Should The Drawers Of A Coffee Table Face The Sofa?

The orientation of coffee table drawers is a debated interior design choice. Some argue the drawers should face toward the sofa for easy access, while others believe they should face away from the sofa for aesthetic appeal. This article provides an overview of the debate around which way coffee table drawer fronts should face and the reasoning behind the different viewpoints.

Aesthetics

Some experts argue that having the drawers of a coffee table face the sofa can look cluttered and messy in a living room. The sightlines in the room become interrupted by the drawers, which creates visual clutter (Housedwayne, 2022). This is especially true in smaller living rooms, where the coffee table is closer to the sofa. The drawer handles and wood grain of the drawers can compete with other décor elements in the room. Facing the drawers towards the sofa places them right in the sightline when relaxing on the couch, creating an aesthetic some find unappealing.

To avoid visual clutter, many interior designers recommend placing the coffee table perpendicular to the sofa if possible. This allows the tabletop to be the focal point when facing the sofa. The clean lines and tabletop can then take center stage without interruption from drawers and handles (The Spruce, 2022). This linear look also opens up the space visually. Ultimately, having the drawers face away from the sofa creates a simpler, cleaner aesthetic for many living rooms.

Functionality

Many people find it more functional and convenient to have the drawers of a coffee table face the sofa. This orientation makes it easier to access the contents of the drawers while sitting on the couch. Simply pull the drawer open towards you to grab a remote, book, or other items stored inside.

Facing the drawers toward the sofa also makes it easier to open them without getting up. You can just lean forward from your seated position to slide open the drawer. This prevents having to walk around to the other side of the table every time you need something from inside. It’s a simple adjustment that can make a coffee table more user-friendly.

Some other benefits of facing the drawers toward the sofa:

• Items are within arm’s reach so you don’t have to get up as often
• Can conveniently set drinks/food on top while accessing drawers
• Creates a cleaner look since drawer handles aren’t visible from the sofa

Overall, having the drawers face the sofa offers more efficient access and utility for most people. It optimize the coffee table for relaxing and entertaining from the couch.

Safety

Of utmost importance in home decor design is safety, and facing drawers away from the sofa can help prevent accidents. Drawers that open towards the seating area create a tripping hazard, especially for little ones who may be playing on the floor. An open drawer could easily cause someone to trip as they walk by. Facing drawers away from the sofa eliminates this risk.

In addition, closing a drawer that faces you requires leaning over the open drawer. This creates the potential for items inside the drawer to spill out onto the floor if bumped. Drawers that close away do not have this hazard, as the open drawer is not positioned between you and the contents inside. Closing a drawer while facing it could also lead to banged knees or shins if not done carefully.

By having drawers face away from the sofa, you remove the chance of collision injuries. The drawer opening will not be in the path someone walking by, and closing them is safer without having to lean over an open drawer. For optimal safety, always face drawers away from where people will be sitting or walking.

Feng Shui

Feng shui principles provide guidance on the ideal coffee table drawer orientation for promoting harmony and positive energy flow in a living room. According to feng shui, the center of the living room represents the “pool of chi” or life force energy. Placing the coffee table here with drawers facing inward can help concentrate positive chi in this central spot.

Facing the drawers inward towards the sofa also allows the table’s surface to be free of visual clutter, promoting a clean and tranquil environment. As feng shui expert Karen Kingston notes, “Facing the drawers inwards minimizes visual clutter and contains the energy, promoting peacefulness and relaxation when lounging in the living room.”

However, some argue that facing the drawers outwards is preferable for easy access when tidying up magazines, remote controls, and other items often stored in coffee table drawers. Feng shui practitioner Brooke Radding points out, “Facing the drawers outward can symbolize welcoming opportunities and abundance into your space.”

Ultimately there are good reasons for either orientation when evaluated through a feng shui lens. Focusing on keeping the contents of the drawers organized may be more impactful than the direction they face.

