How To Pick The Best Bar Table For Behind A Sectional
Choosing the perfect bar table to place behind your sectional sofa can elevate your living room layout and provide extra storage and seating. But with so many options to pick from, it can be tricky to find one that fits your space and style needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the ideal bar table for your sectional sofa setup.
A bar table behind a sectional sofa creates a stylish and practical secondary seating area for entertaining or casual dining. Friends can pull up a stool for cocktails or quick bites without needing full place settings at a dining table. It also provides a convenient spot to set down drinks and snacks when lounging on the sectional watching TV. With some bar tables offering storage like shelves and drawers, they can also help keep serving essentials and clutter out of sight but still within arm's reach.
Considerations For Picking a Bar Table For Behind a Sectional
When browsing options, keep these key considerations in mind to choose a bar table tailored to your space and needs:
- Measure the area behind your sectional where you plan to place the bar table, including width, depth and height allowances. This will determine the maximum dimensions for your new table.
- Consider how many stools you'd like to accommodate. Bar tables typically fit 2-4 bar stools depending on size.
- Decide if you prefer a sleek modern style made from metal and glass or a more traditional wood tabletop and base.
- Determine the ideal shape and size that will fit the space without crowding the sectional. Round, square and rectangular options come in a range of diameters and lengths.
Bar Table Placement Tips Behind Sectional
Proper placement of your new bar table is key to keeping the flow and function of your living room layout optimal. Follow these tips when positioning your bar table behind the sectional:
- Leave enough clearance so you can easily walk behind the sectional to access the other parts of the room.
- Try centering the bar table behind the middle of the sectional sofa for symmetry and balance.
- Make sure there is adequate leg room for seated guests to comfortably tuck their knees under the bar table.
- Consider angling the bar table slightly rather than placing it directly parallel to create a more inviting space.
Styling Your Bar Table Area Behind Sectional
Once you've found the perfect bar table, complete the look by decorating and accessorizing the new entertaining nook in your living room:
- Select comfortable bar stools that fit with your room's color palette and style.
- Add decorative accents like a table runner, placemats, floral centerpiece or sculptures.
- Install pendant lights or sconces above the table to provide mood lighting.
- Decorate the wall space around the bar table with artwork, mirrors or floating shelves.
Best Bar Table Shapes For Sectional Areas
Choosing the right bar table shape for your sectional sofa area comes down to available space, desired seating and visual appeal. Consider these popular options:
- Round bar tables fit well in compact areas and create an intimate vignette.
- Square bar tables work nicely centered behind straight or L-shaped sectionals.
- Rectangular bar tables maximize seating and surface area in larger sectional spaces.
Bar Table Height Options Behind Sectionals
Standard bar table heights range from counter to bar to stand height. Pick the right one based on your sectional dimensions and seating needs:
- Counter height around 36" is ideal for lower sectionals and bar stools without backs.
- Bar height at 42" fits most sectionals and standard bar stools with backs.
- Stand height over 42" works well for especially deep or tall sectionals.
Popular Materials For Bar Tables Behind Sectionals
From warm wood tones to sleek metal designs, bar tables come in a wide selection of materials to match any decor. Consider these popular options:
- Wood bar tables , like oak or walnut, provide natural beauty and richness.
- Metal bar tables , often with a chrome finish, have a contemporary, industrial vibe.
- Marble or stone bar tables bring elegance along with durability.
- Glass bar tables have a light, airy appearance suited to modern spaces.
Extra Storage Space Options
Look for a bar table with built-in storage features if you need added organization and functionality:
- Shelves offer space for barware, books or decor.
- Wine racks neatly store bottles on display.
- Drawers tuck away clutter while keeping items handy.
Additional Functional Features
Specialized bar tables provide added versatility for small spaces or multi-use needs:
- Drop-leaf options fold down when not in use.
- Casters make the table portable for rearranging rooms.
- Foldable bar tables collapse for compact storage.
- Outlets built into the tabletop power laptops and devices.
Budget Considerations
Bar tables are available at a wide range of price points to suit any budget:
- Under $150: Inexpensive bar tables usually have laminate tops and simple tubular steel bases.
- $150-$500: Mid-range options often have solid wood or marble tops and decorative metal bases.
- Over $500: High-end designer bar tables feature premium materials like exotic veneers, hand-forged metal and Italian marble.
Shopping Tips
Keep these tips in mind while browsing bar tables to place behind your sectional:
- Double check that the dimensions will properly fit in your available space.
- Examine construction quality and materials to ensure durable long-term use.
- Look for convenient functional features like storage and drop-leaf options.
- Compare prices across retailers to find the best deal for the look you want.
Adding a bar table behind your sectional sofa opens up design possibilities to create an inviting entertaining area or casual dining space in your living room. Measure your available area, consider your seating needs and preferred aesthetics, then browse the range of sizes, shapes, heights and styles to discover the perfect bar table option to complement your sectional.
You can elevate your sectional sofa setup with a bar table. Just remember to leave enough clearance for walking behind the sectional, pick a height that fits your space, and incorporate decor details like lighting and bar stools to complete your cozy bar table vignette behind the sectional.