The Best Coffee Tables

Buying Guide for Coffee Tables

Why buy a coffee table?

Coffee tables are more than just pretty pieces of furniture. They’re sometimes necessities as they can serve as storage solutions for car keys and magazines to remotes and coasters. Additionally, they can help make a space look more cohesive by tying together design schemes, such as creating a transitional piece that connects the entertainment center to your seating area.

What should you look for when buying a coffee table?

• Size: Consider your overall space and determine what size coffee table you need. Coffee tables can be compact, or they can be more oversized items. Similarly, coffee tables come in a variety of shapes. While squares, rectangles, and circles tend to be the most common shapes, you can find abstract versions or tables designed to look like hexagons or octagons.
• Storage: Not everyone may need this feature, but it’s nice to consider. If you have plenty of other storage areas in your home, you may not need drawers or an extra lower shelf area on your coffee table. But if you need somewhere close to keep your remotes or store your phone or charging cables, this feature might be important to you.
• Material:  Like any other piece of furniture, coffee tables are made from various materials. Wood, metal, and glass tend to be the most popular options. But you can find plastics such as clear acrylic or even trimmed options with everything from fur to leather.
• Durability: Depending on where you plan on placing a coffee table, you’ll want to consider durability. You’ll want a more durable coffee table in more high-traffic areas like a living room, especially if you’re the type to kick your feet up while you watch television or lounge. Similarly, even if you’re not placing this table in a frequently used room, you don’t want a table that falls apart after a few months.

What are some extra features you can find in a coffee table?

Thanks to platforms like Kickstarter, coffee tables are no longer basic furniture pieces that look nice. These days, you can find sit-to-stand coffee tables and powered tables that double as a mini-fridge or even allow you to plug into built-in power ports to recharge your phone. Those more high-tech tables are going to cost more. But if you think these are important features, it’s good to know that they’re out there.

Our Picks for the Best Coffee Tables

Pros: Whether you like being able to work from home or want more hidden storage to cut down on visible clutter, this coffee table from Yaheetech is a must-have. You’ll get a lift-top design with a roomy interior compartment available in five finishes. Additionally, there’s a lower shelf for extra items like decor pieces or even to store magazines or books. This rectangular coffee table features an adjustable height ranging from 15.7 when fully closed to as tall as 22 inches. The tabletop can support up to 77 pounds when closed, while the interior can hold 33 pounds, and the bottom shelf can hold 40 pounds.

Cons: Although an affordable price point and lots of functionality make this a popular choice, be prepared for assembly.

Bottom Line: Additional hidden storage, a rising tabletop, and a good selection of finishes and sizes make this an attractive coffee table for many people.

 

Pros: If you have a larger sitting space, this round coffee table from GreenForest is a great investment. It measures 35.8 inches in diameter and has an open storage shelf beneath. It’s available in two finishes, and there are three sizes you can opt for. If you prefer a more industrial effect, you’ll like the combination of a wood top with a metal frame. Note this table can support up to 300 pounds.

Cons: The table lacks the predrilled holes needed to connect it with the legs. So, if you don’t have a power drill, you might find the assembly process a little frustrating.

Bottom Line: If you like the idea of a round coffee table but need something larger that’s compatible with more seating, then this is a smart choice.

 

Pros: Some people prefer a more abstract design that doesn’t look like every other coffee table you’ll see. If this sounds familiar, you’ll appreciate the Walker Edison coffee table. It’s an oval design made from glass and metal, but what sets it apart is that the lower shelf is two separate pieces for a tiered effect. The total length of the tabletop is 37 inches, and it can support up to 100 pounds.

Cons: The top layer of glass may shatter unexpectedly. Additionally, the legs may be a bit wobbly.

Bottom Line: A sleek modern design and a second level for storage make this an attractive option for anyone who wants to get away from more traditional coffee table designs.

 

Pros: When you finally move out of your parents’ house, it’s time to live like an adult and show the world that you have a bit of class. This simple rounded rectangular coffee table is a great option that won’t break the bank but doesn’t look too bare. With six finishes to choose from and the promise of quick assembly, this is a great starter pick for the person who’s short on time or patience.

Cons: The paint may scratch easily.

Bottom Line: A simple yet classic wooden table that can tie the decor of most homes together and give your living space a nice upgrade.

 

Pro: For those who’ve gone all-in on farmhouse decor, this premium coffee table from Signature Design by Ashley is the way to go. Along with a square design that mimics barn house construction, you’ll like that it features hidden storage thanks to the lift top. Note that the tabletop lifts from the outer edge rather than the middle. On top of that, you can choose from three finishes.

Cons: This is a pricier option, making it out of reach for budget shoppers. But what’s more, while it’s expensive, it still requires self-assembly.

Bottom Line: A sturdily built coffee table made in the farmhouse style with hidden storage is an attractive option for many people.

Final Thoughts

If you have a seating area in your home, you need a good coffee table to make the space more functional and bring your design together. While tastes and budgets can vary, a good coffee table should, at a minimum, create a cohesive seating area in your room. When you pick the right table, you’ll also get additional storage and added functionality.