The goal of choosing the perfect coffee table set is to alter a room rather than merely fill it. Whether you choose a modern set with elegant décor or a rustic one to add coziness, your decision may make all the difference.
Did you know that over 70% of adults consider their living room furnishing to set the tone for the whole appearance of their house? That is why selecting a multi-functional coffee table that complements your design and lifestyle is essential.
In this coffee table buying guide, we’ll explore picking the best sets for any room, including small-space coffee tables and options with added storage for extra functionality.
This guide has everything from glass coffee tables that brighten your room to options for apartments or compact spaces. Let’s dive in and find the perfect balance between style, function, and affordability so your coffee table looks good and makes life easier.
Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table Set for Every Room
A coffee table can serve as a functional surface and a stylish anchor to a room. The right choice can elevate your space, while the wrong one might disrupt the aesthetic. Here’s a guide to choosing the ideal coffee table for your living room, considering various styles, materials, and dimensions.
1. The purpose of a coffee table.
Before diving into style and material, it’s essential to understand the multiple functions of a coffee table:
- Functional Surface: A coffee table is a great place to keep drinks, snacks, books, remotes, etc.
- Storage Options: Coffee tables with storage compartments, drawers, or shelves often add extra space for items you would like to hide, like magazines or board games.
- Aesthetic Anchor: If you’re looking for something beautiful and stylish, a well-chosen coffee table will enhance your room, adding style and personality.
- Social Hub: Regardless of the size of the gathering, of course, the coffee table draws attention to or allows provisions to be put down for drinks or even for playing games and chit-chatting among guests.
2. The Right Size and Shape Selection
To ensure your coffee table complements your space, consider these factors:
- Height: Your coffee table should ideally be the same height as your seating or lower, 16-18 inches. Sofas taller than that will not be comfortable with a 20-21 inch table.
- Length: Select a table about two-thirds the size of your sofa for a balanced look.
- Space Between: Allow 12 to 18 inches of space around the table for easy movement.
3. Shapes to Consider
- Rectangular: This is great for larger rooms or sectional sofas (the bubbles are big enough to cover ample surfaces).
- Square: It’s a good suit for small or symmetrical spaces like a room with its two-facing sofas.
- Round/Oval: Rounded edges for small spaces or family homes are great as sharp corners are minimized.
- Freeform: An irregularly shaped table adds a nice artistic touch to a room.
4. Choosing the Perfect Material
The coffee table’s durability, aesthetics, and functionality depend on certain materials. Here’s a rundown of popular materials:
- Wood is versatile and classic. It provides warmth and texture and works well in rustic and modern settings.
- Glass: Its sleek, airy look matches well with contemporary spaces. It opened up visual space as glass, ideal for the smaller rooms.
- Metal tables are ideal for industrial or minimalist designs due to their durability and ease of maintenance.
- Marble or Stone: Adds luxury and refinement but takes extra care to avoid discoloration.
- Acrylic or Lucite: Acrylic is lightweight and practically undetectable, making it ideal for tiny or contemporary interiors, although it scratches quickly.
5. Selecting Style as a Complement to Your Space
The pizza looks messy, the room looks dirty, and the table looks messy. Here are some style options:
- Modern: Tables with simple lines, no color, and materials like glass or metal will give you a table for a clean, minimal look.
- Traditional: Look for little wood details, such as curved legs or delicate ornate carvings, to give the piece some class.
- Rustic: Farmhouse or cottage styles benefit from wooden tables with distressed finishes or reclaimed wood.
- Industrial: For urban or loft spaces, embrace raw materials like metal and wood to give a rugged look.
- Mid-Century Modern: This style, characterized by organic shapes and natural materials, gives your living room a retro feel.
- Bohemian/Eclectic: Mix materials and colors for a unique look, such as carved wood, mosaic designs, or a global-inspired style.
6. Daily Use Functional Considerations
For a coffee table that does what you need it to, beyond aesthetics, functionality is essential.
- Storage Solutions: There are tables with shelves, drawers, and other hidden compartments where you can add extra storage.
- Multi-Level or Lift-Top: These extra surfaces for working, dining, or stashing are great for small or multifunctional spaces.
- Nesting Tables: A great space needing versatility? Flexibility and separating the tables in a set or the set altogether are perfect options.
7. Matching Color and Finish with the Table
Lastly, think about how the color and finish of your coffee table harmonize with your room’s palette:
- Neutral Tones: White, black, and natural wood are great in neutral tones and cover with most decor styles.
- Bold Colors: If you have a neutral room, use a brightly colored table as a statement piece.
- Mixed Materials: Wood and metal can work together in an eclectic or transitional room by combining the two.
- Natural Finishes: Raw wooden or stone fit well with rustic or bohemian-style rooms.
5 Best Coffee Table Sets for Every Style In 2025
Selecting the right coffee table set for your home can complete a space, providing both function and style. Whether you’re aiming to elevate your living room furniture or need a compact small space coffee table that fits just right, here are 2025’s top choices designed to blend with different decor styles. Dive into these picks to find the perfect match for your style and spatial needs.
