How to Choose a Log Coffee Table You’ll Love
Coffee tables are a centerpiece for most homes across the country.
Like other pieces of furniture in the living room, log coffee tables serve as both functional and decorative pieces. Other than holding drinks & food, coffee tables may offer a resting place for:
- TV remotes
- Flower vases
- Books and magazines
They can also be extremely useful during family game nights or even act as convenient footrests for the daring few after a long day.
When you buy a coffee table, you want a durable and exquisite piece you might even be able to pass down to future generations.
For this reason, embracing log furniture is your best bet.
A log coffee table adds a familiar and timeless vibe to your space. It brings an element of the outdoors indoors with its earthy finish.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right log coffee table can be challenging.
Just like there are some general considerations when buying furniture, you must weigh several factors when buying a log coffee table.
1 - Consider Its Size and Scale
A coffee table can bring both big and small spaces to life.
Always factor in the space available when determining the size of the log coffee table you choose.
Big tables can dwarf the rest of the furniture and make the room feel cramped or crowded. On the other hand, a table that’s too small can seem misplaced and impractical in the room.
To identify the appropriate size of coffee table to buy, take into account:
- Height: A coffee table is ideally between 16 and 18 inches from the floor. The height of the table you choose should match the sofa or be 1 to 2 inches lower than it.
- Distance from the sofa: To ensure there’s easy access to the table and comfortable legroom for anyone seated around it, the coffee table should be roughly 16 to 18 inches from the sofa’s edge.
- Proportion to the sofa: To achieve a balanced look, get a coffee table that’s two-thirds the size of your sofa.
These measurements can vary depending on the general layout of your space and the specific dimensions of your furniture. The key is to ensure that the size of your coffee table is proportional to the room.
2 - Go For Harmonious Style and Design
It’s a basic rule of interior design that all elements in the room be in harmony.
Therefore, you want to buy a coffee table that not only stands out but also blends into the existing scheme of the room. Your log coffee table’s style and design has to complement your existing decor.
For example, a rustic log coffee table will look great in a cabin-style living room, but may look out of place in small or minimalist spaces.
The table below compares the purposes of and where and how different-shaped tables can be used.
| Table Shape | Purpose | Where To Use | How To Use |
| Rectangular | Ideal for formal dining and workspaces | Dining rooms, conference rooms, offices, and living rooms | Along a wall, pair with benches or chairs, and use as a work surface or to display items |
| Oval | Encourages conversation and works well in smaller spaces | Small dining rooms, breakfast nooks, and living rooms | In the center of a room, pair with chairs, and use for dining or as a conversation piece |
| Round | Ideal for intimate settings and promoting conversation | Small dining rooms, breakfast nooks, and living rooms | In the center of a room, pair with chairs or stools, and use for dining or as a conversation piece |
| Square | Great for casual dining, and works well in small or large spaces | Small dining rooms, kitchens, and living rooms | In the center of a room or against a wall, pair with chairs or stools, and use for dining or as a coffee table |
| Abstract | Adds a unique and artistic element to a room | Living rooms, home offices, and entryways | In a prominent location, use as a decorative element, and pair with complementary furniture |
3 - Consider the Table’s Material and Quality
Your needs and preferences must be a factor when considering the log coffee table’s material and quality.
Some of the most popular materials for coffee tables include:
- Clear acrylic or glass: These materials create an illusion of sophistication and spaciousness, giving smaller rooms a feeling of openness. While easy to clean, they might not be the best choice in a household with young children.
- Metallic stands or wooden tops: These give a sleek and contemporary feel to a room while providing an industrial aesthetic that elicits a sense of groundedness.
- Solid wood: A natural choice for coffee tables, solid wood gives a classic and timeless feel to the room. Its versatility can fit a range of different styles, from traditional to modern.
One of the benefits of rustic furniture is durability. And to ensure the best durability, consider the quality of construction and sturdiness of the materials when choosing a log coffee table.
Some types of wood, such as cypress, teak, cedar, and mahogany have natural elements that make them resistant to ants and termites. These elements include natural oils, resins, and chemicals that repel the insects.
Always remember, a well-made log coffee table is a worthwhile investment that can last decades.
4 - Consider Functionality
It’s rare that your coffee table will serve only one role.
Choose one that includes desired elements, such as:
- Storage: Some tables have built-in drawers or shelves that provide additional storage in the house.
- Lift top: Tables with this design can be used as a work or dining surface. You can lift the top and pull it toward yourself when you want to work on your laptop or have a meal from the sofa.
- Nesting: These tables have other smaller tables “nesting” underneath. They can be pulled away separately to hold books or beverages, or children can sit on them around the coffee table.
The purpose of the room where the table will be situated might also impact your choice. For instance, a log coffee table for the family room needs to be sturdy, while one in a less-used living room can be more decorative.
Always consider how and where you intend to use your coffee table before making a purchase.
5 - Weigh the Price Against Your Budget
A coffee table may not be an everyday buy, but you still want the best deal.
Log furniture can be quite expensive, but there are many price points available.
Don’t forget that while a cheaper table may be tempting, it might not be made from quality materials, and thus might not last as long.
These tips will help you find the best deals for your budget:
- Look for sales and discounts: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts at furniture stores or from online retailers such as Rustic Furniture Marketplace. You just might stumble upon some high-quality log coffee tables at reduced prices.
- Check out second-hand options: Consider purchasing second-hand coffee tables from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. These options are worth exploring if brand-new premium furniture isn’t within your budget.
- Read reviews: Reviews can provide invaluable information about the quality, durability, craftsmanship, and average price of the coffee table you have your eye on. Reviews can also inspire design ideas for your own space.
Choose a Log Coffee Table You’ll Love
Choosing a log coffee table requires careful consideration of size and scale, style and design, material and quality, functionality, and the price and your budget.
Fortunately, Rustic Furniture Marketplace has great deals on rustic furniture you’ll love, with a wonderful customer experience to boot.
Our furniture comes from different rustic crafters across the country, so we can confidently guarantee top-notch variety.
We’ll not only help make your modern house rustic but also gladly provide outdoor wood furniture considerations to transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis.
Browse our log coffee table collection for various designs and wood options that suit your taste, style, and needs. Like Cynthia on getting her Viking Log Sawtooth Hickory Coffee Table, your review will be short and sweet:
“We love it!”
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