A coffee table should be the centerpiece of your living area. It’s what people gather around to mingle, share some apps or watch TV. You want it to be functional but also stylish enough to elevate the room.
Whether your space requires a small coffee table or a round coffee table, there are plenty of cool options that are sure to fit your desired aesthetic perfectly. While there are definitely some that would be a splurge, plenty of stylish coffee tables are affordable without sacrificing any quality. You can pick something eye-catching to shape the rest of your room around, or one that’s a bit more subtle and fits in seamlessly with any existing decor. But, of course, you’ll want to pick the right coffee table for the shape and size of your couch.
How to Pick a Coffee Table for Your Couch
There are so many shapes and styles of coffee tables to choose from. The decision can be frankly overwhelming. But, luckily, there are a few rules that will help you limit down the choices. These are:
1. Length – A coffee table should be at least 1/2 as long as your couch but not longer than 2/3 the length of your couch. If you have a sectional, this applies to the longest part of the L without taking into account any section blocked by the other half of the L.
2. Height – A coffee table should be the same height as the seat of your couch, but it can be up to two inches shorter or two inches taller if need be.
3. Width – The far edge of your coffee table should be about 30 inches from your TV and 12 to 18 inches from your couch. To calculate the ideal width of your coffee table, measure the distance from your couch to your TV and then subtract 48.
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While the above rules can help you decide on the size of your coffee table, what about the shape? The most common coffee table shapes are:
- Rectangular
- Oval
- Square
- Round
But there are also off-set shapes to choose from. In general, stick to rectangular and oval designs if you have a traditional couch. However, round and square coffee tables are well-suited to sectionals. Off-set and unusual shapes can be used for living rooms with more modern designs.
Naturally, there are great choices to match all design aesthetics, from modern coffee tables to ones with a more vintage or mid-century feel. These are some of our favorite coffee tables, ranging from sturdy reclaimed wood to chic metal and glass.
1. Birch Lane Adams Coffee Table
BEST OVERALL
The Birch Lane Adams Coffee Table oozes class and rustic style. The design includes two shelves that measure 42 by 24 inches, providing plenty of space for storing and displaying. The sturdy frame is constructed from steel, while the two wooden shelves use a mix of both new and reclaimed wood. Plus, you’ll be able to choose between a natural wood and slate grey wood option, depending on which best suits your home interiors.
2. HOMFA Nesting Coffee End Tables
BEST BUDGET
At under $50, the HOMFA Nesting Coffee End Tables set is a budget-friendly way to add a touch of sophistication and functionality to any living room. Available in either white or grey, the simple yet visually appealing pair are easily assembled and can be used to give your room storage, an extra surface and a focal point. The largest of the two tables sits 17.7 inches tall, while the smaller of the two sits at 15.7 inches, allowing it to nest or partially nest under its counterpart to create a more eye-catching arrangement.
3. VASAGLE Industrial Coffee Table
INDUSTRIAL PICK
While some industrial-inspired pieces can appear cold and unwelcoming, the VASAGLE Industrial Coffee Table is just the opposite. As proven by the 8,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this popular table can fit in with any kind of home decor to deliver antique and cozy flair to your living space. The table’s lower shelf ensures you’ve got plenty of space for storing magazines, books, remotes and any other living room essentials. Furthermore, if you enjoy this style, this piece is also available in different colors and in both end table and sofa table arrangements.
4. Mecor Rectangle Glass Coffee Table
BEST GLASS
We don’t always recommend glass as a coffee table surface (it has a tendency to get dirty and is quite fragile), but we love the Mecor Rectangle Glass Coffee Table. This table has not one, but two glass shelves connected by modern-looking metallic posts complemented by black legs. It measures just over 17 inches tall and has a decent weight-carrying capacity thanks to the fact the glass top has an 8mm strength. By comparison, the bottom shelf has only a 6mm weight, but it can still hold plenty of books and magazines.
5. Signature Design by Ashley Accent Cocktail Table
BEST FARMHOUSE INSPIRED
Farmhouse chic may be all the rage, but it’s surprisingly difficult to find a coffee table to match the style. If you’re into the rustic look, check out the Signature Design by Ashley Accent Cocktail Table. While not exactly a coffee table by design, it would look great with an L-shaped sectional. As an added bonus, half of the table’s top folds open to reveal a deep storage space underneath, which is ideal for blankets, coasters and other living room essentials.
6. YAHEETECH Lift Top Coffee Table
BEST STORAGE
There’s nothing wrong with equally valuing function and style in your choice of coffee table, especially when it comes to storage space. By choosing the YAHEETECH Lift Top Coffee Table, you’ll get a wood-finish table, which houses a sizable, hidden storage section under the top shelf of the two-tier design. This compartment can be accessed via a spring-accompanied mechanism and is ideal for storing a range of items, such as books, magazines, gaming controllers and any other bits and pieces you’d prefer weren’t always on show. In addition, the coffee table is available in two different sizes and five different finishes, ensuring there’s one to match your living room interiors.
