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The coffee table is the centerpiece of most living room designs, so it’s 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.
Meet the experts
At Living Cozy, we produce our content alongside interior design and home decor experts. In this guide, you’ll advice from:
What to Consider When Buying a Coffee Table, According to Experts
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 storage coffee table 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
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 nailed down the right size and functionality for your coffee table, it’s time to think about where it will sit in your room and whether you want it to be a living room centerpiece or to 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.”
Floyd's Round Coffee Table
Materials
From metal coffee tables to glass-top, solid wood, and marble coffee tables, there are many different coffee table materials to choose from. The right one for you depends on your aesthetic as well as 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.
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.
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24 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 brands, looking at options, sizes, 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 first hand. The Serif is made from solid wood and features a simple, clean and minimalist design.
Check out more of our top recommendations for coffee tables below, plus, find the answers to many of your coffee table questions.
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 for books, chargers, coasters, and more
You can purchase a matching Serif side table, credenza, and/or bench
Dimensions: 18" D x 18.75" H, 24" D x 16.75" H, or 36" D x 14.75" H | Material(s): Solid ash wood
This wooden coffee table from Maiden Home comes in three different sizes so you can use it as a coffee table, dining table, or side table depending on your needs. The solid wood design is also built to last, both from a durability and a style standpoint.
According to Grace Hoffend, “The Morro Tables are my favorite pieces at Maiden Home. They have the perfect ratio of circumference to height, which provides ample opportunity for use in your space! I like to nest the 24” and 18” sizes together as a meeting point for two sofas in an L configuration.”
Dimensions: 34” D x 12.25” H | Material(s): Birch plywood and powder-coated steel
Featuring oval and round coffee table designs, this versatile piece sits on sturdy, powder-coated steel legs with a high-grade birch plywood surface protected by a polyurethane coat. You can also choose from two finishes for the top, as well as two leg colors—Black or White—so you should have no trouble fitting this timeless coffee table into your living room aesthetic.
Dimensions: 55” W x 27.5” L x 13” H | Material(s): Walnut veneer
This lift-top coffee table offers hidden storage 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.
Dimensions: 15"H x 36.5"W x 36.5"D | Material(s): Glass, veneered Walnut, MDF, metal
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.
Dimensions: 17'' H X 48'' L X 24'' D | Material(s): Engineered and solid wood
Given that this rectangular coffee table has over 2,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, we’re far from the only ones who love it. Its two-toned mid-century modern-inspired design will elevate diverse living room looks with timeless style, while a lower shelf provides welcome storage space for magazines, remotes, and coasters.
Dimensions: 55"w x 24"d x 16.5"h | Material(s): European oak veneer over engineered wood in a water-based Blonde finish
If you could benefit from a few extra living room drawers, then you’ll love this storage coffee table from West Elm. “TheNorre Storage Coffee Table is perfect for adding a seamless solution to store board games, remote controls, extra magazines, books, etc,” says Karen Rohr. You can also pair it with a matching bar or armoire to complete your look.
Dimensions: 32” D x 15” H | Material(s): FSC-certified plywood
This round coffee table’s breezy design will slide seamlessly into small spaces, but if you need a bit more room, you can also purchase it as a longer oval coffee table or rectangular coffee table. Coming in a variety of finishes, with the option to add magazine storage, this modern coffee table is equal parts versatile and gorgeous.
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.
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.”
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.
Brand: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Price: $1,795.00
Dimensions: 15” H x 40” D | Material(s): Oak veneer
Why have one table when you can have two? Ideal for anyone who could use a little extra surface area, this nesting coffee table features a sunburst veneer atop a strong metal frame. According to Debbie Demarais, “It’s great for larger spaces and sectional seating as the tables can expand based on the size of the couch. And its height is ideal because it allows for displays on the upper level while preserving the functionality on the lower level.”
Dimensions: 43.3" W x 43.3" L x 15.7" H | Material(s): Recycled wood
Not only is this solid wood coffee table beautiful, but it’s made from recycled and reclaimed wood, so it’s kind to the planet as well. The square coffee table’s rustic finish combined with a sleek geometric silhouette give it a modern feel that will bring welcoming warmth to any living room design.
Dimensions: 47.5” W x 23.5” L x 18.25” H | Material(s): Solid wood
Featuring a stunning minimalist silhouette, complete with soft beveled edges and long tapered legs, this airy wooden coffee table will be a dreamy addition to any living room. Available in two finishes, the rectangular coffee table is sure to start a conversation no matter where it lives.
Dimensions: 15.5'' H x 48'' D | Material(s): Solid wood
Made from solid wood with a metal base, this round coffee table features a cool neutral tone and X-shaped stretchers that will ground your living space in style. And since it’s made from solid wood, each piece is one of a kind, with unique natural wood grain and knots.
Dimensions: 18" H x 42.5" L x 32.5" W| Material(s): Tinted glass top and solid wood base
Part sculptural art, part functional furniture, this nesting coffee table set comes in two sizes and can be used as a single nesting coffee table with two tiers or as two completely separate tables, like a coffee table and side table. Karen Rohr recommends it for large living spaces: “This type of set will always be an excellent solution for big rooms as you can place them along the ample space to add a functional surface for guests.”
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.
Dimensions: 38" D x 19.25" H | Material(s): Engineered and solid wood; tufted bonded leather upholstery
This round coffee table can work as an extra surface or an ottoman, depending on what you need it for most. Its tufted top and nailhead border make it a great fit for traditional aesthetics, but it can also work well in many other aesthetics. “One of my favorite coffee tables right now is the tufted ottoman,” says CJ Dean. “They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics that can coordinate with a multitude of styles and spaces, and if you must, you can put your feet on them.”
Dimensions: 34" D x 17" H | Material(s): Cement, stone, granite, and marble powder; steel base
“The Darbuka Coffee Table is a gorgeous modern piece that's both functional and aesthetically interesting,” says Karen Rohr. Inspired by North African drums, the drum coffee table is made with cement, stone, granite, and marble powder, which all come together to create a natural stone effect. And the coffee table is so durable that it can even function as an outdoor piece as well.
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.
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.”
Dimensions: 48" W x 26" D x 18" H | Material(s): Engineered and solid wood
This lift-top coffee table features a mid-century modern-inspired design along with multiple storage compartments for all of your living room knick-knacks. You can display attractive decor, like coffee table books, on the open shelf, while hiding less slightly 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.
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.
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 come together 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.”
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Coffee Table FAQs
Should a coffee table be lower than the couch?
There is no rule that 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. And, 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.”
What shape should my coffee table be?
Just 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, as well as showcase your favorite home decor items.
Kelly Weimert is a writer, editor, and interior design expert with 10 years of experience writing about design and home decor. She's written for interior design publications such as MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino Magazine, and Hunker. When she's not writing or editing, she's probably busy obsessing over how to beautify her home.
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