1. Rivet Mid-Century Nesting Tables
Rivet’s mid-century coffee table set is an excellent pick for those who love versatility and a clean aesthetic. This two-piece nesting table set brings convenience, as you can expand or condense it as needed, making it perfect for small and large spaces.
The walnut finish and minimalist design give the tables a warm, timeless look, while the nesting feature lets you tuck one table under the other when not in use. These multi-functional coffee tables maximize space and add style to any apartment or living room setup, giving you style and flexibility.
2. Sauder North Avenue Coffee Table Set
Are you looking for a budget-friendly option with ample storage? The Sauder North Avenue set combines industrial and modern elements with a sleek black metal frame and rustic oak finish.
It includes open shelving, perfect for storing books, plants, or decorative items. This makes it both a functional coffee table and a display area for decor. This set pairs well with various living room furniture styles, making it an adaptable choice if you enjoy switching up your decor.
3. Mercury Row Glass Top Coffee Table
Mercury Row’s glass-top coffee table offers elegance and modern design for those who prefer a more airy feel. The transparent glass makes any room look spacious, perfect for small spaces or contemporary settings.
Its clean lines and geometric frame provide a modern coffee table style that pairs beautifully with minimalist decor, making it a standout piece of coffee table decor. This glass coffee table adds sophistication and can be matched with neutral or bold accents to enhance the look of any living room.
4. Walker Edison Rustic Round Coffee Table Set
Embrace a cozy, farmhouse style with the Walker Edison rustic round coffee table set. This piece features a sturdy wood and metal construction, offering durability and a warm aesthetic.
The round shape allows for easy flow around the table, making it ideal for family-friendly settings. This rustic coffee table works perfectly in traditional or eclectic spaces, adding charm and a sense of homey warmth. Its multi-use functionality blends well with a casual, cozy setup or a more styled living room decor.
5. Furinno Modern Coffee Table with Storage
Ideal for small apartments or those needing organization, the Furinno coffee table provides a modern design with built-in storage for a clutter-free look. This affordable table includes compartments to keep essentials tucked away, making it stylish and highly functional.
Its sleek look makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a coffee table set with storage that fits into tight spaces or a minimalistic setup. It’s an ideal addition to your home if you need matching coffee tables that maintain an elegant feel.
Top Coffee Table Trends and Styling Tips
- Explore Versatile Designs: Modern coffee table sets with multiple pieces are a favorite because they create a flexible layout. They add style and functionality to any room and easily move around when needed.
- Embrace Minimalism: A living room with minimalist coffee tables, clean lines, neutral colors, materials, and a calming and uncluttered vibe is a good trend for any living room furniture style.
- Opt for Multi-Functional Tables: Small space coffee tables and apartment living call for a multi-functional coffee table with built-in storage or works as a workspace. Rearrange the table with hidden storage to get a clutter-free look.
- Style with a Theme: When arranging the decor around the coffee table, it’s best to keep to the same color scheme or theme. Consider matching tones on the tray, candles, and coffee table books for a modern coffee table look.
- Glass Coffee Tables for Airy Appeal: Glass coffee tables give the impression of space, making them perfect for smaller rooms. They’re also easy to accessorize and allow light to flow through, amplifying the space.
- Choose Matching Sets for Cohesion: Matching coffee tables brings balance to a room, especially in larger spaces. Coordinated tables and living room furniture create a polished, unified design.
- Try Rustic Styles for Warmth: Rustic coffee table sets with distressed wood or metal finishes bring warmth and charm to modern or farmhouse-style rooms. These tables pair well with textured decor elements like woven baskets or ceramic pieces.
- Small-Space Solutions: Coffee tables for apartments are typically compact and multi-functional. Nesting tables and small, round tables are excellent choices for saving space without sacrificing style.
- Affordable Options with Style: Find affordable coffee tables that don’t compromise style or quality. Look for lightweight materials or smaller sizes that fit into various layouts without overcrowding.
FAQs
What Are the Different Types of Coffee Table Sets?
Nesting, lift-top, storage, and multifunctional coffee table sets are offered in round, square, and rectangular shapes.
How Do I Choose the Right Coffee Table for A Small Living Room?
Use reduced or multifunctional tables, such as Nesting or lift-top designs, to conserve space while adding beauty and utility.
What Are Popular Materials for Coffee Tables?
Some common materials are wood for warmth, glass for a fancier feel, and metal for Industriational or minimalist aesthetics.
Are Coffee Table Sets with Storage Worth It?
Yes, they offer extra organization, keeping remotes and magazines out of sight but still available and fitting nicely into the decor.
Final Thoughts
A perfect set of coffee tables will provide the living space with functionality and style. So whatever kind of coffee table design you are looking for, rustic, modern, or multifunctional, the right table will help your decor and space feel more inviting.