If you are looking online for a new coffee table for your living room, this buying guide will help you So much easier. In this post you will find the best coffee tables in the categories “Splurge” and “Save”.
We hope this shopping guide inspires you to refresh that living room you’ve been thinking about, or helps you find an affordable coffee table (if you’ve recently moved to a new space).
I’ve compiled a variety of coffee table styles, shapes, and designs, along with answers to common questions, to help you find the best coffee table for your living room, conservatory, or patio.
Related: Living Room Rugs (Splurge + Save), Full Length Mirrors (Splurge + Save), and Best Dressers (Splurge + Save)
How to choose a coffee table:
Before I delve into the best coffee tables, here are some basic guidelines for buying a coffee table:
- Dimensions: When choosing a coffee table, I recommend first measuring the height of your sofa or sofa. Coffee tables look best when they are two-thirds the length of your sofa. If you find a coffee table that you like (but is too tall), consider swapping the legs if possible.
- Height: Next, measure the width of your sofa or couch. As a rule of thumb, the top of a coffee table should be level with the sofa cushions. This doesn’t have to be exact though – the coffee table can be several inches lower than your sofa.
- Type: When buying a coffee table, there are various shapes to choose from, such as round, oval, rectangular, square and with a base. Round coffee tables look best in smaller spaces, and rectangular and square tables work best with L-shaped elements.
- Material: Coffee tables come in different materials such as wood, metal, acrylic, glass and marble. If you have children, a rounded coffee table with soft edges might work best in your space.
What is the best coffee table shape?
A rectangular coffee table is the most popular and common shape. This style goes well with most sofas and offers the most space for things like drinks, books, and coffee table decorations. Rectangular coffee tables are also ideal for smaller living rooms.
Coffee Table Decoration Ideas:
Coffee tables should be functional, but also fun and easy to decorate. Here are some coffee table decoration ideas:
Splurge coffee tables:
western elm
base coffee table
This brass marble topped pedestal coffee table is one of West Elm’s best sellers. It’s been a blog favorite for years and the luxurious design will enhance any living room. This is what this Laura’s cave tour style coffee table looks like.
If you love this brass coffee table, there is also a matching pedestal drinks table.
western elm
pop up Coffee Table
We love this mid-century coffee table for its design And the functionality. The tabletop (marble) opens up to reveal a hidden storage space that can also be used as a workspace (ideal for a laptop) or as a place to dine. It’s so versatile!
This coffee table is made from sustainable wood and is available in two versions and two sizes.
anthropology
marble coffee table
This round coffee table from Anthroplogie features a unique arch design that combines the oak base with a Carrara marble top. The lower shelf of this coffee table is perfect for storing books, candles and decorative accents.
One reviewer said, “This table looks as special in person as I imagined it would. Definitely a room highlight!”
Jonathan Adler
Lucite coffee table
If you’re looking for a statement piece, this acrylic coffee table is for you. The combination of brass and acrylic conveys a glamorous and modern atmosphere and the lower glass shelf offers plenty of space for accessories and decoration.
One reviewer said: “We love everything about the table – especially the transparency. It’s well made, sturdy and beautiful.”
western elm
Round wooden coffee table
This solid wood coffee table has a spherical base with a rustic yet modern design. Manufactured in India, the natural wood features unique knots and grain patterns and is truly built to last. This coffee table is available in two sizes and two finishes, including black.
Looking for more black coffee tables? Here’s one with hidden storage.
Serena & Lily
Concrete coffee table
The Boonville coffee table by Serena & Lily is unique in many ways. This coffee table resembles raw wood in its natural beauty and form, but is actually made of concrete. And we love that it can be used indoors or outside on a patio.
This sealed coffee table is available in a white matte finish and in two sizes.
Wayfair
Live Edge coffee table
This Live Edge coffee table is the most affordable on our Splurge list. This coffee table used to be in Kacey Musgraves living room and we still love it. Each piece of wood handcrafted from teak has a unique look.
One reviewer said: “This piece is stunning and well done. The pictures on the website don’t do it justice. And it’s easy to put together.”
This handcrafted coffee table from Owl Designed on Etsy features a U-shaped modern curved design – it’s a real statement piece. Stained and sealed to perfection, this plywood coffee table is available in two sizes.
One reviewer said: “Beautifully made and carefully packaged. I can say that there is a lot of love and attention to detail in this coffee table.”
Budget coffee tables:
Now for the savings category: there are so many great coffee tables to choose from!
Wayfair
Coffee table with base
This faux marble coffee table looks expensive, but the price will shock you. The plinth design is somewhat similar to West Elm and would be a fun addition to a living room. We love the sleek, modern vibe.
One reviewer said, “I love it and it really does look like marble. It’s extremely sturdy and a nice piece for the price.”
Goal
Rattan Coffee Table Set
We love all things rattan and this round coffee table set ticks all the right boxes. A matching side table is also included. These woven tables are cute, versatile, durable and lightweight. And best of all: very affordable.
One reviewer said, “These tables are beautiful. Don’t hesitate to buy, they are really worth it! The quality is great.”
world market
Live Edge coffee table
This affordable Live Edge coffee table is crafted in Indonesia from teak roots and features unique variations throughout. The hairpin legs give this coffee table a cool mid-century vibe and it would make a great addition to a contemporary living room.
If you love this coffee table from World Market, check out this similar style.
Wayfair
Rectangular coffee table
If you’re looking for a rectangular table, this gold glass coffee table is a great option. It has a minimalist design with clean lines and is available in four versatile colors.
This coffee table (with almost 800 five-star reviews) features a lower glass shelf that provides additional space for decoration and other items. And there is a matching side table.
One reviewer said: “This coffee table is perfect for a minimalist look. It’s sturdy, pretty, functional and easy to put together.”
world market
Round wooden coffee table
The round base of this driftwood coffee table is balanced by a spacious round top. Handcrafted in India, this mango wood coffee table features unique grain patterns and light and dark tones. Another jewel from the world market.
Amazon
White coffee table
Are you looking for a white coffee table? This rectangular coffee table from Amazon features a gloss white tabletop paired with mid-century solid wood legs for a retro look. And it’s under $120.
It is slightly larger, so be sure to measure before buying. On this living room tour you can see what this coffee table looks like in style.
One reviewer said: “The finish is glossy and reflective which helps brighten a room and the quality is fantastic.” It only took 3 minutes to assemble – just screw on the legs.”
Amazon
Open coffee table
This open coffee table is truly unique. This affordable Italian-made coffee table has a classic design with curved solid beech legs. The glass top is a “showcase” for collectibles, books and decoration.
One reviewer said: “I love it. It’s really sturdy and is great for displaying my collection of antique glass ink bottles.”
Amazon
Round coffee table
With over 5,000 positive reviews, this faux marble coffee table is a clear winner. The round top and gold base look elegant and the price makes it one of the cheapest coffee tables on our list.
This coffee table is available in two colours, with a glass top and matching side tables.
One reviewer said, “The marbling is so soft and subtle and the gold base is perfect. It goes with everything in my living room.”
Left: Pedestal Coffee Table / Acrylic Brass Coffee Table / Pop Up Coffee Table / Marble Top Coffee Table / Round Wood Coffee Table / White Concrete Coffee Table / Live Edge Coffee Table / Arched Coffee Table
Left: Faux Marble Coffee Table / Open Coffee Table / White Coffee Table / Contemporary Round Coffee Table / Live Edge Coffee Table / Rattan Coffee Table Set / Round Wooden Coffee Table / Gold Rectangular Coffee Table
How to build a coffee table:
If you prefer a DIY coffee table, we have different guides, such as: