Many of will change up our sofas or chairs or even our beds, but what about our coffee tables? They are workhorses. They hold our vignettes and our drinks. They are often make-shift kitchen tables too. Lots of us eat dinner on them. They become art stations and mini libraries and snack centers as well as footstools. Yes, our coffee tables get quite a work out over the years. But if you are like me, your coffee table gets very beat up and tired looking and even a little outdated. Did you know that many coffee tables these days are quite inexpensive? A new coffee table would go a long way to updating a room! Today let’s talk about how to update your coffee table…
There are six common coffee table shapes…
RECTANGLE
Rectangle coffee tables are probably the most popular. They should be at least two-thirds the length of your sofa. Rectangle coffee tables are my favorite because they offer lots of surface space and also fit into most living rooms and family rooms.
SQUARE
Square coffee tables offer a lot of top surface. Great for entertaining and game playing! It’s important to make sure you have enough space to handle a square table.
OVAL
Oval coffee table are the marriage of the utility of a rectangle coffee table and the wow factor of a round. Often they can be found in petite dimensions that work well if you have smaller room.
ROUND
I think round tables are quite a decor statement. They can sit almost on their own because they do not fit the lines of a sofa. They are perfect to put in front of a cozy grouping of furniture.
DRUM
Think of a drum coffee table the same way as a round one. Only a much bigger statement! So pretty in a room that does not get tons of use!
TRUNK
Trunk coffee tables are a storage dream! These rectangle and square coffee tables are just the place when you need to stow things away. Many trunk style coffee tables can be used as large side tables too!
Other features to consider when updating a coffee table are shelves, drawers, bins, baskets, tray tables, lift tops, padded tops, casters and rolling legs. All these features are important to help your coffee table not only look nice but serve you and your home.
Here are some of my favorite reasonably priced coffee tables on the market! A few are a little over $100.00 dollars and lots and lots are deeply discounted! Don’t you love getting a bargain?
Click on the image of the coffee table to see more!
Could your coffee table use an update? What coffee table would work in your home?
You might also like… HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT COFFEE TABLE . This post will help you choose just the right coffee table for your home.
Did you know that I have a Pinterest board called DECORATE MY HOME? It has over 700 posts! You can see it and follow me on Pinterest HERE.
This post contains affiliate links.
I just created my own coffee table I bought 2 small tufted ottomans from Target put them side by side added a serving tray on top for a small area they worked out great!
Love all the choices, my best would be the rectangle gray one, I’m redoing my family room to Ivory and gray tones; this would be perfect.
For almost 2 years I’ve been looking at different shapes, sizes & styles of coffee tables trying to decide whether I should change my current trunk/chest that my grandmother gave me years ago or maybe just update its look. Your post has helped me once & for all realize that I love the chest, but see it needs to be freshened up. So thanks for posting your info on updating your coffee table-it finally gave me the help I needed to make my decision.
My niece converted an old trunk from yesteryear into a table and it looked fabulous!
Yvonne, A great post! I am very happy with the bronze colored-finish iron and glass rectangular coffee table in our living room. However, I now think the wood square one with a drawer in the family room is not big enough. Thanks for showing many options. Wishing you a speedy healing of your ankle.
!
All these coffee table options are gorgeous! I recently purchased an oval drop leaf coffee table painted in a mint chalk shade–it’s very pretty but I will be changing it to a white shade. This post makes me want to purchase another one!
Love the oval one! It’s a difficult choice! They are all wow factors!
I purchased a large/2-drawer coffee table for $25 that had been well-loved, shall we say? I do plan to have it stripped down and refinished, or I may paint it, one day down the road. Until my grandchildren are less rambunctious there is just no need to stress out over nicks and scratches.
I had gone over thirty years without one and love having mine- nice and all. Placing vignettes ( that I don’t mind little hands moving) has been great fun and it makes me happy to have a place to set a glass or cup!!
My coffee table is definitely outdated and worn out and in need of a makeover. I’d like to paint it and make it new again. My problem currently, and one which will no doubt continue, is that my cats will get on the table and leave scratches. I do not know how to disguise this.
We purchased a new coffee table just last year. There are so many choices but I’m happy to say that I am very pleased with the one we chose.
Great post! I found the description of the shapes very helpful. We debated a long time before we bought a new coffee table. We opted for the upholstered, tufted square because we like putting our feet up the best.
Changing out the coffee table can be an economical way to totally update a room. We recently did that and wow; what a difference.
Thanks for posting all the styles available, Yvonne~I loved seeing all of them but I guess I am “old school” as I love the rectangular one my hubby made for me out of oak wood from our neighbor’s wood pile! That one is a keeper for sure.
Great article and perfect timing!
I have been so torn on a style, you
helped to make the shape decision
a much easier one!
Loved viewing all the different shapes and styles of coffee tables in this post.
Some time this year my husband and I want to purchase a new sofa, two chairs, and new end tables and a coffee table for our downstairs living room. I am wanting leather furniture that reclines, and I am thrilled to see this post regarding choosing coffee tables! I saw several that I liked. Thank you for this, it’s just what I needed for inspiration!
