The coffee table is often the unsung hero when pulling a living room together. It’s the focal point of your seating area and can define the mood of the entire space. Choosing the right coffee table can feel overwhelming with so many styles and options. Our guide below will help you pick the ideal coffee table that suits your lifestyle and complements your home’s design.
Round Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Gentle curves that create a sense of flow and openness.
Round coffee tables are fantastic for smaller spaces or rooms with a lot of traffic. Their shape makes them easy to navigate around, and they encourage a more intimate seating arrangement. Plus, they’re kid-friendly since they lack sharp edges. A round coffee table might be your best bet if you’re going for a cozy and inviting look.
Best For: Scandinavian, Boho Chic, and Traditional styles.
Jonas Coffee Table – anthropologie.com
Rectangular Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Maximizes surface area, making it perfect for larger seating areas.
Rectangular coffee tables are classic and versatile. They offer ample space for books, trays, and decor and can serve as a makeshift workspace. If you have a long sectional sofa or a wide room, a rectangular coffee table can help anchor the space and provide a balanced look.
Best For: Modern, Transitional, and Farmhouse styles.
Teresa Rectangle Coffee Table – bloomingdales.com
Square Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Symmetrical design that provides a balanced look.
Square coffee tables are great for rooms where symmetry is key. They’re often large enough to make a statement but compact enough to fit into tighter spaces. This style works particularly well with a modular or sectional sofa, as it can easily fit within the seating arrangement.
Best For: Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, and Traditional styles.
Grand Framed Square Coffee Table, Weathered Whitewash – onekingslane.com
Glass-Top Coffee Table
Notable Feature: A sleek, modern look that adds lightness to the room.
Glass-top coffee tables are perfect if you want to keep your space feeling open and airy. They can make a room feel larger and are great for showcasing a beautiful rug underneath. The transparency of the glass allows your other decor to take center stage while adding a touch of elegance to the room.
Best For: Modern, Glam, and Minimalist styles.
Vintage French Maison Jansen Style Brass and Glass Cocktail Table Coffee Table – chairish.com
Coffee Table with Storage
Notable Feature: Hidden compartments for stashing away clutter.
If you value both form and function, a coffee table with built-in storage might be exactly what you need. These tables come with shelves, drawers, or lift-top features that offer discreet storage space. They’re perfect for keeping remote controls, magazines, or blankets within reach but out of sight.
Best For: Industrial, Transitional, and Rustic styles.
Bodhi Coffee Table – arhaus.com
Nesting Coffee Tables
Notable Feature: Versatility with multiple tables that can be arranged together or separately.
Nesting coffee tables are a clever solution for small spaces or for those who like to switch up their layout frequently. They usually come in two or three sets, with the smaller tables sliding under the larger ones. You can pull them out when you need extra surface space or tuck them away when you don’t.
Best For: Eclectic, Modern, and Boho Chic styles.
Eclipse Nesting Tables – dwr.com
Ottoman Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Soft, upholstered surface that doubles as extra seating or a footrest.
An ottoman coffee table is a great option if comfort is your top priority. It adds a cozy, relaxed vibe to your living room and can be easily moved around. Just top it with a tray to create a stable surface for drinks and decor. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce texture and color to your space.
Best For: Traditional, Farmhouse, and French Country styles.
Landon Coffee Table Ottoman – 1stdibs.com
Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Unique, eco-friendly design with a rustic charm.
Reclaimed wood coffee tables bring a sense of history and character to a room. Each piece is unique, with its own story told through the wood’s imperfections and patina. These tables are durable and add warmth to any space, making them a favorite for those who appreciate a rustic or industrial look.
Best For: Rustic, Industrial, and Coastal styles.
Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table – arhaus.com
Marble-Top Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Luxurious and timeless material that elevates any space.
Marble-top coffee tables are the epitome of elegance. The natural veining in the marble makes each table one-of-a-kind, and the cool surface adds a touch of sophistication to your living room. This style pairs well with modern and classic decor, and it’s a surefire way to make a statement.
Best For: Glam, Modern, and Classic styles.
Zuri Furniture Modern 51 inch White Carrara Marble Port Coffee Table with Brushed Stainless Steel Base – amazon.com
Lift-Top Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Adjustable height feature that adds convenience for work or dining.
