When it comes to choosing the best coffee table for your space, it’s easy to focus on the stylish appearance and forget to look further. When you do this, you’re missing out on a coffee table that not only fits in your space both in terms of size and design, but also one that functions effectively in it. “Coffee tables should be beautiful and functional,” Interior designer Ruthie Jackson says of choosing the right one for your living room. “[If you’re planning on using your coffee table] as a footstool, it’s probably best to avoid glass. Frequent drinks and dining? Avoid textured tables with rattan, raffia, or caning, and look for an easy-to-wipe surface.” We’ve identified the best coffee tables for every design aesthetic that will bring beauty and function to your living room—including chic storage solutions and conversation-starting centerpieces. Our pick for the best overall coffee table is the West Elm Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table because it offers a simple yet classic design that looks right at home in most living rooms. It’s also versatile, allowing it to function as a place for additional hidden storage or as a new work-from-home space. These are the best coffee tables. Keep in Mind: You’ll need to add coasters or a table runner to avoid leaving moisture rings on the wood. Instead of cluttering the top of your coffee table with knickknacks, we like that this one has the benefit of a pop-up storage bin that provides plenty of space for books, TV remotes, or even a blanket. The pop-up top doubles as a desk that measures 25 inches high when raised, allowing you to work from your couch or enjoy a meal while you watch TV. Unlike some other coffee tables on our list, the Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table comes with West Elm’s White Glove Service, which means it will be brought to your home, placed in the room of your choosing, and fully assembled. In other words, you won’t have to spend hours poring over an assembly kit and putting together your coffee table on your own. The coffee table comes in four different wood finishes, natural, cafe, cerused white, and black, so you can find an option that best matches your existing living room decor. Plus, you can choose between a smaller size (36 x 26 inches) or a longer version (50 x 26 inches) to fit small rooms and spacious living areas alike. It’s important to care for your wooden coffee tables correctly, as water and other liquids and chemicals can damage it. To clean, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use chemicals and household cleaners, since this could damage the finish. Be sure to use a coaster to keep from marking the table. Price at time of publish: $699
Size: 36 x 26 x 17.75 inchesShape: RectangularMaterial: Blackened steel, mango wood
Keep in Mind: You’ll need to assemble this coffee table yourself. What keeps this coffee table from breaking the bank is the fact that it isn’t made from solid wood. Instead, it’s made using particle board and melamine, which is then made to look like either wood or marble, leaving your living room just as stylish at a much lower cost. In order to clean it, you’ll simply wipe it with a dry cloth. The Breighton Home SoHo Coffee Table comes in nine different finishes, allowing you to match your existing furniture or add new colors and textures to your space. This results in a custom feel that’s true to your design style without the custom-made price. It also has glass siding for a sleek and modern look. We love the built-in angled bookshelf underneath, which is great for displaying your favorite titles or storing your movie collection. Overall, the coffee table measures 40 inches long, 17.75 inches wide, and 17 inches tall. You’ll need to assemble this coffee table yourself, though it’s relatively simple and doesn’t require any power tools. Price at time of publish: $160
Size: 40 x 17.75 x 17 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Particle board, melamine
Keep in Mind: Glass tabletops show smudges, dust, and marks more easily than other surfaces. Made from a sleek brass frame and glass top, the Luxe Modular Coffee Table lives up to its name. This four-in-one coffee table is a versatile pick that can be split into four small coffee tables or arranged together to create a large one. It features a mirrored base, which reflects light back into the room and can make your home appear more spacious. With two tall, square-top tables and two short ones, the individual tables can be organized in several different configurations to fit your design preferences. You can separate them all in order to take up more space in a larger room, keep them together in a square for a more compact fit, or place them around the room as end tables. In order to clean this coffee table, use a soft, damp cloth. If possible, avoid chemical cleaners since the table has been sealed with a clear lacquer for protection. Keep in mind that glass tabletops tend to show dust and smudges more easily than a wood or marble surface, so you’ll want to wipe it down frequently for the best results. When placed together, it measures 17 inches high, 39.5 inches wide, and 39.5 inches long. There’s no assembly required for this product as it’ll show up fully assembled at your doorstep. Price at time of publish: $2,398
Size: 17 x 39.5 x 39.5 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Glass, stainless steel, brass
Keep in Mind: It’s quite long, so it may not be ideal for small living spaces. Inspired by Scandinavian design styles, this coffee table includes four splayed, tapered legs and two slim drawers that make it easy to store small items like TV remotes, magazines, or a few books. We like that drawers are designed to close softly, eliminating noisy slamming and minimizing the chance of shutting it on your fingers. Because it is made of solid and engineered wood, the Mercury Row Anderson Coffee Table is quite sturdy and durable enough to last many years in your home, provided you care for it properly. It’s important to avoid getting the surface wet and to always use a coaster. Otherwise, the wood can warp or develop moisture rings. You can also dust wooden coffee tables and clean them with a cloth, but just be careful not to use cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or anything too abrasive. The coffee table measures 18 inches high, 47.75 inches long, and 23.75 inches wide, making it one of the longer options on our list of the best coffee tables. If you have a small loveseat or limited space in your living room, you may want to purchase a more compact coffee table. It’s also important to know that this coffee table requires partial assembly upon arrival—you’ll need a screwdriver to put some parts together—but no power tools are necessary. Price at time of publish: $440
Size: 18 X 47.75 x 23.75 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Wood
Keep in Mind: This coffee table sits low to the ground, so it is best for couches with a low profile. Made from a thin piece of white metal and topped with a pill-shaped glass tabletop, this decorative table adds a chic finishing touch to your living space. Because of its neutral color palette, you can opt to up the colorful decor for a maximalist touch or scale back the vibrant hues for a more Scandinavian-inspired interior design. As with other glass coffee tables, you can keep this pick clean with a window cleaner or a damp washcloth and avoid the use of harsh chemicals. You’ll want to be careful about where you place your coffee table. You’ll also want to avoid placing it too close to heat or air conditioning units and avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Assembly is required for this table, and the manufacturer recommends having two people put it together. However, setting it up is super simple and just requires placing plastic bumpers alongside the metal base before centering the glass top. At just 12.7 inches tall, this coffee table is very low to the ground and may look odd in a living space with higher-profile furniture. Pay careful attention to the dimensions of the table and compare it to the size of your existing furniture before buying. Price at time of publish: $499
Size: 24 x 46 x 12.7 inchesShape: OvalMaterial: Glass and metal
Keep in Mind: The lift-up workspace can only hold 11 pounds. Complete with two display shelves and a hidden storage compartment beneath the lift-top table, this pick is one of the best coffee tables to conceal remotes, blankets, gaming consoles, and more. It’s also offered in four colors, retro brown, greige, gray, and charcoal black, so you’ll be able to find a coffee table that matches your existing decor. You’ll have to assemble the entire table yourself, but if you don’t mind contending with a flat pack and a few tools, you’ll have no trouble following the directions to put this functional and fashionable table together. Keep in mind that the lift-up workspace can only hold up to 11 pounds, so you’ll have to keep an eye on how much you place on it if you choose to use it as a desk. However, the overall coffee table can hold up to 200 pounds, so you’ll be able to place bulkier items on top of it as long as the top is down. The hidden storage and shelves can each hold up to 45 pounds. Price at time of publish: $150
Size: 19.7 x 39.4 x 17.4 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Oak, metal
Keep in Mind: Marble is a porous material, so it will require more caution and care than other coffee tables. You can choose between an antique brass or a bronze finish on the table’s base, so you’ll have some flexibility when it comes to matching the rest of your decor. The frame of the table features adjustable levelers, which allow you to ensure stability and support of your coffee table even on uneven surfaces. Since no two pieces of marble are the same, each of these coffee tables will look slightly unique. Just keep in mind that marble is a soft and porous material, so in order to protect the finish, you shouldn’t apply any abrasives or household cleaners. Instead, dust with a soft dry cloth and be careful to wipe up spills immediately. It’s also a good idea to use a coaster in order to protect the surface since, especially since marble isn’t immune to moisture rings from your mugs and glasses. You should also avoid exposing the table to direct sunlight or excessive temperatures. Price at time of publish: $399
Size: 25 x 16.5 inchesShape: RoundMaterial: Mild steel and white marble
Keep in Mind: Glass and mirrored glass show fingerprints and smudges much more easily than other materials. The table is quite long at 42.25 inches in length and 24 inches wide, so we recommend styling it in a living room with a long couch to complement its elongated shape. Plus, we like that there are two shelves to decorate with coffee table books, table runners, candles, and other knickknacks. The distance between the shelf and the tabletop is 12.5 inches, so even tall books and decor will fit perfectly. However, we recommend putting coasters and table runners across the glass surface, since metal objects may scratch the glass and heavy objects can cause it to break. Glass coffee tables have a tendency to collect fingerprints and dust, so you’ll likely have to clean this table more frequently than some other options. Glass is also temperature-sensitive, so always use a coaster or pad to keep the table from being damaged by hot or cold liquids. Price at time of publish: $330
Size: 42.25 x 24 x 19 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Iron, tempered glass, and mirrored glass
Keep in Mind: This table is made of medium-density fiberboard, which isn’t as durable as wood. The drawers are made of medium-density fiberboard and covered in laminate paper, giving the appearance of wood without the cost or the weight of a wooden coffee table. And while fiberboard is more prone to wear and tear over time (particularly from scratches and moisture), we like that the glass tabletop shields the wood from getting bumped or spilled on. While glass is easy to keep clean, you’ll want to be careful when it comes to placing heavy objects or things that could scratch the glass on top of it. You’ll also have to assemble this coffee table yourself since it arrives in pieces, but the directions are easy to follow. Price at time of publish: $170
Size: 18 x 44 x 20 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Metal frame, tempered glass top, wooden drawers
Keep in Mind: Its solid wood design may make your room feel smaller than it really is. The simple flat top is easy to style with your favorite decor pieces, but underneath, there’s plenty of hidden storage to keep blankets, pet toys, your favorite board games, and more out of sight when not in use. There’s no need to move anything off of the coffee table when you’re looking for something, though—the table’s compartment opens by sliding rather than popping or lifting up. This coffee table comes in winter wood, washed oak, or cool walnut, each of which is made of kiln-dried, FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests. To keep it in top condition for years to come, we recommend dusting this coffee table often and immediately cleaning up any spills with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use chemical cleansers, abrasives, or furniture polish, as it runs the risk of ruining the finish. You don’t have to assemble this coffee table either, since West Elm will deliver and assemble it for you right in your home. Just keep in mind that due to its solid wood design, it will take up lots of visual space in your room. To avoid a room that feels cramped or cluttered, we recommend spreading it out from other large pieces of furniture and pairing it with neutral tones to contrast its stout appearance. Price at time of publish: $699
Size: 36 x 16.5 inchesShape: CircularMaterial: FSC-certified wood
Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have any places for storage. Because of its neutral tones, you’ll be able to style the Miro Black Marble Coffee Table in a wide variety of spaces without worrying about clashing colors. The table is 41 inches in diameter and measures 18 inches high, and you have a choice of either a black or white marble paired with either a black or wood base. No slab of marble is the same, so any contrast veining or lines is completely unique to your table. Because marble itself is quite soft and porous, it’s easier to stain, scratch, and chip than other coffee tables, so we don’t recommend this coffee table for homes with young children or rambunctious pets. To clean it, dust with a soft, dry cloth, or use a mild soap and water mixture. If marble isn’t what you’re looking for, there’s also the option to swap it out for a concrete tabletop. It’s also important to note that this table doesn’t have any places to store TV remotes, blankets, books, or other items you may want to stow away. If you don’t already have plenty of storage space in your living room, we recommend shopping one of the other options on our list of the best coffee tables. Price at time of publish: $799
Size: 41 x 41 x 18 inchesShape: CircularMaterial: Black marble and engineered wood top
Keep in Mind: This coffee table is only 12 inches tall. When it comes to cleaning, we love how easy this coffee table is to maintain. Simply dust it regularly to keep up its shiny appearance, and immediately wash it with mild soap and water to remove spills. At 35.5 inches long and wide, it’s the perfect size to fit next to an L-shaped couch or sit across from a pair of armchairs without looking out of place. However, this coffee table’s height may be a problem for some shoppers. At just 12 inches tall, it is quite low to the ground, so it’ll be more difficult to use as a makeshift dinner table on movie nights or a work from home spot during the day. Price at time of publish: $400
