15 Coffee tables bring timeless charm to living rooms
Cristina Bezamat's Project. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio)
Apartamento dos arquitetos Carol Freitas e Fabio Bouillet. (Lilia Mendel/Divulgação)
Projeto de Beatriz Quinelato. (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)
Projeto de Larissa Perna. (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)
Before considering the aesthetic, it is important to understand the function of coffee tables. These pieces of furniture are designed to occupy the central space between the seating in the room — such as sofas, armchairs, or poufs — and offer support for various items, such as:
Remote controls, cell phones, and everyday electronic devices.
Projeto de Mandril Arquitetura. (Mariana Orsi/Divulgação)
Apartamento da arquiteta Bianca da Hora. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Aldi Flosi/Divulgação)
Projeto de Studio 021 Arquitetura. (Fotos; Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio / Produção: Andrea Falchi e Rennan Schalabrin/Divulgação)
Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/Divulgação)
The coffee table should be proportional to the other furniture in the room. As a general rule, its ideal height is close to the height of the sofa seat (about 40 to 50 cm). The length can vary between half and two-thirds of the sofa, ensuring a balanced look and good circulation around.
Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
Round brings lightness and facilitates circulation, being perfect for small rooms or those with children.
Apartamento carioca assinado por Maurício Arruda. (Maura Mello/Divulgação)
Wood, glass, metal, marble or even concrete — the choice of material for the coffee table should interact with the other elements of the projects. A natural wood table, for example, warms neutral and minimalist spaces. Meanwhile, glass is great for small rooms as it visually expands the space.
Projeto de Barbara Dundes. (Fran Parente/Divulgação)
Contrasts are also welcome. A coffee table with a metallic finish can bring a contemporary touch to a classically based room. In relaxed projects, the mix of materials, such as a metal structure with a rustic wood top, gives personality and modernity.
Projeto de LessaZaneta. (André Nazareth/Divulgação)
The coffee table is a blank canvas for creativity. The composition of objects on it can follow various approaches: minimalist, maximalist, thematic, or artistic. Here are some tips:
Always leave some space free for everyday utilities.
Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
Innovation in interior design has promoted coffee tables that go beyond the traditional function. Modular models with movable or stackable parts offer versatility for adapting the layout according to the occasion.
Projeto de Mariana Leal. (Renato Navarro/Divulgação)
It is also possible to invest in tables with compartments or drawers, which help with organization, or versions that transform into desks, side tables, or poufs, ideal for reduced spaces.
Projeto de Patricia Martinez Arquitetura. (Salvador Cordaro/CASACOR)
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