A coffee table sits lower, typically 40–45cm and is designed to be used from a sofa, positioned in the centre of the seating arrangement. A side table is taller 55–65cm and sits beside a sofa or armchair. Both serve a surface function but at different heights and in different positions within a room.

Yes, a coffee table works very well with a corner sofa. The shape of the table matters: a rectangular table suits an L-shaped sofa; a round or oval table can work better with a larger U-shaped configuration as it softens the geometry of the arrangement. Scale is the other consideration, the table shouldn't be so large it creates an obstacle.

Ceramic and tempered glass are the most durable for everyday use, resistant to scratches, heat and most spills. Solid oak is warm and characterful but will mark over time, which many people consider part of its appeal. Marble is beautiful but requires more care. Choose the material that suits both the look of the room and how you actually live.

Allow about 45cm between your coffee table and the sofa for comfortable legroom, enough to pass in front of the sofa without knocking the table. The table itself should be roughly two thirds the length of your sofa. Too small and it looks lost; too large and it dominates the space and restricts movement.

The standard guidance is to keep a coffee table 3–5cm below the height of your sofa seat cushions, typically 40–45cm high. This makes it easy to reach from a seated position without having to lean uncomfortably far forward. A table that's too low forces you to reach down; one that's too high feels like a dining table.

Yes, all our outdoor coffee and side tables are designed for use near pools and in areas exposed to water splash. Fibre cement and aluminium are non-porous; teak's natural oils make it resistant to both moisture and chlorine. Rinse teak occasionally with fresh water in high-chlorine environments.