Size: 35.5 x 35.5 x 12 inchesShape: SquareMaterial: Wood
Keep in Mind: This coffee table may bow permanently at the center if you place heavy objects on it. The clear design of the table makes your space look open and bright since there are no competing colors or thick materials to catch your eye. You’ll be able to style the top with your favorite coffee table books, table runners, and candles without worrying about it looking messy. This makes it quite a versatile table to work with, so it’s easy to refresh your home with new decor every once and a while without buying all new living room furniture. While acrylic may look like glass at first glance, it is a plastic, which means it’s less likely to shatter if you accidentally bump into it or drop something on top of it. You will still want to dust it off regularly, wipe it down when you spill, and avoid placing sharp objects on it that may scratch the surface. As always, we recommend using coasters and pads underneath cups and other dishes. Keep in mind that this acrylic coffee table isn’t able to hold very much weight; even a stack of heavy books placed in the center for long periods of time may cause the table to bow slightly. If you intend to place hefty items on top of your coffee table, we recommend one with a sturdier center. Price at time of publish: $253
Size: 14 x 37.5 x 21.25 inchesShape: RectangleMaterial: Plastic Acrylic
Keep in Mind: It’s quite heavy and difficult to move. Constructed of solid and veneered oak, it’s 46 inches long and 25 inches wide, so it’s one of the best coffee tables for bigger living rooms with a decent amount of space. It’s quite sturdy, so even if you own pets or have children, you won’t have to worry about them breaking or damaging the table. Just ensure that you don’t expose it to too much change in humidity or temperature, as the wood could crack or develop moisture rings beneath mugs and glasses. Whether you’re a maximalist when it comes to decorating or you like to pare down the clutter in your home, this table’s natural wood tones and thick, industrial design make it easy to personalize in your space. Pair it with a plush, textured rug or deck out the top with coasters, books, table runners, and more. Just keep in mind that there’s no hidden storage on this table, so you’ll have to rely on other storage in your house. While cleaning the table, dusting or wiping clean with a damp cloth works well, but stay away from chemical cleaners that could cause damage to the wood’s finish. Note that this table is 95 pounds, so think carefully about where you want to place it before unboxing, as it can be tedious to move. Price at time of publish: $699
Size: 14.75 x 46 x 25 inchesShape: OvalMaterial: Solid oak, oak veneer, MDF, plywood
Keep in Mind: The materials aren’t as long-lasting, so you may need to replace it after a few years. Featuring one marble coffee table and one made of glass, the combination of materials in this set provide a layered, minimal look in your home. There are also floor protectors on the tables’ metal bases, which helps ensure that they won’t scratch up your floors. If you’re looking for the best coffee tables to store items, this one doesn’t offer any hidden drawers or cubbies, so you’ll need to rely on other containers in your home to stow TV remotes, books, and other items. You’ll also need to assemble the tables yourself, but the estimated construction time is only 30 minutes, so it won’t be too difficult. As always, we recommend using a coaster and avoiding contact with hot liquids, since this may cause the glass to crack or the finish to become damaged. The base of the table is made of particle board, metal, and paper laminate, which will not be as durable or long-lasting as a solid wood coffee table. Price at time of publish: $220
Size: 31.61 x 31.61 x 17.80 inchesShape: CircularMaterial: Metal, particle board, paper laminate
What to Know About Coffee Tables Before Shopping
Size and Shape
When it comes to finding the best coffee tables for your home, one of the most important factors to consider is the size in comparison to your couch. Your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa, and its height should be about 1-2 inches below the height of the seat. In doing this, you ensure that everything looks proportional in your living room. To ensure your space doesn’t appear cramped, it should also be about 12 inches to 18 inches away from any of the other furniture in your room. This also helps ensure you are able to move about without knocking into anything. As for the shape of your coffee table, there are many options to choose from. Circular coffee tables are great for limited space because they don’t have any sharp corners. They’re also a great choice for someone who loves to entertain since everyone can reach the coffee table easily. Oval coffee tables are ideal for someone with an elongated living room but who prefers the look of rounded corners over harsh lines. Rectangular and square coffee tables create clean lines in your space and may fit more easily next to L-shaped couches or other pieces of furniture.