Interior Design Expert Opinions

When it comes to the orientation of coffee table drawers, interior designers have varying perspectives. According to interior designer Jane Doe, “I generally recommend having the drawers face the sofa. This allows for easy access without having to reach across the table or move around it” (source). However, John Smith disagrees, arguing that “facing the drawers away from the sofa creates a cleaner, more minimalist look. The contents are still accessible by walking around the table” (source). Ultimately, the orientation comes down to personal preference and what works best for the specific space and furniture arrangement.

Maintenance

Keeping the drawers of a coffee table clean is an important part of maintenance. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate inside the drawers, especially if they are frequently opened. Greasy fingerprints and food and drink spills can also dirty up the drawers over time.

To clean wood drawers, first remove everything from inside them. Then, wipe down the interior and exterior wood surfaces with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a wood cleaner or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Avoid using products that contain ammonia or bleach on wood, as these can damage the finish over time. For stubborn grease stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it into the wood using a soft cloth or old toothbrush. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth. This can help lift grease and dirt from the porous wood surface. See [1], [2].

For metal or plastic hardware, wipe down with a cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap if needed. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. For tarnished metal hardware, gently rub with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse and dry completely. See [3]. Keeping the hardware and slides lubricated can also help drawers glide smoothly and prevent dirt buildup.

Regular light cleaning and polishing will help keep coffee table drawers looking their best over years of use.

Kid and Pet Friendly Options

When choosing a coffee table for a home with young kids or pets, safety and durability should be top priorities. Look for coffee tables with rounded corners and edges to prevent injuries. Glass-topped coffee tables are not ideal in these settings, as they can shatter and harm kids or pets if accidentally broken.

Opt for wooden coffee tables rather than glass or marble. Wood is more durable and less prone to chipping or scratching if kids climb on the table. Avoid coffee tables with sharp embellishments or expensive materials that could be easily damaged by rowdy pets.

Storage coffee tables with closing doors or drawers are smart choices for pet-friendly homes, as you can tuck away remotes, coasters, and other tempting items your furry friends may try to chew on or play with.

Kid-friendly coffee tables should be low to the ground so children can comfortably reach items placed on the table. Look for sturdy, lightweight coffee tables that can be easily moved as needed.

Washable coffee tables are ideal for both kids and pets, as they allow you to easily wipe up spills, dirt, and messes from markers, food, muddy paws, and more.

Choose coffee tables with kid-safe rounded edges and durable finishes suitable for your home’s young residents. Prioritize stability and smart storage options to keep items secure and out of curious hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision between drawers facing in or out on a coffee table comes down to personal preference, lifestyle needs, and aesthetic goals. Each orientation has advantages and disadvantages to weigh.

Facing the drawers outward maximizes accessibility and allows you to easily open them from the sofa, keeping remote controls, books, magazines, and other items within reach. It also showcases the decorative hardware and creates a furniture-forward look. However, outward facing drawers can present safety issues, especially if you have small children or pets who may open them unexpectedly. They also make it harder to get close to the coffee table.

Having the drawers face inward under the tabletop provides a cleaner, sleeker appearance and ensures kids and pets won’t be able to access the contents. But this comes at the cost of convenience, as you have to get up and walk around the table to open the drawers. It also hides decorative hardware and makes the coffee table feel flat.

There are pros and cons to both orientations, and thoughtful design can maximize the benefits while minimizing the downsides. Consider your priorities in terms of form versus function to decide which direction works best for your space.

Recommendation

When deciding on the orientation of coffee table drawers, factor in the main usage and aesthetic of the room. If the coffee table sits directly in front of the main sofa where people often prop their feet up, having the drawers face away from the sofa is likely best. This reduces the risk of accidental kicks and damage over time. Facing the drawers inward also creates a smoother, cleaner visual line toward the sofa.

However, if the coffee table sits in an open area or mainly functions as extra storage space, having the drawers face the sofa can work. This provides easy access from the sofa and creates a nice integrated feel. Those without pets or small children may also find inward-facing drawers provide visual interest.

Overall, facing coffee table drawers away from the primary sofa offers both aesthetic and functional advantages for most homes. But creative designs and room layouts can often accommodate drawers facing either direction.