What's better- coffee table or side table next to the couch?

I always feel the need to have both.

It really depends on your space, our living room is pretty narrow so we opted to leave out cofffee tables and use side instead four our magazines and coffee table-like books. You can't go wrong either way.

I prefer both. Side tablet is great for a lamp. And coffee table is needed for your coffee, drink etc. They can both be used if proper size is bought according to your space.

I like both, but my couch is pretty wide so I got a smaller coffee table about 3 foot long for my side table

I think that you get coffee table as long as sofa so everyone can reach it for their drinks and snacks when you have company assuming you have enough light in room. Without enough light I would get corner torches of up light and have candles as well as reflective mirrored tray on coffee table . The problem with side tables is that furniture shouldn't hug walls so you don't want to have cords all over the place. A stand in the corner with a lamp could work as well.

I love coffee tables but I have kids, and all our friends and family have kids which means a big coffee table takes up too much play space. Until our circumstances change to allow a coffee table, I've opted for side tables.

So evaluate what you need, and how you really use your space. And in the end, pick what works for you and your family right now.

I moved in with my mom in her home and she always had a coffee table. But when she needed a walker we had to move came he coffee table out. I've liked the spaciousness ever since. I have end tables for your drink and lamps. If you have the room you could use a sofa table (one that goes behind the sofa) if you don't have room on the ends of your sofa for end tables. I think it's totally a taste and useage decision. Like doting.mom I hated mine when I had kids. The corners were dangerous and they wanted to be on top of it.

I never use coffee tables. I prefer an ottoman as feet usually end up on it if there is a tv in the room, lol.

side tables are a must.

Coffe table

Real end tables, particularly because I like to read and need the light. Also, cool lamps add height, color if you like, and texture to the room. For a coffee table, get a couple of small hassocks (less than $50 each almost everywhere). You can move them out of the way when necessary, put your feet up, store your cozy throws or toys, and use for extra seating. If softer-sided, won't hurt little foreheads or taller knees.

i have both in my house....end tables for lamps and fans, coffee table with a top that lifts up to a kitchen table ht. great for crafting in front of a ball game.

I puchased a small 3 drawer stand on wheels at the local discount store. You have stoage and a place to set drinks etc.

For us a coffee table took up allot of room so it was in the way. it became a catch all .

I agree with Wendy Miller - Ottoman! no coffee table. I found a great leather one at Outlook.com with a drawer underneath so I can put all my junk in it including remotes, etc. And definitely end tables for lamps OR floor lamps.

An end table (side table) is used beside a sofa and is used as a surface to hold a lamp, drink/book/etc. A cocktail table is used as a rest for a drink--but mainly to fill in the empty space in front of a sofa and chairs. The general "rule' is to have a table surface, within arm's reach, to place a drink. A cocktail table doesn't have to be a table at all and a cocktail ottoman is a great way to get multiple uses---fill the space, put up your feet, and (with a tray) rest your drink. Or use an old (flat-top) trunk (hidden storage inside) and you don't have to worry about scratching up something old with your feet or accessories.