Beautiful Coffee Table Ideas and Trends for 2025

I love how a new coffee table can completely change the way a living room looks, feels, and functions. With that in mind, today I’m sharing some tips and ideas on how to choose a coffee table that’s just right for your space — along with a gathering of some of the best coffee tables I’ve found. 

When shopping for a new coffee table, I know it’s tempting to choose the first thing that catches your eye, but a little planning will help you not only pick a coffee table you love, but one that will meet your needs and lifestyle for years to come.

Pure Salt Interiors – similar coffee tables here and here

How to choose a coffee table for your living room

Here are a few guidelines for choosing the right coffee table shape, size, and design for your room.  

When shopping for coffee tables, some things to look for are:

• a durable finish and surface;
• the right shape and size for the living space; and
• an adaptable style that will stand the test of time

Right now, I’m loving the look of solid wood coffee tables, like the wooden coffee table in the photo below.

Since we have white living room furniture, I’m drawn to the simple design and balance of the light wood coffee table against the white sofa:

light wood coffee table

For a larger room, with a sectional or sofa and loveseat combo, you might need a large coffee table. Here’s the same coffee table shown above in a larger version.  This coffee table also comes in a black finish.

Coffee Table – Rug

How will you use your coffee table?

When shopping for a coffee table, it’s important to take into account how you need your center table to function, as well. 

It’s a good idea to think about whether you plan to use the coffee table as a footrest, a dining spot, a place to entertain, play games, work on your laptop, or do puzzles.  

If you plan to use your coffee table as a footrest, you might want to consider getting an ottoman or bench style coffee table topped with a tray to hold your drinks and decorative items.

Pure Salt Interiors – similar ottoman

Studio McGee – ottoman

Also, remember to factor in whether you’ll need storage space, where you’ll put your coffee cup or favorite drink (i.e., whether the table surface will require coasters), coffee table books, remote controls, decorative objects, and phones.

Round Coffee Table with Glass Top

The round coffee table shown below has clever hidden storage under the top, providing space to keep toys, blankets, or extra pillows:

Coffee Table with Storage

How far should a coffee table be from the couch or sofa? 

In general, you should allow approximately 18 inches of space between the coffee table and the sofa edge.  This will provide enough leg room to walk around the table but still let you reach forward and set down a drink or grab the remote control.

Coffee table heights vary, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the coffee table height and sofa or chair seat height to within 4 inches of each other.

tiered coffee table

The rectangular wood coffee table, below, is a great way to bring a rustic look as well as warmth to a modern space, as shown in this beautiful living room from Studio McGee:

wooden coffee table – chair 

What is the best coffee table length?

The ideal length of a traditional coffee table is about two-thirds the length of the couch. For example, if your sofa is 6 feet long, you will want to buy a small coffee table, about 4 feet long.

The 40″ square travertine coffee table in the space below from Studio McGee, is a great example of choosing the right size of table for a small living space with a sofa, arm chair, and fireplace.

Square Travertine Coffee Table

What coffee table shape is best?

The most popular coffee table shape, a rectangular coffee table, is often the best choice in front of a sofa or between two sofas, while an oval coffee table is a good option for a small space, as it provides easier navigation in a tight space.  

Source

How to choose a coffee table for a sectional

A square or round coffee table works best for large seating configurations, such as a living room with a sectional (or a large sofa with a chaise). 

Coffee Table

I recommend choosing a coffee table size that matches the size of your sectional; i.e., if your sectional is on the small side, pair it with a small- or medium-sized coffee table. 

Here are a few favorite coffee tables in various sizes and shapes:

coffee table ideas for sectionals

If you have a large or oversized sectional, choosing a round or square shape coffee table will allow everyone seated to have easy access to the table. 

You can also pair two rectangular coffee tables to create a square shape, as shown in the beautiful living room below:

The Life Styled Co. – marble coffee tables

This beautiful living room is a great example of how to pair a square coffee table with a large sectional for a stylish look.

coffee table – sectional

And the nesting tables shown below pair beautifully with the furniture in this modern living room configuration.  These unique coffee tables are a great option for a modern living room or family room.

nesting coffee table set

What are the coffee table trends for 2025?

Before shopping for a coffee table, it’s always a good idea to consider your decorating style as well as the current home decor trends.

In 2025 coffee table trends, we’re seeing curvy, oval, and round coffee tables, as well as coffee tables made of natural materials such as wood, marble, travertine, burl, and rattan.

The Life Styled Co.

For the past several years, gray and light natural wood furniture finishes were popular; however, in coffee table trends for 2025, we’re seeing a return of warmer, darker wood finishes on coffee tables and side tables.

Whether you prefer a rustic wood coffee table, something more modern, a unique shape, or something vintage from a thrift store, taking a look at the popular coffee table trends and styles before you shop will help you eliminate any options that won’t stand the test of time.

coffee table

If you’d like to know more about the current trends in furniture and interior design, you might be interested in my post, 2025 Interior Design Trends and Home Decor Ideas to Try Now.

Some of my favorite coffee table sources, such as Serena & Lily, The Life Styled Co., Pottery Barn, McGee & Co., Arhaus, and West Elm, also allow you to filter your search results according to the style, size, shape, or color of coffee table you’re looking for. 

Beautiful Coffee Table Ideas for 2025

To give you some ideas and inspiration, here are several on-trend coffee tables, including modern coffee tables, coffee table ideas for small spaces, contemporary coffee tables, glass top, nesting, and wooden coffee table ideas in every price range and living room style.

I hope you found this post informative and helpful.  Let me know if you have any questions about choosing a center coffee table for your living room.  Have a wonderful day! xo Jane

Looking for more coffee table trends, design styles, and decorating ideas?  Here are a few favorite posts from Jane at Home:

What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)

How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

The New Studio McGee Target Collection

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2025

2025 Interior Design Trends and Home Decor Ideas to Try Now

Favorite Spaces of the Week: Pure Salt Interiors

Living Room Design Ideas for 2025

Coffee Table Decorating and Arrangement Ideas