7. Henn&Hart Modern Glass Coffee Table
GEOMETRIC PICK
The Henn&Hart Modern Glass Coffee Table uses straight lines, right angles and clear glass shelves to deliver a geometric-inspired furniture piece to modernize any living room. To ensure there’s something to match your style, the metal frame comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, gold and silver, while the tempered glass shelves provide the stability and durability you require from a display and storage space. Additionally, should you wish to expand your geometrically inspired furniture collection, you can also purchase a console table and end tables in the same style.
8. Sauder Lux Round Coffee Table
BEST ROUND
This round coffee table is versatile and sleek thanks to the safety-tempered glass top and gold finish. It gets tons of five-star reviews with customers raving about the good quality for the price, easy assembly and how functional it is even in the smallest of spaces. It’s simple yet classy, well-made and elevates the room, even in a studio apartment.
9. Convenience Concepts SoHo Coffee Table
BEST CONTEMPORARY
Made from a combination of tempered glass and weathered wood, this contemporary coffee table is functional and aesthetically designed. It’s an affordable option that comes in multiple finish options to accommodate any color or design goals. Reviewers love that it’s sturdy, narrow, easy to put together, and has a cool modern feel. The V-shaped storage shelf underneath is just an added bonus.
10. Black Carved Wood And Metal Samir Coffee Table
BEST BASIC
Not the bad kind of basic, just the kind that allows this small coffee table to get the job done without too many bells and whistles. It’s chic thanks to the black wood and metal, but has a simple (or basic) construction that won’t draw too much attention. While it may not be immediately eye-catching, the small handcrafted details like the mosaic of flat-carved patterns in the distressed black finish will have the compliments pouring in once your guests get a closer look.
11. Grayson Sled Coffee Table
BEST TRANSPARENT
Clear glass is having a moment in the world of furniture and home decor. It offers a bit of an illusion, in that from some angles, you can barely tell the Grayson Sled Coffee Table is there. If you want that sort of cool factor that makes it look like your coffee table books are floating, or if you have a crowded living room with lots of other design elements and just want something that doesn’t draw attention, this may be the modern coffee table for you. It gets tons of rave reviews for being sleek and polished, especially in small spaces.
12. Hazel White Lacquer Square Coffee Table
BEST LOW PROFILE
The Hazel coffee table is uniquely designed for top-notch functionality and supreme style. The sturdy cylindrical legs sit low to the ground, holding up a super spacious square top with rounded edges for a nice shapely flow. It’s made from sustainably sourced wood covered in a bright, water-based white finish that’s easy to wipe clean for a long-lasting living room piece that you’ll never want to leave behind.
13. Cosgrave Solid Wood Coffee Table
BEST WOOD
Constructed from solid rubberwood, the Cosgrave Solid Wood Coffee Table gives living spaces a classy yet inviting feel. It comes in the choice of either white or unfinished and uses clean lines and a visually appealing silhouette to draw your attention towards it, no matter what it is sitting next to. Additionally, the two-tier, 31-inch square design provides plenty of space for storage and for displaying all your living room items.
14. Lollygagger Cocktail Table
BEST COLORED
Not only does this unique round coffee table come in nine vibrant colors, but it’s also made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable plastic. It’s waterproof, fade-resistant and maintenance-free, so whatever color you choose will remain just as pristine and bright for the long haul. The worry-free design means that it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and the smooth edges and washable surface make it even more ideal for a safe, family-friendly space. You may not have thought to use a coffee table for a pop of color, but this one will surely make you reconsider.
15. Kelly Clarkson Home Acklen Tufted Cocktail Ottoman
BEST OTTOMAN
While technically not a coffee table, this Kelly Clarkson Home Acklen Tufted Cocktail Ottoman can do the job, and then some. The piece is made up of foam-filled, 100% linen upholstery and features a round silhouette filled with elegant, deep-button tufting. This combination results in a classy piece for classy living spaces. Functionally, the multipurpose living room addition can do the job of a coffee table if you set a tray on it. Alternatively, it can act as a place to put your feet up or even seat guests, if need be.
16. Takhat Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table
BEST RUSTIC
Reclaimed wood gives this stylish coffee table a sturdy, vintage feel. Each piece will be unique since it’s made from salvaged materials, but all of the wood is kiln-dried to prevent warping, splitting, cracking or developing mildew. The solid construction and antique inspiration create a rustic vibe that adds an authentic and cozy touch to any living room.
17. RS Barcelona Plec Marble Table
BEST MARBLE
The accordion-shaped legs and heavy marble top make this unique coffee table the sturdy centerpiece of your living room. It’s somehow simple with loads of personality all at once, meaning it can fit into any space while also standing out. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so if you love the design, you can customize it to meet your exact needs. This stylish table is durable, functional. and very cool, so if you’re ready for a bit of a splurge, you won’t regret this choice.
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