Ways to Make Your Living Room Look Bigger
A small space does not necessarily mean that it has to be narrow. Perhaps there is not enough light, the furniture does not fit well, the layout is not right? How to make a small room seem more spacious? With clever use of colour, furniture placement, space planning, and lighting, your small space can appear as large as you need it to be. Today I wanted to share 9 simple tips that can help your living room look bigger.
Rethink the TV console
Large and bulky supports should go. Smaller, slimmer styles are much better these days. Hide the cords, mount the TV on the wall if you can, or build some shelving to create a more elegant look. Get rid of speakers and gadgets.
Mirrors
Mirrors can make any room appear larger and brighter. Let them reflect light from a window and it will bounce around the room making the space appear larger than it really is. The mirror will not only reflect light, it will also create the illusion of depth and height in the room.
Light coloured paint
Paint everything one colour. Baseboards, ceilings and walls must be perfectly integrated. It will make you think about where the wall starts and ends. Light colours will reflect the light that enters the room, making it appear larger and brighter.
Less furniture, but bigger
Image : greta hollar
Instead of having a 3 seater sofa, 2 singles and a coffee table, consider replacing the sofa with a chaise lounge in a larger frame. The single largest piece is less bulky (and less thought about rearranging).
Works of art to the ceiling
Image : Bloglovin’
Go to the ceiling with the works of art. Take everything to the top. It draws the eye up and makes the room appear taller.
Add legs to your furniture
Get your furniture off the ground. Fewer bean bags and floor cushions, but more tall pieces.
Clear without rest
Less, less, less… Keep trinkets and bullet points to a minimum, and leave some blank negative space. There is nothing that makes a small space feel more cramped than having too much stuff. Keep the floor as bare as possible, with objects tidy and out of sight the space will feel more open.
Light coloured furniture
If you’re looking for a new sofa, choose a light-coloured one to fit a smaller space. It blends best with light walls and the flow will feel uninterrupted.
Do you have a living room that you need to make look bigger? Come talk to us and we will help you.
Ask Sublime: How do you organize a room?
Hi Sublime,
I am very interested in how you place your objects: they seem so well curated, but they also have an informal character. How do you display things without making your room look cluttered?
Ines
Hi Ines,
Thank you for your kind words about the objects in our projects. There’s nothing we love more than rummaging through antique stores or diving down the rabbit hole of vintage resale sites to find one-of-a-kind sculptures, pottery, and primitive objects. These small details are essential to a space, not only because of the personal joy they bring, but because of the way they integrate it: smaller objects join larger elements to provide cohesion and character.
When placing these objects in a room, I always think about what will unify the space and what will contradict it, because both are needed. You have to think of harder and smoother materials juxtaposed with soft or curvilinear ones.
When we design a room or a vignette, we always think about the composition and alchemy of furniture and objects. We love how the shape, scale and slightly atypical composition can make the eye bounce around the room, landing softly and discovering new things at different heights. For us, that is what defines the success of a space: attractiveness and curiosity, and always some kind of tension or contrast. The key is to let the design unfold piece by piece, material by material.
It is very important to let go, allow the unexpected, because it is in those moments when the magic of design is revealed. As a designer, I crave that level of discovery and surprise, because more often than not it’s what produces the most intriguing spaces.
To achieve a thoughtful arrangement in a space, start with a series of neutral palettes. The contrast of the white paint against the harsher blacks will draw the eye. When we decorate with colour and contrast, I always wonder where I can place things so that they almost disappear to create a sense of calm and relief for the eyes. How can I use objects to manipulate the eye? Can I play with minimalism and negative space to trick the eye and draw attention to the elements that I consider most important?
It is in these often invisible steps that emotional and intimate portraits of who you are and what your home represents can be captured.
But this process is a delicate dance, because when there is too much colour or pattern, the eye doesn’t know where to land. This is why it is so important to have a basic palette. When you control the palette, you have more control as a designer: you are guiding the experience.
As is always the case with design, the road is full of twists and turns, but that’s what makes it so exhilarating, if you let your curiosity take over of course. Ultimately, a room is never «done», it always moves and transforms, so play, play and explore, but above all, enjoy the process.
The Sublime team
El equipo de Sublime
If you have a room that you want to redesign, why don’t you come to our showroom and we can talk about your project?
