Need a coffee table, and other problems...
Firstly some scene setting:
So this 'thing' in the middle of the room, I REALLY love it, but we need a more functional coffee table. My partner has agreed it can stay as a side table... Under duress. I can't afford one of those tiny Eames side tables, and I love the industrial wrought iron on this and the trapezoid shape.
So I've got two pieces of 60s rosewood furniture, one is the bookcase behind the lounge chair. It's a really deep dark rosewood to match the chair, I love the wood's grain and the colour. I want that to stay. And...
...the other piece is this 8ft sideboard, which I really love, but can't decide if I like the kick board on. Because I can remove that. Maybe that'd be better.
This armchair, the sideboard behind it, and the empty bookshelf in the picture above (to the right of the Eames chair) are going. Have no intention of keeping any of those items so don't factor those in.
Firstly, am I crazy for liking this thing? And can I do anything to make it more appealing if it's not likeable? (I have some rosewood panels that I could cover the wood in, but don't know if that'd look trite or too matchy).
Secondly, what coffee table could I get to suit this space? My partner wants a big chunky coffee table, which I am terrified of, as everything else is intentionally sleek to maximise light under items and our space.
Thanks for looking, I have spent TOO long looking at my room I have lost perspective.
Comments (25)
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Comments (11)I absolutely agree (& appreciate) all advice! I was afraid of being too detailed but the help I've received has given much guidance. I'm pointing out a couple key things in hopes of helping me out even more building on these great tips. Included before photos (we have lived here for 9mo now so some is my poor choices/coupled w/financial patience+ happy decisions! Ready to tie it together & LIVE w/out mismatch/incomplete "one day" still lingering. Before: So much blue pulled out more in fireplace/kitchen backsplash & did not like. It's more gray when not accented so that was 1st intention. I loved the blue loveseat but wanted something more practical(& less blue)..Green replaced it but seemed small (although matched main sofa)Added wall frame behind & knew coffee table would eventually not be larger than green couch. It's comfortably laid on (as if a chaise lounge) so turned out practical. The rug is absolutely too small which I worried about. We purchased on our own & after curtain fiasco's, settled with it actually "going" okay. The blue ikat chair was also going to be a (sad) sell considering it's comfy & swivels. Realized it would go very unique IF my rug were not the same. Please note: I think swapping the orange/ivory couch pillows to tie in the new pieces would help? Larger, more neutral area rug but COMFY. Smaller, square & practical coffee table have been big concerns but thanks to you all.... *** I think a square/tufted ottoman top, "bench coffee table" may be solution? Possibly with gold/antique silver legs to match end tables? or something white washed/gray weathered-- not TOO farmhousey--- to tie in mirror & "bar" shelves. Rug must be MUCH larger but still at loss for exact type/color. (afraid I will overdue it... OR that a neural style will end up uncomfortable AND orangey/outdoor looking.) **Kitchen bar stools are also going to be replaced as they don't go well with space so suggestions for those more than welcome! Large space between dining table windows is terrifying. Will take time I am afraid.Needs to be just right for blank 10FT+ of space! Eventually raising window curtain height above actual windows would make the space seem larger & continue the theme of French Country Farmhouse meets a COMFY, Eclectic Minimalism? I am to the point of *wishing* I could just hire someone!!!...See MoreRug, side and coffee table design advice please!
Comments (17)Thanks everyone, this is so helpful!!! Dundrum that made me chuckle. I will stick to my guns but sadly the retailers have an aversion to pistachio. Went round huge Next home store today, tonnes of curtain fabric options in all colours except pistachio!!! Grrrr! Thank you again Man about House, I will persevere and I covet your curtains!!! I think I may well get the original rug you found! Thanks Laura will also look at French Connection, who would have thought! The parquet floors are from 1962 and I am chuffed to bits how they have come up, waited 3.5 years to do them! Angie and celery girl, very good points re rug size, my last Ikea one was definitely in the "not this" category!! Thanks also for the image celerygirl, I like the poufs very much but the trouble is the room is Lshaped and the walkway goes past them Any views on the coffee table dilemma everyone? As for brown sofa wish could replace asap. Would you believe someone gave me a beautiful South African wood sideboard and I kept it for a few years until eBaying it for a pittance! I even tried it in the space, see pic, yikes, I thought it was too dominant but maybe not....!...See Morestruggling with proportions and sizes of coffee table and 2 end tables
Comments (21)I think you're right jessa61, about waiting. The thing is, as you said, you're not in the house yet. When you get in and the floors, walls are ready and the main sofa is in, then add to it. You may dislike what you have in your head as soon as you see it all in situ, you may not. I really like the last table you posted, it's great with the sofa, and, in truth, i actually really dislike all the thin framed marble top tables around at the moment. It's not a trend i'm on board with. I would definitely wait for the accent chairs. Chesterfields are beautiful and statement pieces, however, they can be uncomfortable to sit on for long, there's no upper body / neck support and you can't lounge on them. So, this is why i personally think they go very well with high backed armchairs. You lounge on the armchairs with your feet up on the footstools. Also, you say you want two footstools, which is great to go with the armchairs, but you sound like you want to sit on the sofa and have them in front of you, which will be difficult with a coffee table in the way. The footstools can stay with the armchairs and be occasional seating, yes, the chesterfield needs to sit with the coffee table in front of it, not footstools. I think the side tables are a good idea, i'm not sure about the height you need, i'd wait to see how you use the seating before deciding. The height may be irrelevant and you may not want lamps on them at all....See MoreEventually made my coffee table
