Buyer's guide to coffee tables

Whether you realise it or not, your coffee table is a serious style statement. Although it needn't be expensive, know that it is probably the busiest multi-tasker of your home. Consider storage, seating, entertaining, school projects and (lest we forget) a rest for tired feet when buying - so choose wisely.

White is alright
Did you know you should allow for a minimum of 18" between the edge of the sofa and your coffee table? Any closer and you'll feel hemmed in. Go for impact and make a style statement with a white coffee table. The Kyoto occasional table from Heal's is a particular favourite.

Clear tables
Transparent furniture creates an illusion of light and space so opt for glass or acrylic topped tables to make a room seem more spacious. Glass is the easiest material to keep clean but it doesn't work for young children unless it's set in a frame. Sophisticats like the retro-style glass coffee table from Furniture Star and the Vitra Noguchi coffee table from Nest. Warning: tempered glass is less expensive but will shatter when broken. Just so you know.

Space saver
It's important to make your coffee table work for you. Remember that form should follow function. Do you need storage? Oka's Saltire coffee table uses valuable space for storage in wicker baskets. Named after the St.Andrew's Cross, this rectangular table is particularly popular.

Extendable tables
Having the option of extending your surface space is ideal for those who throw parties and need somewhere to place nibbles, coasters and ashtrays. Dwell's Rotating petal coffee table has leaves which expand out 'in bloom'. Or wheel out the bottom shelf of the Cologne table from Ilva.

Doodle time
Why shouldn't you have a little fun with your coffee table too. Scribble notes, play games and draw pictures on a Chalkboard coffee table from Hidden Art. And if you spill a drink, just wipe clean. It's a Peter Pan dream.

Ottomans
If you fancy a 'table' that doubles up as seating, consider an upholstered ottoman. Sofa Workshop has a wonderful collection of footstools. The Cairo footstool in cleepy fabric cherry makes for chic and comfy seating when you have guests. At a snip of the price, check out their Carrie footstool in sublime fabric. Like round tables, ottomans are ideal in tight quarters as you won't find yourself banging into hard edges.

For who?
Remind yourself whether your coffee table is for children with crayons or adults without coasters? Consider stone or laminate tables which already have imperfections so you won't have to be too precious. The Cuccina coffee table from Heal's has a hard-wearing stone table top. Or go for the distressed Indian white metal coffee table from Graham and Green. Totally unique, and the minor flaws add character.

Something different
Your coffee table probably sits in the middle of the room, so make it a genuine centrepiece. We love the art deco-style Decomai Teak and Bamboo coffee table from Soto. Is it a coffee table, shelf or a sculpture? You decide.

Drink under the table
The exceptional, nautical-themed Bougainville coffee table from The Holding Company is fitted with deep compartmental drawers ideal for magazines - or indeed bottles. A table that doubles up as a drink's cabinet? Three cheers.

Extra touches
Add a (useful) touch of the Orient with the Camphor chest from Shimu. Traditionally used in Chinese homes to store blankets and clothes, these vintage chests have been lovingly restored.