This Old House Reviews Team

Coffee tables are the focal point of many living rooms, as they tie together existing decor and fill the gap between furniture. While coffee tables are an essential item for many homeowners, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs that make selecting the right one difficult. To save you time and effort, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best coffee tables on Amazon. Here are our top recommendations.

 

Buying Guide

Understanding the ins and outs of coffee tables will help you choose the right one for your living room. Here are five factors to consider before making a purchase.

 

Size and Shape

Before purchasing a coffee table, measure the dimensions of your living room to ensure that it has the capacity to fit the table. If you’re placing the coffee table near furniture, leave enough walking room on all sides.

The shape of the table is another important design consideration. In general, coffee tables come in one of three shapes: square, rectangular, or circular. While square and rectangular coffee tables typically provide the most surface area, circular tables can be a good fit for compact rooms.

 

Material

Many coffee tables are made with composite wood instead of real wood. Composite wood is created by mixing a combination of materials, including wood, plastic, and straw. It’s used in a variety of carpentry applications and is well-suited for coffee tables because of its affordability and durability. You can also find glass tabletops and metal frames.

 

Storage

In addition to a tabletop, many coffee tables feature additional storage compartments. For example, many models have a second shelf below the tabletop. Drawers and lift-up tops are also common.

 

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity refers to how many pounds the coffee table can support. When selecting a coffee table, think about what you plan on storing on or within the table so that you can select a model with an adequate weight capacity.

 

Style

Coffee tables come in a variety of styles, including contemporary, industrial, rustic, traditional, and farmhouse. Choose a coffee table that matches the couches, chairs, end tables, or other pieces of furniture that will surround it. 

 

How To Style Your Coffee Table

Finding the best coffee table for your living space is important but so is placing and decorating it. Below, you’ll find a few tips on how to style a coffee table. 

• Maintain balance: A table that’s too cluttered will look messy and chaotic. Conversely, a sparse table surface will look too empty. To keep your coffee table well-balanced, leave some empty space for feet, phones, drinks, or other items you might bring to your living room, and decorate the rest. 

• Swap different items every season: Different times of year call for different decorations. For instance, a vase with fresh flowers makes for a nice spring display, while a pumpkin or gourd works well for fall decor. 

• Contrast colors: Find decorations that match or contrast with the color scheme of your coffee table and other furniture. For example, if your table is white, put items with bold colors on top of it. For black or other dark colors, go with metallic items. Clear glass surfaces are versatile and can pair well with just about any decor. 

 

 

 

FAQs

• Do I need a coffee table?

While a coffee table isn’t a necessity, it can hold decorations, act as a footrest, and turn your room into a cohesive space. 

• Why do coffee tables include the word “coffee”? 

Although you can put anything on a coffee table, many users place their cup of coffee or tea on the tabletop between sips.

• How do I protect my coffee table from stains?

Make sure to place beverages on a coaster or drink tray. This prevents any droplets from making contact with the surface of the table. Most coffee tables have a finish to protect their surface from some wear and tear, such as a few drops of water here and there. You can always apply an additional layer of this finish if you want more protection.

 

 

The This Old House Reviews Team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the This Old House Reviews Team.