Buying guide for Best coffee tables

A coffee table is a crucial piece of furniture for your living room. It’s the spot where you can rest your beverage while sitting on the sofa, show off your favorite decorative items or collectibles, and organize magazines, remote controls, and other lounge space necessities.

While most coffee tables are rectangular, you can find options in a variety of shapes and styles. That makes it easy to find one that fits your room’s size, layout, and décor. Some coffee tables are more than decorative surfaces too. You can find models with extra storage to help you keep your living space neat and tidy.

But finding the right coffee table can be challenging. Our buying guide offers up all the necessary tips you need to sort through the options and choose the best coffee table for your home. 

Some coffee tables have leaves that allow you to extend the surface for those occasions when you need the extra space.

Key considerations

Size

Choosing the right size coffee table is key if you want it to fit in with your other furniture and décor. In general, most interior designers suggest opting for a table that’s no longer than two-thirds the length of your sofa and nearly the same height as the seat (within 2 or 3 inches taller or shorter). However, you’ll be fine if the coffee table is 16 to 18 inches shorter than the sofa on each end. That allows enough space to walk comfortably around it.

Shape

Traditional coffee tables are rectangular, but you can find options in a few different shapes.

Rectangular: These coffee tables offer a classic look and pair well with most standard sofas. They work well with longer couches too. When in doubt, a rectangular coffee table is usually your best bet.

Square: These coffee tables generally look best if your room’s layout includes a loveseat and sofa combination or an L-shaped sectional. You can also place two square coffee tables side by side with a standard sofa.

Round: These coffee tables work well in a smaller room. One can also serve as a striking focal point in larger rooms, but you need to choose a table with a large enough circumference to fit the space. Round tables don’t offer as much surface area as rectangular ones, so you might need extra end tables by the couch. You can also place two round coffee tables side by side as you would with square tables.

Oval: An oval table can serve as an alternative to a rectangular coffee table to complement a standard sofa. They’re longer than round tables, so they offer more surface area but provide a softer look than a rectangular table’s sharp angles.

If you’re shopping for a new coffee table, measure your existing table to figure out what dimensions work best in your space. You can size up or down if you think your current table isn’t the right size.

Features

Material

Coffee tables are made of various materials, so you can find an option that suits the rest of your furniture and décor. Some traditional materials for coffee tables include the following:

Wood is the most common material for a coffee table. You can find options in an array of colors and finishes. If you want your table to last for years, make sure to opt for solid wood rather than engineered or faux wood.

Metal and glass coffee tables typically have a base made of iron, aluminum, steel, brass, or another material and a glass top. These tables are durable and sturdy, but they aren’t the best option for a home with young kids.

Stone or marble may be used for the top of some coffee tables. You have to be careful about the stone, however, because some types are extremely porous and prone to moisture damage.

Leather is sometimes used as a top for coffee tables. It’s more prone to damage than other materials, so it’s usually not a good choice for homes with kids.

Rattan gives a coffee table a rustic, country look and is very durable.

Style

You can find coffee tables in various styles to match nearly any décor. Choosing a style for your table is a matter of personal preference, so opt for one that fits with the rest of your furniture. Some common coffee table styles include the following:

Traditional coffee tables usually have a curved shape and ornate details that provide a more formal look.

Contemporary or modern coffee tables typically have simple, streamlined construction. They may have geometric elements, and some include bold, bright accent colors in their design.

Cottage coffee tables tend to have a distressed finish that gives them a rustic look. They often feature soft lines and turned legs.

Coastal coffee tables are generally made of light-colored wood and feature rattan or wicker elements. Like cottage-style coffee tables, these have a more casual appearance.

Industrial coffee tables have a striking modern look and usually feature exposed metal elements. They typically have an edgy design that pairs well with modern décor.

Storage

Hinged top: Some coffee tables have a hinged top that opens to reveal storage space inside. This type of table is excellent for a family or a small living space that doesn’t have much storage room.

Drawers and shelves: Some coffee tables without a hinged top have other storage spaces. Some have drawers under the tabletop for hidden storage, while others have shelves beneath the table surface to provide open storage. Both can effectively help prevent clutter in your living room or family room.

Mobility

Some coffee tables have wheels or casters on the legs so you can quickly and easily move the table around your space. This can be a convenient feature, but be sure to choose a model with wheels that lock so the table won’t move accidentally.

Accessories

End table: STNDRD Mid-Century Modern End Table
In addition to a coffee table, your living space probably needs an end table or two to provide extra surface area to hold more essentials. We love this three-legged table from STNDRD because it’s made with eco-friendly bamboo and is easy to assemble.

Sofa: Allform Three-Seat Sofa
Every coffee table should be paired with a comfy, well-sized sofa. This option from Allform is a favorite because it comes in nine different fabrics and doesn’t require any tools for assembly.

Area rug: Artistic Weavers Chester Area Rug
An area rug anchors your coffee table and sofa in your living space. We’re big fans of this rug from Artistic Weavers because its neutral color scheme works with most décor and the polypropylene fiber lasts for years.

Vase: Oasis Floral Products Vase
A floral arrangement makes a perfect centerpiece for your coffee table. This pair of 8-inch clear glass vases from Oasis are favorites because the simple vases work with nearly any style of décor and can hold real or artificial flowers.

Coffee table prices

Inexpensive: The most affordable coffee tables are typically smaller models made of laminate, engineered wood, plastic, or glass and metal. They generally don’t offer much storage. You’ll pay between $42 and $170 for these tables.

Mid-range: These coffee tables are usually standard-size models made of softer woods, wood and metal, or stone and metal. They often include storage options, such as a hinged lid or drawers. You’ll pay between $170 and $500 for these tables.

Expensive: The most expensive coffee tables are usually standard or large models made of solid wood, wood and metal, or marble and metal. They typically include storage options, such as drawers or shelves. You’ll pay from $500 to $1,000 and more for these tables.

Glass coffee tables are very easy to clean, but they can have sharp edges that make them a poor choice if you have young children.

Tips

• Decorate your table with a plant. If you’re not certain how to decorate your coffee table, start with a plant as the centerpiece. Succulents are an ideal option because they require less maintenance than other plants.
• Create visual interest. Vary the height and/or shape of the items you use to decorate the surface of your coffee table. For example, you might use a stack of books, a candle, and a bowl.
• Avoid clutter. Your coffee table can look a bit cluttered if you cover it with many small items. You can add a tray to hold items like magazines or books to keep them organized.

Some coffee table surfaces are prone to moisture damage, so keep a set of coasters nearby to hold glasses and mugs.

FAQ

Q. Do I really need a coffee table?

A. If you have a small living room or just want to free up space in a larger living room, you might be thinking about forgoing a coffee table. You can certainly substitute other items for a coffee table, such as two end tables side by side or a vintage trunk. However, most people find that they need some sort of table surface in their living room to hold decorative items and serve as a place for plates, glasses, or mugs.

Q. Can I use a coffee table in another room besides the living room?

A. You can use a coffee table in any room that features a seating area with a sofa, loveseat, and/or armchairs. That means you might use one in your family room, bedroom, office, or sunroom.

Q. How close to the sofa should I place my coffee table?

A. You want to be able to walk around your living room and sofa, so it’s important to make sure there’s adequate space between your sofa and coffee table. Place the table approximately 12 to 18 inches away from the sofa to give you a clear lane for walking.