Furniture Tips for Your Home
Simple, tested-by-life advice to help you buy the right furniture and keep it looking good.
Care GuideRoom IdeasGood furniture lasts longer when you choose it carefully and look after it. These ten tips cover measuring, materials, layout and day-to-day care for coffee tables, side tables, dining tables and chairs.
1Measure Before You Browse
Start with the room, not the product. Note the length and width of the space, the width of doorways and the position of radiators and sockets. Tape out the table on the floor and walk around it. Our table size guide gives rules for coffee, side and dining tables.
2Match Coffee Table Height to the Sofa
Choose a table at or just below the sofa seat height, usually 40 to 45cm. Read the coffee table size and height guide and browse round and rectangular shapes.
3Keep Walkways Clear
Leave about 60cm for walking and 40 to 45cm between sofa and coffee table. Rounded shapes such as oval coffee tables help in tight rooms.
4Pick the Right Material for How You Live
Families often prefer wipe-clean surfaces like ceramic, laminate or glass. Wood suits calm, adult spaces. Our materials and construction guide compares them side by side.
5Use Storage to Fight Clutter
A coffee table with storage or a side table with a drawer keeps remotes, chargers and throws out of sight, which makes small rooms feel calmer.
6Choose Dining Tables for Your Real Numbers
Allow about 60cm of table edge per person. A small dining table and 4 chairs suits most households, while an extendable dining table covers guests. See the extendable guide.
7Do Not Forget Chair Comfort
A seat height of about 45cm suits a 75cm table. Padded seats help at long meals. Compare velvet, faux leather and fabric in our dining chairs guide and shop dining chairs.
8Protect the Surface
Use coasters, placemats and trivets, wipe spills quickly and avoid abrasive cleaners. Keep tables away from direct sun and radiators. The furniture care guide has material-specific advice.
9Assemble Carefully
Lay out all parts, check them against the parts list, and use the supplied fixings. Tighten gently and check again after a few weeks. If anything is missing, use our report a problem form.
10Style With a Light Touch
Group items on a tray, use odd numbers and leave space for a mug. Our guide to styling a coffee table has simple ideas, and a sofa side table can hold a lamp or plant.
Putting It All Together
Good furniture choices come from four habits: measure first, pick materials to suit your household, plan how you will use the space, and care for the surface from day one. If you are choosing for a bedroom, read the bed side table guide. If you are furnishing for work or rental, see our wholesale service.
Adjusting for the Seasons
- Winter: keep wood away from radiators and use felt pads on hard floors.
- Spring: check screws and fixings and tighten them if needed.
- Summer: move tables out of strong direct sun to avoid fading.
- Autumn: check extending rails and clean away crumbs before the hosting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my table?
Wipe spills straight away and give surfaces a regular light clean with a method suited to the material. See the care guide.
Should my coffee table match my side tables?
Not exactly. Repeat a material or colour for a coordinated look.
What if my table arrives damaged?
Photograph the damage and tell us through the report a problem form. See also warranty and your rights.
Where can I see more ideas?
Read our room ideas and blog.
Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes, on enquiry. See the wholesale page.