As a tribute to the new year, I am starting a new series called Matchmaker, where I'll be pairing commonly paired furniture items. For this first post, I'm focusing on a pair that is de rigeur in any home and across styles: the sofa and coffee table. Like any real life couple, both need to complement each other and share some attributes, while also allowing the other to shine on their own. A lot of times this is easier said than done, especially when taking other factors into consideration, such as heights of sofa and table, comfort level, and budget.

Via Anthropologie

Besides for the stylistic aspect, there are also a few practical things to keep in mind. Firstly, the table should be at least half the width of the sofa, and usually 2/3 of the length. And secondly, it should not be shorter than 4 inches below the seat. In other words, if the sofa seat is 16 inches from the ground, the coffee table should be 12-16 inches tall.

Pro tip: If there are too many linear forms in a space, I like to throw a curve ball (no pun intended!) and pair it with a round coffee table. Or vise versa.

And if you're into DIY, its fun to transform an existing piece or one that you find at a flea market or vintage shop, into a unique centerpiece. Check out these brilliant coffee table makeovers!

1. CALIFORNIA COOL

1. Sofa 2. Rattan Poufs

2. MID CENTURY MOD SQUAD

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

3. PARLEZ-VOUS FRANCAIS

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

4. HOLLYWOOD REGENCY

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

5. SPOT, DOT, AND ROSE

1. Loveseat 2. Nesting Tables

6. CAFE ITALIANO

1. Sofa 2. Ottoman

7. AUBERGINE DREAM

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

8. AU NATUREL

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

9. MOD GLAM

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table Trio

10. VILLA BY THE SEA

1. Settee 2. Coffee Table

11. THINK PINK

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

12. CURVALICIOUS

1. Sofa 2. Coffee Table

Do you have a favorite sofa/coffee table pair? Share it in the comments below! Also, be sure to check out my fool-proof formula for the perfect pillow arrangement here.

xoxo,

Estie

#sofa #coffeetable #settee