The Coffee Table Size Guide: How to Pick the Right Coffee Table
TL;DR:
- Expert tips on finding the ideal coffee table for your lifestyle, space, and budget.
- Consider functionality, size, placement, materials, and style when buying a coffee table.
- Features like storage, lift tops, and unique designs make these coffee tables stand out.
- From solid wood to glass-top to marble, there are coffee table options for every aesthetic and need.
The coffee table is the centerpiece of most living room designs, so it’as a pretty important piece of furniture. The best coffee tables combine form and function, providing a stylish place to showcase home decor, like candles and coffee table books, as well as house living room necessities, like remote controls. But finding the perfect piece for your unique living space isn’t always easy.
To help, we rounded up some of our favorite coffee tables, from round and rectangular coffee tables to luxe storage coffee tables and mid-century modern gems. We also tapped some interior designers for their expert tips on how to find the ideal coffee table for your lifestyle, space, and budget.
What to Consider When Buying a Coffee Table, According to Experts
Coffee table Functionality
Before investing in a new coffee table, consider what functions you need it to serve. For instance, if you have a small space, maybe you want a coffee table with a storage option that you can use to reduce clutter and maximize your space. Or maybe you host friends and family in your living room a lot, in which case you might want a glass-top coffee table that’s easy to clean and won’t get ruined without coasters.
“When selecting a coffee table for a space, my first consideration is how this piece will function in the room,” says CJ Dean. “Will it be used for drinks, magazines, or home decor? Are there small children in the home playing around it or people who would like to put their feet on it? Who is using it and how is a key question that may guide the type of coffee table you choose.”
Size of Coffee Table
Given that your coffee table is likely the centerpiece of your living room design, you want to make sure it’s the right size for the space. A coffee table that’s too small compared to the rest of the living room furniture and decor will make the space feel empty, while a table that’s too big will make the space feel cramped and crowded.
“Ultimately, the most important thing when selecting a coffee table is to make sure the size of the coffee table is well suited to the size of the space it will occupy and the furniture that is already in the room,” advises Debbie DeMarais. “Have smaller-scale furniture? Then don’t buy a huge coffee table. And the inverse is true: a small coffee table will look entirely adrift on a massive rug in front of a huge leather sofa.”
The table’s place in your room
Once you’ve chosen the right size and functionality for your coffee table, you should consider where it will sit in your room and whether you want it to be a centerpiece or blend in with its surroundings. “Determine if the coffee table will be a supporting piece in the room or the focal point,” advises CJ Dean.
The shape of your room can help inform if it would work well as a focal point or more as a supporting piece that elevates other focal points in the room. “If it is a square room, the coffee table can become the centerpiece around which you arrange a conversation area,” says CJ. “In a rectangular or L-shaped room, the coffee table is frequently a supporting character and would typically be rectangular.”
Materials
From metal coffee tables to glass-top, solid wood, and marble coffee tables, there are many different materials to choose from. The right one for you depends on your aesthetic and how you plan to use it. For instance, “If the coffee table is going to be for a living space with lots of use, I would choose an easy-to-clean coffee table, like a glass-top table,” suggests Paola Zamudio. However, if you have kids, “Then you might want to avoid sharp corners and glass tops,” says Debbie DeMarais, since they can lead to accidents.
It also helps to consider the rest of your aesthetic and how you want your living room to feel. “A glass table will keep your space open and airy, while a wooden coffee table will add a warm, home-sweet-home touch,” says Karen Rohr.
Coffee Table Style
Of course, style is another important factor when determining the best coffee table. According to CJ Dean, “The table's style should reflect its role in the room and be consistent with the style you are creating. If you are designing a super modern space with lots of bold colors, find a more airy coffee table, like a wire-framed, glass, or acrylic table. If your living room is traditional, consider a wooden coffee table in proportion to the sofa and chairs.”
You can also mix and match the styles in your room to create a more eclectic design. For instance, if you have an otherwise cool and contemporary living room design, maybe you want to add a wooden coffee table to warm it up some. Or if you have a minimalist aesthetic, you can incorporate a coffee table in a bold color to punch it up.
20 of the Best Coffee Tables for Every Budget and Style
To find the best coffee tables on the market right now we spent hours combing through different shapes, brands, sizes, and materials and speaking to experts like Karen Rohr, Interior Designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors, Paola Zamudio, Founder and Head Designer at npz studio+, CJ Dean, owner and interior decorator of CJ Dean Designs - Decorating Den Interiors, Debbie DeMarais of DeMarais Home Staging + Design to help us make decisions on which tables to feature.
