Transform Your Living Room With These Stylish Coffee Tables

Sofas may hog the spotlight, but the coffee table is a key supporting player. Without one, a room looks unfinished and lacks function – try balancing a glass of red wine on a rug or a couch (better keep the baking soda and a rag close at hand). Plus, a coffee table provides an opportunity to display your favourite books and bric-a-brac. Herewith, 17 favourites to finesse as you see fit.

West Elm

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The Hidden Talent

Channelling a grand piano, this blue stunner stands on dainty legs and is a clever multi-tasker that flips up to reveal hidden storage. A coffee table that’s airy underneath pairs well with a heavier sofa because it lightens the look of the room. Ruby Storage Coffee Table, West Elm, $699.

Etsy

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The Cushy Keeper

Got kids but still want something trendy? Choose a pouf with a structured top that can take tabletop essentials (and avoid anything with sharp corners). In this boho-inspired living room, a planter on stacked books creates an interesting varying-height arrangement. Square Pouf Moroccan, Etsy, $135.

Anthropologie

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The Glamour Gal

As mesmerizing as a sculpture, this hand-crafted, barrel-style table anchors the room while unapologetically calling attention to itself. That inlay design! That brass base! That contrast against the couch! Moroccan decor is always a win. Targua Moroccan Coffee Table, Anthropologie, from $974.

West Elm

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The Seasoned Classic

Made from sustainable wood, this mid-century modern table has a timeless design and double drawers for storage. Be sure to stack books on the handy shelf. Mid-Century Storage Coffee Table – Acorn, West Elm, $699.

Structube

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The Instant Workstation

How cute would this look tucked into a small sectional? And of course it’s always great to have an instant workstation thanks to the lift-top design. Damian, Structube, $399.

Wayfair

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The Glamorous Choice

Kick your feet up, serve up trays of cocktail-party treats, use it as seating or climbing apparatus for the kids, we can’t say enough good things about this hardworking pouf. The glamorous button-tufted piece comes in a range of colours, from pea green to the bordeaux seen here. Belmont Tufted Cocktail Ottoman, Wayfair, $560.

EQ3

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The Barely-There Affair

If you don’t want to distract from your showstopping sofa – or other pieces in the room – then choose a coffee table made of glass or plexiglas. With its architectural wood base, this striking, yet subdued table also works in a colourful or art-filled room. Place Square Coffee Table, EQ3, $499.

Urban Barn

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The Surface Provider

Consider function when shopping for a coffee table. Are you the type to work while seated on your sofa? Then get a coffee table that fits a laptop and then some. Bonus: this one has eight drawers to stash stuff, as well as a nice deep patina. Lynncroft Coffee Table – Wyatt Sable, Urban Barn, $1,099.

VNTG

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The Original Gangster

This squat table on jumble dowel legs is topped with terrazzo, a material that has been trending for years now. We love its quirkiness and authenticity – it’s straight from the ’70s. Vintage Coffee Table, Vintage, $2,767.

LA Furniture Store

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The Drama Queen

Got a neutral space that needs jazzing up? High drama can come from a piece of artwork or even a special coffee table. Case in point: this black-and-white cookie of coffee tables that merges terrazzo and metal. Modrest Gemini Modern Coffee Table, LA Furniture Store, $315.

Urban Barn

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The Farmhouse Find

Choose a coffee table that fits the feel of the room. A reclaimed-wood coffee table suits this rustic-modern farmhouse. Four large drawers offer space to stash remotes and charging cables; metal hardware is both solid and decorative. Northwood Coffee Table, Urban Barn, $899.

Urban Barn

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The Space Saver

If space is tight, choose a table with a wiry base – like this faceted find. It lets light pass through yet it’s anything but boring. We like the interestingly scrunched mid section and rich oak top. Athena Coffee Table, Urban Barn, $400.

Elte Mkt

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The Minimalist

With its slender legs and tray top, minimalists will be drawn to this streamlined coffee table – perfect for a restrained black and white palette. Yanic Coffee Table, Elte Mkt, $87.

Global Views

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The Mesmerizing Square

Oh the tablescape possibilities! This hunky, handcrafted piece features a starburst marquetry pattern that emanates from the centre of the table. The plinth base makes it really special. Driftwood Square Coffee Table, Global Views, price available on request.

Structube

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The Overachiever

Nesting tables are the best – push them together, pull them apart. Use them as side tables. They’re ideal for entertainers who need to rearrange on a whim. Made of ash or walnut veneer, this pair lends a warm, natural feel to a room. Remy, Set of Two Nesting Tables, Structube, $169.

Wayfair

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The Surprise Feature

Modern coffee tables aren’t the only ones equipped with lift-top storage. Surprisingly, half of this eclectic table on turned feet lifts up bringing drinks and laptops close. And it has storage for those spare blankets kicking around. The best part? The upbeat tiles that instantly add colour to a room. Grundy Lift Top Coffee Table, Wayfair, $365.