Those are all so nice, Yvonne! I’m going to be doing a cross between the round and trunk! I’m repurposing an antique galvanized tub by putting casters on the bottom and an upholstered, cushioned lid on the top. The inside will be used for storage, and the outside, in my Wee Abode, will work for extra seating, an ottomon or, by putting a tray on top, my coffee table.. which it will be used for most of the time. 🙂
Thank you for this post and show us so many options. I like the one we have but I was checking the different styles were decorated each one and I got some ideas that I want to try.
I need a coffee table, really like the round styles a lot…… Thanks for all the great styles.
Love the round coffee tables! They seem to soften the ‘sharp’ edges in my living room and everyone has a place for their glass.
My coffee table is rectangle with rounded corners. Safer for grandbabies! Yvonne, can I ask you a question….if your coffee table has drawers my, should they face in or out? I asked this question today on a Facebook page. Seems it’s a personal preference.
Hmmm, I have been perusing magazines in search of new looks for the Winter (post Christmas) coffee table decor and finding the same old, same old. I have used books, the tray with a variety of accoutrements( cases, stones, cases with flowers, magnifying glass, essential oil bottles, etc), candy jars, bowls, potpourri ad nauseum. I guess I’m same old, too. I need a shot of “new” or a fantastic estate sale. Your thoughts might help and would really be appreciated.
Almost love them all….thanks for a great post!
I love round curves for a coffee table since we have little ones in and around our home. Saves on boo boo’s if a wee one stumbles.
Loved reading all the posts from my “friend’s of Yvonne.” I feel such a part of an encouraging community of positive people.
Thanks, one and all!
My favorite coffee table is the old dove-tailed pine blanket chest relegated from our guest room many years ago. So many times I’ve thought of replacing it with something more updated, but its warm patina, scratches and blemishes keep me from it! Maybe I’ll replace my sofa instead….
Timely blogging today. I am in the market for a coffee table to replace an ottoman! Thanks for your examples.
We recently added a round, rather large glass coffee table to our small living room. I was concerned about the size, but it actually looks much better than a smaller, insignificant one would. We’ve received many compliments.
I love the tables with casters. Smart!
What a great topic, Yvonne; and such wonderful information. It took me several years but I found MY perfect coffee table. It has an oval glass top and a cream, “distressed” scrolled metal shelf and base AND… I found it at a consignment shop to boot! Yes, good things come to those who wait…and pray 🙂
I look forward to your blog every day!
So many great ideas – thanks for this informative post.
Speaking of coffee tables…..I just pushed mine into my walk in closet out of my den room to see if I can live without one in that room ! Guess time will tell…. It was a square one.
My family has a bad habit of using the coffee table as a footstool. My room is really small and I’d like to get rid of it all together!
Always enjoy your perspective.
I’m still back with the idea that I want an ottoman for a table. We always need a place to put up our feet plus use for a table. We don’t have one but that is what would work for us.
Great inspiration post, and i love the Barbara table from Wayfair…so beachy and tactile! happy monday to you, beautiful blogger. xox
what would you think would look best with L shaped sectional?
You neglected to mention my husband’s favorite coffee table design, the “lift top” coffee table. I’ve been trying to come up with ways to destroy his man cave coffee table ever since we were married 5 years ago. He insists that since I’ve gotten rid of every other piece of furniture he owned pre-marriage, the coffee table must stay, or be replaced with a similar style. I even tried to convince him that they don’t make them anymore…sigh…
just got a new coffee table for our family room in the winter…went from a butler’s table to a round tables and there is soooo much more room for our snacks and such when everyone comes over, love it! next, thinking of a new top for my living room tables love the basic tables just need new tops…pinterest!
I love a big square coffee table. And it must be one that we can put our feet up on! Fun to look at all your options, Yvonne.
I have a very sturdy but boring square pine coffee table in our family room. Perfect size for sectional coach. You have convinced me to chalk paint it in a light cream to match our leather chair and wall color. Can’t wait to get started. Thanks Yvonne.
I currently use a vintage trunk for our coffee table – added wheels so not so unwieldy to move – holds a lot – mostly videos, but games; pillows, etc.
I love the metal/ wood one in your living room, tho’!
I just recently “updated” to an antique toolbox which my husband attached ball feet to. I love it!
Nice but how about some DIY coffee tables! A lot of people can’t afford NEW coffee tables.
This timing is so perfect. I have toyed with changing our coffee table for two years now and still kept it the same. Every time I get to within a millimetre of buying a new one, something stops me and I continue with the one we have. It is custom made in beautiful striped velvet and gorgeous, but I also know it is a little too small for the space! Decisions decisions!!!
You must keep the one you have and move it into another room. It sounds gorgeous!
Thank you for the great post. The options are endless. Coffee tables have been elevated from utilitarian to show stopper.
What a wonderful way to put that,Leanna!
What a great post,Yvonne.Just this past weekend my husband suggested that we needed to update the end tables in our livingroom. I’m ready for a change in 2017. Have a great day!
