The coffee table is an oft overlooked piece of furniture, but the right coffee table can make or break a living room. But what makes a coffee table a coffee table? And what modern styles are out there? We here at Padstyle are here to answer all of your coffee table-related questions.

Possibly the most defining feature of a coffee table is its long, low shape. It normally has shorter legs than a side table or a bistro table, and it is usually oval or rectangle as opposed to circular or square in shape. This is so that it can be placed in front of a sofa and compliment its long form and be at just the right height for easy access to anything on its surface.

However, not all coffee tables are created equal. These basic features don’t come close to describing a truly modern coffee table. Some are tall, some are short; some are wide, some are thin; some are made of wood, some are made of glass; and all of them can compliment their surroundings if placed appropriately.

You can have a coffee table that matches a handful of side tables, or you can create an eclectic look using a variety of shapes and styles. The coffee table you choose can be made of glass, wood, chrome, plastic or any material of your choosing, as long as it is sturdy and stable.

A coffee table is an integral part of a living room, because it centers all the other furniture. Your sofa set will pop if you incorporate the right coffee table – but it could fizzle if you choose the wrong one. Coffee tables are also used as a gathering place, so you’ll likely want yours to be warm and inviting.

Consider size, placement, texture and material when picking out your coffee table – you’ll thank yourself later.

Colorful Styles by Lazzari is a fresh, funky and functional storage solution for the modern home. If you’re looking for a way to organize while enhancing your home’s style, the modular storage containers from Lazzari are just what you need. They’re not only extremely practical, but they offer nearly limitless customization and combinations for the creative-minded interior designer in you.

The Padstyle office was lucky enough to get a sample of Lazzari’s products, and we liked what we saw. We got to try out a large, square, navy blue storage container with a tan leather handle and an ID slot for easy identification. The craftsmanship was nothing short of superb, and just what you would expect from a top-name Italian furniture producer. It fit on our office shelves, and is the perfect size for any standard bookshelf. We raved about the soft nylon combined with the rigid edges to keep its shape. And those of us who are a bit on the crazy side of organized absolutely adored the zipper top – you don’t realize how often things spill until you prevent that with a lid.

Lazzari offers not only these simple, modular, portable drawers, but also the storage modules to put them in. Cubed, rectangular, simple and stylish, they have storage solutions for all types. Each of their furniture pieces is designed to fit the varied-sized drawers and containers that Lazzari creates.

One of the features that will excite your imagination is the color palate that Lazzari products display. Navy blue, canary yellow, vibrant orange, rose red, lime green, beige, white and a whole bunch of playful patterns including bunnies, cherries, cars and flags adorn the storage bins. These can be mixed and matched to achieve your perfect color balance, or you can purchase multiple sizes in the same color for more uniformity.

We are impressed with the variety of modular storage containers and units that Lazzari offers, and we hope you are too.

Creativity just became compact. Great things can come in small sizes, and the Virgola Coffee/Dining table proves this adage true. You’ll be inspired by the simple yet creative texture of the painted, toughened glass top, and you will notice its positive effects on your family room right away. The contemporary design is inspired by minimalist philosophy, but the intricate pattern on the table top in your choice of black or white makes this table stand out. If you need a burst of modern inspiration, look no further. You can purchase the Virgola Coffee/Dining Table by Sambometal from Spacify.com for $2,130.00.

Smooth, artful seating. It’s clear that the Hightower Gallery Stools are inspired by high-end art gallery seating. They are minimalist in spirit, with their back-less, scooped form. You can sit on one of these stools for hours as you chat, eat or even watch a movie in your own home, and you’ll have the feeling that you’re witnessing a great masterpiece. They are crafted from sustainable wood and feature an innovative design that allows several to be joined together to create a unified bench. As an accent stool or as the central seating in your home, the Hightower Gallery Stool will always be in the spotlight. The Hightower – Gallery Stool is available at 2Modern.com for $650.00 – $830.00.

Double the fun. What’s better than a contemporary chaise? One that you can share with a friend! This innovative seat is a lounge-style chaise that fits two comfortably. Designed to allow each to have his or her own space, you can lean back or snuggle up when you add this to your home. It would look great in a modern home theater or luxurious living room. You and your loved one can get close, and you’ll always be comfortable – this chaise is made of fine, ultra-soft black leather. The Contemporary Black Leather Double Lounger Chaise can be found at ModernLineFurniture.com for $1,395.95.