Tendencias de iluminación que están en todas partes
To be such an integral part of our homes, lighting is often not talked about in the same way as décor or other fundamental elements of a room, and in some cases, completely neglected. The fixtures that a home or apartment comes with may be enough, but it’s hard to argue that a stylish pendant or large format light to match the theme can’t beat the infamous recessed ceiling lights or basic lights that are found in most homes.
Lighting trends are brighter than ever and there’s something for everyone and every room, from bold, eye-catching oversized lights to subtle lamps and bulbs that gently envelop the room in light. Below we show you how we visualize these trends and the keys to incorporating them into your own space.
Size and focus
Lighting is a sure way to make a space feel new. A fun way to do it would be to add an oversized chandelier. This is a great and affordable refresher for a room or entryway that guests will notice right away.
This also speaks to the fact that chandeliers are no longer just reserved for dining rooms or hanging in the hall: they can fit into a wide variety of settings. It’s just a matter of choosing a suitable selection.
Unexpected combinations
Some styles, no matter how different they are, are a harmonious combination when combined. As an example the creation of more timeless silhouettes with modern finishes and materials when it comes to lighting trends. This is even a great solution for indecisive decorators who cannot choose between two (or more) looks.
We love the idea of taking an old world design element, like a chandelier, and modernizing it, in the way seen here in this wood beaded chandelier. It’s the perfect contrast between traditional and modern, creating a unique twist on a classic.
Linear lighting
Long lines and simplified silhouettes will replace more intricate and complicated designs in the new year. Although ornate chandeliers and more edgy options still have their place, this stripped-down look is a refreshing change that many may be looking for.
Linear lamps have a more contemporary design and also offer the perfect scale for dining rooms with rectangular tables or kitchen islands with a pendant light. Additionally, linear lights provide a more fluid look, requiring a single lighting fixture to complete a space.
Fun little touches
Unique and fun finishes are very popular in terms of lighting. My personal favourite style is metal, be it bronze, gold or nickel – it adds a classy yet industrial component to the room. Having fun with light bulbs is a great way to change the look of your fixture.
Spiral filament, flame tip or even coloured bulbs are a fun way to bring light fixtures to life that you may not want to completely replace. It is also a fantastic solution for adapting the same lamp or chandelier to the theme of different rooms.
Subtle and soft lighting
At one end of the spectrum are flashy lamps, but at the other are soft lamps that blend into a room, diffusing subtle light that still makes a drastic difference to the ambience and overall look.
Lights that “blend” into spaces will reign supreme. Light, open and airy is how we want to live now, and having a great lamp is the way to do it, but one that almost disappears into the space to make way for other elements. of important design, such as art or textiles.
Side table Eileen Gray E1027
Named for Eileen Gray’s summer home at Maison en Bord de Mer in Roquebrune Cap Martin, which she built for her and her collaborator Jean Badovici, the name E1027 is code. E for Eileen, 10 for Jean (J is the 10th letter of the alphabet), 2 for B(adovici), and 7 for G(ray).
Eileen Gray’s E1027 was named after her and her partner.
This simple, height-adjustable glass and chrome table was originally designed to cater to her sister’s penchant for breakfast in bed, and from humble beginnings has become a sought-after design classic.
Perfectly modern, this table fits into any interior.
According to the Design Museum, Gray was ignored for most of her life and it wasn’t until after her death that she finally gained recognition as one of the most important designers of the 20th century.
A biography of her on her website recounts that: “As a woman, Eileen Gray did not have access to the support networks that her male contemporaries benefited from. She, too, did not have the advantage of working with a powerful male mentor, like most other women who had an impact on early 20th century design: like Charlotte Perriand with Le Corbusier, and later with Jean Prouvé; Anni Albers with her husband Josef; or Lilly Reich with Mies Van Der Röhe».
Neither did she study at the same schools as them, such as the Bauhaus in Germany, nor did she work as an apprentice in a studio like Le Corbusier’s in Paris. Instead, her privileged background—just like her gender—left her isolated.
Gray was born in Ireland, the youngest of five children in a wealthy family, and divided her time between there and the family’s other home in Kensington, London. Her father, an artist, allowed her to enroll in the Slade School of Art and she first worked as a lacquer artist.
