When it comes to important pieces of furniture, coffee tables rank pretty high on the list. This is in large part due to their versatility—these low-to-the-ground tables can be dressed up with a beautiful floral centerpiece or used as a gathering space, as well as a spot to set down cocktails, teas and more.
Of course, the tricky part is deciding which coffee table is right for you. There are countless materials, styles, and sizes to choose from, which can feel overwhelming—but the right one doesn’t have to be hard to discern. Here, we asked interior designers for their favorite picks to make the process a bit easier—from tables made with lacquered finishes to upcycled plastic and more. Let their favorite pieces inspire your own shopping.
Violi Coffee Table
Arteriors
“The first time I laid eyes on this cocktail table, I scrapped plans for a different one and told my clients I was doing a hard pivot. I love a pedestal base because it allows for easy passage around the table, and less chance of catching a corner the wrong way. The slightly raised edge detail is great for keeping items on the table where you want them too! It pairs well with both contemporary and traditional interiors.” —Meredith Heron, founder of Meredith Heron Design
Cutting Edge Squared Coffee Table
Theodore Alexander
“Faux horn in a lacquered finish is just so unexpected and has amazing depth and dimension, especially with the brass corners. We love to work with a glass-top cocktail table to showcase the area rug beneath. It’s also ideal for entertaining, as you can put quite a spread out on there for your guests, with room left over for drinks. Coasters are a must though with glass!” —M.H.
Salamanca Table
Dixon Rye
“This is one of the pieces I’m most excited about right now. Verellen does such beautiful work with walnut, really allowing the beauty of the grain to show. The subtly rounded curves in the surface of the table is such a thoughtful and beautifully executed detail.” —Bradley Odom, founder and principal of Bradley Odom Interiors
Large Ottoman in Espresso
Jamie Young Co.
“A hair-on-hide ottoman is the perfect blend of functionality and style. It softens the space with its organic texture, while doubling as a coffee table when paired with a tray. This versatile piece adds a layer of warmth and depth to a room, creating a tactile element that enhances the overall design.” —Heidi Tate, founder and creative director of Tate Interiors
Adnet Coffee Table
Design Within Reach
“You can’t go wrong with this coffee table by iconic French designer Jacques Adnet. Its round glass top is edged with a handmade leather rim and finished with equestrian-inspired gilded brass rings.” —Kaitlyn Murphy, senior designer at Marguerite Rodgers
R5 Coffee Table
AdrianMartinus
“This coffee table is just plain cool. It’s made from recycled skateboards, so every piece has this incredible, layered color and texture—upcycling done right. It makes me really excited as a designer to put out-of-the-box pieces like this in a project.” —Kevie Murphy, principal designer, KA Murphy Interiors
Transitional Table
1stDibs
“I recently selected this coffee table for a client’s formal living room. The shape is absolutely stunning and creates a sculptural moment, while the glass top prevents it from feeling too overwhelming in the room. I especially love placing glass coffee tables in a space where there’s a focal point behind it. So in this case, the coffee table will be placed in front of a custom camelback sofa.” —Meghan Jay, founder of Meghan Jay Design