Solid contemporary style with a twist. The sophisticated interior designer will appreciate this sectional sofa for its curved, unique form, while the modern home owner will appreciate its versatility and durability. Upholstered in top-grain leather, this espresso sofa features stainless steel legs and four separate, curved pieces. You can sweep them around your living room or home theater in an arc, or use some as ottomans or even tables. This is a set that leaves everything up to your imagination. You can create space, a relaxed mood, a hip urban vibe, an upscale sophisticated aura, or anything else you can think of with this sectional. You will find the Contemporary Leather Living Room Furniture at LAFlat.com for $1,895.00.

When comfort and style fuse. Precision style and a combination of retro+modern make up this functional and fashionable sofa. The button tufting on the seat back is a reminder of a more nostalgic time, while the overall European-minimalist vibe roots this sofa firmly in the modern world. The upholstered seat cushions and frame sit atop a firm set of wooden legs that radiate confidence and sturdiness. Any home looking for a fusion of styles would benefit from the retro-chic vibe that this sofa exhibits. The Edgar Blazona for TrueModern Luna Sofa can be purchased at DesignPublic.com for $1,499.

Welcome to the future of home entertainment furniture. It’s great when you have all the latest gadgets in your home theater, but without the stylish, modern furniture to compliment them, your decor is going to fall flat. The Essex TV Stand goes beyond just reinforcing the modern electronics you might own, and becomes a style icon in its own right. The two glass floating shelves are adjustable, and perfect for smaller sized LCD or plasma TVs. The stainless steel support beam and sturdy whitened oak base are functional and modern. This is a sophisticated piece that will bring out the best in small or large home theaters. You can purchase the Essex TV Stand in Whitened Oak at AllModernFurniture.com for $880.00.

Every good conversation piece deserves an interesting story. The Toto Cube Lamp is not only a minimalist piece of modern art, but it is a uniquely created lamp with origins in the oddest of places. It is manufactured by a wine crate maker in its off-season, in the mold of the many crates that are made to carry bottles of wine. It offers three levels of functionality in addition to its statement as a piece of art: it can be used as a coffee table, a seat or a lamp (or all three). Perfect for a loft, modern dining room, living room or commercial setting, your guests will love to hear about the unique creation process of your Toto Cube Lamp over a nice glass of wine. The Toto Cube Lamp is available at DWR.com for $275.00.

Subtle style makes a dramatic difference. The simple style that the Mod Midcentury Inlay Cabinet displays is all about the details. The all-bamboo cabinet is constructed from environmentally-friendly materials, certified “green”, so you know you’re helping the environment while you add a touch of style to your home. The inlay bamboo in the corner is a modern twist on a traditional design. You can choose from four configurations – a nightstand, sideboard, long dresser or tall dresser – that are all made of amber bamboo and feature an intriguing inlay. Help your style and help the environment with the calm presence of these cabinets. You can purchase the Mod Midcentury Inlay Cabinet from PlushPod.com for $1900.00 – $4500.00.

Simple stylish seating. Many designers get their inspiration from looking back onto their past experiences, and the Perch Lounge’s inspiration is one that we can all remember: the functional “school chair”. Taking this concept from bland to bold, the updated look has a minimalistic modern appeal that combines the usefulness of under-seat storage with simple lines and stylish angles. The chrome frame is a sturdy support for the soft, upholstered plywood frame. Available in alcazar on walnut veneer or charcoal on birch veneer, you can purchase two chairs to compliment each other, or use a single chair as an accent piece in any living room or home office that is both modern and functional. The Perch Lounge can be found at DesignPublic.com for $699 – $799.

Storage slopes. The angled slope of this storage tower allows it to ascend up to a wall or to free-stand on its own. It includes five fixed shelves and a sturdy, yet minimalist, base, and comes in your choice of chocolate or white finish. By incorporating the straight lines and picture-frame-like structure of this apex tower into your living room, you’ll be able to easily infuse your style with modern, minimalist undertones, and dress it up with whatever you’d like to see on the shelves. And, for double the storage and double the style, the apex tower is best served in pairs to achieve a mirrored, artsy vibe. The apex tower can be found at WestElm.com for $249.00.