After World War I, Gray decided to concentrate on architecture, encouraged by the Romanian-born architecture critic Jean Badovici, and in 1924 they began work on the construction of a house, E-1027, on a steep cliff overlooking to the Mediterranean at Roquebrune, near Monaco. Gray designed the furniture, as well as working with Badovici on its structure. The well-known Bibendum table and armchair were inspired by Marcel Breuer’s recent experiments with steel tubes at the Bauhaus.
Gray’s work represented in the MoMA New York collection includes his Adjustable Table E1027, and his designs have appeared in many MoMA exhibitions, the first being Recent Acquisitions: Architecture and Design in 1979, as well as in more recent exhibitions , Designing Modern Women 1890-1990 (2013-2014), and How Should We Live? Proposals for the modern interior (2016-2017).
Before her death, Eileen Gray sold the design to British furniture manufacturer Aram.
Ruth Aram, director of the Aram Store in London, says that the E1027 is her favourite piece.
«We have hundreds of designers, but my favourite is the E1027 side table by Eileen Gray. The kids use it, I use it, it’s perfect.»
These are the most popular interior design styles and tricks for spring
Spring is (finally) on its way, which means the first hint of warmer weather and longer days, so why not update your interior décor to match? Taking a look at data from Pinterest and Instagram, we’ve determined five of the most popular spring interior styles to try, whether you’re thinking of a complete makeover or just want to add a few little extra accessories.
From floral designs and understated luxury to a refresh for kids’ rooms, some of the trends have seen 190% more searches compared to previous years. Check out the styles below.
Luxury details
Pay attention to detail this season and add little touches of luxury to your space, whether it’s opting for lamps with gold accents or accessories in rich fabrics like cushions and throws. Don’t forget about the finer details like baseboards and faucets, an easy way to up the luxe factor with jewel tones.
Children's decoration
From children’s rooms to bedrooms to home learning areas, there will be an emphasis on children’s decor this year. Expand your space with textured fabrics and attractive prints that reflect the personality of the child.
Animals, nature and wildlife are a safe bet for little ones, but let your imagination run wild with abstract patterns and bold colours; just remember to keep your sleeping space neutral.
But remember that you can also be innovative and use elements that correspond to your children. If the kids like cars, use a licence plate. Make his room and his adventures and stimulate his imagination.
Floral
«Florals? For spring? Breaker». While florals may be the obvious choice for spring (thanks for the reminder, Miranda Priestly), if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Bring a touch of nature and welcome outdoors with floral wallpaper, bedding, cushions and more – the possibilities are endless.
Focus on a wallpaper
Image : sunsocialclub
For a spring décor makeover, wallpaper ideas are a simple way to turn plain walls into a celebration of the season by instantly adding patterns and colours. The first option is floral room decoration.
Nature-inspired wallpaper is a great way to achieve the biophilic look of spring. Introduce flora and fauna in abundance, with delicate shades of pastel pink and mint green to create a botanical statement that’s perfect for the season.
Spring Clean
Spring decorating ideas are not just about adding to your existing décor, but also about de-cluttering. If you’ve set out to spring clean, take the opportunity to de-clutter your space visually.
Re-evaluate what you have on display and decide if you have too much junk cluttering your surfaces.
The change of season is a good time to take a step back and look at what works in your space. You’re sure to be inspired by what you can improve, remove or simply relocate.
Reorder the furniture
Of course, you can do this at any time of the year. But it’s about how we use our homes at different times of the year, as well as how we want them to look.
In spring, you might use an open-concept living area more than a cosy one; you might move more often between the house and the garden or terrace; or even open up a room, such as a covered porch, that you close off in the colder months. Or maybe it’s just about making sure the sofa has a good view of the garden when it comes to life?
Even if you don’t change the main furniture in a room, such as the sofa, you can play with side tables, coffee table orientation, accent chairs and floor cushions.
Renew your Art
Very often, paintings and photographs become permanent fixtures on our walls, and when they don’t change, we tend to stop noticing them. But just like an art gallery puts on a new exhibition to build buzz, you can change or swap your artwork to add a new visual dimension to your interior décor. For an even faster solution, come to our showroom and we can show you some of the works we have for sale.
«Your art can also reflect spring,» says Mike. “Change or rotate your artwork with pieces that reflect what spring means to you. It can be a bright, cheery colour, a theme, or a place.»
