Issue #02

February 10, 2023

Ah, the coffee table. The unsung hero of the living room. It's more than just a place to rest your feet (although it does serve that purpose quite well) — it's one of the most essential pieces of furniture in your home.

Today, we're sharing some unique coffee tables and pro advice on avoiding mistakes when choosing one. Plus, furniture brands are kicking off Presidents' Day early, and we've got you covered with the best places to grab a bargain.

And finally, we'll take you on a tour of a stunning island home that'll make you want to pack your bags and move in. (The sunroom view makes me question why I spend all day at my desk.)

— Oliver & Ash, Editors of the Inside Look.

P.S. A favor. If you have a moment please fill out our audience survey to help us understand what you’d like from the Inside Look - it takes 30 secs.

The Edit: Three unique coffee tables

Coffee tables can make great statement pieces. Here are three unique and quirky options to make your living room stand out.

The Bend Goods Coffee Table

Bend Goods Coffee Table, $900 (was $1,850)

This 36-inch round table offers an open aesthetic, so your living space won’t feel crowded. It’s offered in various colors and finishes and multiple top options (Terrazzo, Marble, and Glass) so you can achieve the style you want.

Wiggle Room Coffee Table

Wiggle Room Coffee Table, from $680

The Wiggle Room Coffee Table has a distinct and fun shape. It’s available in six unique shades, each protected by a durable, spill-proof laminate. The table also comes in two sizes: 45”, the perfect complement to a loveseat or sofa with a chaise, or 60”, which works nicely in front of a 3-seat sofa.

Ada Oval Coffee Table

Ada Coffee Table, $1,298.

A stunning oval coffee table that sits atop sculptural and curved legs. This coffee table, constructed from solid oak wood, will pair perfectly with a mid-century-inspired living space.

Bonus Roundup: Early President’s Day Sales

Insider Insight: Two common coffee table mistakes

Falling in love at the store

Love at first sight is real, even when it comes to a coffee table. But Becc Burgmann warns, "Choosing just any coffee table because you love it in the shop" is people's most significant mistake when buying a new table.

"When pieces are standing alone, they can look both wonderful, but also hideous and you’d never consider them, however put them in the space and they can suddenly go either way," adds Burgmann.

Opting for the wrong material

When choosing a coffee table you should ensure the materials fit with the rest of your living room. Credit: Julia Dempster

Stick to materials that work well with the rest of your family room. If your home has mostly wood or rustic accents, a marble coffee table may not be the best choice. The wrong material will clash with the rest of your home and throw the whole place off balance.

Burgmann explains, "Purchasing a rustic wooden coffee table in a modern style home with predominately 'shiny' pieces doesn't work. Look for the common materials or finishes, i.e., matt, glass, leather, etc., and work with the pieces in the space."

Home Spotlight: An island retreat, transformed

This sunroom/living room was designed to make the most of the stunning views.

Vashon Island, located just a 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle, is home to a stunning interior design project led by designer Rachel Waldron. The client was looking for a summer and weekend home that could accommodate friends and family, and Waldron and her team breathed new life into an old, neglected house.

Meet & Greet: Three questions with Emily McGarvey, Room & Board’s Director of Sustainability

Emily McGarvey, Director of Sustainability at Room & Board

Room & Board was founded in 1980 by John Gabbert in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a subsidiary of his parents’ furniture store company. The company, still headquartered in Minneapolis, now has 22 retail locations across the United States, selling furniture, home goods, and decor, from bedroom sets to rugs and lighting.

We caught up with Emily McGarvey to discuss sustainability:

Why does Room & Board think it's important to take a stand on environmental and sustainability issues?

Emily: Protecting our environment is important to our collective future and Room & Board is committed to doing all that we can to be responsible stewards of our environment. One of Room & Board’s guiding principles is “we share this one world and whenever possible, we expect each of us to make deliberate and responsible steps to protect it."

The Prospect Coffee Table is made from materials that harvested from Ash trees, removed from Minneapolis as a result of the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

What does responsibly sourcing materials mean for Room & Board?

Emily: Sustainable products start with design. We combine our timeless modern look with quality craftsmanship for furniture that has an enduring place in our customers’ homes, helping combat the nearly 10,000 tons of furniture that goes to landfills annually.

What steps can consumers take to make more conscious and sustainability-focused decisions on the brands they buy from?

Emily: Consumers can look for brands that share tangible actions that are better for people and better for the planet. They can also look for high quality, durable products that will last for a long time. Finally, consumers can look for products made with more sustainable materials along with putting an emphasis on American made as this inherently reduces the distance that products and materials travel.

That's all for this week. Enjoy your weekend and please let us know what you think to today’s email — we’d love your thoughts, so we can make each issue great. Hit reply or choose an option below:

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