Choosing between a light and dark coffee table is not simply a matter of personal taste. Because the coffee table sits at the centre of the seating area, its finish has a considerable influence on how the entire room feels. A pale oak or travertine table can soften the centre of a living room and maintain a lighter visual rhythm. A black, dark timber or deeply veined stone table can introduce contrast, structure and a stronger focal point.

A luxurious living room is rarely defined by how much has been spent on it. The most refined interiors tend to feel considered rather than crowded, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, lighting and the relationship between individual pieces.