What You Should Know About An Upholstered Coffee Table
If you are looking for a coffee table that adds warmth and comfort and extra seating to your room you might want to consider an upholstered coffee table. Here's how to choose one that is right for you and how to style it to perfection.
Have you ever thought about adding an upholstered coffee table to your living room or family room? It is a wonderful way to add a bit of soft comfort, style, and function to your room. Let’s talk about what you should know about upholstered coffee tables and ottomans for your home.
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I’ve been on the search for the perfect coffee table for our living room and recently purchased an upholstered coffee table in a neutral color. Finally, I think this coffee table is the perfect piece of furniture for our living room!
The ottoman makes the living room feel cozy and welcoming and creates a nice conversation area in the room. In a pinch can also be used as an ottoman or a nice extra seat. This type of coffee table has loads of versatility!
I did a lot of research before I found the upholstered coffee table by our sofa! So I thought I’d share what I know!
Here are a few questions you might be asking about an upholstered coffee table and some easy answers.
WHAT IS AN UPHOLSTERED COFFEE TABLE?
An upholstered coffee table is just what it says and more! It is a coffee table that is covered with foam (usually high density) and upholstery fabric. It can also be known as an ottoman coffee table because these tables are often used to put one’s feet up or as additional setting.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR SHAPES FOR AN UPHOLSTERED COFFEE TABLE?
The most popular shape is a square ottomen. Square is the perfect shape and most versatile design for any living space that wants to create a conversation area.
However, you can find ottoman coffee tables in many shapes and sizes. Rectangle and round ottomans are also very popular!
Some of the structural features you can find are…
- a shelf
- storage ottoman
- lift top
- removable cushion
- drawers
- more
Our upholstered ottoman has a solid wooden frame and the addition of a sturdy slatted shelf. I love the look of the wood against the light-colored seat cushion.
Right now I’ve stacked white books on the shelf.
WHAT FABRIC SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
The material on the top cushion of an upholstered coffee table is very important! It needs to be durable and easy to clean.
Fabrics like linen and velvet while beautiful are best used on upholstered ottomans that will not be used as a footrest or sat on.
So look for fabrics like…
- leather
- performance fabrics
- polyester blend
- olefin
- tightly woven fabric
Our upholstered coffee table is linen that I had professionally Scotchguard. We do not foresee any feet or sticky little hands being on it.
WHAT IS TUFTING?
An upholstered coffee table is often tufted.
Tufting is used to keep the stuffing of upholstered fabric evenly distributed. A covered button is sewn through the stuffing to the other side of the fabric where it is secured.
This makes the distinct buttoned dimple in the fabric.
Since upholstered coffee tables now have high-density foam, tufting is made as an embellishment. I love the look of tufted furniture pieces!
HOW TO STYLE AN OTTOMAN COFFEE TABLE
The easiest way to style an ottoman coffee table is to use a sturdy basket or tray. That way you can add items to the top of the coffee table without them toppling over.
I tried a couple different baskets on the coffee table and decided I liked the look of a white acrylic tray.
The tray is a sturdy base for the vignette! Just a few simple items are all that is needed on the square coffee table. I cut a few hydrangeas from the bush in front of our home and put them in a glass vase to add to the vignette. I also added a pretty tortoiseshell candle and a goldtone and wood bowl with some wooden beads in it.
Next to the tray, I added a throw blanket with fringe and a lot of textural bumps! A throw is a great visual addition to an upholstered bench or coffee table.
A large shallow bowl would also look nice on an upholstered coffee table.
I think the trick is to keep the decor on an upholstered coffee table simple.
The next time you are shopping for a new coffee table you might want to consider an upholstered coffee table!
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The coffee tables are beautiful! May I ask where you purchased the rug in your living room?
This is my favorite rug! See it here:https://rstyle.me/+hu3rWsVZtbqK_gl1j73K8w
Which upholstered coffee table did you select?
It’s beautiful!
The one I selected was out of stock but now is back in. So here it is:https://amzn.to/3QeNDOq
I’m thinking that this is a new post. That ottoman coffee table is so beautiful in that space. I love that you got something that satisfies the neutral theme while adding warmth with the wood. IMHO it gives the room more interest. After the past few years of the neutral starkness, I think folks are ready for a bit more warmth in color and decor choices in their surroundings.
Yes, the ottoman is a new purchase!
The ottoman coffee table looks very pretty and suits the space.
Thanks so much!
Your new upholstered coffee table is beautiful but wouldn’t be practical in my home. I like to entertain so my coffee table will have drinks sat on it and what about the appetizers you put out? You have young grandchildren that quite often have messy hands. How are you going to keep them out of the living room in an open concept house. I think it is a case of Form over Function. I don’t say this to be critical but just thinking through my thoughts.
My grandkids know that they have run over most of our home, but not the living room. My house, my rules. And my kids back me up. Just a gentle reminder when they forget works.
Gorgeous table. I have a large leather tufted ottoman that I use for a coffee table, so no lower shelf. Yes trays are essential for this type of table. I would never go back. Love your styling. Mine is big enough for a layered tray and space for a few books.
Thanks, Nancy!
Lovely selection Yvonne! I love the size, color and fabric.You’re going to have so much fun styling your new ottoman.
Thanks, Michelle! I am having fun!
Beautiful table to have in this room! Your description of the options was very helpful. Thank you!
Yvonne
I look forward to reading your blog daily as I am learning so much from you. I’ve tried many of your decorating tips and even some of your delicious recipes but most recently I tried to gather hydrangea from outdoors to bring inside to dry. Sadly they wilted! After reading todays blog I now know what to do so this doesn’t happen again. Thank you for coming to my rescue.
This is so much cuter than the couch ottomans I typically see! Thanks for the tips on fabric too, I have 3 kiddos, so durable is a definite!
I love the versatility of an upholstered ottoman!
I always love anything tufted! Great selection and adds more options for decor.
Due to size issues, (40 inches) I had someone make a metal base for an ottoman. Then my husband and I did the upholstery ourselves. I’ve made several slipcovers for it to change up the look and for ease of laundering. We use ours to put our feet up, snacking etc. When I entertain I use a very large cutting board tray to put out appys on. Love it. For this holiday season I made a green velvet slipcover and two matching pillows.
You must be quite the seamstress Helen! I’d love to see pictures!
Hi, Can you share the link to your coffee table?
Here you go, Cindy: https://amzn.to/3NT7ELV