and can be sanded and refinished down the track. You can’t say that about flat-pack furniture from the big-box shops.
7. Practical Tips from Local Households
At TIMBERWORX, we’ve had the pleasure of working with Sydney homeowners who’ve chosen our timber furniture and shared their experiences:
“We bought a round coffee table with a shelf underneath — perfect for our toddler and still stylish enough to impress the in-laws.”
— Sarah from Coogee
“Our reclaimed timber table is a real showstopper. We get compliments every time someone comes over.”
— James from Leichhardt
“Went for a lift-top model. Best decision ever for our tiny flat in Newtown. Now it’s our dinner table, desk, and games night central.”
— Alex from Newtown
8. Final Thoughts
A coffee table may seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in your living room’s comfort, flow, and style. From choosing the right size and shape to selecting durable timber that suits Sydney’s coastal climate, getting it right means creating a space that not only looks great but feels like home.
So whether you’re after a custom-made statement piece or a ready-made classic, take your time, think long-term, and invest in a table that’ll serve you for years to come.
At TIMBERWORX, we’ve been crafting custom timber coffee tables for Sydney homes that blend function, beauty, and lasting quality. Reach out today — we’d love to help bring your ideal table to life.