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Beautiful Coffee Table Ideas and Trends for 2024

I love how a new coffee table can completely change the entire look, feeling, and function of a living room. 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 modern coffee tables I’ve found in 2024. 

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.

Love this beautiful coastal living room design with neutral furniture and decor - living room ideas - living room decor - coastal interiors - modern coastal living room ideas - pure saltPure 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:

Love the look of this light wood coffee table against the white sofa - jane at home - living room table - living room furniture - light wooden coffee table - rectangle wood coffee table

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.

Beautiful modern living room with white sectional, natural wood rectangular coffee table, and large neutral rugCoffee TableRug

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 Interiorssimilar ottoman

Beautiful modern living room with large white sectional, neutral decor, and leather ottoman coffee table - living room furniture - living room table - living room design - open concept living room ideasStudio McGeeottoman

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.

Serena & Lily sectional, round coffee table, and woven chandelier in the living room 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:

serena & lily living room and coffee tableCoffee 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.

Beautiful Serena & Lily living roomtiered 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:

Beautiful light and airy living room design with built in shelves next to fireplace, modern accent chair, vintage rug, and light wood coffee table #homedecor #interiordesign #livingroomideas #livingroomdesign #livingroomdecorwooden coffee tablechair 

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.

Love this beautiful living room design with a travertine coffee table - studio mcgeeSquare 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.  

Beautiful living room with two sofas and natural area rug - pottery barnSource

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). 

Pottery Barn Living Room with large sectional and black coffee tableCoffee 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:

Love this beautiful modern living room design with a large sectional, marble coffee tables, and neutral decor and furniture - living room decor - living room furniture - organic modern decor - warm neutral living room - modern earthy living room ideas - the life styled coThe 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.

Serena & Lily large sectional and square coffee tablecoffee table

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.

Beautiful modern living room with sectional and round nesting coffee tables - crate and barrelnesting coffee table set

What are the coffee table trends for 2024?

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 2024 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.

For the past several years, gray and light natural wood furniture finishes were popular; however, in coffee table trends for 2024, 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, 2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love.

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. 

Coffee Table Ideas for 2024

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 2024 Studio McGee Target Collection

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2024

2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Favorite Spaces of the Week: Pure Salt Interiors

Living Room Design Ideas for 2024

Coffee Table Decorating and Arrangement Ideas

 

   

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6 Comments

  • Lisa
    September 13, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Hi Jane! As usual, I love your post and sage advice. I have a large coastal living room and purchased
    a massive coffee table (by Arhuas) similar to the Folsom by Pottery Barn. What would you suggest
    for the sofa side tables? I don’t want to be matchy matchy but I also want some cohesiveness in the room.
    I would LOVE your ideas, please and thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Jane
      September 13, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Lisa! I hope you’re doing well! Your living room sounds amazing. If you don’t mind a pop of black, side tables are a great way to bring in a bit of contrast–especially when you have a natural wood coffee table and don’t want to clash with it. Arhaus has a pretty round side table called the Amina, which would also add in a bit of softness. Pottery Barn has a new charcoal-colored round Folsom side table at a great price point. And their new Theo side table has a mix of marble, woven, and black, which would work with just about any style. Pottery Barn also has a new woven side table called the Malibu which would work beautifully in a coastal setting. Serena & Lily also has some beautiful coastal inspired side tables. I like the streamlined look of their Ellington side table, which comes in navy, white, and oak and wouldn’t require a lot of space. I hope this helps! I’ll let you know if I come up with any more ideas. Have a wonderful day, my friend! xo Jane

      Reply
  • Kathryn W
    June 23, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    Before I read the post, I also chose the one you ordered! Great minds…

    Reply
    • Jane
      June 23, 2018 at 12:28 pm

      Yay! That makes me feel even better about my choice. I can’t wait to see it in your beautiful home, Kathryn! Still waiting for mine to arrive … Have a wonderful day! xo jane

      Reply
  • JoKateG
    June 15, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    Thanks- I am so commitment phobic when it comes to coffee tables – I’ve never bought one in 10 years of home ownership!! This will help x

    Reply
    • Jane
      June 18, 2018 at 9:02 am

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment–I’m glad to hear you found this helpful! I know the feeling of being commitment phobic, but with so many wonderful choices out there, I’m sure you’ll find something you love! xo jane

      Reply

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