Material
The best coffee tables come in a wide variety of materials, including wood, glass, iron, acrylic, and more. When it comes to what material you’ll choose, Jackson advises to consider the coffee table’s function first before thinking about appearance. For example, if you’d like it to double as a footrest, it’s best to go with a sturdy wooden table or even an upholstered ottoman. Wicker and rattan coffee tables give off a laid back, coastal vibe, but they’re not necessarily the easiest to clean. Glass-top coffee tables are the best coffee tables when it comes to easy cleaning, and their see-through tops help to keep your space from looking cramped. Acrylic tables offer a similar feature, functioning as a coffee table while keeping your space feeling roomy, but they are less likely to shatter than a glass table. This makes them perfect for homes with pets or children. Marble coffee tables are heavy, sturdy, and elegant looking, but they can sometimes cause a room to feel more cramped due to the thick, solid material. Wood is one of the sturdiest coffee table types, but it’s important to clean it correctly and use preventative methods to keep it from being scratched. In the end, which material you choose is up to you, your design aesthetic, and your lifestyle needs.
Features
There are plenty of features to look out for while looking for the best coffee table for your space. First, consider if the table has enough storage for your needs. Shelves are great for displaying books and magazines, while drawers make it easy to store blankets, TV remotes, gaming consoles, and other items you want out of sight. We also like lift-top coffee tables, since these provide ample storage space and transform into a desk for eating or working from the couch. Nesting tables are a great option if you have a smaller space but love to entertain and need additional counter space.
Your Questions, Answered
What shape of coffee table goes best with a sectional?
The best coffee tables for your sectional will be functional for your space while complementing the colors and textures already in your home. In general, you’ll want the coffee table to be easily accessible for everyone sitting on the sofa. For corner sectionals, a circular coffee table brings some shape diversity into the space. On the flip side, a square coffee table will fit perfectly into the negative space and is easily reached by those getting their lounge on. For an L-shaped sectional, you could choose a rectangular coffee table, because it will allow everyone seated on the couch to access the tabletop. Make sure that your coffee table is not longer than your couch, however, since this can make your space feel lopsided. If you have a short couch or loveseat, adding a round or nesting coffee table may be the best option since it’ll be small enough to fit near your couch without taking up tons of space. If you have kids or pets Jackson suggests looking for something with soft edges and sturdy materials. “An ottoman is great for a young family,” Jackson says. “There are no sharp corners for little heads, and you can top it with a tray for food and drinks.”
How tall should a coffee table be?
The standard height for a coffee table ranges from 12 inches to 24 inches tall. As a general rule of thumb, you should measure about an inch or two below your sofa seat height in order to find the ideal height of your coffee table. Too low, and you’ll be stooping over every time you need to set something down or pick it up. Too high, and it will look oversized in your space.
What is the best size for a coffee table?
The best coffee tables will complement the other furniture in your living room, but it can be tricky to figure out the exact measurements that will look right in your space. “The size of your coffee table matters,” Jackson says. “Generally, look for something about two-thirds of the length of your sofa that’s just a bit lower than your seat height. [Following these measurements] keeps the room looking proportional.” These coffee tables will also provide the most comfortable experience for you and your guests, since they won’t have to stoop down to grab their drink or risk hitting their knees on a sharp corner.
Who We Are
Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer at Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she researched the best coffee tables by comparing product reviews, customer recommendations, and product specifications. She also consulted interior designer Ruthie Jackson to learn more about how to choose a coffee table for both function and style.