Earn extra design points if you add a matching rug to your artwork.
Gana puntos extra de diseño si añades una alfombra a juego con tus obras de arte.
New Mediterranean design is in fashion
Dream with us for a moment and imagine a charming villa nestled in the hills of Alicante. With curved arches, plaster walls and terracotta floor tiles, the historic architecture and crafts are as rich as the rusty colour palette. The bedding is washed linen, the pottery is handmade, and the furniture is perfectly weathered wood.
This is the “New Mediterranean” design aesthetic, and yes, it is absolutely perfect. Although architectural elements are obviously difficult to pull off in many more modern homes or even apartments with less space, we’re seeing more and more interiors inspired by this laid-back, coastal chic.
So what exactly is the New Mediterranean?
Let’s think about it: If coastal naturalism and warm minimalism had a baby, it would be the New Mediterranean. Inspired by white towns like Altea or Moraira, destinations steeped in history and exuberance, this aesthetic mixes hospitality and character with modern touches. The result? Spaces brimming with natural light, earth tones, unique craftsmanship, and natural and organic materials.
But how is it different from traditional Mediterranean design?
We understand you: The two styles are definitely similar, if not directly inspired by each other. But if we were to give each style a distinct personality, the New Mediterranean is basically the more adventurous cousin of the traditional version.
The New Mediterranean is clearly more intrepid and eclectic. Traditional Mediterranean design boasts a truly neutral palette, while New Mediterranean weaves in richer earth tones and even pops of bright colour (think of the blue domes of Alicante churches). The Traditional Mediterranean embraces the «less is more» philosophy, while the New Mediterranean welcomes heirlooms loaded with character.
Why we love it
Image : homenationco
When we hear words like warmth, light and hospitality, we are instantly interested. But seriously, this aesthetic is so easy to love: it’s relaxed yet cosy, historic yet serene, and artsy without pretence. The look of the New Mediterranean conveys a down-to-earth sensibility that we can fully embrace: it’s like a permanent stay where worries are left at the door.
How to get the look at home
Of course, not all of us can create built-in arches and curved shelves in our homes. But there are some New Mediterranean design elements that are relatively easy to incorporate:
- Start with a base of neutral tones along with attractive earth tones or vibrant accents.
- Lay out jute rugs and lots of woven textures (baskets, pendants, chairs, etc.).
- The more rich-grained wood features the better, including stools, tables and ceiling beams.
- Decorate with even more organic materials, such as linen, rattan, rope and plaster.
- Display unearthed relics and artefacts that tell a story.
- Layer decor and textiles for a lively, loving environment.
- Embrace asymmetry and a bit of that Wabi-Sabi feel.
- Get rid of the curtains and let the sun shine through the windows.
- Add vegetation, especially olive trees.
- Bonus points for the whitewashed walls and terracotta tiles (with views of the coast).
- Shop our designer favourites for this refreshingly natural look.
Estas son las tendencias de diseño de interiores más buscadas
Many of us spend a lot more time indoors than we did before 2020, so you may be thinking of giving your home a little update. While the general rule of thumb for interior design is to go with what you like, there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from the hottest interior trends to keep your space looking and feeling fresh.
We’ve taken to Google to uncover the most sought-after interior design trends that will dominate the year ahead, whether you want to give your rental a temporary update or add a breath of fresh air to your new forever home.
Japandi design, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design that incorporates neutral colour palettes and soft textures to create a calming environment, has seen a 1217% increase in searches over 12 months.
This is a very minimalist style that is functional, yet simple. You’ll want to incorporate natural textures with bright, open spaces and lean more toward neutral tones. Combine this with more rustic and Japanese-style elements to create a unique, clean fusion.
Maximalism will also reign this year, with a 112% increase in searches. Bold and eclectic style often includes bold colours, lots of texture, accessories, and wall art.
The results also show interior design trends lean more towards those popularized by Generation Z and social media aesthetics, with cottagecore and dark academicism both seeing strong increases in Google searches: searches for cottagecore are up 132%, while dark academics are up a whopping 405%.
Image : w_moim_malutkim_domu
The grandmillennial trend, with a 217% increase in searches, is another hugely popular style on social media, with the hashtag #grandmillennial TikTok boasting 6.3 million followers, and in which videos of the younger generation incorporating colours and patterns that, back in the day, were strictly associated with grandparents’ homes.
