No need to table the topic; options plentiful

DEAR GAIL: We bought a new sofa and love seat and want to purchase new tables. What size and shape should we look for? Plus, should all the tables match or can we mix them up and do something different? In the past we've always purchased a complete matching set. -- Suzan

DEAR SUZAN: The tables absolutely do not have to match; different styles are more interesting. You can mix wood with glass, stone, iron or a painted finish, or glass, stone and iron together. If you are using stained wood, I would keep the finishes similar; they don't have to match but should coordinate. If you're not sure about mixing all of them up, purchase a matching coffee table and one side table, with a second side table being different.

So what size should you get? First, let's look at how much room you should have around your table, as that will help determine the size you'll be shopping for. The minimum distance you should have from the front of your seat to the table is 14 inches, with a preferable distance of 18 inches. If you are considering a trunk table or one that is not open at the bottom, you'll need at least 18 inches so that your feet have enough room to be comfortable, especially if you like to stretch them out. Nothing is more uncomfortable to me than having to place my feet sideways when sitting. Plus, if you don't have enough room, you'll end up putting your feet on the bottom or top of the table.

The length of your table will depend upon how your furniture is arranged and what sizes the pieces are. But in general, the ideal length of your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa seat. You can go smaller than the two-thirds as long as it doesn't get lost. If you do go smaller, consider a wood- or stone-top table since these will give more weight to your arrangement.

The width and length of the tables range from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the average sizes are: square and round, 30 to 48 inches, rectangular and oval, 24 to 42 inches wide by 36 to 60 inches long.

Your coffee table also should be long enough so that everyone can reach it without getting up. If you are using side tables, they will accommodate your guests sitting on the ends. Most important is that everyone has a tabletop near enough to place a drink on.

The average height of a coffee table is 16 to 18 inches. As a guideline, the table can be the same height of your sofa or 1 to 2 inches lower. The average height of an end table is 21 to 24 inches and the same height guidelines apply. Do realize that if your side table is much higher than the arms of your upholstery, spills make occur since you're going up with your glass and it can hit the side of the table.

Something also to keep in mind with side tables is that they have to be large enough to accommodate a lamp and any accessories.

As far as the shape, it all depends upon the sizes of your pieces. In general, I use a square or round table when I have upholstery pieces the same size, whether it is two sofas or a sofa and two chairs. When working with a sofa and love seat or a sofa and one chair, I look for a rectangular or oval table.

When you have a sofa and love seat or a sofa and one chair arrangement, you'll place the longest side of the table in front of the sofa. If you have a sectional or a sofa with a chaise, use these same guidelines for size and shape.

Along with your standard shapes, I like using nesting tables and bunching tables. I consider nesting tables one of the most versatile tables, since they can be stacked when you have limited space and then separated for that extra table space when needed. I like to use them as a coffee table in a contemporary setting for a different look. They can be stacked as one or expanded, either stepping down or placing the taller in the middle with one pulled out on each side.

Bunching tables are smaller tables that are the same size in height, width and length. They're one of my favorites to use as a coffee table, since they can be moved around and brought closer if needed.

Suzan, I hope this helps give you some basic guidelines. There is a lot to choose from so take your time and buy what works best in your room and with your style. Don't forget to check out the consignment stores for something different. I always seem to find a "find" when I go in.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.