Coffee table tribulations

As part of my big house revamp/living room update, (my husband is quaking) I’m still searching for the perfect coffee table on which I can place some gorgeous coffee table books, a few crumpled up sweet wrappers and no doubt, more than our fair share of mug rings. Just how many times will I yell “USE A COASTER!” before it sinks in?

Part of the problem that I’m having is deciding on style. I like traditional style furniture but at the moment I still have quite a mix. I have no idea what my style would be classified so I’m going to plump for “modern country”. As the old song goes - I’m a little bit country, a little bit, erm, modern? I think to say I am rock’n’roll would be stretching it a bit too far.

Something like the above would be pretty much perfect I reckon. I tend to favour the painted/wood top look and I think that ticks the boxes of both modern and country/traditional don’t you? 

But then that leads to the second problem. Space. I have quite a decent sized living room but it’s an odd shape and I’m not entirely sure that there’s enough space between the sofa and the wood burner to comfortably put the table.  Fortunately there’s a massive range of coffee tables available out there so perhaps I could just opt for a smaller one?

A smaller one isn't nearly so practical though is it? It's more for aesthetics rather than functionality. See? Choosing pieces of furniture is hard work! So much to consider. Mr M just doesn't understand.

All this leads on to ultimately my biggest question - do coffee tables have to be situated directly in front of a sofa? Can they be against the wall or to the side or is that breaking all the rules of interior design? Over to you...

Disclaimer: This is in association with Homebase

Image Credits: House to Home, Homebase