Decorating a small space presents certain challenges, but with creativity and the right furniture, you can maximize any room—no matter the size. The best coffee tables for small spaces are stylish and functional, yet petite enough to fit tighter areas. Our top pick, the Mateo Rectangular Coffee Table, is made from hand-finished wood and has one shelf for storing books, magazines and other décor. If you’re looking for something that can be used outdoors, the Blinde Design Round Tapered Coffee Table is a modern option with clean lines and an all-weather finish.
Beyond the extra storage space, coffee tables can become the focal point of your living space and add character and warmth. “Aesthetically, coffee tables are heavy lifters. They provide contrast in a world of soft rugs, sofas, accent chairs, and pillows, and give the eye a place to focus,” says Genevieve Gorder, an interior designer and television personality. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorites, including lift-top options, nesting designs and tables with hidden compartments.
Materials: Kiln-dried pine wood with poplar veneers| Dimensions:19 x 31.5 x 18 inches | Shape: Rectangular
Made from hand-finished wood, the Mateo Rectangular Coffee Table has a simple yet elegant design that suits various living room styles. It has one shelf to maximize space, which is convenient, considering the table is only 31.5 inches from end to end. Like most wooden furniture, protect it from stains, harsh cleaning products and direct sunlight.
Best Budget Coffee Table For Small Spaces
An Affordable Pick With Plenty Of Storage
Wlive Wood Lift-Top Coffee Table
Materials: Manufactured wood | Dimensions: 39.4 x 19.7 x 16.9 inches | Shape: Rectangular
This lift-top table functions as a place to work, eat and relax. It’s shorter and narrower than an average coffee table, but thanks to a side drawer and spacious main compartment, it has room for books, board games and more. It’s a great value-for-money option available in four wood finishes. Keep in mind that the composite wood looks and feels less expensive than the real thing and won’t last a lifetime.
Most Stylish Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Versatile, Eye-Catching Design
Patrick Cain Designs Scutoid Coffee Table
Materials: Concrete and recycled Styrofoam | Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 15 inches | Shape: Abstract
The Scutoid Coffee Table is made from two differently shaped pieces—a hexagon and a pentagram—that can be connected or disconnected based on preference. It’s expensive but infuses any room with a unique and modern aesthetic. The pieces are hefty and durable, weighing roughly 55 pounds each, and sealed to resist stains.
Best Lift-Top Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Wooden Option That Converts Easily
Gracie Oaks Haneline Coffee Table
Materials: Manufactured wood | Dimensions: 37 x 17 x 18.1 inches | Shape: Rectangular
Whether you work from home or like to eat in front of the TV, this lift-top table brings comfort and convenience to your living room. The entire top, not just a small section, rises to about 23 inches. It has a fairly low weight capacity of 40 pounds, but that’s sufficient for everyday use. Other positives include that it’s easy to assemble, has an extended 5-year warranty and is available in light or dark wood.
Best Square Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Sturdy Table That Arrives Pre-Assembled
Aldrich Coffee Table
Materials: Solid wood, manufactured wood and stainless steel | Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 14 inches | Shape: Square
The Aldrich Coffee Table is one of the largest options we included, but it’s still smaller than average. Its square shape is handy for placing multiple couches or chairs nearby, and it has a detachable tray for snacks and drinks. The metal frame adds to the overall durability, too.
Best Round Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Circular, Compact Pick With A Metallic Finish
Rebel Round Metal Coffee Table
Materials: Iron | Dimensions: 31.5 x 12.5 inches | Shape: Round
Round tables are the most versatile and space-efficient when arranging a living room. This one from Pottery Barn is made of resilient yet lightweight iron that’s gently textured on top. It’s fairly short, measuring 12.5 inches high, so you may have to lean forward a bit if you have a tall couch.
Best Nesting Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Pair Of Stackable Wooden Tables
West Elm Spoke Nesting Coffee Tables
Materials: Mango wood and metal | Dimensions: 30.4 x 30.7 x 16.7 inches | Shape: Round
The smaller table in the set has a diameter of 22.75 inches and fits perfectly underneath the larger table, which measures 30.75 inches across. Both are made from identical mango wood and have rustic metal spokes which add stability. Considering the purchase includes two tables, the price is reasonable; in fact, this set is cheaper than many individual tables of similar quality.
Best Wood Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Sturdy, Bi-Level Option
Sigmund Round Coffee Table
Materials: Oak wood | Dimensions: 28 x 16 inches | Shape: Round
Wood has long been the most popular material for coffee tables as it’s durable and ages nicely; pieces like the Sigmund Round Coffee Table only accentuate the wood’s natural beauty. Its round shape and rich grain make it look like a lacquered, manicured oak tree stump is simply resting in your living room. The table is heavy, weighing over 100 pounds, and expensive, but it’s a true standout piece.
Best Metal Coffee Table For Small Spaces
A Space Saver That Fits Just About Anywhere
Alana Mini Coffee Table
Materials: Metal | Dimensions: 31.4 x 16 x 16.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular
This three-tiered coffee table from Urban Outfitters provides ample shelf space despite being labeled as mini. Its slim design in universal black metal makes it suitable for various rooms in the house. One downside is that the middle and bottom shelves have low weight capacities (11 and 22 pounds, respectively), so be cautious when placing heavy objects on them.
The Adile Genuine Marble Coffee Table, available in black or white, is an eye-catching piece of furniture. Assembly is required but may be worth paying for because the pieces are so heavy. While the table only has a one-year warranty, marble lasts a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Best Glass Coffee Table For Small Spaces
An Arching Table With Subtle Green Tint
Ashlan Glass Coffee Table
Materials: Tempered glass | Dimensions: 39.4 x 21.7 x 14 inches | Shape: Rectangular
This glass coffee table is a minimalist’s dream. Its slim profile and clean lines leave plenty of open space underneath. Like all glass furniture, its transparency makes rooms feel larger and tidier. It also resists fingerprints and smudges better than one might assume. Even if marks do appear, cleaning is quick and easy. Also good to know: The glass has a subtle green tint.
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