Thanks Yvonne, This post comes as my husband and I are going to redo our living room. I want to lighten it up a bit with sofas with slipcovers since we live on 6 acres with horses, a dog and cats and lots of dirt and mud! No matter how hard I try to keep the dirt out it finds a way of slipping in 😉 I am looking at a coffee table with some storage since we have limited closets in our old farmhouse. Will check some of these out. Thanks!
It’s like you read my mind! Just last night my husband and I were mapping out our family room and brainstorming over a new coffee table! Thanks for the post and the inspiration!
I want to ask about those topiary trees on your coffee table. What kind are they? Real or faux? If real, what kind of care do they need?
Hope your ankle is healing nicely❤
I get asked about these often. I found these faux tree topiaries at an antique store… for $10.00 each! SCORE! Sorry I don’t have a source for you.
We have a long,narrow family room with a fireplace at one end and built in bookcases at the other end. Then along one long wall we have a three seater divan and across from it is a buffet wwith club chairs on each side. Not much space for a coffee tsble . Any suggestions?
Yes! What about nesting tables stacked as a coffee table or a couple of cubes that can be arranged.Or two or three garden stools lined up together! None of these take up very much space and they would add so much to any room!
Thank you for the suggestions.
I have been around this coffee table since I was 2. Seriously.
It was given to us by my Mom…and now that she is gone, well, it would be hard to part with it. I have often thought about it though. It seriously needs to be refinished..and glued back into one piece…
It is an old maple drop leaf table that goes round in the split second…something my two year old grandson has just figured out…
I’d love a new one…but….
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Hi! We had a custom made rustic wood rectangular coffee table made for us and we just LOVE it! It was well worth the money and time waiting. The man who made it is very talented and has actually ended up making a console, an end table as well as the coffee table for us! They have made a big difference in the look of our living room.
Coffee tables…shapes…sizes….materials really need to fit with the mood of the room….and where your family is “at” at the moment…..Being an empty nester now….I have a large glass coffee table….with a very interesting cane design under it….and Yeh….
no need to decorate it! Well…maybe some fresh flowers…..oh…and a coffee table book….
You must have a lot of fun decorating….such good ideas!
You are so so right Sandra!
I have a square coffee table that I love. All of the tables you featured would be great.
Now I want a new one.
Love your blog. You have great taste in decorating, and I appreciate the tips you give. I enjoy your blog on Sundays and the
input you give about God’s Word.
Keep up the good work.
Love my round wood table with glass inset…It was my first new table in ever in 37 years of marriage…I shopped and shopped, wanted round as it seemed the best for a couch and love seat and the fact that children might get hurt by sharp corners….
We have had the same Ethan Allen coffee table for about 17 years!! It is solid wood and very heavy And, I still love it! The finish was outdated and did not go with the design aesthetic of our new house. Out came the ASCP in three colors! After several layers of paint and wax I have a new coffee table! Guests in my home frequently ask where I bought it.
Love all the beautiful choices you’ve shown today!!
What’s ASCP? Did you have to sand off the old finish first? That’s the part that seems daunting to me. 🙂
YOU GO GIRL!
Couldn’t live without my coffee table!
Great post with many choices. I use my coffee table in many ways in our family room.
Great coffee table ideas!
I love the choice of colors, shapes and styles.
OOh! So many options! I haven’t looked for a coffee table in a while but am starting to get the itch for our sunroom. Would love the round rattan table out here. Thanks for the info.
Another well thought out post. I’m passing this on to my three daughter for reference. I have a rectangle coffee table in my forever home. It works well with the layout. With it’s turned legs and casters, it has a more traditional vibe. Previously, I have a square table in the family room that is great for all to enjoy the snacks on the table or put their feet up. I do like that oval table. My favourite of those shown above as to be the oval by Brielle.
I love to write posts that are informative and give tons of tips about home decor. The more knowledge we have the better home decorators we will become!
I’m behind the times! Still using my ottoman as my coffee table but love its comfort.
i have never had a coffee table in my living room because we are always in the family room. When we redo the living room this year a coffee table will be on the list!
A coffee table will make the room look so put together!
I have a round coffee table on wheels with a bottom shelf
that fits well with my sofa and love seat.There are so many
great choices,it’s hard to choose.
I love round coffee tables….I have my eye on one, but would have to break the bank for it….great selection of beautiful tables…Have a great day!
OH! ‘maybe’ a coffee table and end table ‘redo’ in 2017
Linda of No.Cal.
OHHHHHHHHH?… ‘maybe’ a coffee table / end table ‘redo’ in 2017
LInda of No.Cal.
Love all your pictures. Not only a workhorse but a major player in the “feel” of a room. I found a very traditional coffee table at a consignment shop and worked it in my country/ eclectic home. The rich brown color itself brought that much needed warmth to the room.
So many wonderful choices. I like the gray rectangle one and could find a great place to put it!
Such a great post, Yvonne and terrific information. I just updated a coffee table in a playroom and went with a square since we have a sofa with two chairs on each side. It makes for a perfect conversation area and bonus, everyone can put their feet up! Happy Monday!