How to Choose a Coffee Table for Your Central Florida Home

Picking out the perfect coffee table is about more than just finding something that looks good. It's about figuring out its job in your living room, getting the size just right, and landing on a style that pulls everything together. When you think through these things before you start shopping, you'll end up with a piece you love for years.

First Things First: What’s Your Coffee Table’s Job?

Before you even step into our Longwood showroom, the most critical question to ask yourself is this: “What do I actually need this table to do?” It sounds simple, but your answer completely changes how you should look for one. As a family-owned business serving Central Florida since 1980, we know a coffee table is never just a table—it’s the true hub of your living room.

Think about your day-to-day life. Is your living room where the family gathers for board game night? You're going to need a sturdy, spacious surface for that. Or maybe you're always hosting friends from Lake Mary or Sanford for drinks. In that case, a stylish table with a surface that's a breeze to clean is probably your top priority.

What Role Will Your Coffee Table Play?

The purpose of your table really dictates its best features. See which one of these sounds most like your Central Florida home:

• The Family Hub: This table needs to be a total workhorse. We're talking homework, craft projects, and the occasional weeknight dinner. Your best bet is durable materials like solid wood—many of our American-made pieces are built just for this kind of life. And definitely consider models with built-in storage to stash the clutter in a hurry.
• The Entertainer's Centerpiece: If your table’s primary function is holding cocktails and charcuterie boards, you can lean more into style. Materials like glass, metal, or stone give off that sophisticated vibe that really elevates the room and wows your guests.
• The Storage Solution: Living in a smaller Orlando home or condo means every square inch counts. A coffee table with drawers, shelves, or even a lift-top is an absolute game-changer. It's the perfect spot for tucking away remotes, magazines, and blankets to keep your living space feeling open and tidy.

At Slone Brothers, this is always where our Design Team starts. When you define the table's function first, you’re not just buying another piece of furniture. You’re making a smart investment in a centerpiece that genuinely serves your family.

This idea of multi-functional furniture is more than just a passing phase. The global coffee table market was estimated at around $4.85 billion in 2025 and is projected to hit $5.7 billion by 2027. What’s driving that growth? The demand for pieces that beautifully blend style with real-world purpose.

Once you’ve pinpointed your needs, it's so much easier to find the perfect piece among all the amazing living room essentials out there today.

Getting the Scale and Proportions Just Right

We’ve seen it time and time again in homes all over Central Florida: a beautiful living room thrown off by a coffee table that’s just the wrong size. It’s one of the most common design mistakes out there. A table that’s too tiny looks lost and forgotten, while one that’s too big makes the whole room feel cramped and awkward to move through.

Nailing the scale is what separates a room that feels "just okay" from one that looks professionally designed and intentional. Our in-house Design Team has a few go-to guidelines they use to get the balance perfect every single time. These simple rules of thumb will help you find a coffee table that doesn't just look amazing but actually works for your space.

Nail the Perfect Height

The first measurement you need to think about is height, and it all comes down to your sofa. The top of your coffee table should be easy to reach from a seated position, whether you're setting down a glass or grabbing the remote.

Designer's Rule of Thumb: Look for a coffee table that is within 1 to 2 inches of your sofa's seat height. This creates a clean, comfortable sightline and keeps everything within easy reach.

If a table is too low, it feels disconnected from the rest of the furniture. If it's too high, it can feel like a barrier, blocking your view and making the space feel closed off. Before you even think about shopping, grab a tape measure and jot down the height of your sofa cushions. This one little number will immediately narrow your search and point you in the right direction.

Master the Length and Clearance

With the height figured out, it's time to think about length and the space around the table. A well-proportioned coffee table should feel like an anchor for your sofa, not a tiny island floating in the middle of the room.

A great starting point is to choose a coffee table that’s about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This creates a really pleasing visual balance and ensures there's enough usable surface area for everyone on the couch.

Just as critical is the clearance—what we designers call "walk-around" space. You need enough room to move freely.

• Plan for at least 18 inches of space between your sofa and the edge of the coffee table.
• This is the sweet spot: close enough to be useful, but far enough that you aren't bumping your shins every time you walk by.

For a deeper dive into getting your room's layout just right, check out our guide on how to measure a room for furniture.

This infographic really brings to life how the role of a coffee table has changed over the years, shifting from a simple surface for games to an essential piece for storage and entertaining.

As you can see, a table's function is a huge factor in the size and features you'll need, which is why figuring out its purpose from the start is so important.

Coffee Table Sizing Quick Reference Guide

To make things even easier, here’s a quick reference table our designers use to get those key measurements right. Keep these numbers in mind as you shop.

Following these simple guidelines will take the guesswork out of finding a coffee table that not only fits your space but enhances it, making your living room feel more pulled-together and functional.

