apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Coffee Table for Studio Living Room?
Good Questions

7-30-studio-coffee-table-1.jpg

Q: Hi guys, I just moved to an alcove studio in NYC, and need a new coffee table that works with this room! I was thinking of buying a square coffee table such as the Basis 36" square in walnut from Room & Board, but was looking for advice. Maybe something round would be better? Or a Noguchi table? Any advice appreciated. Thanks so much.

 
 

7-30-studio-coffee-table-2.jpg

EDITOR: Who has suggestions?

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: newyork(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Tags

Good Questions, coffee table

Related Links

Share

Comments (30)

I totally think noguchi table would be perfect for your space as everything is currently clean lined and a round table is just to obvious. Noguchi is not your typical shape so I think it would be a great addition to your beautiful space.

posted by mvastudios on July 30th 2009 at 3:02pm
view mvastudios's profile

Why not get an adjustable height coffee table that can double as a dining table - and use your side chairs as seating along w/ the sofa as a cozy dining area?

That way, you can clear out the table and chairs behind the sofa and place your dresser behind the sofa as a credenza - and spread out a bit more...

posted by bepsf on July 30th 2009 at 3:03pm
view bepsf's profile

36" sounds too big for that space, think about flow, getting around the table. I have the SAME PROBLEM! I bought a 40" square glass table for my studio space and it was just too big. The scale was off and I kept hitting my shins it was getting painful. No bigger than 30" would be idea. It looks like you have the same area to work with that I do.

I do like the look of the glass. I am going to get some solid block of wood type thing, rustic but modern, I can visualize it, have not found it yet...glass turned out to be "too leggy". legs everywhere!

Speaking of, your rug is too small too. The front legs of the chairs and sofa should be on the rug to anchor it.

Good luck!

posted by msjessiemeghan on July 30th 2009 at 3:23pm
view msjessiemeghan's profile

Where is that lamp from? It's gorgeous!

-Ruth

posted by cptnruthless on July 30th 2009 at 3:24pm
view cptnruthless's profile

noguchi is much too big for your space (about 52" at its widest). also don't see the style working with what you have. you need a round table to break up all the squares you have going on. maybe about 30-34" in diameter; maybe a simple contemporary steel base.

posted by twelveindustries on July 30th 2009 at 3:28pm
view twelveindustries's profile

Do you mean you want a coffee table with a similar style as R&B's basis, or you want a desk height coffee table?

I don't really think there is anything wrong with your current coffee table, but if you do want a new one I think you should stick with glass and one with curves (circle, oval, triangle). You have a lot of square lines going on, the oval coffee table softens the space. Also, you have a small space with lots of furniture, so a glass table takes up less visual space.

posted by HeyNowTex on July 30th 2009 at 3:28pm
view HeyNowTex's profile

Like HeyNowTex, I don't see what's wrong with the table you have now. (Actually, I really like it a lot.) So what do you think is wrong? What do you want to change or fix?

posted by JoanneM on July 30th 2009 at 3:36pm
view JoanneM's profile

I would definitely do two small cube tables placed next to one another instead. This would be a more versatile solution, that could be easily moved out of the way if you ever needed the floor space for some reason. It would probably be cheaper as well, as you could find this sort of thing anywhere.

posted by amarie on July 30th 2009 at 3:39pm
view amarie's profile

I think a Noguchi (a small version or small copy) or a kidney shaped table would be lovely. I don't much like the look of the glass. Go for something soft and sensuous . . to offset the 'clean' setup you have.

and I agree . . the rug is too small! Beautiful chairs though!

posted by Limeliteshines on July 30th 2009 at 3:39pm
view Limeliteshines's profile

I second the idea of two cube tables (Crate Barrel and West Elm are easy places to find things like this. Oh, and CB2). I also think the cb2 peekaboo table (http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=11024&f=699) would work well in a small space like that, because it's translucent. I think it's 37" long, but it's pretty narrow.

posted by as3087 on July 30th 2009 at 3:55pm
view as3087's profile

if you need to offload that coffee table, I'll take it. I've been using an ottoman as a coffee table.

posted by cecicela on July 30th 2009 at 3:57pm
view cecicela's profile

I disagree with these people, that table is gross. You are making the right choice in replacing it. I would go with noguchi table too. If you have the budget for it, you should think about replacing that heinous rug at the same time with something that will work better with the rest of your color scheme.

posted by kevoncubine on July 30th 2009 at 4:06pm
view kevoncubine's profile

I say round, low to the floor and glass to keep everything open...

posted by LSUgrad03 on July 30th 2009 at 4:09pm
view LSUgrad03's profile

A Noguchi would be hot.

posted by ftpansy on July 30th 2009 at 4:22pm
view ftpansy's profile

Actually, with a different rug, the table will look more harmonious with your sofa and chairs. The rug looks dark, rumpled & furry, and detracts from the modern lines of the table - being glass, it really needs something to set it off. I'd look for a rug that was larger, lighter, and close-cropped, perhaps with a simple bold graphic that picks up the colors in the chairs. Good luck!

posted by KarenH on July 30th 2009 at 4:37pm
view KarenH's profile

OK. this is sort of hilarious.