Our top pick, the Serif Coffee Table by Burrow, is one we've also reviewed firsthand. It is made from solid wood and features a simple, clean, and minimalist design.
Below are more of our top recommendations for coffee tables, and you can find the answers to many of your coffee table questions.
1. Serif Coffee Table
- Brand: Burrow
- Price: $449
- Dimensions: 50" L x 19" W x 16" H
- Material(s): Solid ash wood
We’re big fans of this solid wood coffee table, with its minimalist, streamlined design and warm wood finish that will make any space more inviting.
In fact, I’m lucky enough to have this coffee table in my living room, and I couldn’t say enough good things about it in my review. It’s the sort of table that will always look fresh, no matter the season, space, or decade.
Here's what I like after living with the Sefif table:
- Solid wood construction
- Minimalist design that will look great in any decade
- Easy to wipe clean
- Lower shelf storage space for books, chargers, coasters, and more
- You can purchase a matching Serif side table, credenza, and/or bench
2. Amina Coffe Table
- Brand: Joybird
- Price: From $1,022
- Dimensions: 35"w x 35"d x 15"h
- Material(s): Gray stacked aluminum and creamy taupe marble
Crafted from durable, high-quality materials, the Amina Coffee Table is built to last while making a bold design statement. The elegant contrast of cool hammered gray aluminum and warm taupe marble creates a versatile palette that complements a wide range of guest room styles - from modern minimalist to upscale urban. It’s the perfect blend of form, function, and visual harmony.
3. Form Lavante Marble Coffee Table
- Brand: Sundays
- Price: $1,390
- Dimensions: 35” D x 35” W x 11” H
- Material(s): lavante marble and solid reclaimed teak.
This versatile piece rests on durable reclaimed teak legs, offering a perfect balance of style and practicality. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, the legs are celebrated for their natural moisture resistance and warm, organic appearance, ensuring long-lasting use in various environments. The coffee table features a striking lavante marble top, enhanced with a special coating that provides excellent resistance to stains and scratches, making it ideal for everyday use.
There is so much else to love about this piece, which is why it's one of the best living room coffee tables money can buy. For one, the coated top is easy to clean, ideal for homeowners with kids and pets. The table's low profile and minimal design also mean you can fit it in nearly any living room, even if you're short on space.
4. Andre Coffee Table
- Brand: Castlery
- Price: $699
- Dimensions: 55” W x 27.5” L x 13” H
- Material(s): Walnut veneer
This lift-top coffee table offers hidden storage space for living room essentials, like remotes, along with the ability to change its shape and height, making for a highly versatile addition to your living room design. “At a great price, this one allows having two heights, one that can be easy to set up a laptop, and the other for board games and entertainment,” says Karen Rohr.
But just because this coffee table is functional doesn't mean it loses any points on style. This sculptural coffee table makes it the perfect focal point for modern and artsy living areas. Plus, the dual square top pieces are rotatable, so you can change the configuration based on your mood.d
5. Vitri Coffee Table
- Brand: Article
- Price: $349
- Dimensions: 15"H x 36.5"W x 36.5"D
- Material(s): Glass, veneered Walnut, MDF, metal legs
Glass coffee tables like this one are easy to clean, and you won’t have to worry about it warping if someone forgets a coaster. With a tempered glass top this stunning round coffee table can withstand a high-traffic living room like a pro, and its versatile design will look great with all sorts of living room furniture and home decor.
With its airy tempered glass top and compact size, the Clarus from Article is one of the best coffee tables for small living spaces. The three-legged base features a classic walnut stain that will fit in seamlessly with mid-century modern and other transitional decor styles.
This coffee table's affordable price tag also makes nesting a breeze. Pick up a second one or add the Clarus walnut side table to create a one-of-a-kind piece that can flex with your space's needs.
6. Andor Coffee Table
- Brand: AllModern
- Price: $499
- Dimensions: 17.72'' H x 47.24'' L x 23.62'' W
- Material(s): Solid and manufactured wood
This mid-century-inspired coffee table merges form and function with a distinctively retro vibe. Its wooden top is crafted from a blend of solid and manufactured wood, showcasing a natural wood grain color variation that adds a warm, organic touch. The rounded edges gently soften the table's square shape, while the flared, tapered legs anchor the design in a classic style.
Beneath the surface, a woven rattan lower shelf provides extra storage and a breath of fresh air, making it ideal for a small room. The smoked oak base enhances the table's clean lines, while its stain-resistant finish ensures durability without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Easy to clean, incredibly durable, and utterly timeless, the Duran coffee table from AllModern has it all. It features a tiered shelf to display magazines and books or use as extra storage. The modern and minimalistic silhouette is ideal for industrial and contemporary spaces.
