Luxury coffee tables are more than mere furnishings; they are curated centrepieces that anchor the room’s aesthetic and elevate its overall ambience.

Coffee tables, often understated in their significance, reveal their true value only when a room's design is viewed in its entirety, showcasing the harmony or void they can create. Though they were originally created as a place for businessmen to rest their beverages and documents while negotiations take place, they have quickly become an integral part of home decor, and their visual impact has significantly improved. While you can find coffee tables in all shapes and sizes, luxury coffee tables have set a new standard for these underestimated additions to our living spaces.

They’ve surpassed their initial purpose of an unfeatured surface and have evolved into embellishments that add character and versatility to your lounging areas. Luxury coffee tables tend to be multi-functional, so instead of merely holding decor and dishes, they now can also act as additional storage and a focal point for rooms that define a space's use and coherence.

A woman relaxing on a luxurious sofa, paired with  a modern glossy white stoneware coffee table in a contemporary living room.

The Defining Characteristics of ‘Modern’ Coffee Tables

Shopping for your modern coffee tables can be exhilarating, as there are so many style options to choose from. Delving into the world of form and function is guaranteed to open your mind to new aesthetics and materials you might not have considered.

From hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood to sintered stone, glass and metal, the variety is endless. Modern coffee tables aim to not only offer a durable and useful surface for items but have also been designed to flawlessly integrate the rest of your furniture and decor without being too distracting.

Current trends demonstrate how minimalist aesthetics have become the crowd favourite due to their sleek lines and subtle curves; however, there is an array of options, and minimalist can still be eye-catching. Another thing you’ll notice about modern coffee tables is that there are increasingly more designs coming out that are environmentally friendly and sustainable in keeping with growing environmental awareness among luxury consumers.

A striking black modern marble reactangular coffee table complementing with a cozy black sofa adding a touch of elegance to the living space

Types of Coffee Tables - Based on Shape

As with every decor addition you bring into your home, modern coffee tables need to be strategically selected to not only serve their purpose but to also gracefully integrate into the existing decor. This is why you should first consider the current aesthetic in your home, the space you have available, as well as your personal taste.

Angled coffee tables tend to be larger and are better suited for spaces with more room around the coffee table, while curved coffee tables offer a softer, more inviting atmosphere and just take up less space. That said, there are many options, and shape is the first element to decide on.

Round

Round coffee tables introduce a sense of softness and approachability to your living space, their curved forms fostering a welcoming and harmonious environment—ideal for family-friendly homes. Not only will you be unburdened by the fear of them hurting themselves on the sharp edges, but the space surrounding a round coffee table appears better-flowing and more spacious.

Rectangular

All contemporary enthusiasts agree that this longstanding design is the tried and tested choice. Rectangular coffee tables have an air of traditional sophistication and organisation. Their generous surface area makes them ideal for the naturally oblong arrangements of most lounge suites, but they also make a good central shape for modular furniture.

Square

The timeless simplicity of square coffee tables is one of this shape’s most obvious attributes. Given their impeccable symmetry, they fit harmoniously into any space and complement every aesthetic out there. They possess just enough subtlety to accentuate the living space while still boasting more than enough surface area to hold ample drinks, snacks and decor accents.

Oval

Oval-shaped coffee tables are a combination of the traditional look and space of rectangular coffee tables and the natural gentleness of round ones.

They not only offer more than enough space but do so without the rigidity that accompanies sharper designs. Oval coffee tables are elegant and cater to smaller or varied seating layouts.

Freeform

While this material is generally made out of natural materials like stone or live-edge tree stumps, some manufacturers have moulds they use to create the same non-formulaic shape out of noble metals. This nonconformity creates outstanding appeal and liveliness in your living space, whether you opt for natural materials or luxurious metals.

A jet black modern square glass coffee table contrasting with a white sofa in a spacious living room.

Types of Coffee Tables - Based on Materials

Luxury designers craft coffee tables that seamlessly blend sophistication with sustainability, creating masterpieces that elevate any space while telling a story of artistry and care for the environment.

Let’s explore how different materials contribute to these tales of luxury.

Wood

With wooden coffee tables, you can expect to find a number of subcategories to choose from—almost as many as there are different kinds of wood. For those looking to create a warm, earthy atmosphere, the bulkier options are best and are found in mahogany, oak, and walnut.

These spectacular centrepieces can also have additions made to them, like elaborate inlays and carvings that only add to their unique appeal. Others who seek to create a softer but still natural ambience should explore options like bamboo or rattan, two more lightweight and casual options.This is strictly dependent on personal choice, as the solid wood options do weave in a hint of traditional styles upgraded to suit modern living; however, the lighter-coloured wood remains true to nature but creates a sense of openness and casual tranquillity.