Main Image : SublimeAlicante
How to choose the right size rug for your living room
We are back again with one of our favourite topics: rugs. It is one of our most requested topics both in the “how” and in the “what”. And we get it! It is a BIG piece that is not cheap so you want to get it right the first time because also, who wants to return a rug? No one. So if you’re now in the market for a living room rug, or just want to spice things up, we hope these formulas will help you find the right one.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is the «rug too small». However, today I am going to teach you not only to choose the right size, but also to place it. It’s easy to say “don’t buy a rug that’s too small”, but here we like to be a bit more rigorous than that. So we’ve got formulas, rules, and general don’ts that can help (and a few picks to buy). Let the rug hunt begin…
It’s a main piece in your living room, so it has to look good. So first let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the rules for each of the layout options:
General rules:
Typical sizes for living room rugs are typically (you can find exceptions like IKEA!) 67×134cm, 90×160, 120×160, 140×200 and 200×250
- Make sure your rug is at least 15cm wider (20cm is ideal) than your sofa on both sides.
- Usually the rug runs the length of the sofa.
- Leave 75cm to 100cm clearance between large pieces of furniture (if your living room allows it) if not, at least 45cm – 60cm. This will help you determine the size of your rug.
TIP
Measure the desired size of your rug with painter’s tape (masking tape) to get an idea of how it will feel. We promise you it’s a lifesaver.
All legs on board
If you have a large enough living room and want all of your conversation pieces on your rug (i.e. sofa, accent chairs, coffee table, etcetera), then make sure you have about 20 cm from the edge of your furniture to the edge of your carpet. In this way your furniture will not look like a child dangerously approaching the edge of the subway platform. Consider the 20 cm point as your official yellow line or London’s «Mind the Gap». DO NOT EXCEED IT OR OTHERWISE.
Next, leave about 25 to 45 cm from the rug to the wall (and maybe even 65 cm if you have the space). If you get too close, your rug is going to overwhelm your space and look like an uncomfortable «almost» wall-to-wall rug.
The main exception to these rules is if your sofa is against a wall (or our recommendation a few inches away so as not to clutter the wall). Your rug can get a little closer so you don’t waste valuable common space.
Only the front legs
This layout is probably THE most used around here (and probably around the world). All furniture can «play» but has room to be individual. Isn’t that what we want for all our carefully selected furniture?
In this case, you want the front legs of the sofa and all the chairs to rest on it. Here you are not playing where the mat is the only safe zone. Let those back legs dangle and take up space.
This layout will make your living room look spacious even though it isn’t. The rule here is to make the rug go under each piece about 1/3 the width of the piece.
For example: If your chair is 55 cm, make sure your rug is about 15 cm below it (give or take).
The rug too small, but it works
“But Mike, I have a 150cm x 200cm vintage rug that goes PERFECTLY with my room. Can I really not use it? Fear not invented reader! You can put that beautiful vintage rug on top of a larger rug. Yes, it is totally legal and can be great if you find the right combination.
The almost foolproof way to try this is to choose a natural jute-type rug as a large base and then put a smaller rug (with a different colour and material) on top and in the middle. But if you want to be even more of a rogue, you can offset them as long as the front legs of your seats are on one of them.
The floater (the one who breaks the rules)
This arrangement can be very good, but you have to be careful. First of all, what does a «float» mean? Well, it means your rug is under your coffee table, but not your seats. I know, it’s shocking.
In this case we recommend that the space between the sofa and the rug should not be more than 12 cm – 15 cm. If it is more, it will seem too small and will probably make you sad.
The sculptural or amorphous float
Let’s get weird… with the shapes of the rugs. There are more options than the classic rectangle. These types of rugs are ideal for awkwardly shaped rooms (for example, if you have a fireplace in the corner) and are easy to layer.
But there are no real rules for this rug, except that you have to make sure you buy it in proportion to your sofa and that at least most of your seat legs are on top of one part of the rug.
Looking for a unique rug to make your living room stand out? Get in touch with us, we will be happy to help you.
