If you’re browsing online for a new coffee table for your living room, this shopping guide is going to make the process so much easier. In this post, you will find the best coffee tables in the splurge and save categories.
Hopefully, this shopping guide will inspire you work on a living room refresh that you’ve been thinking about, or help you find an affordable coffee table (if you’ve recently moved into a new space).
I’ve included a variety of styles, shapes, and coffee table designs, plus the answers to common questions to help you find the best coffee table for your living room, sunroom, 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 dive into the best coffee tables, here are some basic guidelines when shopping for one:
- Dimensions: When choosing a coffee table, I recommend measuring the height of your sofa or sectional first. Coffee tables look best when they are two-thirds the length of your sofa. If you find a coffee table that you love (but it’s too tall), consider replacing the legs if possible.
- Height: Next, measure the the width of your sofa or sectional. As a general rule, the top of a coffee table should be level with your sofa cushions. However, this doesn’t have to be exact—the coffee table can be several inches lower than your sofa.
- Type: When shopping for a coffee table, there are different shapes to choose from like round, oval, rectangular, square, and pedestal. Round coffee tables look best in smaller spaces and rectangle and square tables look best with L-shaped sectionals.
- Material: Coffee tables come in a variety of materials like wood, metal, acrylic, glass, and marble. If you have children, a rounded coffee table with soft edges might be best for your space.
What’s the Best Coffee Table Shape?
A rectangle coffee table is the most popular and common shape. This style pairs well with most sofas and they provide the most space for things like beverages, books, and coffee table decor. Rectangle coffee tables are also ideal for smaller living rooms.
Coffee Table Decor Ideas:
Coffee tables should be functional, but they are also fun and easy to decorate. Here are some coffee table decor ideas:
Splurge Coffee Tables:
West Elm
Pedestal Coffee Table
This brass marble-topped pedestal coffee table is one of West Elm’s bestsellers. It has been a blog favorite for years, and the luxe design truly elevates any living room. Here’s what this coffee table looks like styled in Laura’s den tour.
If you love this brass coffee table, it also has a matching pedestal drink table.
West Elm
Pop-Up Coffee Table
We love this mid-century coffee table for the design and the functionality. The pop-up top (made of marble) reveals a hidden storage area that can also be used as a workspace (perfect for a laptop) or a spot for meals. It’s so versatile!
This coffee table is made from sustainable wood and available in two finishes and two sizes.
Anthropologie
Marble Coffee Table
This round coffee table from Anthroplogie has a unique arched design that connects the oak base to a Carrara marble top. The bottom shelf of this coffee table is perfect for storing books, candles, and decor accents.
One reviewer said, “This table looks as special in person as I thought it would. Definitely a room highlight!”
Jonathan Adler
Lucite Coffee Table
If you’re looking for a statement piece, this acrylic coffee table has it all. The combination of brass and acrylic has a glam-meets-modern vibe, and the bottom glass shelf has plenty of room for accessories and decor.
One reviewer said, “We love everything about the table—especially the transparency. It’s well made, sturdy, and beautiful.”
West Elm
Round Wood Coffee Table
This solid wood coffee table has a spherical base with a rustic, yet modern design. Made in India, the natural wood shows off unique knots and graining, and it’s 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 from Serena & Lily is unique in so many ways. This coffee table resembles the natural beauty and shape of raw wood, but it’s actually made of concrete. And we love that it can be used inside or outdoors on a patio.
This sealed coffee table is available in a white matte finish that comes in two sizes.
Wayfair
Live Edge Coffee Table
This live edge coffee table is the most affordable on our “splurge” list. This coffee table was in Kacey Musgraves’ living room back in the day, and we still love it. Handcrafted from teakwood, each piece of wood has a unique look.
One reviewer said, “This piece is stunning and well made. 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 has a u-shaped, modern curved design—it’s a true statement piece. This plywood coffee table is stained and sealed to perfection, and available in two sizes.
One reviewer said, “Beautifully made and packaged with care. I can tell a lot of love and attention to detail went into this coffee table.”
Budget Coffee Tables:
Now, for the save category—there are so many great coffee tables to choose from!
Wayfair
Pedestal Coffee Table
This faux marble coffee table looks expensive, but you will be shocked by the price. The pedestal design resembles something from West Elm, and it would be a fun upgrade to a living room. We love the elegant, contemporary vibe.
One reviewer said, “I love it, and it really looks like marble. It’s extremely sturdy and a beautiful piece for the value.”
Target
Rattan Coffee Table Set
We love all-things rattan, and this round coffee table set fits the bill. Plus, it comes with a matching side table. 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 so worth it! The quality is great.”
World Market
Live Edge Coffee Table
This budget-friendly live edge coffee table is crafted in Indonesia from teak root and has unique variations throughout. The hairpin legs give this coffee table a cool mid-century vibe, and it would be a great addition to a modern living room.
If you love this coffee table from World Market, check out this similar style.
Wayfair
Rectangle Coffee Table
If you’re looking for a rectangle-shaped table, this gold glass coffee table is a great option. It has a minimalist design with clean lines and it’s available in four versatile colors.
This coffee table (with nearly 800 five-star reviews) has lower glass shelf that provides extra space for decor and other items. And, it has 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 Wood Coffee Table
The round base of this driftwood coffee table is balanced with a spacious circular top. Handcrafted from mango wood in India, this coffee table boasts unique grain patterns and light and dark hues. Another gem from World Market.
Amazon
White Coffee Table
Looking for a white coffee table? This rectangle coffee table from Amazon has a shiny white table top paired with sold wood mid-century legs for a retro look. And, it’s under $120.
It’s a little on the taller side, so be sure to measure before purchasing. You can see how this coffee table looks when styled in this living room tour.
One reviewer said, “The top is glossy and reflective and it helps brighten up a room, and the quality is fantastic. It only took 3 minutes to assemble—just screw on legs.”
Amazon
Open-Top Coffee Table
This open-top coffee table is truly unique. Made in Italy, this affordable coffee table has a classic design with curved legs made from solid beechwood. The glass display top is a “showcase” for collectibles, books, and decor.
One reviewer said, “I love it. It’s really sturdy and excellent for displaying my collection of antique glass ink bottles.”
Amazon
Round Coffee Table
With over 5K positive reviews, this faux marble coffee table is a clear winner. The round top and gold base have an elegant look, and the price makes it one of the most affordable coffee tables on our list.
This coffee table comes in two colors, a glass top option, and has side tables to match.
One reviewer said, “The marbling is so soft and subtle and the gold base is perfect. It goes with everything in my living room.”
Links: 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
Links: Faux Marble Coffee Table / Open-Top Coffee Table / White Coffee Table / Modern Round Coffee Table / Live Edge Coffee Table / Rattan Coffee Table Set / Round Wood Coffee Table / Gold Rectangle Coffee Table
How to Make a Coffee Table:
If you prefer a DIY coffee table, we have a variety of tutorials, like: