It can be a tough decision…should you get a coffee table, a side table, an ottoman, or all three?

Your decision will vary depending on a variety of factors, most importantly your style and your budget. However, there are some important things to consider when you are trying to decide which furniture will work best in your space.

Pros & cons of coffee tables

A coffee table is a key focal point of your living room. It helps to define your space and it provides you with functional space.

Coffee tables are available in an incredible range of materials, sizes, and shapes, and they can blend in with your other furnishings and decor or stand out as a design element. The table above is designed and built by Forge Design.

Pros of coffee tables

Creates a focal point in your room

Adds useful, functional space

Can be used to house decor

Can be used as a footrest

Cons of coffee tables

Gets in your way

Taking up valuable floor space in smaller rooms

Depending on the material it may require regular cleaning

May stain or scratch

Pros & cons of ottomans

An ottoman can also act as a key focal point of your living room. Much like a coffee table, an ottoman will help to define your room and, depending on its design, it may provide you with functional space.

Ottomans are also available in a wide range of materials, sizes, and shapes, and they can blend in with your other furnishings and decor or stand out as a design element. The ottoman above is designed and built by Brentwood.

Pros of ottomans

Creates a focal point in your room

Adds functional space

Adds storage space (some ottomans will open to reveal a storage compartment)

Can be used as a footrest, and padded ottomans are more comfortable for your feet than wooden or glass coffee tables

Cons of ottomans

Gets in your way

Taking up valuable floor space in smaller rooms

Depending on the material it may require regular cleaning

May stain or scratch

Pros & cons of side tables

Side tables help to define a living area. Traditionally placed on either side of a sofa or seating area, side tables are generally more functional than decorative — although there are some brands like Artage, (feature above) that achieve both form and function.

Pros of side tables

Adds functional space

Provides suitable locations for lighting

Frames a room

Adds a decorative element to your space

Cons of side tables

Getting in your way

Takes up valuable floor space in smaller rooms

Depending on the material it may require regular cleaning

May stain or scratch

There are plenty of good reasons to have one or more of these furniture pieces in your space. Visit the experts at Smitty’s and we’ll help you figure out the best options for your home.