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I’m an interiors expert – the six unflattering rules you can’t break when picking a coffee table
PICKING out new furniture for our homes can be stressful – not only do we want the space to look good, but we also want to find the right pieces that complement the room.
And coffee tables are a great way of pulling a living room together and making it feel cosy and warm.
![Illustration of a beige sofa in a living room with a coffee table, floor lamp, and vase of dried flowers.](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000966518222.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But experts have warned that picking the wrong one can actually have the opposite effect and can dampen the room’s appearance.
And this can result in an unflattering space with a very disjointed feel to it.
Luckily, interior professionals have revealed the six unflattering rules you can’t break if you want to pick the right one for your home.
Sam Deeble, a Furniture Specialist at Woods Furniture, said there are a number of factors to consider when buying a new coffee table for your home.
They said: “A coffee table is a valuable addition to a living room due to its convenience and aesthetics.
“It provides a surface to place items or decorative pieces and can be used as a focal point to complete the room.
“However, opting for the wrong table can impact the entire room’s feel and lead to an unflattering appearance.
“Considering the coffee table’s size, shape, height, material, style, and purpose is essential for securing the perfect addition to your living room.”
1. Purpose
The first thing that Sam says is important to consider when buying a new coffee table is its purpose.
This is because what it will be used for could impact which one would be suitable for your home.
Sam explained: “The first step is considering the table’s purpose and function.
“Will the table be used exclusively as a space filler and decorative item or will it be used for its convenient surface?
“It’s also important to note how often it will be used, for example, if the table will be displayed in a high-traffic room, a durable material is required.
“Understanding what you want from a coffee table will help narrow your search and find the right piece.”
2. Size
The size of the coffee table you’re looking for is also important because it can make or break the space in the room.
The experts say: “Ensure you choose the right table size for the room. If the coffee table is too big, it can overwhelm the room and bring a cluttered, suffocated feel.
“If the table is too small, this can create an unbalanced and unflattering appearance, ultimately making the space less cohesive.
“The right-sized table depends on the room and other furniture’s size.
“Opting for a coffee table that’s about two-thirds the width of your sofa is a good rule of thumb.”
![Illustration of a modern living room with a beige sofa, wooden coffee table, and beige walls.](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/modern-interior-design-living-room-960627319.jpg?strip=all&w=885)
3. Style
It’s not just the style of the coffee table that you need to consider, it’s also important to consider the style of the whole room.
Sam said: “The table’s style should complement the room’s design. Opt for a piece that elevates the room’s aesthetic and reflects your taste.
“A light-toned, rectangular coffee table will create a tranquil and symmetrical tone, while a dark-toned, round table adds warmth and sophistication.
“When choosing a coffee table, consider if the surface will be left clear or if decorative pieces will be used to enhance the space.”
7 design choices that help avoid stress
WHILE some people decide to decorate their homes in classic and timeless styles, others prefer something a little more eccentric.
But whatever the choices, what many don’t know is that the design of your home can actually have an impact on your mental health. Here are seven design choices to help avoid stress.
- Add some floral flair – not only does it create a more calming environment, but houseplants also act as natural air filters, reducing allergens and improving air quality.
- Indulge in your favourite aromas – the smells in your home can really affect your stress levels, so try scents associated with nature or flowers or linked to happy memories.
- Let the sunlight in – maximising natural light in your home will improve your sleep patterns, motivation, mood and happiness.
- Embrace calming colours – opt for softer colours in the rooms where you want to relax.
- Create a memory corner – filling your home with memories can make you feel happy and cosy and bring a smile to your face.
- Invest in your sleep – investing in things that help you have a good sleep is one way to lower your stress levels like buying blackout curtains or cotton bedding.
- Organise everything – a cluttered home is a stressful home, so organising your space can do wonders for your mental health.
4. Height
One of the main reasons why a room with a coffee table may feel disjointed is because it is the wrong size.
The experts explain: “A coffee table’s height can impact the room’s appearance and, if incompatible with the room’s furnishings, can result in an incoherent look.