The Duran also comes in a smaller size for compact spaces or tighter budgets. No matter which size you choose, you will appreciate the sturdy construction that contradicts the coffee table's highly affordable price tag.
7. Anton Storage Coffee Table
- Brand: West Elm
- Price: $799
- Dimensions: 42"W x 26"D x 17"H
- Material(s): Solid mango wood
Crafted from solid mango wood sustainably sourced from trees that have retired from fruit-bearing, this piece balances beauty and responsibility. The wood's natural finish highlights its rich grain, giving each item a unique character.
A single drawer, opening smoothly on metal glides, offers convenient extra storage space for essentials, while an open bottom compartment adds versatility. Built in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory in India, this piece supports ethical craftsmanship and meets the rigorous standards of contract-grade furniture.
The completely enclosed drawers will ensure your living room won't look cluttered. Add a few baskets into the open cubbyholes to maximize storage space or use the shelves to style your favorite living room decor pieces.
8. Wiggle Room
- Brand: Wiggle Room
- Price: Starting at $680
- Dimensions: 45" L x 22" W x 14" H or 60" L x 28" W x 14" H
Looking for an instant showstopper? Look no further than this statement piece, which comes in six bold colors and rocks a wiggly design that will instantly make your living room more joyful. Plus, it comes in two sizes, so it can work well in large and small spaces alike. Either way, it’s sure to make a statement.
This piece is also one of the best coffee tables for kids' spaces. The top is covered in a colorful laminate that will protect the table from spills without stressing about coasters. Get one for the playroom, add a few floor pillows, and you have the perfect station for crafts in the summer and homework during the school year.
9. Targua Inlay Coffee Table
- Brand: Anthropologie
- Price: Starting at $1,248
- Dimensions: 17.25"H x 45.25" D
- Material(s): Bone inlay; engineered and solid wood; brass finish
Handcrafted with a bone inlay, this round coffee table can work as the stylish centerpiece of your living room design. It also comes in two colors and three sizes, and thanks to its reiterative bone inlay, no two pieces are exactly alike.
According to Karen Rohr, “This is a piece that can be bold, with its striking pattern and shape, but it will work well in virtually any living space.”
This is the piece to buy if you've been loving the current maximalism trend in home decor. Use it to anchor a bohemian or global-style living space. It can also be the statement-maker for an otherwise pared-back interior design style.
10. Flume Round Coffee Table
- Brand: Blu Dot
- Price: $495
- Dimensions: 36” L x 36” W x 13” H
- Material(s): Glass top and powder-coated steel base
This unobtrusive modern coffee table is a minimalist’s dream. Supported by a durable powder-coated steel frame, the glass top means you’ll never need to use your coffee table books as a coaster again. Plus, it comes in dark and light versions, so it’s easy to fit into your living space regardless of your color palette.
The easy-breezy design mimics this coffee table's low maintenance requirements. The materials are highly durable and unlike wood, you won't have to worry about sun bleaching or spills ruining your investment.
11. Pivot Marble Coffee Table
- Brand: Industry West
- Price: $1,495
- Dimensions: 39.8" Diameter x 13.8" High
- Material(s): Solid walnut, marble
Pivot coffee table made from solid walnut and marble top. The round coffee table’s rustic finish, combined with a sleek geometric silhouette, gives it a modern feel that will bring welcoming warmth to any living room design.
Natural materials stained in warm colors can bring some much-needed homeyness to an otherwise stark space. As such, this coffee table will work beautifully in an all-neutral living room. Yet, the minimalistic and classic lines mean it can fit in with a variety of design styles.
12. Linden White Wash Oak Coffee Table
- Brand: Interior Define
- Price: $995
- Dimensions: 47.5” W x 23.5” L x 18.25” H
- Material(s): Solid wood
This airy wooden coffee table will be a dreamy addition to any living room, with a stunning minimalist silhouette, complete with soft beveled edges and long tapered legs. Available in two finishes, the rectangular coffee table is sure to start a conversation no matter where it lives.
The White Wash Oak finish (pictured) has a farmhouse aesthetic and a slightly cool-toned appearance. Meanwhile, the Oiled Walnut stain adds drama and depth that goes well with vintage and traditional home decor styles.
