I love having a coffee table in my living room. It not only adds a touch of elegance to the space but also serves as a functional piece of furniture. One thing that has always intrigued me about coffee tables is the drawers. I often find myself wondering whether the drawers should face in or out. It may seem like a trivial matter, but it can actually make a difference in terms of convenience and aesthetics. In this article, we will delve into the topic of decoding coffee table drawers and discuss whether they should face in or out.
The Purpose of Coffee Table Drawers
Before we dive into the discussion, let’s first understand the purpose of coffee table drawers. These drawers are designed to provide additional storage space. They offer a convenient spot to store various items, such as remote controls, magazines, coasters, and even small blankets. The idea behind having drawers in a coffee table is to keep the tabletop clutter-free while ensuring that essential items are within easy reach. Now, let’s move on to the main question at hand – should coffee table drawers face in or out?
Drawers Facing Inward
One school of thought suggests that coffee table drawers should face inward. This means that when you look at the coffee table, you won’t see the drawers unless you intentionally pull them out. From an aesthetic standpoint, having the drawers face in creates a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. It allows the focus to be on the tabletop and the overall design of the coffee table. Additionally, it gives the room a more polished and organized look.
From a practical perspective, having the drawers face in can be advantageous as well. It prevents dust and dirt from accumulating inside the drawers, which can happen if they are constantly exposed. Moreover, if you have young children or pets, facing the drawers inward can prevent accidents or injuries that may occur if they accidentally pull the drawers out and everything stored inside comes tumbling down.
Advantages of Drawers Facing Inward
There are a few advantages of having coffee table drawers face inward:
1. Aesthetically pleasing: The clean and streamlined appearance of the coffee table is maintained when the drawers face inward.
2. Dust-free storage: Facing the drawers inward prevents dust and dirt from gathering inside, keeping your items cleaner.
3. Child and pet safety: Facing the drawers in reduces the risk of accidents or injuries that may occur if children or pets pull them out.
Drawers Facing Outward
On the other side of the debate, some argue that coffee table drawers should face outward. This means that the drawers are readily visible when you look at the coffee table. This approach adds a unique design element to the room, making the coffee table stand out as a focal point. It allows you to showcase any decorative items you may have placed inside the drawers. Additionally, having the drawers face out can provide easier access to the items stored inside, as they are always within arm’s reach.
While facing the drawers outward can have its advantages, it is important to consider a few factors. Firstly, the exposed drawers can collect dust and dirt more easily, requiring regular cleaning. Secondly, the overall aesthetic of the room may be compromised if the items stored inside the drawers are not neatly organized or visually appealing. Lastly, there is a potential risk of accidentally bumping into the open drawer, especially in smaller living spaces.
Advantages of Drawers Facing Outward
Here are a few advantages of having coffee table drawers face outward:
1. Unique design element: Exposed drawers add a distinctive touch to the coffee table and make it a focal point of the room.
2. Showcasing decorative items: You can use the exposed drawers to display decorative items, adding visual interest to the space.
3. Easy access: When the drawers face out, you can easily reach for the items stored inside without pulling them out fully.
My Perspective: Inward or Outward?
After considering both sides of the argument, I find myself leaning towards having coffee table drawers face inward. I appreciate the clean and organized look it creates, as well as the added safety measure, especially with young children around. I also prefer not having to deal with the extra dusting that comes with exposed drawers. However, I do recognize the appeal of showcasing decorative items and the convenience of easy access that comes with facing the drawers outward.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of each individual. If you have a coffee table with drawers or are considering purchasing one, take the time to think about how you envision your living space and how you plan to use the coffee table. Consider factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and safety. By doing so, you’ll be able to make an informed decision regarding whether your coffee table drawers should face in or out.