Comments (27)@Patrina, I’m into my cars and one thing I wanted was a decent size garage to be able t work on them too, I remember when I seen the outline in lime on the ground I immediately added another meter both ways as it looked too small! glad i did as it gave me a decent space to work in :-) I’ve a large air compressor, hydraulic car lift, it’s even painted, floored and pics with spotlights over them! Lol I’m so sad!...See MoreKyle Barrett
7 years agoJust at work, so will reply tonight. But took some pics as I left this morning. better idea of room
Kyle Barrett
7 years agominnie101: I really like most of these ideas, the cabinet you say to move further left is going. I will be getting rid of it soon, so maybe the bookcase could go to the left of the fire. I think you're right though, the Eames looked better before it's shape was muddied by the bookcase. And I'd like to keep the table as a side table. Art and mirrors need to happen, but the mirror won't reflect anything nice behind the sofa, I'd like a mirror opposite the window to introduce light from both sides of the room. I will be doing my own art and I'd like that above the fireplace, what do you think? I also want a MCM coffee table, but my partner wants something chunky and square/rectangular. Already vetoed anything circular, I'm really struggling.
rallyray: I couldn't get another sofa, I like this one too much (it was £5 on eBay so I'm already there on the bargain hunt - I'd love to brag about the rest of the bargains but it'd be an essay), maybe it being in the centre of the room means every photo shows it in the way, but it certainly doesn't seem that huge. Plus, a smaller sofa has already been vetoed by the other half. And yep, that lamp is from The Range! Great spot! I couldn't believe the price, I thought it was going to be trash but it's actually really nice.
Daisy England: Do you know any particular tables you think would fit with the elements I want to keep? I do like the table, just not as a coffee table. I think the quality it has is being a lightweight and cool industrial looking side table. I'd love this as a side table instead, don't get me wrong:
LTR Occasional Table by Charles and Ray Eames · More Info
Carolina: Yep, I wanted the sideboard on that wall, but it won't fit, by about 40cm :( And the item behind the sofa I didn't mention because it wasn't in the original pictures, but yeah, it's not staying either, so no worries there. I LOVE the Noguchi table, it's already been vetoed otherwise I am 100% on board with that idea, I even saw some cheap knockoffs on eBay. And the mid century idea I obviously love too, but they tend not to be chunky - my partner wants something chunky and square/rectangular. I also hadn't thought of a console table to cover the radiator. So basically, thank you - lot of good advice there.
minnie101
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years ago
PROFrances Bradley Live Edge Tables
7 years agoThe Noguchi table that Carolina recommended would fit well, or the G Plan Astro
Vintage Mid Century G Plan Astro Teak Coffee Table · More InfoOr have you considered putting some colour in?
Lucy turner and resurface designs take midcentury furniture and adds coloured formica or laminate in really stunning patterns so you've still got the style/basic colour pallette of the existing furniture tied in but adding a bright colour pop to draw the room together.
Lillies in Amber · More InfoTechnically, with a glass table you could DIY this idea by adding a design to the underside of the glass in the Astro table. For instance vinyl stickers will stick to the underside and will be protected by the glass (and are removable)-simple colour lines or squares will add some colour but keep it simple and mid century and still in essence the same item.
I like the idea of the colour with a see through element still there but the formica gives a lovely bright finish that is a nice high end look-you've got to be quite select with the stickers. Acrylic is also possible but harder to work with and i think formica is fairly tough.
I hope that gives you some ideas to work with though.
Kyle Barrett thanked Frances Bradley Live Edge Tables
Carolina
7 years agoI made a sort of mock up (use your imagination ;-)) of your room, changed the pillows, hung a mirror on the wall and some art, and added a coffee table. Now... if you can show me what your partner would like for a coffee table, I'll be happy to put it in here so you can get an idea of what it would look like.
Also happy to show you other coffee tables, so tell me what you'd like to see here. I can use links or photos posted here.
Kyle Barrett thanked CarolinaCarolina
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agominnie101
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agojust wanted to post what I got, for better or worse.
Still need to get rid of some furniture, but it won't happen this side of Christmas.
Very chuffed, it's a vintage rosewood coffee table, listed for £1300 on some sites, for £20!
Carolina
7 years agoKyle Barrett
7 years agoNot wholeheartedly, but it's ticking some of the boxes. Also means we have a coffee table for Christmas.
Just itching to get rid of the other chair and sideboard so I can move the Eames into the corner it is in. Room will feel far more balanced then.
Right now the ottoman and the coffee table aren't happy together, way too close.
Carolina