Versatile furniture makes decorating and upgrades so much more exciting. One of the more multifaceted pieces of furniture is the coffee table. We can almost imagine you thinking, “The coffee table is versatile? Surely that’s wrong?”. However, through extensive research and conceptualisation, we have discovered how incredible modern coffee tables are and how easily they can be incorporated into different settings.

Coffee tables are perfect additions as functional and decorative pieces, but it is the black coffee table in particular that deserves to be highlighted. Not only can the colour be mixed and matched easily, but black has always stood for timeless elegance, an essential component of luxury homes. Furthermore, if you are looking to enhance an already well-decorated living room, a black round coffee table brings a minimalist and modern look and feel to any room, regardless of the styling.

Stunning matte black round coffee table complementing the white and brown sofas, enhancing the style of a large, contemporary living room.

While modern and minimalist styles are often the preference, black coffee tables suit a host of other styles too, like industrial chic, rustic and monochromatic. What we do recommend is finding the right style that works for your home, its location, light levels and, of course, your personal preference. Black coffee tables are also easy to incorporate alongside other statement pieces and furniture, where they can either add to the drama or complete an aesthetic, once again showcasing their adaptability. Further on we will explore styling in more depth.

Another aspect to consider is how functional black coffee tables are from a stylistic point of view. They perform well as an anchor or focal point, but can just as easily effortlessly blend into the background shades and enhance other dramatic elements in the room, making them appear even more polished and refined.

After reviewing a few key trends, it is evident that homeowners are opting for more minimalist and contemporary designed tables. This has led to the black coffee table finding its rightful place as a staple item in luxury homes. Another design trend showed that geometric and clean lines are a preferred choice of many, while the combination of metal frames with glass or even marble has become the preferred choice for luxury homeowners.

Why a Black Coffee Table is the Perfect Choice for Luxury Spaces

Black can easily be paired with nearly every other colour affording it the title of most versatile colour. Additionally, as stated earlier, the hue represents elegance which is exactly what is required in luxury homes.

In the world of luxury living, a coffee table plays a central role in defining the style of a living room. Where you could choose to install floating shelves or servers, we recommend the high-end coffee table instead. Here’s why:

It is a blank canvas

You can decorate around your table or add it as your focal point, there are no boundaries. With so many materials available, there’s certain to be a table that forms the basis of a larger design vision.

Use it strategically

Showcase your impeccable taste by using your coffee table to display high-end artwork or ornaments. With the right tabletop, it can even be an artwork in and of itself.

Transform the atmosphere

Maybe your living room or study needs a quick pick-me-up, and a black coffee table does this with minimal effort, with the main consideration being the styling and form that you prefer.

Luxurious black glass round coffee table with a stylish base, placed next to a white sofa in a contemporary living room.

What to Choose and Why

Black truly redefines what luxury means, for several reasons, including that it is one of the best colours to add weight and depth to any space. However, it is also its timeless appeal that stands out and that is why the colour is often a popular choice for furniture with large surface areas like tables.

If you need inspiration to incorporate a coffee table into your sophisticated home, here are four popular styles that work best for luxury spaces:

Modern Minimalist:
  • Why:The sleek lines emphasise simplicity as well as functionality. Its aesthetics is what makes it an eye-catcher.
  • How to decorate: Minimalist black coffee tables work in open-plan spaces and require no decoration as they are statement pieces.
Classic:
  • Why: The old charm from classic coffee tables cannot be understated. The classic style is indicative of craftsmanship and is made from the best material such as mahogany.
  • How to decorate: Classic style is great for formal and sophisticated spaces, so it is best to only decorate with classic decor.
Chic:
  • Why: Based on the industrial or rugged look, chic tables use raw materials to give a more edgy look and feel.
  • How to decorate: Much like its minimalist counterpart, chic coffee tables with an industrial look do not need any decoration.
Artistic:
  • Why: Blending art with function is no easy feat. However, artistic tables do just that and create conversational pieces in the process. Artistic tables do break conventional designs, but it is for this very reason they work in luxury homes - they break the “rules”, yet everyone wants one like it.
  • How to decorate: Here you can opt for your favourite Shenzhen Nongke Orchid or your roses.
Modern freeform jet black coffee table complementing a grey fabric sofa in a minimalist living room design.

Tips on Styling Your Black Table

The ways to style and decorate are just about endless with new tips and tricks emerging as trends arise and fashionable seasons change. We know styling is overwhelming and can take considerable time, however, our team of interior designers understand how you can style your black coffee table better than ever before.

