Occasional tables are pieces of furniture intended for use as needed, and are designed to increase the room's functionality. The living room or family room is where you relax and entertain. Selecting the right combination of tables to complement the room's main purpose and its decor will make the room a more comfortable place to spend time.

Coffee tables stand low to the floor and are ideal for placing in front of a sofa or couch. They can also be called cocktail tables. A coffee table is the perfect place to put a cup, a bowl of munchies, reading material or the remote control. Many types of coffee tables include additional storage options such as hidden compartments, shelves, drawers and glass lift-tops for displaying collectibles.

End tables are generally placed beside a chair or on either side of a sofa. Since they are usually chosen to match the style and material of the coffee table, they can harmonize a room. They add functionality by providing a place for task lighting and other items you would like to keep close at hand. End tables are also known as side tables.

Console tables are intended to rest against a wall or sofa. They are also referred to as sofa tables. A console table is an ideal way to showcase those decorative touches that add character to your home. The most popular shapes for a console table are rectangular and half-moon. They can add sophistication to a hallway, living room or dining room, especially if they include glass tops or shelves.

Nesting tables are a set of at least two tables of varying heights. They are ideal space-savers for limited or small areas since they can be used as one unit or can be separated and used individually where needed. When decorating a smaller-sized living room, they can replace the traditional coffee table, allowing you to free up floor space and make the room feel more spacious.

When purchasing occasional tables for your living room or family room, keep in mind that many retailers and manufacturers offer coffee table sets. A coffee table set is grouped to include different types of occasional tables, such as two end tables and one coffee table. It is a convenient way to decorate or redecorate a room since all the furniture pieces in the set are already matched in style and finish. Buying a coffee table set is generally more economical as well.

Occasional tables are made from a variety of materials including wood, metal, glass and a combination of wood and glass. A coffee table made from solid wood such as oak or beech or walnut is more expensive than one made from an engineered wood like medium density fiberboard or MDF. In the interest of safety, when buying an occasional table with a glass top or one that is made of glass, make sure that it is tempered, since it won't shatter as easily as regular glass.

Decorating a living or family room is not always an easy task. I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights which will help you to decide what kinds of occasional tables will best suite your home.