Terracotta decoration to bring that rustic touch to your home
If you have been coming here for a while, you will know that our thing is to elevate the everyday. In fact, it could be said that it is a kind of mantra at the headquarters of Sublime Alicante. We believe that mirrors, lamps and art have as important a place in the kitchen as knives, cutting boards and pepper mills. When you spend as much time as most of us in the kitchen, it makes sense to design a space you want to be in. And this also applies to any other room in the house. We always look for decorative elements that convert a functional area into a felt area. From vintage containers with patinated surfaces, artisan pieces that reflect the charm of the hand, and natural materials such as marble, stone and terracotta decorations to add depth and meaning to the home.
The latter is what we dive into today. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, terracotta is all the rage, a moment well deserved! Whether you’re painting your walls this earthy hue or choosing a vase to decorate your shelf, we can’t get enough of fired clay. If you feel the same way, read on to shop for some of our favourite terracotta decorations.
Terracotta is a natural material that has been used in design for centuries. With its rustic charm, it still brings pleasure to many interior settings.
Image : Newterracotta
Throughout time, terracotta has had many uses, such as sculptures, earthenware, bricks, and tiles. However, designers are now using it in new ways, working not only with terracotta as a material but also as a colour. The different levels of tone when using the colour add a beautiful appeal with a touch of effortless splendour.
Terracotta brings warmth to any space and enhances even the coolest colour themes. Also, it is important to keep this trend fresh and contemporary by combining it with elements such as botanicals and bold prints.
Terracotta in interiors: How is it used?
This precious material can be used creatively and functionally in your home design. It is highly regarded for the rustic charm and warm, welcoming atmosphere it adds to any space. Here are some ideas that you can steal for your home.
Floor tiles
Image : terracottaflooring
Terracotta tiles are very pretty, have a warm feel and age beautifully. The natural firing process results in different shades of warm, rich colours, and no two tiles are perfectly alike. The earthy colour palette these tiles bring to any room ranges from deep red to earthy brown to muted ocher to burnt amber. These tiles are available in a variety of sizes and designs ranging from square to hexagonal to curved shapes that can add an exotic touch to your floors.
Professional tip: As tiles can vary in size, it would be a good idea to use spacers when laying the floor. This will ensure line consistency and a neater appearance. Make sure the tiles are well sealed to prevent staining. Terracotta is porous, so it’s not a good choice for kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
Terracotta tiles for the Wall
Image : dwellmagazine
Not only on the floors, the terracotta is also beautiful on the walls. Exposed terracotta brick walls are charming and widely used in low-cost architecture. These walls need no frills and create a timeless look that will never go out of style. There are also wall cladding tiles that can recreate the same look. You can even consciously choose to use chipped and imperfect tiles for the shabby chic look that is all the rage these days.
Professional tip: You can choose between raw and matte, matte or glazed finishes to suit your decorating theme. Classic French-style interiors use highly glazed, perfectly finished tiles, while rough, scruffy tiles would go well with farmhouse themes. Terracotta tiles look great in the kitchen, but they should not be near the cooking area as they can be damaged by exposure to moisture.
Use of terracotta colour on the walls
If you don’t want to go as far as covering your walls with tiles, then using colour in different shades with the use of paint is a great idea.
While your neighbours use the traditional colour palette, surprise your guests with unusual combinations of terracotta tones in the interior! This colour is a great compromise between originality and restraint.
Terracotta statuettes and accessories
La magia de la terracota puede aportar la mezcla perfecta de rusticidad y estilo a su hogar. Los jarrones, figuras, estatuas y esculturas de terracota quedan bien en cualquier entorno, tanto en interiores como en accesorios de jardín. Acompáñelos con lámparas de vidrieras, alfombras de colores en telares manuales o fundas de cojines con espejos para dar un toque de distinción al conjunto.
Keep terracotta like new
Terracotta needs care and attention to keep it looking its best.
- Floors should be swept and mopped daily with a non-chemical cleaning solution or just water on a microfiber cloth. The older the floor, the brighter it will shine with regular cleaning.
- Never use acids, ammonia or vinegar to clean the surface as it will discolour.
- Wall tiles should also be cleaned with water or a non-chemical detergent regularly.
- All tiles should be sealed once every three years to prevent staining and prolong durability. The sealer can be applied with a brush and takes up to 72 hours to dry completely.
- Any spill must be cleaned up immediately.
- Terracotta that is not glazed attracts dust very easily, so be sure to establish a regular vacuuming routine.