Luxurious living room furnished with a modern oak brown wooden coffee table, paired with a comfortable white sofa.

Glass

Many people with kids tend to steer clear of glass options under the misconception that they are not as stable as wood or stone and pose a greater risk of injury.

While they may be more fragile, the glass used to fashion these high-end gems is tempered and has sturdy bases made from wood, acrylic, or metal.

They are as safe as any of the other options and are perfect for smaller spaces as they create the illusion of space.

You also won’t be hassled with extensive maintenance needs, which makes this option another popular choice.

Additionally, they are perfect for contemporary designs but blend beautifully with just about any aesthetic.

Modern contemporary black glass coffee table complementing a classy grey sofa set in a well-lit and inviting living room.

Stoneware

Stone coffee tables exude unmatched elegance, with their smooth surfaces, intricate veining, and natural textures that echo the timeless beauty of the earth's finest materials. Common choices of stoneware tables are porcelain, travertine and marble. Marble has gained its reputation as the most prestigious stone for good reason.

The sleek gloss finishes coupled with the delicate veins found in marble places them at the top of the must-have list of stoneware tabletops. Porcelain is another terrific option if you’re looking for a level of sleekness while enjoying the convenience of stain resistance.

There is also travertine, which adds similar regality to a space as marble, but without the significant weight. Travertine is also suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces, making it one of the more versatile stone tops.

Classy white stoneware modern coffee table paired with a cozy sofa, complementing the living room's interior

Metal

These durable treasures not only complement most interior decors, but they are also elegantly crafted to be sturdy, long-lasting and a wonder to behold.

They are perfect if you’re expecting constant traffic, and the best part is that you can choose from either a metal base and a different material top or an entirely metal construction.

Whatever you choose, metal coffee tables are unique and offer a sense of defiant creativity.

The most commonly used metals for these designs are iron, brass, stainless steel and aluminium, each distinctive in their own way. They can be a part of the coffee table’s base or they can even be used as accents in the table top when incorporated in combination with other materials.

Modern freeform bronze-colored metal coffee table complementing the white sofa, creating a welcoming space in the minimalistic living room

Marble

As mentioned previously, marble possesses unrivalled beauty, and adding it to your living space will not only elevate the look but also your mood.

This luxurious natural stone allows you to truly appreciate the wondrous creations that Mother Nature has to offer, and the variety ensures there is something for everyone.

Marble is quite heavy, so it’s best to use it in spaces where you know you won’t need to keep changing the layout; otherwise, its sturdiness can become an annoyance.

While it’s got sleek, glossy finishes, it’s highly porous and requires a certain level of commitment to regular maintenance.

White marble coffee tables in particular have been trending lately because of their minimalistic yet luxe aesthetic that is perfect for modern interiors.

A stunning living area showcasing a modern white marble square coffee table paired with a stylish L-shaped sofa.

Additional Features to Look Out For

With our needs evolving as different occasions roll around and the number of people we host alternates, luxury coffee table designs have evolved.

You can now find coffee tables with ingenious design perks and mechanisms like nesting coffee tables which offer distinct surfaces and modular surfaces.

Have a look below for some other features you should look out for

Extending

This innovative function is a testament to the beauty of engineering and allows for a new appreciation for the combination of science and style. Extending coffee tables can either extend to lap height to raise them so that you don't need to bend too low or extend outward to allow for a larger surface. There are also those that have additional pieces that can either be added or removed to adjust the size and functional use of the table.

Storage

This is a huge selling point for many coffee tables, as most of us aim to declutter our communal living spaces. When books, magazines, remotes and coasters accumulate atop the table, usable space is lessened, which ultimately defeats the purpose of having a coffee table. Many designs have hidden compartments or drawers that can be used to store anything you may want convenient access to but don’t want on display.

A modern black extending coffee table complementing the luxury grey sofa in a stylish living room.

How FCI London Can Help You Find the Perfect Coffee Table

Our expert designers are not afraid to dare to dream by exquisitely mixing and matching various pieces of different aesthetics and creating a masterpiece that exceeds your expectations and transforms your living space into one fit for royalty.

We are always ready to dive in and help you find the coffee table that not only elevates your home but also meets all your requirements.

A stroll through our glamourous 30,000-square-foot showroom is guaranteed to bedazzle you as the 700+ luxury brands housed here exude elegance and refinement. Make an appointment now with one of our exceptional designers and join us on a luxurious journey to creative expression.

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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