The coffee table and end table are two pieces of furniture that look similar but serve different functions. You might not be able to tell the difference between them when you walk into someone's living room, but understanding the details of their differences and unique features is essential if you want to take your home decor to the next level. We will compare the two and help you distinguish between them in detail.

What Is a Coffee Table?

The coffee table is typically placed in the center of the living room, in front of the sofa, as a place to rest and drink, as well as for storage of daily necessities and to display your personal style. So, what are the requirements for a coffee table? It is usually designed close to the floor, at the same height as the sofa cushions, to ensure that you and your guests are not blocked from view when you face each other. Coffee tables can have four legs, three legs, or no legs at all in the contemporary world of endless interior design inspiration. They come in a variety of shapes, including round, oval, rectangular, and even irregular geometric shapes.

What Is an End Table?

End tables, unlike coffee tables, are intended to be placed on the side or behind the sofa, which is also the source of its other name: side table. They are usually at the same height as the sofa armrest, small and flexible enough to tuck into your sofa. Since they are laid down beside the sofa, so there is no need to worry about them blocking people's views. It can still provide some storage and display capabilities.

How are Coffee Tables & End Tables Different?

As we have already discussed, the most obvious difference between them can be found in their constructions and they both provide extra space to add much-needed functionality. However, we will focus on the coffee table versus the end table in details to make more additional comparison.

Their Size:

The surface area of a coffee table is large enough to accommodate your TV remotes, books and daily necessities, while the smaller footprint of an end table makes it convenient to move.

Their Purpose:

Coffee table could improve the appearance of your interior design but also serve many important functions: extra shelves to keep your belongings organized and displaying, ample tabletop space to place your beverages. By contrast, the end table is essentially a smaller version of the coffee table, which more often serves an aesthetic purpose to displaying some showpieces such as magazines, candles and vases, a complement piece to an empty corner in your living room.

Their Style:

The center location requires coffee tables’ appealing design since it will be the most eye-catching furniture in your living room. To leave a memorable first impression to your visitors, You must make a big effort in the selection of an attractive coffee table. On the contrary, a minimalist side table is sufficient for a complement.

Their Cost:

The price of coffee tables and end tables varies greatly depending on different materials and constructions. But it is not an exaggeration to say that invest in a coffee table will cost you a lot more.