Lifestyle

Round, Rectangular, or Ragged: Interior Architect Aly Hammoud and Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2023

Saying “yes” to the right coffee table never gets any easier. An essential element of any well-thought-out living room, the choice often comes down to finding the right balance between form and function. Regardless of the designer’s direction with their space, choosing the right coffee table is a critical step toward achieving a cohesive and visually appealing interior design.

Designers must consider several factors when choosing a coffee table. First, the table size should be proportional to the size of the living room. A small coffee table in a large room will look out of place, and a large table in a small room will overwhelm the space. The table’s height is just as important. The ideal height typically falls between 16 and 18 inches, the same as most sofas. A coffee table that is too high or too low will prove uncomfortable for everyday use.

Designers must also consider shape, style, color, material, and space awareness. The table should complement the architecture of the room.

For example, round coffee tables are ideal for square rooms because they create contrast. It’s also important to consider the shape of the furniture, specifically the edges. A round coffee table would be an ideal fit for a living room where the sofa’s edges are also rounded.

The contrast in shapes, however, must be paired with coherence in materials. For example, if the furniture is made from mahogany wood, the table should reflect similar materials and hues. Different materials can be incorporated if the furniture contains metallic elements while considering the room’s overall coherence.

Space awareness is also essential to consider when choosing your coffee table. For instance, rectangular tables fit better in longer and narrower rooms because they don’t take up as much space as round or ragged tables. Suppose your room is spacious and wide enough. In that case, especially if it were an open studio, you can easily fit in round or ragged coffee tables, which are typically more challenging to style and arrange in certain spaces.

Most of the time, the table should match the space’s overall aesthetic. However, mixing elements and styles can help achieve a more dynamic finished product. Consider incorporating a mid-century coffee table in a room with more contemporary pieces or vice versa.

Ragged tables, however, are more sophisticated art pieces. Such tables don’t have a conventional shape, size, color, or edges. They can also have different and unique color patterns that must be mixed and matched professionally with your room’s overall aesthetic.

Of course, you can pick any type of coffee table that suits your needs and preferences in style and aesthetic. You need to make sure, however, that it is the ideal fit for the chosen room, furniture, style, and design. One way to do that is by choosing the right person for the job.

Coffee tables are an essential part of interior architecture. Not only do they function as practical surfaces for drinks and snacks, but they also contribute to the space’s general mood. Interior architects like Aly Hammoud understand coffee tables as powerful tools for tying a room together. They can create a focal point or complement other furniture pieces in the space.

Whether professional or amateur, the right designer should choose the coffee table carefully to ensure it fits seamlessly into the room’s overall design.

Check out Aly Hammoud’s Instagram account for more information.

Lifestyle

The Evolution of Automated Bottling and Labelling Solutions: From Manual to Fully Integrated Systems

Published

2 weeks ago

October 15, 2025

Michelle Langton

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and packaging industries, efficiency and accuracy are everything. Businesses across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors rely heavily on bottling and labelling solutions to maintain product consistency, meet compliance standards, and enhance consumer trust. What began as labour-intensive manual processes has rapidly evolved into fully integrated, automated systems that streamline production and boost profitability. Providers such as Rentafill have played a key role in giving businesses access to flexible and scalable solutions, whether they are just starting out or preparing for large-scale operations.

From Manual Labour to Mechanised Assistance

The earliest bottling and labelling methods involved significant human effort. Workers filled bottles by hand and applied labels manually, often resulting in inconsistencies and bottlenecks in production. As demand grew, simple mechanical tools were introduced to aid with pouring and applying labels, reducing spillage and improving alignment. These early steps were crucial in laying the foundation for more sophisticated solutions.

The Rise of Semi-Automated Systems

Semi-automated bottling and labelling machines marked a turning point. By combining manual oversight with mechanical efficiency, businesses could scale production without a complete overhaul of their processes. Operators managed filling levels, adjusted labelling mechanisms, and ensured quality control while machines handled repetitive actions at higher speeds. Semi-automation was especially beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to meet growing demand without excessive upfront investment.

Fully Automated Integration

Today’s advanced bottling and labelling solutions are often part of fully integrated systems that connect seamlessly with wider production lines. Modern machines are capable of filling, capping, sealing, and labelling at high speeds with exceptional accuracy. Integration with software allows for real-time monitoring, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and waste. These systems can adapt to various container shapes and label formats, giving manufacturers the flexibility they need to keep up with changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Automation in Bottling and Labelling

The transition to automated systems has delivered significant advantages:

• Consistency and precision – automated processes ensure uniform product presentation.

• Increased output – high-speed systems enable businesses to meet rising demand efficiently.

• Reduced costs – less labour is required, and waste from errors is minimised.

• Enhanced traceability – integration with digital systems supports compliance and batch tracking.

• Scalability – systems can be customised to suit businesses at any stage of growth.

Looking Ahead

The evolution of bottling and labelling continues as industries move towards Industry 4.0. Smart technologies, including IoT-enabled sensors and AI-driven analytics, are being integrated into packaging lines to optimise performance, detect faults early, and ensure even greater sustainability. The focus is shifting not only towards efficiency but also towards environmental responsibility, with machines designed to minimise material use and energy consumption.

Final Thoughts

From the days of manual filling to today’s fully integrated systems, bottling and labelling solutions have undergone a remarkable transformation. Businesses now have the opportunity to embrace automation in ways that improve quality, productivity, and long-term growth. Whether a company requires small-scale support or a complete packaging line, modern providers are helping industries bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.