Mixing A Sofa With Tables And Chairs – When And How To Do It

The placement of the sofa or couch in a living room is an important factor in determining how the décor would look like and how everyone would interact. The options are variate. One option is to place the sofa against a wall or, if it’s a sectional, to put it in a corner.

The table that's placed behind the sofa is usually lower than the backrest
The table that’s placed behind the sofa is usually lower than the backrest

Another idea is to have the sofa or couch placed at some distance from the wall or to place it toward the center of the room, facing a wall. The problem in this case is the back of the sofa. It can become a detail that influences the rest of the décor in a negative way.

It's possible to use the table as a bar, facing a wall-mounted TV
It’s possible to use the table as a bar, facing a wall-mounted TV

The solution can be really simple: using a table. But is only the first step towards achieving a balanced interior design. Next comes the hard part: deciding what type of table you want to use and the function it has to fulfill.

Home theater room design with table behind the sofa
Such compositions can apply to home theaters or family rooms in general
The sofa table can be a multifunctional piece of furniture which adapts to your needs
The sofa table can be a multifunctional piece of furniture which adapts to your needs

At first, a table behind the couch would have been merely a display area for things like flower vases, framed photos and maybe a lamp. But, with time, the situation started to change. The table became more than a simple display surface.

Another option is to use a console table and to treat it as a display area
Another option is to use a console table and to treat it as a display area
Sectionals can be paired with tables
Sectionals can be paired with tables as well but you have to pick a side
Usually, this type of tables function as desks/ work surfaces
Usually, this type of tables function as desks/ work surfaces

Small living rooms in particular can benefit from sofa tables that function as bars or desks. In a family room, the table behind the couch can double as a bar facing the TV and this way the layout would be suitable for movie-watching as a family or with guests.

The size of the table dictates the type of chairs to be used with it
The size of the table dictates the type of chairs to be used with it
Low table behind the sofa can be paried with an ottoman
For example, a low table can be paired with a bench

A different possibility is to turn the table into a dining area. This can work if you have an open floor plan and the sofa divides the kitchen area from the rest of the social space.

Stools and poufs are another option in the case of small tables
Stools and poufs are another option in the case of small tables
Similarly, the shape and size of the sofa influence the design of the table
Similarly, the shape and size of the sofa influence the design of the table

Most of the times, the table is a modular, multifunctional piece of furniture. Depending on the type of activity, the occasion or the user’s needs, it can be used as a work surface, a bar, a breakfast area, etc.

These designs are difficult to find and usually they are custom-made
These designs are difficult to find and usually they are custom-made
A rounded sofa or sectional can be paired with a curved table
A rounded sofa or sectional can be paired with a curved table
This option helps maintain cohesion in a space defined by circular designs
This option helps maintain cohesion in a space defined by circular designs

But once you’ve chosen a type of table and a function, the remaining issue is choosing the right chairs to go with it. Obviously, this has to do with the dimensions of the table. One that functions as a bar needs bar stools.

It's not always necessary to add chairs to the table, especially if it's used for display
It’s not always necessary to add chairs to the table, especially if it’s used for display
Expandable tables are a good option in small spaces that don't have a separate dining area
Expandable tables are a good option in small spaces that don’t have a separate dining area

A couch table that serves as a desk needs one or two comfortable chairs, preferably with adjustable height. In the case of dining tables, things are a bit simpler and you just have to decide on a style.

If there's nothing else you want to use the table for, treat it as a display surface for decorations
If there’s nothing else you want to use the table for, treat it as a display surface for decorations
A mobile table is a good idea if you want a casual and flexible interior design
A mobile table is a good idea if you want a casual and flexible interior design
The table and the chairs or bench should match the rest of the décor
The table and the chairs or bench should match the rest of the décor
The style you choose is important for determining the ambiance in the room
The style you choose is important for determining the ambiance in the room
Instead of a table, a different option is to use a bookshelf or a storage unit
Instead of a table, a different option is to use a bookshelf or a storage unit
Shelving units offer additional storage and display space
Shelving units offer additional storage and display space
Such a combination is elegant, simple and functional
Such a combination is elegant, simple and functional

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.