13. Nico Coffee Table
- Brand: Joss & Main
- Price: $949
- Dimensions: 15.5'' H X 48'' L X 48'' W
- Material(s): Solid wood
The Nico Solid Wood Coffee Table blends cool neutrals and a sleek design. Its round shape features a thick charcoal wooden top, offering a sturdy yet refined surface. The iron frame below is finished in gunmetal, with cross legs that bring a dynamic touch to the table’s profile.
The dark wood tones of the top and the slim, flat-stock base create a modern and timeless, cohesive look. With its clean lines and most versatile aesthetic, this table's design seamlessly blends the wood and metal elements to fit perfectly into a small room or a larger living space, adding a touch of harmony to modern and industrial settings.
If you are searching for a statement-making piece for your industrial living space, the Nico solid wood coffee table from Joss & Main should be at the top of your list. This sturdy yet airy piece combines a charcoal grey round wood top with a chunky four-piece iron base.
We recommend placing this coffee table with standard-sized couches or L-shaped sectionals. Add a couple of metal chairs in complementary colors for an easy yet elegant living space that will get your guests talking.
14. Low Space Coffee Table
- Brand: Blu Dot
- Price: $895
- Dimensions: 52” L x 30” W x 15” H
- Material(s): Engineered wood
This modern coffee table offers multiple corridors for artfully placed coffee table books, magazines, and remotes. But you can also keep it free and clear to create a more airy look.
It comes in three finishes, so it will work well in nearly any color scheme, and it just so happens to be a designer favorite: “The unique 45-degree angles on the shorter sides are delightfully unexpected and provide a high design detail at an affordable price,” says Debbie DeMarais.
The Low Space coffee table is aptly named for its short stature and roomy interior. Angular lines and a walnut-stained exterior offer an on-trend mid-century modern vibe, but we can also see this piece fitting in with Scandi and bohemian interior design styles.
15. Espira Coffee Table
- Brand: CB2
- Price: $699
- Dimensions: 35" D x 15" H
- Material(s): Cast marbleized black resin
The Espira Round Black Marbled Resin Coffee Table, designed by Caleb Zipperer, reimagines the classic pedestal table with a contemporary twist. Its round shape and organic silhouette are crafted from cast marbleized black resin, offering each piece a unique texture and visual depth.
The hand-poured resin features swirling patterns that evoke the elegance of marble, making it an eye-catching centerpiece. At 35 inches in diameter and 15 inches high, this table is perfectly scaled for smaller living spaces and brings a sculptural touch to any room.
The Derrico acacia wood coffee table is a CB2 bestseller for a reason. This sculptural beauty was designed exclusively for CB2 by Caleb Zipperer. It features a hand-carved rectangular top and matching pedestal base; both stained a warm walnut color to highlight the wood's natural grain.
If you prefer a high-contrast look, you can go for the all-black stain instead. The black version of this coffee table would look spectacular in a stark white room or serve as the perfect alternative to a trending stone slab piece.
16. Nala Coffee Table
- Brand: Edloe Finch
- Price: $799
- Dimensions: 45" W x 30" D x 15" H
- Material(s): Solid wood and steel
Made from solid teak wood, this lovely coffee table combines a heavy-duty top with steel hairpin legs for a design that can literally last a lifetime. And thanks to its hewn edges and natural crack lines, your living room will enjoy a lifetime of warm, stylish character.
The Nalal coffee table can add a rustic flare to your living space, add an unexpected textural element to minimal spaces, and never look overdone thanks to its funky yet streamlined silhouette. That's why we think it's one of the top coffee table designs around.
17. Pentwater Round Coffee Table
- Brand: Lulu & Georgia
- Price: $1,798
- Dimensions: 48" D x 15" H
- Material(s): Solid wood
Featuring a sculptural silhouette and solid wood design, this striking round coffee table inspired by Sarah Sherman Samuel’s warm, edited style is the perfect centerpiece for any living room. “I really love this coffee table because the shade of wood is perfect,” says Paula Zamudio, “I also love that it feels light and airy but structured.''
The tabletop's long and thin oval shape reminds me of a surfboard. Five slab-like planks serve as the base, each placed symmetrically along the oval's center. You'll have no trouble fitting this coffee table into your existing home decor, either, because it can work for nearly any trendy design style.
18. Reveal Lift Top Coffee Table
- Brand: BDI
- Price: $2,529
- Dimensions: 15.5'' H X 48'' W X 27'' D
- Material(s): Glass, Solid + Manufactured Wood, Steel
This lift-top coffee table features a modern-inspired design and multiple storage compartments for all of your living room knickknacks. You can display attractive decor, like coffee table books, on the open shelf while hiding less-important items, like remotes, in the hidden storage area. Plus, you can use the lift-top as a laptop stand, transforming your living room into a home office in a pinch.
