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8 best coffee tables: From glass topped to wooden designs

A coffee or side table pulls a room together, so make sure it’s a stylish one  

Ali Howard
Wednesday 23 December 2020 16:14 GMT
Our round-up includes designs from the mid-century inspired to the clean-lined and contemporary
Our round-up includes designs from the mid-century inspired to the clean-lined and contemporary (The Independent)

Providing a handy surface for books, mugs, magazines and remote controls, the trusty coffee table is one functional furniture piece we couldn’t live without. But beyond its obvious practical appeal it also has the ability to bring the room together, creating an important focal point – and a sociable one at that.

With modular seating and corner sofas as popular as ever, a circular coffee table can work wonders: wrap your L-shaped settee around it for the full effect. If you’re short on space, however, you’d be wise to opt for a classic rectangular piece that sits snugly in front of your two-seater, without encroaching on your limited square footage.

Look for a coffee table with extra storage space if you’re drowning in clutter. This could be as simple as a shelf that sits below the table top, effectively doubling the surface area, or one with hidden nooks for books.  

Think about height, too. We found a number of designs that are particularly low-sitting. These have a relaxed look and feel, bringing a laid-back aesthetic to modern living spaces, while taller designs can bring a more formal element.

Our round-up of the best coffee tables includes designs from the mid-century inspired to the Deco-fabulous and the clean-lined and contemporary. In testing these, we looked for top craftsmanship, style and functionality.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Oliver Bonas Iggy green and gold metal coffee table

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Made Moreno coffee table, natural cane and glass

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  1.  £179 from Made.com
Prices may vary
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Rosalind Wheeler Clune coffee table

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  1.  £166 from Wayfair
Prices may vary
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Homescapes urban coffee table with 2 nesting tables, natural

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John Lewis and Partners + Swoon Sartre marble coffee table gold/green

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AM:PM Théoleine large retro-style coffee table in solid walnut

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My Furniture Ravello coffee table

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The verdict: Coffee tables

Oliver Bonas’s Iggy green and gold metal coffee table is stylish, affordable and multifunctional. We loved the way both surfaces could be used as handy serving trays – particularly the stylish gold top. While it borrows from Art Deco design it’s brought up to date with its sleek, contemporary lines. We also loved AM:PM’s Théoleine large coffee table. A beautifully made retro-inspired piece with instant wow-factor. 

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