Beyond aesthetics, many modern designs feature built-in storage, such as drawers and shelves, helping you keep everyday clutter neatly tucked away. From sleek Japandi designs to more generous, rustic styles, the right coffee table can enhance your room’s ambience while offering the convenience you need for daily living.

If you need help incorporating these pieces into your existing decor, read on for plenty of inspiration.

Getting started

Original Rustic coffee table | @my_barratt_mey

Choosing the right coffee table starts with understanding your personal style, your storage needs, and how it fits into your overall living room design. Is your aesthetic cottagecore and cosy, sleek and modern, or a bold mix of eclectic elements? Defining your base style will guide your selection, ensuring your coffee table enhances and complements your space.

To bring your vision to life, consider creating a mood board on Pinterest. Collect images of coffee tables, living room layouts, and interior styles that inspire you. This will help you visualise how different shapes, materials, and finishes work together, making it easier to find a table that not only looks amazing but also feels like a natural extension of your home.

In the round

Halo coffee table | Malvern sofa | Maze rug

Practical and stylish, a round coffee table or a nesting coffee table is a great choice if you need flexible furniture that adapts to your space. The circular design of our Halo coffee table is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with a spacious shelf for stacking books and magazines neatly together.

The perfect match

Parquet coffee table | Parquet large sideboard | @at_the_mcgillens

For a seamless and stylish living space, consider choosing coffee tables and other furniture pieces from the same or a complementary range. A well-coordinated look helps create visual harmony, making your room feel intentional and thoughtfully designed.

Start by selecting a coffee table that complements your existing furniture in terms of material, colour, and design. If you already have wooden pieces, choose a coffee table in a similar wood tone or finish to tie everything together effortlessly.

Scandi saviour

Durham coffee table | Thornley sofa | Clouds metallic rug

Minimalist Scandinavian style remains a timeless design choice that works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional homes. When styling modern pieces, opt for architectural and decorative accessories in a neutral colour palette to bring this look to life. If space is a bit tight, the Scandi-inspired Durham range offers the perfect small living room coffee table.

French farmhouse style

Burleigh coffee table | Burleigh console table

Our chateau-inspired Burleigh range introduces instant French style to any space. Pair with neutral tones and rustic accessories to add to the farmhouse feel, while the warm weathered finish brings a pleasing homely touch.
Style tips

Once you’ve chosen your coffee table, simple touches can effortlessly elevate its impact in your space. A ceramic bowl, a pretty branch or bunch of blooms, and a stack of books or magazines are easy, affordable ways to add interest. Follow these hints to experiment with styling and make the most of your space…

Follow the rule of three:

Objects arranged in odd numbers tend to be more visually appealing.

Oliver coffee table | Jude sofa | Eden rug

Add a mixture of heights:

Try introducing plants, accessories, and books of varying sizes to create visual interest and draw the eye to different levels.

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

Stack magazines and coffee table books:

To create more space and add character, place one or two objects on a pile of coffee table books or magazines for a thoughtfully curated look.

Henley coffee table | Malvern sofa

Add a decorative tray:

Highlight your favourite decorative accessories in one stylish spot.

Parquet coffee table | @laura.elizabeth_

Dual function furniture

Malvern modular corner sofa | Malvern footstool | @ourwelshhomeuk

If you don’t have space for a coffee table, a footstool offers a versatile solution, providing both ad-hoc seating and a surface for drinks and snacks — just add a tray on top! Opt for textured upholstery, like that featured in our Malvern sofa and coordinating footstool in beige fabric, to create a serene and stylish room scheme.

Browse our full collection of oak coffee tables and more to find the perfect one for you. Plus, don’t miss our complete buyer’s guide to choosing the right size coffee table for your space.

Let us know how you style your coffee table by sharing your photos using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

The post How to style your coffee table appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Accent furniture is a statement piece that stands out from the rest of the room by adding colour, definition, or drama to a living space. It’s a perfect way to add some personality to your home with new colours, textures, or shapes. Plus, accent chairs are versatile enough to be used anywhere such as in your lounge, bedroom, office, hallway – or perhaps a quiet nook where you might like to take a seat and have a few minutes of peace.

