Coffee tables may seem like an after thought, something that is thrown into the room. But they can be a great design tool. Coffee tables, especially in a transitional style space, can add interest, reinforce your scheme, and be a fun way to express your personality. Transitional spaces combine the elegance of traditional style with the clean lines of contemporary style, so coffee tables in such rooms must fit that bill.

Round coffee tables are always a classic choice. They enhance flow around the room. A round coffee table is inherently more kid friendly as there are no sharp corners to bump into. Corners are also the first place that show scuffs and wear because they are always getting bumped into. In a transitional space, round coffee tables work extremely well because they easily straddle both traditional and contemporary design. If storage is an issue, consider one with a shelf below or drawers.

Rectangular coffee tables are the most common. Their proportions work very well at balancing a sofa, they come in a variety of styles and finishes, and often they are very affordable. When designing for a transitional space, be sure the lines of the coffee table are very simple and clean. Anything ornate or fussy will make it too traditional.

Using ottomans as coffee tables is a very popular design trick.

Multifunctional furniture pieces make the most out of the space you already have. Ottomans are so versatile because they can moonlight as extra seating if needed. They also are a comfortable place to put your feet up, and with a tray, they make an excellent place to set down a drink. Ottomans also allow you to bring fabrics in that enhance your design scheme. Just be sure the fabrics are durable or washable. There is nothing worse than furniture that you are afraid to use.

Nesting tables are also a unique option for coffee tables. They need the minimum amount of space while still offering all the benefits of a regular coffee table. Along the same lines, you could also use two similar tables or cubes side by side for the impact of a traditional coffee table with a unique twist. The flexibility of this idea is appealing especially in a small space. The tables are easy to move and usually can bring a more modern feel to a space.

The finish on a coffee table can be as important as the shape and the lines. Wood tones are always popular and with the variety of tones there is one to suit every design taste. Light wood tones are often modern or Scandinavian in feel, but sometimes work in country or cottage settings. Traditional wood tones such as cherry, walnut, and mahogany often give a more formal look to the space. Dark tones, such as espresso and ebony usually are more modern. Painted finishes on coffee tables can be a great solution. If the piece is weathered or vintage, it can have a new life with a coat of paint. Also it is easy to customize the color and look to suit your space perfectly. White is a classic color choice for coffee tables. It can look great on modern furniture as well as country or cottage tables. White brightens and lightens a space. Black is also popular.

The key to a transitional space is balancing your preferred amounts of traditional and contemporary style. There is no right or wrong in design, only what brings you joy in your space. Coffee tables are a great way to express the individuality that makes transitional rooms so appealing.