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Let’s be honest, coffee tables are not just for coffee! They do so much for us – hold our snacks, display our magazines, give our legs a place to rest after a long, hard day – and yet, we give them such little respect. In fact, if you’re reading this article you probably don’t even like your coffee table – it’s just another utilitarian piece of furniture taking up space in your home.
Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s time to switch things up. Why not LOVE every single thing in your home? Especially something that has such a purpose. There are so many amazing coffee tables out there – glass coffee tables, wooden coffee tables, lift-top coffee tables, square coffee tables, round coffee tables – the possibilities are truly endless.
Our expertly curated list should give you major inspiration if you’re looking for a new, exciting coffee table to upgrade the look and feel of your living room.
Top Pick: Enid Frame 2 Nesting Tables
This coffee table is perfect for small spaces, with the capability to expand when needed. Not only that, it’s available in three beautiful finishes, making it easy to find one that fits your style.
Splurge Pick: Cassius Solid Wood Drum Coffee Table
If budget is no issue or you’re willing to spend a little bit more for a long-lasting, high-quality item, this is your table. Made out of solid mango wood, this table will last for generations if properly taken care of. We would also highly recommend investing in wood cleaner, furniture oil, and a beautiful set of coasters to avoid any scratches or rings.
Best Budget: Household Essentials Ashwood Coffee Table
If you’re looking to pinch your pennies, you can’t go wrong with this coffee table. With a plethora of finishes to choose from and the option to order it in round or oval, there is definitely one that will suit your space. Easy to assemble and built to last, this piece can easily go from room to room as your decor and budget change.
While these are our top three picks, there are many other great small coffee tables out there, depending on what style and material you are looking for. Here’s our full list to give you more to choose from.
1. Best Traditional Coffee Table: Winsome Genoa Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Contemporary modern style
- Cool espresso finish
- Dual pad control
Technical Details:
- Color options: None
- Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 18.03 inches
- Weight: 31.8 pounds
- Material: Wood, glass
- Warranty: 1 year
In dark espresso, this is a smart addition to nearly any style decor – from retro to transitional, glam to traditional. No matter what style you’re going for, this solid wood coffee table will elevate your home’s interior design. Elegantly designed with its lightly flared legs and inlaid round glass top, this round coffee table will make an excellent addition to your living room, family room, or home office.
If you’re looking for a coffee table set, you can pair this piece with the rest of the Genoa Collection for a cohesive feel. Some assembly is required, so get ready to use a little elbow grease or have your favorite handy friend on speed dial.
View Winsome Genoa Coffee Table on Amazon
2. Best Modern Coffee Table: Dasher Glass Sled Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Glass construction
- No assembly required
- 175-pound weight capacity
Technical Details:
- Color options: 2 options
- Dimensions: 15” H x 43” L x 24” D
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Material: Tempered glass
- Warranty: 6 months
If you’re looking for an ultra-modern, minimalist, rectangular coffee table, look no further. The Dasher Glass Sled coffee table – available in clear and black glass – is the epitome of sleek and sophisticated. It’s no wonder this mid-century modern coffee table is a Wayfair best seller. Ideal for a small space, its translucent design is light and airy without being visually clunky or overwhelming.
View Dasher Glass Sled Coffee Table on Wayfair
3. Best Budget-Friendly: Household Essentials Ashwood Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Sturdy x-frame legs
- Smooth laminate
- Rustic finish
Technical Details:
- Color options: 2 options
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 31.5 x 16 inches
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Material: Wood, steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Whether you are looking for a round table or an oval one, this modular industrial coffee table is a wonderful addition to your modern living room furniture. Its smooth, laminate top and metal frame legs – available in a plethora of finishes – offer a sturdy, open concept design for gathering friends and family. If you are interested in a matching end table, side table, or bookshelf, this model coordinates with the full Ashwood Collection for your home, dorm room, or office.
View Household Essentials Ashwood Coffee Table on Amazon
4. Best Cottage Coffee Table: Elephance Round Coffee Table with Storage
Top Features:
- Multiple functions
- Convenient storage space
- Nice vintage look
Technical Details:
- Color options: None
- Dimensions: 39 x 38 x 5.3 inches
- Weight: 42.5 pounds
- Material: MDF, metal
- Warranty: 1 year
This charming pick is a sweet addition to nearly any space. From granny-chic to traditional, this round coffee table with vintage appeal is a true conversation starter. Available in two very distinct looks – wood with black metal legs and marble with gold metal legs – you may just want one of each. Its lower shelf provides ample storage for baskets, books, or your favorite tchotchkes (as Grandma would call them!)
View Elephance Round Coffee Table with Storage on Amazon
5. Best Mid-Century Coffee Table: POLY & BARK Riley Marble Round Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Sleek marble finish
- Easy to assemble
- Compact and easy to clean
Technical Details:
- Color options: None
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 31.5 x 14 inches
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Material: Wood
- Warranty: 1 year
We’re loving the look of this mid-century-inspired marble coffee table. Its white marble top paired with walnut legs will instantly elevate your living room aesthetic. Its gorgeous white Carrara marble top is an outstanding centerpiece for your retro space. Bring on the cocktails!