So, in the hunt to find your perfect accent chair, we’ve pulled together some things to consider…

How will I use it?

Alexander chair | Henley tallboy

If you’re creating a reading nook, then depending on the space, you might want a chair that is a little bigger to relax in. If the chair is to be a focal point in your living room and is likely to be used quite regularly then you could consider something that reclines, or perhaps team it with a matching footstool for a bold style statement.

In the bedroom, a chair can create a cosy ambience but probably needs to be a bit smaller to allow free movement around the room. Likewise, for a hallway or any other high-traffic area in your home, a smaller, more compact chair would be most suitable.

You could also use your accent chairs as extra seating for your dining table. The perfect way to cater for additional or unexpected guests, without the need to have spare dining chairs stored away or having to get the wobbly stool out of the cupboard! Ensure that you select firm, sturdy chairs that are the correct height for the table to allow your guests to reach the table comfortably – as a guide, a chair that has a seat 16-18 inches from the floor works best.

What colour armchair should I choose?

Harris chair | Richmond nest of tables

Now here comes the most fun part of choosing new furniture.

Since you want your accent chair to create visual interest in a room, it’s a good idea to choose something that contrasts with the existing decor – think ‘opposites attract’. If you have a room that is full of colour or pattern, then choosing a simple plain piece can add variation and depth.

Alternatively, if your room is decorated in a more muted style, a striking chair that picks out a colour or tone in the room can bring a pop of colour. Or throw total caution to the wind and choose a colour that is completely different to make a statement. In a nutshell, when it comes to colour there are no rules, anything goes!

Do I need to consider the fabric?

Aside from colour, it’s also worth considering the fabric you choose. If the room has a lot of woven fabrics, perhaps a leather chair would offer a bit of variety and provide a durable, hardworking solution for busy rooms. Similarly, if leather isn’t your thing,why not go for a plush velvet to add an interesting texture?

How do I pick a style of armchair?

Halle chair

As you have probably guessed, we favour contrasting our accent furniture with the rest of the room, whether that be through colour, fabric, or even style. A modern, fresh, and minimal room will look fantastic with a traditional wingback or curvaceous chair in a paired back colour, adding an interesting silhouette to the room. When it comes to choosing accent furniture, then the possibilities are endless!

We’d love to see how you use accent pieces in your home. Don’t forget to share your photos with us by tagging us on Instagram or using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post How to choose an accent chair appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

We know you want to start putting your own stamp on your new home right away but there are a few key decorating rules to keep in mind with new builds. We spoke to experts at the NHBC (National House Building Council), and several home construction companies to pull together everything you need to know about decorating a new build and what you should and shouldn’t do!

Your home needs time to settle

Evie sofa | @new_build_forever_home

With all the beautiful patterned wallpapers out there, we understand why this might be on your decorating agenda, but builders recommend leaving 6-12 months between when you move in and wallpapering.

This is because new building materials, such as the timber in the walls and fresh plaster need time to dry out and it’s best if they dry out slowly. As your walls dry, you may notice small cracks forming. This is totally normal, but it may damage wallpaper, and if any additional work needs to be done by your building company, such as fixing any problems that may occur, that would also spell the end of that lovely new printed wall.

There are ways you can minimise cracking and movement from the drying process though. Try to be sparing with the central heating during your first winter in the house to allow walls and joinery to naturally expand and contract with the seasons, and open the air vents in your windows to keep a gentle flow of fresh air.

And, if you just can’t stand your white walls, you can always reach for the paint. As long as you use breathable paint, like a matt emulsion, this will not affect the drying process. Just remember to keep some paint saved for touch-ups if required.

From the floor to the ceiling

Parquet chest of drawers | @709_design

Painting your skirting boards? Remember that new woodwork tends to absorb a lot of paint or stain, so don’t be alarmed if your first painting doesn’t give as good a finish as you were expecting. As your home settles, later decoration will have a more even and weathered surface to take the paint and stain better. But when you do paint it, make sure you have a clean and properly prepared surface that is totally dry to start with. This will help to keep it looking its best.

And a top tip for ceilings; many new builds have a plastic compound finish which should never be sanded or washed. So if you want to embrace the painted ceilings trends, lightly brush the surface to remove any dust or cobwebs, and then you will be able to paint it gently with a few coats of emulsion to create a custom look.

Tackle the big jobs first

Scroll back dining chairs | @amy.elizabeth.home

While it might be tempting to start with a simple job first, if you begin decorating your new home with the tougher, messier jobs, like a kitchen update, you could be saving yourself lots of hassle in the longer term. You wouldn’t want someone treading tile grout through your freshly decorated living room, or scratching a newly painted wall while bringing in a new fridge.

Perhaps consider doing garden work before laying your carpets. Newly built gardens tend to have more dirt than grass, and bringing in the patio pavers now stops them from staining a beautiful new rug!

Tackle those messy and more difficult tasks first. Then, your lovely decorated rooms are more likely to stay that way for longer!

Expect the unexpected

Parquet desk | @hannahcoates.design

Be diligent with your snag list, and remember, sometimes, even the professionals get it wrong. If there is something not right in your new home, and your building company needs to make a repair, they won’t redo any of the decorative work that you have done. Sometimes it’s best to wait a few months to try and uncover any hidden problems.

Additionally, before you drill into your new walls, make sure you know what’s behind them. You don’t want to puncture a cable or damage any electrical work you can’t see. You can help to establish the exact position of cables that are inside walls and flooring with a cable detector to help safeguard you from hapless DIY disasters.

What can you do to decorate a new build?

Romsey triple wardrobe | @insideours

As it turns out, quite a lot! There’s no need to put up with an empty white box while you wait for your new build home to properly settle (unless that’s your personal style!). There are plenty of decorative tasks that you can tackle straight away to help your house feel like a home.

Window dressing is a big one. Blinds and curtains are not only a great way to regulate temperature and add privacy to your space, but they’re also perfect for adding a bit of personality. There are lots of stunning styles available; velvet drapery adds a luxe feel, while a brightly patterned print can add a modern twist to a room.

Throw rugs are another fantastic way to add colour and softness to a room, and they have the added benefit of being easy to move if work needs to be done. Scatter cushions and blankets can all add that bit of wow factor to a room.

If you know you’re going to be painting or wallpapering a room in the future, or don’t want to put holes in the wall, but love art, Command hooks are a lifesaver. Sticking to walls with a gentle adhesive, they won’t damage plaster or paintwork, and they allow art to be quickly rearranged to your changing tastes, making them perfect in teen rooms for example!

Once the decorating is done, now’s the time to pick your furniture. Oak Furnitureland has pieces for the whole home, designed with longevity in mind and made from quality hardwood and upholstery. Whether you’re looking for a sofa to complete your living room, a bed to finish your sleep sanctuary or a desk for your home office, we’ve got it all.

What other decorating tips have helped you in your new build home? Let us know on Instagram, and share your real home photos with us by using #OakFurnitureland.

The post New build house rules appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

However, if you are yearning for the cottage style in your own home, you certainly don’t have to have a period property to enjoy it. Every home – even a new-build – can enjoy this easy-to-live-with, charming and forgiving country cottage look simply by incorporating all the classic elements of cottage style.

Classic Styles

Shay Dining Set & Shay Small Dresser

One of the most charming aspects of country style is its collected nature. Mixing classic and traditional details is a must, grounding the space in timelessness. Look out for pieces – either new or old – with elements that hark back to centuries-old tradition.

Pale and Airy Colours

Shay Double Bed, Shay Bedside Table, Shay Blanket Box, Shay Double Wardrobe & Shay Drawer Chest

Generally speaking, cottages tend to have lower ceilings and smaller windows. In order to keep things bright and cheerful, keep your palette light and airy, mixing creams and whites with soft pinks, duck egg blue, mint greens or buttercup yellow.

Comfortable Deep Sofas and Chairs

Gainsborough Sofa, Original Rustic Lamp Table & Original Rustic Large Sideboard

There’s no room in cottage style for stiff or unforgiving furniture. Give in to comfort by choosing sofas and chairs with deep seats, plush arms and comfy backs to sink in and relax a while.

Painted Furniture

Kemble Dining Set, Kemble Large Dresser & Kemble Small Sideboard

One of the most common elements of cottage style is painted furniture. While the popular shabby chic look relies heavily on distressing, there’s a fine line between the shabby and the chic. So make sure you mix in some newer painted furniture alongside more distressed furniture to keep the look fresh and welcoming.

Floral Fabrics and Chevron Patterns

Kemble Side Table, Kemble Coffee Table & Kemble Tall Bookcase

For the perfect country cottage look, choose your fabrics wisely. Soft florals reminiscent of a country meadow work well with this look as do chevron patterns. Mix these with plain and textured fabrics in a mix of coordinating colours.

Flowers and Plants

Bevel Drawer Chest

Of course, the country cottage look wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of fresh flowers and greenery. Avoid the long-stem-red-roses grandeur and look out for flowers that could have been plucked from your back garden. Loosely arrange them in vintage pitchers or vases for an unfussy but perfectly pretty embellishment for your space.

Vintage Accents

French Farmhouse Dining Set

And finally, be sure to bring some personality into your country cottage look with vintage lighting, accents and accessories. Hit up your local charity shops or car boot sales (or your older relatives’ loft space!) for inexpensive pieces that add life and history to your room.

If you are looking for more cottage style inspiration, check out our blog post here!

Is this a look you love? We’d love to see how you’ve incorporated cottage style in your own home! Share with us over on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

The post How to Create a Cottage Style Home appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Discover how to maximise your small living room, with the top tips you need to make the most of the space you have.

Scale your larger furnishings

Make a note of how the flow of the room works – where things like windows and doors are as well as where electrical points are and make sure you have your room measurements handy when shopping. After all, there’s no point in dreaming about a big L-shaped sofa if it’s blocking the door to the hallway or you can’t walk across the room to grab a cuppa from the kitchen. When choosing furniture, consider using masking tape on the floor to mirror the size of the pieces in the room. This will help you envision how much space things like sofas, tables, storage and armchairs will take up.

You may find a 2-seater sofa with an armchair may fit the room much better than a large 3-seater sofa. You also may want to look for sofas with slimmer arms which will take up less room than something with a larger, deeper frame.

Ensuring your furniture is to scale will ensure you make the most of your space for the largest pieces. If you want to play with scale a bit, pair smaller sized furniture with an oversized light fixture or larger art pieces for the wall which will fool your eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is.

Choose double-duty furniture

When choosing furniture, look out for pieces that do double duty. A coffee table with drawers will provide some storage for things like remote controls, books or board games. An ottoman that opens will allow for additional throws or cushions to be pulled out when comfort calls without using more space than a normal footstool. Consider baskets for bookshelves where children’s toys can be stored out of site. Nests of tables can come in handy as well – the smallest tables can be used as additional seating or surfaces when the need arises but easily stowed away when not in use.

Pull furniture away from walls

If it’s possible, resist the urge to put all your furniture against the walls. Consider floating some furniture in the middle of the room to create a more interesting flow and to give the illusion of more space. An armchair or loveseat can be moved to create a more intimate conversation area or a sofa can have a larger console behind it as a place to put table lamps, books and accessories.

Looking for more tips to using nesting tables? Check out our post here.

Make use of vertical space

When your floorspace is limited, consider going up instead. Floating shelves can create additional storage without taking up precious real estate in a room. Make the most of awkward spaces like alcoves with built in storage and shelves or tall slim bookshelves which will make better use of the vertical space in the room and provide plenty of space to house books, pictures and accessories.

Consider mirrors

While mirrors won’t necessarily provide any additional storage or create space where there is none, it will give you the illusion of a bigger space. Placed across from a window, it’ll bounce light back into the room and will create depth, making it look as though your room has doubled in size.

Choose colour and pattern wisely

And finally, remember that your colour palette will influence the feel of a smaller living room. Bold colourful wallpaper will naturally make a room look smaller if the pattern dominates the space while darker colours will create an enveloping cosy feeling.

If you want your room to feel bigger, consider paler colours or work within a tighter colour palette (no more than 2-3 different colours) to give the illusion of a bright, light and airy space even if it’s on the smaller side.

Don’t forget to show us how you’ve made the most of your living room using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

The post How to maximise space in a small living room appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.