“A table that’s too tall or too short can have an out-of-balance effect, so choosing a piece that’s the right size for the room is key.
“Ideally, select a table that’s around the same height or slightly lower than the sofa seat cushions.”
![Candles and reed diffuser on a wicker stool.](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/wicker-furniture-eco-materials-handicraft-940745947.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
5. Material
How much traffic a room gets can impact what material of coffee table you should get.
Sam advises: “Consider which material would work best.
“If the coffee table is for a high-traffic room and the surface is likely to see frequent use, opt for a durable material.
“Hardwood, stone, and metal are among the most durable materials for a coffee table and provide a solid and sturdy surface for high usage.
“Consider the room’s design and features when choosing a coffee table. For example, a wooden table adds a natural element, while a glass surface helps make the space feel open and serene.”
![Modern living room with sofa, plants, and floor lamp.](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000917521538.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
6. Shape
You might not realise it, but the shape of a coffee table can actually influence a room’s appearance and feel.
Sam explains: “A square or rectangular piece brings symmetry to a space and works well for a balanced design.
“However, while this table shape is perfect for a polished look, its sharp edges can harshen a room’s appearance if used in the wrong aesthetic.
“Meanwhile, a round-shaped table will soften the room’s features for a relaxed, inviting space.”
Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’
GARY NEVILLE has begged legendary football presenter Des Lynam to stop touting him for the Manchester United job.
The former Red Devils defender, 49, briefly went into management after hanging up his boots in 2011.
![Gary Neville speaking into a Sky Sports microphone.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/club-league-logos-live-services-960628726.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
![Portrait of Des Lynam at a book launch.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tv-presenter-des-lynam-poses-922742512_65af00.jpg?strip=all&w=628)
Neville played over 400 times for United, winning eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and three FA Cups.
The 49-year-old joined Valencia in 2015 for his first foray into management but endured a dismal time in LaLiga.
After winning just 10 games out of 28 at the Mestalla, Neville was sacked and has since carved out a career as a successful pundit.
Ex-Match of the Day host Lynam was recently asked who he thought should “save” United from current boss Ruben Amorim‘s reign.
Lynam indicated Neville would be the best man for the Old Trafford hot-seat as he understands and “loves the club.”
Neville responded on Saturday, telling Sky Sports: “Des Lynam was the doyen, the God of hosts and presenters in that era.
“Someone with an unbelievable voice, great delivery, great humour.
“I always got on with Des but if you could please stop putting me forward as the manager of Manchester United it would be quite helpful.
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“I understand where you’re coming from – I do understand the club, I do love the club, I do believe I can communicate well.
“However, I don’t want to go back into coaching number one. And number two, I don’t believe that I’m the best man for the job by a long way.”
Neville also revealed his Sky Sports pundits had mocked him over Lynam’s claim.
He continued: “It gives my friends and colleagues, particularly Mr Jamie Carragher, the opportunity to giggle quite a bit on a Thursday afternoon when he sees the headline.
“I love Des to bits but I’m pretty sure he’s not right on that one.
“I feel bad to tell him he’s not right because he’s someone with such vast experience.”
Ultimate sports presenters rich list
![](https://www.thesun.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/TOB-RICH-LIST-SPLASH_COMP.webpstripall.jpg?strip=all&&w=620&&h=413&&crop=1)
TV sports presenters make a mint.
The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.
Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.
Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.
Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.
SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.
With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!
Read the story and see the full list here.
Despite not sharing Lynam’s view on his coaching credentials, Neville did credit the 82-year-old with helping him into punditry.
Neville previously told The Overlap podcast: “I love Des Lynam. I met Des Lynam in 2002.
“My first ever punditry gig was 22 years ago. I broke my foot before the World Cup in Japan and South Korea and ITV asked me to be a pundit.
“I had the most incredible time, it was the moment that I recognised I wanted to go into punditry because of the people I was surrounded by.
“The fellow pundits on that panel were Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Paul Gascoigne.
“I totally don’t belong in that panel from the point of view of football greatness and coaching.
“What I could give them was the current understanding of what was happening in that [England] dressing room.”
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