I wanted to create a dual purpose small space saver for many uses. I started with 1 item that could be used in many different ways, took up very little space, and was easy to put away when not in use. The result was using a folding TV table, as a study area, ironing board, reading nook, eating table, crafting table, and the list goes on! Here's how!
Total Time: 30 min.
Yield: 1
Supplies:
Steps:
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In my front room I have a coffee table in front of my couch like a lot of people do, however, I want to get rid of it and make more space, but my husband says it looks empty. Do all of you have a coffee table? Does it usually look better with or without a coffee table?
I did have one in my living room, and didn't like it. I don't have one now. If you are unsure, maybe you can put it in another room for now, and give it a week or so to make up your mind.
I think mine looks fine without one in it...but it is really up to you. I know a lot of people who don't have one.
We don't have one because we have little kids and don''t want them bumping their heads or anything else on it. =) I think it looks just fine and there is a lot more room so us!
I have a coffee table, but I don't have it in front of my sofa. I put it against a wall so I csn show off some of my collectibles.
I, personally, don't have a coffee table and don't want one. I find that any available surface around our home is a dumping ground for clutter. So with that thought in mind, I'll never have a coffee table. As a kind of substitute though, I have a small nest of 3 tables which sit against a wall.
I have had a coffee table in every house we have ever lived in because, like you I thought I was suppose to. However, the house that we live in now has a smaller livingroom and when I put the coffee table in there it was really crowded I removed it and WOW! I have space to walk around in, you can get to the couch easier and flop down. It's obviously a matter of opinion but my vote is get rid of it , you'll love the new look and the space is worth it!
No way!! Had one for years and like others have said, it was good for putting your feet on and a BIG collector of JUNK!! Get rid of it and you'll never miss it!!""
I have a coffee table in front of my sofa. I have had one in every house I have lived in but I don't think you HAVE to have one. Most of the times when my niece is here we push the table aside so she can have the floor to play. I only use it mainly to put glasses on or the paper while I'm looking at it.
I think if you need more room then don't put one in there. Like one of the people said, put it in another room and see if you like it not in the living room.
I have not had a coffee table in front of my couch for some time now. It looks fine and after you get use to not having one, you will never want another-at least I don't. I do have end tables which are used for lamps, books, drinks,etc. I love having the extra space and not having to walk around a coffee table. Give it a try for a week or so.
Thanks everyone! It does make a place for everyone to put their stuff. Maybe I will just get one end table and get rid of the coffee table, besides, I have a little girl who will start standing up soon and it may just be in her way!
We never had one all the years the kids were smaller. I just figured it was only another obstacle or source of injury to them. The upholstered furniture was all we had in the living room.
Personally, I like dual duty furniture, as my home is smaller. Some people use an ottoman or two ottomans as a "coffee table" and if you want to set a drink on it, use a nice decorative tray.
I would say try out a trunk or ottoman, just to see. Most people I know have one for drinks (and feet!) My husband likes to eat in the living room AGAINST my wishes, so I do not want to encourage it. I have always used a trunk to store games and blankets. I keep it in the corner now because with our playpen, there is too much crowding!
I had one for years in front of the sofa, but one day I moved it out to the garage just to get a 'feel' for a living room without one. I loved the extra space and have never gone back! To solve the 'empty' space feeling at first, I bought a nice, colorful room size rug to fill the area between the sofa, side chairs and recliner and put nested tables between two chairs. These can be pulled out easily for use when needed, then put away afterwards. Try it...you just might love it, too!
You know I was just thinking about your question the other day when we were visiting a friend. Their place is a bit small and the coffee table seemed to take up so much room and I wondered how the room would look without one. Then we have friends without a coffee table because they have recliners in the room, so their feet go up whenever they want.
Nope, don't have 1. All they're good for is getting in the way & collecting everything under the sun.
Marla
http://www.forgetmenotaromas.com - Our fragrances leave lasting impressions.
My daughter had one so her preschoolers could sit on the floor and eat in front of the tv. I don't recommend it, it was always crusty.
I saw an episode of reDesign on HGTV where they used two smaller rounds tables instead of a coffe table (link below). Also you could use an ottoman or two which would give you more flexibility with seating, etc.
We use ours as a tv stand... works great! No, its not in the middle of the living room either. ;) LOL!
I am 62 and never had one until about 4 months ago. Then I began using a wicker chest my son gave me so that I could use my laptop and watch TV at the same time. Well, my living room is very long and very narrow. It now looks cramped and I have this huge pile of debris piled next to the laptop. I am moving the chest back to where it was. I have small end tables at each end of the couch. The "coffee table" just became a surface to pile things on. Yuck!