Choosing a Shape That Enhances Your Room's Flow

You've got the perfect size in mind, which is great. Now, let's talk about the next big decision: shape. This is where you can really influence how your living room feels and functions day-to-day. A classic rectangular coffee table might seem like the go-to choice, but don't overlook what round, oval, or square shapes can do. The right shape doesn't just fill a space; it truly enhances it.

The most common layout we see features a standard sofa, and for good reason, a rectangular table is a timeless choice here. It mirrors the sofa's length, giving everyone on the couch easy access and creating a wonderful sense of balance in the room.

Different Shapes for Different Spaces

Here in Central Florida, so many homes boast large, open-concept living areas with sprawling sectionals. This is where a square coffee table really has its moment. It nests perfectly into that L-shape, giving you tons of surface area while grounding the entire seating arrangement. A large square table becomes a central anchor, making a big room feel so much more cohesive and inviting.

But what if your room feels a bit boxy, or you've got little ones running around? Going with a curved shape is a brilliant design move.

Designer Tip: Round and oval coffee tables are fantastic for softening a room that has a lot of sharp angles from other furniture. Plus, no sharp corners means they’re a much safer, family-friendly option for homes with kids.

Round tables are especially effective in smaller spaces or tucked into the corner of an L-shaped sectional. They improve traffic flow by cutting the corners—literally. Their shape also provides a beautiful visual contrast to the straight lines of a sofa.

Similarly, an oval table gives you the linear feel of a rectangle but with those forgiving, softened edges. It's a great solution if your living room is a high-traffic area, promoting a gentle, flowing path through the space.

Choosing the right shape is a key piece of the puzzle. For more expert advice on pulling your entire room together, you can find great tips in our guide on how to arrange living room furniture. Each shape offers a unique advantage, and our design team at Slone Brothers Furniture can help you visualize which one will best complement your existing layout and lifestyle.

Selecting Materials That Suit the Florida Lifestyle

Life here in Central Florida asks a lot from our furniture. Between the constant sunshine and that famous Florida humidity, choosing the right material for your coffee table isn't just about looks—it’s about making a smart, long-term investment. At Slone Brothers, we've helped countless Orlando-area families find pieces that are not only beautiful but also built to handle our unique climate.

The material you pick is really the foundation of your table's durability and character. It determines how much care it'll need and how it will age gracefully in your home.

The Timeless Appeal of Solid Wood

When it comes to lasting value and durability, nothing quite beats solid wood. It brings a natural warmth and sturdiness to a living room that you just can't replicate. This is exactly why we're so passionate about our American-made and Amish-crafted furniture. These pieces aren't just put together; they're constructed with time-honored techniques from high-quality hardwoods, designed to become family heirlooms.

If you're curious about the differences between wood types, digging into an ultimate guide to hardwoods and specialty lumber can be a huge help. Knowing the characteristics of each empowers you to make a choice that fits both your style and your home's practical needs.

For a Florida home, we always suggest looking for woods with dense grains like oak, maple, or cherry. These hardwoods are less likely to warp in our humid environment, ensuring your table stays stable and beautiful for years to come.

The move toward natural, lasting materials is something we see every day. Recent data even shows that wood is the top choice for consumers, making up 60% of material selections for home furnishings. It's a clear signal that people are prioritizing sustainability and quality craftsmanship. To see how a gorgeous wood grain can anchor a room, take a look at our stunning acacia wood coffee table.

Exploring Metal, Glass, and Upholstered Options

While wood is a classic for a reason, other materials bring their own unique advantages and can perfectly suit the diverse design styles we see across Central Florida—from modern Lake Mary condos to coastal-inspired Sanford homes.

• Metal: Tables with metal frames, often paired with wood or glass tops, offer a sleek, industrial, or modern vibe. Materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum are fantastic choices for their toughness and excellent resistance to humidity.
• Glass: A glass-top coffee table is a brilliant way to create a feeling of openness and light, especially in a smaller living room. It’s incredibly easy to clean and plays well with almost any decor, though it does need a regular wipe-down to look its best.
• Upholstered/Ottoman: An upholstered coffee table or an ottoman adds a wonderful softness and texture to a room. They're very family-friendly and can even pull double duty as extra seating. For our climate, we highly recommend choosing a high-performance fabric that resists moisture and stains.

In the end, choosing the right coffee table material is all about balancing your personal style with the practical demands of our Florida lifestyle.

Matching a Coffee Table to Your Personal Style

Your coffee table is so much more than a place to set down a drink—it’s a real statement piece. It has the power to pull your entire living room together, and picking one that reflects your personal style is where the fun really begins.

Whether you're drawn to the clean, uncluttered look of modern design or the warm, rustic charm of a farmhouse, the right table can capture that feeling perfectly. It's all in the details. The shape of the legs, the finish on the wood, even the hardware can completely change a table's vibe. A sleek metal frame with a glass top just screams modern, while a solid wood table with a distressed finish and chunky legs feels right at home in a cozy, traditional space.