Couple answers first.

The floor lamp is the Weegee from Lights Up! I got it from Design Public. It's a beautiful lamp.

The coffee table is o.k. - it's a bit old, and the size is ok, but it kind of looks like hotel lobby furniture, and the wood doesn't match the media cabinet or chair legs.

Now - the rug :) The rug is about 5 years old now, and I guess it is sort of beat up. I wouldn't call it "heinous," but I echo the statement. If I had some more funds, I'd buy a bigger, more beautiful rug. LOL


coffee table for now - I like the idea of the acrylic rectangular table from cb2, but agree that some curves could be good. any suggestions?

posted by manjil on July 30th 2009 at 6:18pm
view manjil's profile

I agree, you money would be much better spent on a new rug.

posted by mviamontes on July 30th 2009 at 6:21pm
view mviamontes's profile

i love the table you currently own, but i think you are right in saying that a square shaped table would look better. I ordered a small square table (orange) from http://www.2bmod.com/
the service was excellent and i love the table.

posted by zoo on July 30th 2009 at 6:41pm
view zoo's profile

If you're looking for a minimalist table that doesn't take up a lot of visual real estate, the Adesso Glacier table is great. It has a spare but elegant design and works well in small spaces since it's mostly glass. I got one off Craigslist and love it.

Your studio is bigger than mine though, so you may be looking for a table that's more of a focal piece. In that case, you might want to go with something like what msjessiemeghan suggested - a rustic natural base to add texture and interest and a glass top so that the space looks open.

posted by JH4285 on July 30th 2009 at 6:55pm
view JH4285's profile

Perhaps that huge round rug from Ikea would be a suitabel substitute?

posted by fuzzyEgg on July 30th 2009 at 8:30pm
view fuzzyEgg's profile

I think that a clear table (like the one you already have) would work really well if it was rectangle!

posted by Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe on July 30th 2009 at 8:44pm
view Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe's profile

Rounded edges are better in a small space - easier to navigate around (both mentally and physically.)

posted by home body on July 30th 2009 at 9:27pm
view home body's profile

A round coffee table sounds great in theory, but I had one in front of a couch like that and it was a total pain. Only the person directly in front of it could use it easily. And if you're a put-your-feet-up kind of person, forget it with a round table.

Round rug, maybe. But a rectangular coffee table will be so much more practical.

posted by tequila red on July 30th 2009 at 9:40pm
view tequila red's profile

The rug is a far bigger problem than the coffee table. Replace it with a slightly larger sisal rug that better reflects the clean, contemporary lines of your furniture.

As for the coffee table... do you really need one at all? I think that the space might look better without one, perhaps with some minimal black nesting tables next to the TV if they're ever needed.

posted by Blandwagon on July 30th 2009 at 10:19pm
view Blandwagon's profile

I don't know about the quality of their furniture, but the "Smoke and Mirrors" coffee table from Urban Outfitters may work. It is a polished steel frame with a black top. It is 44"x22" so it may be too long for the space.

posted by KWorld on July 30th 2009 at 10:23pm
view KWorld's profile

Looks like I'm the first one to say "yes" for the square basis coffee table from R&B. Reasons:
1. I have it & LOVE it. It's very well made. If you think it's too big go for the rectangular one - it's just gone on sale.
2. The drawer can store all your remote controls & your neighbors'! It's huge.
3. LOVE LOVE the wood, will last forever. It looks even more beautiful with time.
4. I agree with you, I don't like your current coffee table. And the naguchi is beautiful, but the world is full of fake naguchis, it's like a LV purse - I'd never buy one. Don't buy the acrylic one from cb2, it's very "now" (and with all the scratches it'll get, it won't last beyond now)

Then when you get more money to spend on the room, buy a light colored rug.

posted by ferha on July 31st 2009 at 12:47am
view ferha's profile

I kind of like the one in the room.

posted by ChrisGal on July 31st 2009 at 6:48am
view ChrisGal's profile

It is a small space....the rug is doing nothing so i would actually just get rid of it and DON'T replace it.

I just don't think coffee tables are practical in such small spaces... But if you really, really need something there, then go for something different.

Instead of an actual coffee table, try get an ottoman (leather would be cool) that way you can get comfortable while watching tv, have extra seating... give the space warmth.

And if you need a hard surface, get a tray to keep on the ottoman.

posted by manu_pty on July 31st 2009 at 9:46am
view manu_pty's profile

I like the shape and scale of your current table, but you are correct that the style might not be the best.

BTW, may I ask where are your side chairs from? Me-likey! Now let's just hope that they are kind to the pocket.

Last, I like the carpet - it has a vintage feel to it that makes me curious. It just does not go well with the rest of the LR decor. Would it fit better in your alcove area?

posted by Melo on July 31st 2009 at 4:00pm
view Melo's profile

I know a great store where you can find modern coffee tables that not only look great but are extremely functional and versatile. Check out Boconcept!

posted by vasefox on October 9th 2009 at 2:12pm
view vasefox's profile

Feeds

RSS icon New York

+ City Feeds