View POLY & BARK Riley Marble Round Coffee Table on Amazon
6. Best Elegant Coffee Table: Enid Frame 2 Nesting Tables
Top Features:
- Nice luxurious design
- Convenient size
- Versatile use
Technical Details:
- Color options: 3 options
- Dimensions: (large) 17.7” H x 31.5” L (small) 13.8” H x 23.6” L
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Material: Marble with metal frame
- Warranty: 30 days
This 2-piece set of nesting coffee tables features a gold or black metal base and sleek marble surface for a chic and sophisticated look in your living room. Each metal coffee table is built on an open, circular steel base that can easily be pulled apart or kept together depending on your entertaining needs. Easy assembly is required, but all tools are included.
View Enid Frame 2 Nesting Tables on Wayfair
7. Best MCM Nesting Coffee Table: Walker Edison Furniture Hairpin Coffee Table Set
Top Features:
- High-grade materials
- Good weight capacity
- Easy to set up
Technical Details:
- Color options: 2 options
- Dimensions: 32 x 29 x 18 inches
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Material: Wood
- Warranty: 1 year
This pick is made up of unique and sturdy legs with a wood top available in English oak or walnut finishes. Whether styled together or separately, this set of mid-century modern nesting tables is sure to make a statement in your living room.
View Walker Edison Furniture Hairpin Coffee Table Set on Amazon
8. Best Rustic Coffee Table: Alaterre AZMBA1320 Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Convenient bottom shelf
- Rustic design
- Easy to clean
Technical Details:
- Color options: 2 options
- Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 18 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Material: Wood, metal
- Warranty: 1 year
The Alaterre Coffee Table is a rustic, traditional-style coffee table with a convenient bottom shelf for your magazines and books. Constructed out of reclaimed wood – no two tables are the same – each table highlights natural wood variations such as cracks and knots that add to the overall character of the piece. Complementary accent tables are also available.
View Alaterre AZMBA1320 Coffee Table on Amazon
9. Best Boho Coffee Table: Ava Rattan/Wicker Drum Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Open and airy design
- Eco-friendly
- Hand-woven
Technical Details:
- Color options: One option
- Dimensions: 18.25 x 31.5 x 31.5 inches
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
- Material: Rattan/wicker
If boho or jungalow is what you’re going for, this rattan wicker drum coffee table will fit the bill. With its relaxed island yet transitional vibe, this table is sure to spark some conversation on aesthetics alone. Its circular design creates a flow that will add texture and personality. The easygoing nature of this coffee table makes it an ideal centerpiece for any living room.
View Ava Rattan/Wicker Drum Coffee Table on Wayfair
10. Best Solid Wood Coffee Table: Cassius Solid Wood Drum Coffee Table
Top Features:
- Solid wood
- Fully assembled
- Handcrafted
Technical Details:
- Color options: One option
- Dimensions: 12 x 35.5 x 35.5 inches
- Weight: 41.6 pounds
- Material: Wood
Last, but certainly not least, check out this gorgeous, eclectic solid wood coffee table. Handcrafted from mango wood, no two coffee tables are the same. With natural wood grain color variation, this table can be a showstopper for your bohemian or rustic chic living room.
View Cassius Solid Wood Drum Coffee Table on Wayfair
Mini Buying Guide
What makes a small coffee table a better buy?
Small coffee tables are not necessarily a better buy. Depending on the quality and material of the table, a smaller coffee table could be pricier than a larger one. It’s important to weigh your options. How much space do you have for the coffee table? What is your budget? Is there a particular material or style that you want?
If it is a smaller coffee table, is it sturdy?
Just because it is smaller does not mean it is any less sturdy than a larger table. Have you ever heard the phrase small but mighty? This can certainly apply to coffee tables, too. Again, you are going to want to do your research on materials and manufacturers to make sure that you are happy with the quality and sturdiness of the table.
What are some coffee table decorating ideas?
You can never go wrong with books. Whether it’s an old favorite or something you’ve been meaning to read, beautiful books always look great on coffee tables. If you aren’t the book type, plants and meaningful knick-knacks can also look outstanding on coffee tables.
But remember, you are going to want to use your coffee table for drinks, snacks, and maybe even your legs, so don’t clutter it up too much. No matter what you do for decorations, make sure to invest in a beautiful set of coasters.
Small Coffee Tables FAQs
What are coffee tables used for?
Pretty much everything. You can use them for drinks, meals, snacks, magazines, books, mail, gathering friends and family, or a comfy night of binge-watching with your feet propped up. Coffee tables hold so much value and will most likely be one of your most-used pieces of furniture.
Are small tables as durable as the larger ones?
That depends on the material of the table. Some materials last better than others, so if you are planning to get a compact coffee table, then you should check the materials first.
Is a coffee table necessary for my living room?
People have different opinions when it comes to furniture. Coffee tables offer a place for drinks, a place to rest your legs, and generally just a way to anchor your room’s design.
If you love hosting parties, consider a coffee table that doubles as a cocktail table with features for serving guests.
How can I check the quality of the table before buying it?
You should check out the reviews section on Amazon or Wayfair. A lot of reviewers share and post their experience with the product and that can help you choose the best one for you.
