Should Coffee Tables Be Round or Square?

One of the most common questions we hear in our showroom is, should coffee tables be round or square? With the help of our expert interior designers, we have created this guide which will track trends and help you answer this question on your own, so you can choose the right coffee table for your living room.

Coffee tables are known to be the centre of attention in any living room. But are you really sure about what kind of coffee tables will blend well with your living room? Wouldn't a round one look more interesting? But would it go with your square-ish sofas? And wouldn't a rectangular one be more spacious? We understand the confusion, so allow us to help you out. 

Things to Consider

The design of your coffee table can greatly influence the overall aesthetics and atmosphere of a room. It not only affects the visual appeal and texture of the space, but it can also alter the layout and dynamics of the room, influencing how you and your loved ones interact and utilise the space.

In a nutshell, the type of table you choose depends on the space available in your living room and the style of your home. Here's a list of other factors that you should consider:

• The shape of the room: if your room is square-ish with sharp edges, adding a round table will bring more softness and give it a more welcoming vibe. On the other hand, for more linear rooms, we recommend square or rectangular tables as they better complement such layouts. 
• The placement of your table: before you pick the shape, you need to be sure about where you will be placing it. For example, if it's supposed to be next to a wall, then you are forced to go for a square or rectangular table. 
• Consider your lifestyle: how many people will be using the room and in what way? If you have young kids who frequently run around the room, you would want to avoid a square table as it's more trippable. If you host guests frequently in your living room and use your coffee table to serve snacks, you would want a square table with more surface area and perhaps even a storage unit. So all such lifestyle factors will help you shortlist the right shape. 

Advantages and disadvantages of round and square coffee tables

Round coffee tables are the more traditional option, and they're great for smaller spaces. They also look nice when they have a glass top, but you should be careful not to put anything too heavy on them—they can crack if they're not made of high-quality materials.

Round Coffee Table Pros

• Since they have no corners, they don't have any edges that people can trip over. This makes them safer than square or rectangular tables, which have four corners.
• Visually, they're more interesting and unique as compared to the other, more commonly seen coffee table shapes. 
• They're also more versatile because you can easily move them around to create a different look.
• Most round coffee tables have a single leg, which means that they save more floor space as compared to square or rectangular ones. 
• If you have a curved sofa, round table which usually be the best choice. 

Round Coffee Table Cons

• Round coffee tables can be difficult to store away when not in use.
• Rounds are more expensive than squares, so if you're on a budget, this might not be for you.

Square Coffee Table Pros

Square coffee tables are a little more common, but they're also great for smaller spaces and sectional sofas. 

There are a lot of reasons why square coffee tables are more versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces.

• Flexibility - They're not just for the living room—they can be used in the dining room, too! You can even put them in your office if you want to give your space a little bit of personality.
• Easy to move around - They're small enough to fit in tight spaces or be placed against a wall. And when you need to rearrange furniture or move it out of the way, it won't take long at all!
• Great for kids' rooms - because they come in bright colours that kids love! Plus, they're sturdy enough so even if your kids bump into them or knock them over by accident, there won't be any damage done.
• The square shape is very visually appealing and clean.
• Square coffee tables are easy to match with other pieces in your living room.
• It doesn't take up as much space, so you can fit more furniture in a smaller area than with round tables.
• You can work with multiple square coffee tables in different heights to create a three-dimensional set-up. 
• It's easier to find matching side tables for square coffee tables as compared to round ones.
• Large, square coffee tables often make the room look bigger, as long as there's adequate distance between the table and the sofas. 

Square Coffee Table Cons

• Some square coffee tables have very sharp edges, which can hurt if anyone hits their leg against the edge, especially young children. 

Our Recommendation

There are a few shapes that have become standard for coffee tables: square, rectangular, circular and oval. You can also find other unique designs like hexagons and diamonds, but these are less common.

Each shape has its own look and feel, so it's important to decide which shape works best for your space before making a purchase. Our recommendation is that you work with an interior designer to visually see the drawings of how different coffee table shapes look with your furniture. This will help you greatly in making the right choice. 

In the end, it's all about what makes you happy!

Pick the coffee table you think will look the best in your space

We know it can be overwhelming to choose between all of these beautiful tables. But don't worry: no matter which one you pick; we'll make sure it gets to you safely and on time!

FCI’s vision is to create spaces that are beautiful, timeless and bespoke. We believe in creating spaces that reflect your personality and style as an individual or family. Our design process is collaborative and hands-on, allowing us to understand your needs.

Summing up

Now that you've read the facts, you know the debate between round and square coffee tables isn't as cut-and-dried as many might think. On the one hand, there are valid arguments for each option.

Overall, the decision should be based on your home's design and how it will best coordinate with other furniture pieces in your living room (or wherever you choose to display it).

Get in touch and let's chat about your space and what might best fit. 

We have different shapes and sizes in our luxury coffee table range, so we’re sure we have something for everyone! If you're looking to get some design inspiration, check out our interior design project portfolio.