DEAR GAIL: We have a very small family room. Along with a fireplace and sliding glass doors, we have a sofa, chair, ottoman and TV entertainment unit. There is not enough room for any coffee table that we have found and we could use tables for the extra chairs that we pull into the room when guest come. What else can we use? DALIAH
Every seating area needs a table for you and your guests to put drinks, so that you are not trying to balance them on your laps. If you entertain regularly, table space is a priority.
Every seat should have a convenient and properly sized table. For a three-seat sofa or sectional the coffee table would serve the middle seats. Then you need side tables for the end seats, occasional chair and extra chairs.
Along with having enough room to place a drink and dessert plate, end tables need to have enough surface to accommodate a lamp and any accessories. They also need to be the correct height for the furniture piece they are sitting next to. A proper height is no more than three inches lower than the arm and they should also not be higher than the arm. This is to prevent any spilling of drinks as not to lean over to low, have a saucer tilt or hitting the table when it is too high.
With the limited space that you have, my first suggestion is to use nesting tables for either your coffee table or one of the side tables. I consider nesting tables one of the most versatile tables, as they can be stacked when you have limited space and then separated for that extra table space when needed.
Using them as a coffee table is different and unique. They can be stacked as one or expanded, either stepping down or placing the taller in the middle with one pulled out on each side. They would meet your need for a coffee table and also take into consideration your limited space.
You mentioned an ottoman and this could also serve as additional coffee table space when entertaining. Purchase a sturdy serving tray a little smaller than the ottoman. The heavier the tray the better, as it needs to be a stable base for your drinks.
Since you do not have a lot of room for a standard size coffee table, you can have a piece of glass cut any size. They you are unlimited with what can be used for the base. Depending upon your theme, some things you can use are: plaster columns, books, clay pots, urns, a steamer trunk and for a modern look glass blocks.
For an extra narrow table, shorten the legs on a sofa back table. Most sofa or console tables range in size from 12" – 21" wide, which is narrower than coffee tables that range from 24" – 42". A wooden bench is also a good choice for a narrow, low table.
Another option is to use two end tables as your coffee table. You will be able to find a variety of them in smaller sizes and there is a trend for the coffee table to be at a taller height.
Although, not as popular as years ago, decorative tray tables function wonderful as end tables as they can be stored away until your guests arrive. The Internet and mail order catalogs will be your best source for them.
Still can’t find what you’re looking for in the furniture stores, remember to check out the unfinished stores and don’t be afraid to build exactly what you want and finish to match your décor.