Lift-top coffee tables are perfect for multi-functional spaces. The top elevates to uncover hidden storage and can double as a dining surface or a desk. It’s a practical choice for those who live in small apartments or want to maximize their living room’s functionality without sacrificing style.
Best For: Urban, Contemporary, and Small-Space Living Styles.
Multifunction Lift Top Coffee Table, Rectangle Folding Table with Storage and 4 Stools for Living Room – amazon.com
Mirrored Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Reflective surface that adds light and glamor to the room.
A mirrored coffee table is a bold choice that instantly makes a room feel more glamorous. The reflective surface bounces light around the space, making it feel larger and more open. This type of coffee table is perfect if you want to add a touch of glam without overwhelming the room.
Best For: Glam, Art Deco, and Hollywood Regency styles.
1960’s Vintage Mirrored Coffee Table – 1stdibs.com
Rustic Farmhouse Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Distressed finishes and sturdy construction for a cozy, lived-in feel.
Rustic farmhouse coffee tables are all about warmth and character. They often feature chunky wood construction with distressed finishes, making them look like they’ve been a part of your home for generations. This style is perfect for creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Best For: Farmhouse, Cottage, and Country styles.
Rustic Antique Coffee Table – chairish.com
Industrial Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Raw materials like metal and wood for a rugged, urban feel.
Industrial coffee tables are known for using materials like metal and reclaimed wood. They often feature exposed hardware and a no-nonsense design that adds an edge to any room. If you’re drawn to the look of urban lofts or converted warehouses, this style might be right for you.
Best For: Industrial, Urban, and Modern styles.
Large Coffee Table in Riveted Metal, France, 1920 – chairish.com
Live-Edge Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Natural wood edges that preserve the tree’s original shape.
Live-edge coffee tables celebrate nature’s beauty. The wood’s raw, organic edges create a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece that brings the outdoors in. This style works beautifully in rooms that emphasize natural elements and organic forms.
Best For: Rustic, Boho Chic, and Scandinavian styles.
Teak Root Coffee Table – anthropologie.com
Acrylic Coffee Table
Notable Feature: Transparent material that adds a modern, airy feel without taking up visual space.
Acrylic coffee tables are ideal for those who want the functionality of a coffee table without the bulk. The transparent material makes the table almost disappear, which is perfect for smaller spaces or rooms with bold furniture where you don’t want the coffee table to steal the spotlight.
Best For: Minimalist, Modern, and Contemporary styles.
Safavieh Couture Couture Gianna Acrylic Coffee Table – bloomingdales.com
Find Your Perfect Coffee Table Match
Choosing the right coffee table is about more than just picking something that looks good. It’s about finding a piece that complements your lifestyle, fits your space, and is a functional and stylish anchor for your living room. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek lines of a glass-top table or the rugged charm of reclaimed wood, there’s a coffee table that’s perfect for you. Take your time, consider your options, and remember that the best coffee table is the one that makes you love your living room just a little bit more.
With these 15 coffee table styles in mind, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect centerpiece for your space.
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing a coffee table?
- When choosing a coffee table, consider the size of your space, the style of your existing furniture, your storage needs, and how you plan to use the table. These factors will help you find a table that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Which coffee table style is best for small spaces?
- For small spaces, consider a round or nesting coffee table. Round tables create better flow and are easy to navigate around, while nesting tables provide extra surface area when needed and can be tucked away to save space.
How do I choose a coffee table that complements my sofa?
- Match your coffee table to your sofa by considering scale, shape, and style. For a large sectional, a rectangular or square table works well. For a more traditional or cozy setup, a round or ottoman coffee table might be ideal.
What are the benefits of a lift-top coffee table?
- Lift-top coffee tables offer added functionality by allowing the tabletop to elevate, creating a convenient surface for working, dining, or additional storage. They are especially useful in small living spaces.
How can I style a coffee table to enhance my living room’s design?
- Style your coffee table with a mix of decorative items like trays, books, candles, or small plants. Keep it balanced and don’t overcrowd the surface. For a cohesive look, choose items that reflect your room’s overall design theme.
The Curated Showhouse
Our content is written by our team of experienced interior design experts.
