A living room without a coffee table is like a kitchen without a fridge. Bereft and downright bizarre! The coffee table provides a resting spot for cocktails, snacks and sundry items. When choosing one, consider the height. A high perch is no bueno up against a low-slung sofa and vice-versa. Also consider the vibe. If you like to tablescape, then choose a piece with a generous surface area.
A handful of design-industry tastemakers reveal their preferences in coffee tables, starting with music titan, John Legend. Yup, Mister Teigen, like Lenny Kravitz and other celebrities (hi, Cindy Crawford!), has launched a furniture line: The Journeys Collection. A collab with Rove Concepts, it is unpretentious and liveable. Here’s John with some of the pieces, including the Kaye Sofa, showing off its plush, boxy good looks. It plays so well next to the Orb Coffee Table you can see better if you keep scrolling.
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Soulful Wood Is Cozy-Making
We like the Orb’s splayed legs and varying heights. The rich walnut patina also complements the cream tones in this living room. Verdict: This coffee table is a no-brainer if you want a simple, striking silhouette and a mid-century modern vibe.
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This Amoeba-Shaped Table Is for Nature Nuts
Doing over your living room? Take notes from this fall-feeling living room by designer Alykhan Velji of Alykhan Velji Designs. Similar to the Legend living room, the vibe is relaxed, warm and inviting. “I love using pieces made by Canadian designers,” says Aly of the table by Vancouver-based furniture maker Lock & Mortice. “I love the organic shape — it is unexpected and adds so much character to this space. Made of natural oak, the texture it provides is also fantastic.”
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Nesting Tables Are Easygoing to the Max
Nesting tables are the friendliest, most adaptable tables in town. “Their versatility means they can be configured to fit perfectly in any size space,” says design expert Karl Lohnes. He’s got his eye on CB2’s Lilly 3-Piece Table Set. The pieces can be used indoors or outdoors. “I love the organic feel and hand-finished brass that adds a nod to nature and a touch of glam!” Or, check out this less expensive non-brass, leggy option from Wayfair.
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Mixed Materials Steal the Spotlight
With their swoopy shapes, and marriage of stone and wood, it’s hard not to be captivated by these soft-edged beauties. Matt Castilleja’s Archipelagos tables, the top pick from KOBEL + CO co-founders Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, were chosen for their organic forms and dual materiality. “They seamlessly integrate into both conventional and non-traditional furniture layouts, while the customizable stone tops make each piece uniquely personal,” say the designers. PS: The tables ship to Canada.
Slabs Like Buttah!
A curious phenomenon in the coffee-table world has been the slab trend. These hunky numbers are sculptural and artistic. Take the jewel-box-looking babe below. That’s E Cart International’s Flip Flop Coffee Table, through South Hill Home. “I’m currently loving it because of its interesting use of materials and storage compartment,” says principal designer Priya J. Mitrovic of Studio P Interiors. “I love the pop of blue and the radius edges, which create a softness to this otherwise solid substantial piece.”
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Composite Spins on the Slab
Meghan Carter of Meghan Carter Design says it’s challenging to find a rectangular coffee table that elevates a space and holds her interest, but Toronto furniture designer Mary Ratcliffe does it for her. We present Ratcliffe’s minimalist Luna Coffee Table with an integrated marble tray. “In pairing the simplicity of shape with honest materials she creates a timeless piece,” says Carter. “And by mixing her materials and geometry, the piece delivers a tailored versatility that is much larger than the sum of its parts.” PS: There’s a leather version of the tray and the table comes in different wood stains.
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The Aurum Coffee Table is another spellbinding slab. Ching M. Tan, principal designer at Tan Interiors, goes ga-ga for it because it’s a smokeshow (natch). Also: because utility meets use. Or, as Tan explains: “I like to prioritize both functionality and unique design. I’m drawn to the harmonious mix of materials. This one melds bleached wood and aged brass for a refined effect.” If you want a similarly luxe look, at a decent price, check out this marble-inspired coffee table from Wayfair. Coffee tables that look like a big block of marble are super popular right now.
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On a Pedestal
The pedestal table is not going anywhere soon — thankfully. The space-saving table that’s perfect for condo dwellers has an easy-to-live-with shape that adds instant style to any living room. Take note renters and budget-conscious shoppers: this Structube Sarni looker is a steal! And it’s made of acacia and engineered wood for that natural look that’s trending heavily right now.
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Finally, This Table Hits Just Right
OK, so this BORGEBY table from everyone’s favourite Scandinavian retailer is pretty basic, but that’s the genius of it. It’s got lovely, simple curves, a calming colour, storage to boot and an excellent price tag. And it fits into most living rooms, even if your place is square-foot-challenged.
Happy coffee-table buying!
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