Defining Your Central Florida Style

Here in our Longwood showroom, we get to see the beautiful range of styles that make our community so vibrant. These are some of the most popular looks we help our customers bring to life:

• Coastal Breezy: This is Florida living at its best. Think light woods, natural textures like rattan or wicker, and an overall airy feel. The goal is a table that feels light and open, never heavy.
• Modern Minimalist: A favorite in Orlando’s contemporary homes and downtown condos, this style is all about clean lines, simple geometric shapes, and a calm, neutral color palette. A table with a simple silhouette and zero fuss is key here.
• Timeless Traditional: This style is all about celebrating craftsmanship and classic forms. We often point customers toward our American-made and Amish furniture, which showcases rich wood tones and enduring designs that simply never go out of style.

Your coffee table is a key player in your room's design story. It's an opportunity to either complement your existing decor or introduce a compelling point of contrast that draws the eye.

The global coffee table market has huge regional variations, with North America really leading the charge thanks to a strong interior design culture. What this means for our Central Florida customers is access to an incredible variety of options, from internationally inspired designs to the locally crafted Amish pieces we’ve proudly offered since 1980.

If you're having trouble pinning down your aesthetic, that's what our in-house Design Team is here for. We offer complimentary consultations to help you create a cohesive vision for your home, whether you're in Sanford or Lake Mary. To make sure your choice is both stylish and lasting, it's also smart to check out the latest interior design trends. Our designers can help you find that perfect piece that feels both current and classic—an investment you'll absolutely love for years to come.

Find Your Perfect Coffee Table at Slone Brothers Furniture

Now that you know how to choose a coffee table, the next step is experiencing true quality for yourself. Shopping locally at a family-owned business like ours means you get more than just furniture—you get personal guidance from people who know and love Central Florida homes.

Since 1980, we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing the Greater Orlando area beautifully crafted furniture that’s built to last. We focus on pieces that will stand the test of time, which is why we specialize in American-made and Amish furniture. These aren’t just tables; they’re future family heirlooms.

Your Vision Realized

Have a specific idea in mind but can’t seem to find it anywhere? Our Custom-Order Program might be the answer. It gives you the freedom to tweak finishes and details to match your personal style perfectly. And if you're not quite sure where to begin, our in-house Design Team is always here to offer complimentary advice to make sure your final choice is one you'll love for years.

At Slone Brothers, our goal isn't just to sell you a coffee table—it's to help you find the right one. We combine exceptional quality with our Low Price Promise to deliver a kind of value the big-box stores just can't touch.

Ready to see what we mean? A piece like the versatile Dekker Round Coffee Table is just a glimpse of what’s waiting for you in our showroom.

Ready to find the perfect piece for your home? Visit the Slone Brothers Furniture showroom in Longwood, FL, and let our design experts help you get started!

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

When you’re standing in our Longwood showroom, trying to picture the perfect coffee table in your living room, questions are bound to come up. It happens all the time! Our design team has heard just about everything, but a few key questions pop up more than others.

Here’s a little inside scoop on the most common coffee table dilemmas we help people solve every day.

"I have a sectional. Now what?"

This is a big one. Sectionals are fantastic, but their shape can make choosing a table feel tricky. For a large sectional, especially one with a chaise lounge, you can’t go wrong with a substantial square or round coffee table.

A big square table slots perfectly into that L-shaped nook, giving everyone a convenient spot to set down a drink. On the other hand, a large round table is a brilliant choice for softening all those sharp angles and making it easier to walk around the space without bumping into corners.

"Is it okay to mix different wood tones?"

Absolutely! In fact, we pretty much insist on it. A room where every single wood finish is identical can feel a little flat or dated, like it came straight out of a catalog from 20 years ago.

Mixing wood tones gives a space depth, character, and a much more curated feel. The trick is to make sure the undertones play well together. Think of it like this: pair warm woods (like oak or cherry) with other warm woods, and cool-toned woods with other cool tones. A coffee table with a slightly different finish than your TV stand or side tables can look incredibly chic and intentional.

"Do my coffee table and end tables have to be a matching set?"

Nope! They definitely don't have to match, but they should look like they're in the same family. You want them to coordinate, not clash.

The goal is to create a cohesive look by picking pieces that share a common thread. This could be anything:

• A similar material (like a hint of metal on all pieces)
• A shared color
• A consistent design style (e.g., all have a mid-century modern vibe)

For example, you could pair a beautiful solid wood coffee table with end tables that feature both metal and glass. It adds a ton of visual interest while still feeling thoughtfully put together.

Our Best Advice: Don't stress about finding a perfect "set." The most comfortable and inviting living rooms look like they've been collected and loved over time, not bought in one go. Choosing pieces that complement each other—instead of matching exactly—is what gives a room its unique personality. We can help you strike that perfect balance right here in our showroom.

Feeling inspired? Stop by our showroom and chat with our Design Team for a complimentary consultation. Find out more at slonebrothers.com.