Play Around with Layers

Coffee tables should be seen as stylish yet functional pieces that are used to decorate. Yes, styling starts with changing your perception of the item. For this reason, you get to play around with how you stack items on top of it. Interior designers recommend you adopt a less-is-more approach, in other words, do not stack ornaments and books and then call it a day. This is not styling.

Instead, small, and miniature items work well if you are looking at stacking items. However, keeping a single-size height is stylish and sophisticated. If you do want to layer, it is recommended to rather have one focal piece as your highest point with smaller ornaments creating visual interest.

A woman sitting on a cozy sofa, admiring the sophisticated square black coffee table in her living room.

Apply the Rule of Three

The rule of three is a simple yet effective way to understand how you will style your table.

Visualise your table as a grid and divide it into three. Then place an item in each section.

You do not have to decorate each space, however, if the room allows and the table is modern or minimalist, you can utilise each space.

Do look at decorating one or two sections instead of all three. You can add an eye-catching effect by utilising one section using three powerful art pieces or sculptural ornaments.

Trendy three-section black top coffee table with a metal base, perfect for a contemporary living room

Find Comfort in the Warmth

Wooden coffee tables are known to add warmth to rooms.

If you do have a wooden coffee table opt for statement pieces that are overt and eye-catching such as a gold-mirrored tray.

The tray can be filled with a small plant, scented candles, and luxury trinkets such as small porcelain pieces.

If you’re looking for new wooden coffee tables then Cattelan Italia, Ditre Italia and al2 have some great options.

Stunning wooden square coffee table with a black base, paired with a cozy cream sofa to create a stylish, sophisticated look.

Black and White Pairing

The one true pairing of all time must be black and white. Nothing goes together quite like these two hues. Coffee tables with black marble tops can be paired with minimalist all-white rooms. The contrast of the black against the white creates a sophisticated image that is second to none in creating contrast and drama.

Some interior designers are of the opinion that the black-and-white combination can, in some instances, be dull or outdated. However, where this is the case, incorporate textures and patterns on the coffee table to keep it visually engaging, and there are many different undertones for each colour that can provide variety.

Modern black and white themed coffee tables paired with fashionable chairs in a contemporary living room.

Display Your Favourite Ornaments

TIf you have fondly collected elegant art pieces or ornaments from travels and art galleries, a black coffee table can be the ideal way to display these items to great effect.

As an art lover, we’re certain you have a few pieces in mind already.

Interior designers do recommend practising caution with ornaments, as they can overwhelm a table.

In contrast, it is a good idea to play around with different options and pairings.

Stylish Black and grey top nested coffee table  with unique artwork on the top, adding flair to a contemporary living room.

Use Only One Side

Just like with the rule of three, a clever way to decorate can be to portion your table into sections but create visual appeal only on one side.

This works particularly well with coffee tables that are made from a mix of materials like marble and glass or wood.

According to Rey Amini, senior interior designer at FCI London, the idea is to keep a select space unoccupied so that if you are prone to entertaining and utilise your coffee table for its generally intended purpose, your table is still stylish but functional too.

Classy one-sided black glass and bronze-based nested coffee table for a cozy living room setup.

Incorporate Elements from Nature

We are almost certain that your home is filled with beautiful flowers from lush, manicured gardens.

Fresh flowers and potted indoor plants are an excellent way to introduce nature and break architectural lines to lend a more tranquil and casual air to your home's interior.

You can even get creative with the pot itself. Natural elements are often a preferred decoration as you can swap flowers for plants and vice versa all based on your mood or the season.

Striking black glossy round coffee table with a beautiful flower vase placed on top for added charm.

Summing Up: How FCI London Can Help You

We know that coffee tables can sometimes disappear in the decorating world, but we have been committed to their revival, offering new ways to reintroduce the piece to luxury homes.

We have taken the time to understand what materials work best, the sizes that work well, and the colours and styles that match perfectly.

FCI London has more than 40 years of experience in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name in London.

FCI London is the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in London, with almost four decades of experience in creating luxury interiors both large and small. Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress-free and convenient.

Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional coffee tables, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.

Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.

Book your appointment today!

Book an appointment with an FCI coffee table expert

From getting your proportions right to nailing your style, our design team is at your disposal to help you find the perfect coffee table. Take advantage of our free consultation service by visiting our award-winning showroom today.

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