The table features a durable glass top, giving it an interesting mixed-material aesthetic. The classic and dramatic dark chocolate wood finish is the finishing touch and ensures this piece can also fit in with more traditional home decor styles. This is one of our favorite modern coffee table ideas.
19. Voya Coffee Table
- Brand: Medley
- Price: $1,295
- Dimensions: 18” H x 30” D
- Material(s): Solid wood
This round coffee table’s modest size makes it perfect for small spaces. But if you have a little more room, you can pair it with a matching side table to create a nesting coffee table set. Either way, you’ll be investing in a beautiful piece that’s hand-carved from FSC-certified solid wood and comes in two pretty finishes: Maple and Walnut.
One of the things we love about this piece is its construction. The coffee table is crafted by hand of solid wood and finished with 0-VOC wood finish. The finish ensures your coffee table will withstand heat and moisture, so you can enjoy this well-made piece for years to come.
20. Atmos Coffee Table
- Brand: Industry West
- Price: $2,700
- Dimensions: 59" W x 27.5" D x 15" H
- Material(s): Marble top and acrylic base
This showstopping marble coffee table is made from five different types of marble that combine to create a striking mosaic of contrasting yet complementary colors. Given its unique look, it’s no surprise that the modern coffee table is a designer favorite: “This coffee table is a stunner!” raves Paola Zamudio. “I used it in one of my projects and the client adores it. The stone top has these really nice shapes, and the colors are great to warm up your space.”
When you invest in this piece, you aren't just getting one of the best coffee tables on our list, though. You're also getting a highly durable and expertly crafted artwork that will be in your family forever.
Coffee Table FAQs
Should a coffee table be lower than the couch?
No rule says where your coffee table needs to be in relation to your couch, but some heights might be more comfortable than others. “A coffee table that is too low may be difficult to reach,” says Karen Rohr, “while one that is too high may block your view of the television or interrupt the conversation.”
A good rule of thumb is that your coffee table shouldn’t be lower than 1 to 2 inches below your seat height. But in the end, the right height is entirely up to you. According to Grace Hoffend, playing with a height outside of that range can make for a compelling design: “I love a low, modern look, so my limitation is no shorter than 4 inches from the seat height.”
What color should my coffee table be?
The ideal coffee table color entirely depends on your aesthetic and preferences, but a few guidelines can help. According to Karen Rohr, “If you're looking for a classic look, you can't go wrong with black or white. These colors go with just about everything, and they create a sophisticated atmosphere.”
However, you can also use your coffee table as a statement-making focal point, in which case you might “Consider bright colors or patterns if you want something a little more fun and playful,” says Karen. “You can also go with something in between and bring the special touch in with accessories.”
If you’re opting for bright colors or patterns, be sure to take care of your table by using coasters during meetings when guests are drinking. You can find matching pieces that beautifully complement your living room style.
What shape should my coffee table be?
Like the color, the right coffee table shape heavily depends on you and your space. But according to Karen Rohr, “Balance is essential, so if you have too many straight lines, a round table will help soften your look and create a more inviting space.” On the other hand, if your space is full of organic shapes, maybe you want to contrast it with a more sleek, rectangular coffee table.
Does my coffee table have to match my TV stand?
Your coffee table can match your TV stand as much or as little as you want. You can opt to completely match it, with the same materials, shapes, and colors. Or you can complement your stand with a more contrasting coffee table. However, if you decide to mix and match, “Try to keep consistency on the type of wood, tones, or just a little feature to tie it together, but feel free to be creative,” says Karen Rohr.
Does my coffee table have to match my couch?
Your coffee table doesn’t have to match your couch to create a beautiful design, but it can. It’s really up to what you think looks best. However, it’s helpful to think of the coffee table’s size in relation to the couch. “It is not necessary for a coffee table to match the couch,” says Debbie DeMarais, “but it is worth trying to find a table that is about ⅔ the size of the couch, which will help the two items feel proportionally in balance.”
How do you decorate a coffee table?
You can decorate a coffee table in any number of ways. Coffee table books, candles, and small plants are a great start. But since you have a limited surface to work with, Karen Rohr recommends using “fewer items to keep everything organized and prevent it from looking cluttered.”
Speaking of organization, a coffee table tray is a great way to keep your coffee table looking clean and organized. You can use it to neatly house remote controls and other necessities and showcase your favorite home decor items.
