Should I Get A Glass Coffee Table?

By Joelle Wellington

Coffee tables are integral to any living space. Not only do they serve as a centerpiece, they take up a massive amount of space, filling up empty space with something more concrete.

A coffee table has the power to make any space thematic, and there are so many materials to consider. Whether it’s made of wood, steel, or plastic, nothing quite beats the casual elegance of a glass coffee table. But, how do you decide if you should get a glass coffee table?

Here are some helpful questions to consider before you make that big purchase.

Where Do You Need a Coffee Table?

The first major question is where your coffee table will be: the family room or the sitting/living room? These are two rooms that seem similar but have totally different functions. Living rooms are more formal, fashioned for entertaining guests, while family rooms are for more casual gatherings and daily use.

It’s recommended that cheaper, sturdier coffee tables should be used for family rooms, so consider whether a glass coffee table is appropriate. If your immediate reaction is no, think about how easy a glass coffee table is to clean. This could be a major point in favor of a glass coffee table in a room that goes through daily use. For living rooms, the elegance of a glass coffee table definitely makes it a great option.

Is Your Coffee Table the Centerpiece?

This is another important question. The word ‘centerpiece’ feels like a buzzword because it can refer to a lot of pieces: sofas, a plush area rug, even a piece of wall decor. But, due to the elegance of a glass table, it’s also an appropriate word to use here.

When considering furniture as a centerpiece, it’s important to remember style, size, and color. Combine only two of these elements because you don’t want to overwhelm. If a glass coffee table is meant to be your centerpiece, make sure there’s something strong and noticeably different about it. The translucence of a glass coffee table means that it won’t take up any visual space. If it’s the right choice, your coffee table will draw attention for its uniqueness.

Size and Shape

When considering shape and size, there are a few things that definitely need to be considered. How large is the space you’re looking at? What other furniture do you have?

Long sofas would look great with rounder tables to create some diversity, whether that means longer ovals or wider circles. Smaller loveseats might be better suited for shorter, square glass tables. Just make sure that your space can handle the harsher, sharper lines of a rectangular glass table or the room will look overwhelmed and boxy.

Can You Keep Up with a Glass Coffee Table’s Care?

This is your final question. It’s also a really important one. Glass coffee tables are definitely the easiest to clean. Any glass cleaner will do and a terry cloth will keep it from streaking. Another pro-tip is to use old newspapers if you don’t have any old cloths to spare.

But, the question still bears asking. If you have pets or small children, maybe a glass coffee table isn’t for you. Glass tables are easy to clean but they also gain of finger marks and scratches easily. They can also be dangerous to those that aren’t super careful or don’t know to be careful, like small children.

You have to consider the aesthetic appeal of your coffee table. Does it look good with your other furniture? Will it look nice in the living room?

If you answered yes to these questions, then a glass coffee table is something you should consider buying. But if you answered no to these questions, then a glass coffee table needs to be avoided. So what’s the best way to buy a glass coffee table without compromising its function as a coffee table? Here are some tips:

Consider whether or not the glass will stay clean. If there are pets in your home or if you have children, you might want to reconsider getting a glass coffee table. It will be very difficult to keep it clean and free from scratches and smudges. The majority of tables come with a protective cover, but it’s no guarantee that dust and dirt won’t get on the table eventually. However, if you don’t have pets or children and plan to keep the glass clean yourself, this isn’t a factor for you. Instead, you should buy a dining set.

Choose the size of your table carefully. The last thing you want is for your guests to trip over their feet while walking around your coffee table! Make sure that the height is suitable for people who will be sitting on it.

A glass coffee table can be a beautiful centerpiece to any room, but it also has potential pitfalls. While a glass coffee table can add a touch of style and some glamour to your living room, it’s important to understand their issues before you pick one up for yourself.

The pros and cons of wood and glass coffee tables:

Pros:

• Visually Appealing: The main advantage of a glass coffee table is the way it looks. The clear glass gives your living room an airy and open feeling while still providing a surface for displaying items such as books, magazines, and other decorative objects. Glass tables look especially attractive when light shines through them from behind.
• Reduced Cost: You can save money on a glass coffee table because it’s less expensive than wood, marble, or slate options. Glass tops also tend to be lighter than other materials, which means that if you have small children or pets in the house, they are less likely to knock over or damage the glass.

Other pros:

• Glass is clear and elegant, perfect for showing off decorative items or books.
• Glass doesn’t stain easily, so you don’t have to worry about spills or water rings.
• Since glass is transparent, you can put almost anything on top of it without looking out of place.

Cons:

• Glass has the potential to shatter if it’s bumped into the wrong way.
• Scratching the surface is a real possibility, which can make a table look worn down relatively quickly.
• Like everything else, glass eventually breaks when it’s subjected to enough force or enough wear and tear.

Many people consider the coffee table as a practical furniture piece. But it is worth noting that you can choose glass-top coffee tables for your home too. Some of the main reasons why glass top coffee tables are preferred by many people for their homes include:

Durability

A glass coffee table gives a modern look to a living room, and it adds a touch of elegance to any setting. The fact is that glass top coffee tables are more durable than wooden tables.

Easy to clean

When you have kids and pets around your house, then there is no way out from cleaning your furniture regularly. It is easier to clean the glass top coffee table, but it might be a little difficult task when you have wooden or metal tables in your house.

Style

Most people prefer the glass-top coffee tables because they add a modern touch to any setting and enhance the room’s beauty.

Safety

You can store some essential items on a glass top without worrying about them falling over. There is no chance of them falling from the glass surface compared to wooden or metal surfaces, which can easily break if items fall on them from higher heights.

If you prefer a traditional style, the glass coffee table with legs may be suitable for your home. These tables can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, and acrylic (plexiglass). This type will also come in a wide range of colors and designs. They can be found in modern and classic styles and usually feature four legs that hold up the weight of the tabletop.