How To Choose A Family-Friendly Coffee Table

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY The Havenly Team

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on August 22, 2016

 

So you’ve got kids? Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to throw stylish decor out the door. In our day-to-day design duties, we’ve noticed that the perfect coffee table for a kid-friendly environment can be hard to come by.

Cleanliness, purpose and safety.

Those are the three qualities to look at when buying a family-friendly coffee table. So whether your kids use it to play games on, do their homework at or even practice their aerobatics from, these tips will help you find the perfect coffee table to complement your family’s living room.

Got Kids? How To Choose A Coffee Table

1. Pick A Coffee Table That Supports Cleanliness

Choose a coffee table that supports cleanliness

{Land Of Nod}

Kids are messy. It’s a fact of life. We all know things will spill, crayons will miss the paper, and overall, your coffee table needs to basically be able to survive a nuclear war. Finding a table that you can keep clean is the first step. Choose a dark wood or fabric that does not show dirt such as a weathered charcoal tweed or anything with a texture. You want a coffee table that has a sealant on it, something that isn’t porous and won’t soak up all that spilled Kool-aid. A coffee table with storage would give your kids places to store their toys and crafts as well.

2. Always Consider Purpose

Family-friendly coffee table choices!

{HGTV}

Your coffee table choice needs to be versatile. A piece that your kids can use comfortably, but that you can dress up when your friends come over for drinks. The ideal coffee table will suit all of your needs, yet still look good. This wood storage table from west elm would be a great option. Store the kids things on the inside, and add a tray with glam, gold elements (This Pineapple, Swoon) for party time. A coffee table in a metallic is another option for hiding marks and adding a pop of style to your space.

3. Keep Safety Top Of Mind

Coffee tables for kids

How many times was the commandant Don’t Run With Scissors! drilled into our brains as kindergarten students? The same concept applies for choosing your coffee table. You don’t want a trip to the emergency room. Choose a table that has rounded edges, and is preferably not glass. Not only is glass impossible to keep clean, it doesn’t hold up well with the sticky hands of little ones. A tufted ottoman would be a good non-traditional option for those that wanted something softer, and could use a bit of extra seating at times.

[df_divider el_width=”100″ style=”solid” accent_color=”#EEEEEE” border_t_width=”2px” padding=”20px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]
Chelsea S.
These coffee table shopping tips were carefully curated by Havenly designer Chelsea S., who loves designing Country Cottage, Rustic and Preppy spaces. If you like Chelsea’s style, book her today and get decorated!

[df_divider el_width=”100″ style=”solid” accent_color=”#EEEEEE” border_t_width=”2px” padding=”20px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]