- Terracotta is very brittle and can be easily scratched. Make sure all furniture has padded feet and nothing is dragging on the floor. Terracotta vases, pots, and accessories should be handled very carefully so they don’t chip or break.
Image : essential_home
Ideas for choosing a coffee table
Choosing a coffee table is something you think you instinctively know how to do…until the time comes to find one. That is why we have made this post so that you do not have to guess the size, shape or type you need to make the perfect combination with the sofa.
The centre table. So functional, so often an afterthought. The sofas take all the glory from the living room, and it is true that they make us feel comfortable. But the coffee table is the workhorse of the room. In it are the drinks, the remote controls, the most beloved technological devices, the most precious trinkets and, for better or worse, the dinners to take away at the end of a long day.
Sometimes it serves as a stool (something we don’t approve of, for legal reasons, but we don’t deny we’ve done it on occasion), a desk, or a craft table. With such a large and diverse job, you’d think it would be one of the first pieces of furniture you think of when moving to a new place and/or redecorating… except it usually isn’t.
How many hours do we spend choosing the perfect sofa, the perfect rug, the perfect chairs for our living room… only to throw away a second-hand coffee table that used to be Aunt Nati’s? (God bless you). Granted, not all of us go down the «who cares about a coffee table» route. We are sure that many of you have already discussed the choice of a table, but regardless of which side you are on, you may need a little guidance or inspiration when buying a coffee table.
How tall should a coffee table be?
The standard height of a coffee table is between 30 and 60 cm high. This variation fits standard-height sofas as well as most tall and low-profile sofas.
The ideal height for your coffee table will depend on the height of your sofa seat cushions. To best accommodate you and your guests, you’ll want the table top to rest about an inch or two below the height of the seat cushions. In this way, you will have enough space to comfortably reach the objects on the table.
How long should a coffee table be?
The rule of two thirds can help you determine the length of your coffee table. In general, the length of the coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa. If you have a standard three-seater sofa that is 215cm wide, for example, the length of your coffee table should be approximately 140-145cm wide. This decorating rule is particularly effective because it can help you keep your living room looking proportional and balanced, regardless of the size of your furniture.
How far should the coffee table be from the sofa?
We recommend leaving a distance of 30-45 cm between the coffee table and the surrounding seats. While you want the coffee table to be close enough to be functional for people sitting on the couch, you also want to leave enough room for people to easily move around the furniture without bumping into anything.
Coffee table shapes
Rectangular
Consider the rectangular option (or oval, but we’ll talk about this later) if you have a standard sofa (or an extra-long sofa with a chaise) so that everyone can easily access your favourite coffee, cocktail or late-night snack.
It’s also a good option if you have a tight space with little room to walk. If you’re a household with more remote controls or tech cords than you can count, consider getting a table with some functional yet stylish drawers.
Square
If you have a large L-shaped sofa or the traditional conversation setup with a sofa and a couple of easy chairs, a square table is a great choice. It fits perfectly in the L-shaped corner of your sofa or in the large space in the middle of your conversation area. The best thing about a square table? You get the most styling space for your money. Who doesn’t like a well-designed coffee table? We really like the mix of the square top and the round base of the table for a play on shapes.
Another tip if space is at a premium or your room is already occupied is to consider a glass top. This helps things appear more visually open: if you don’t see it, is it really there? Round coffee tables seem to be a bit more fun too, so why not take advantage of the availability of options for something more sculptural?
Round
For those of you who live in a small space, where every piece of furniture counts, consider cutting corners (literally) and opting for something round. It is also a good option to combine with an L-shaped sofa or a sofa with a chaise longue, as it has a good “corner” shape, that is, it fits perfectly in a small corner of the space.
Oval
The oval table is a good choice if you have small humans running around and you want to try to avoid any encounters with the sharp edges of the table (the round one is good for this too). If your living room is a high-traffic area (for example, do you have to walk through it to get to another space like the kitchen or dining room?), a more sinuous shape also helps with visual fluidity. It achieves the same look as a rectangle but softens a really angular or modern sofa.
The classic mixed marble and wood design is a favourite around here. The thin legs keep it light and buoyant (which balances out the heavier wood on the bottom).
Image: wrightauction
If you feel like making a bit more of a statement, check out the ’80s-inspired petrol blue table, which could add some serious cool factor to a simple, stripped-down living space.
