A coffee table is more than just a functional piece of furniture — it anchors your living room, bringing stylish practicality to your space. Whether you’re hosting guests, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or simply unwinding after a long day, a well-chosen coffee table serves as the perfect surface for drinks, snacks, and decor.
Beyond aesthetics, many modern designs feature built-in storage, such as drawers and shelves, helping you keep everyday clutter neatly tucked away. From sleek Japandi designs to more generous, rustic styles, the right coffee table can enhance your room’s ambience while offering the convenience you need for daily living.
If you need help incorporating these pieces into your existing decor, read on for plenty of inspiration.
Getting started
Original Rustic coffee table | @my_barratt_mey
Choosing the right coffee table starts with understanding your personal style, your storage needs, and how it fits into your overall living room design. Is your aesthetic cottagecore and cosy, sleek and modern, or a bold mix of eclectic elements? Defining your base style will guide your selection, ensuring your coffee table enhances and complements your space.
To bring your vision to life, consider creating a mood board on Pinterest. Collect images of coffee tables, living room layouts, and interior styles that inspire you. This will help you visualise how different shapes, materials, and finishes work together, making it easier to find a table that not only looks amazing but also feels like a natural extension of your home.
In the round
Halo coffee table | Malvern sofa | Maze rug
Practical and stylish, a round coffee table or a nesting coffee table is a great choice if you need flexible furniture that adapts to your space. The circular design of our Halo coffee table is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with a spacious shelf for stacking books and magazines neatly together.
The perfect match
Parquet coffee table | Parquet large sideboard | @at_the_mcgillens
For a seamless and stylish living space, consider choosing coffee tables and other furniture pieces from the same or a complementary range. A well-coordinated look helps create visual harmony, making your room feel intentional and thoughtfully designed.
Start by selecting a coffee table that complements your existing furniture in terms of material, colour, and design. If you already have wooden pieces, choose a coffee table in a similar wood tone or finish to tie everything together effortlessly.
Scandi saviour
Durham coffee table | Thornley sofa | Clouds metallic rug
Minimalist Scandinavian style remains a timeless design choice that works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional homes. When styling modern pieces, opt for architectural and decorative accessories in a neutral colour palette to bring this look to life. If space is a bit tight, the Scandi-inspired Durham range offers the perfect small living room coffee table.
French farmhouse style
Burleigh coffee table | Burleigh console table
Our chateau-inspired Burleigh range introduces instant French style to any space. Pair with neutral tones and rustic accessories to add to the farmhouse feel, while the warm weathered finish brings a pleasing homely touch.
Style tips
Once you’ve chosen your coffee table, simple touches can effortlessly elevate its impact in your space. A ceramic bowl, a pretty branch or bunch of blooms, and a stack of books or magazines are easy, affordable ways to add interest. Follow these hints to experiment with styling and make the most of your space…
Follow the rule of three:
Objects arranged in odd numbers tend to be more visually appealing.
Oliver coffee table | Jude sofa | Eden rug
Add a mixture of heights:
Try introducing plants, accessories, and books of varying sizes to create visual interest and draw the eye to different levels.
Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna
Stack magazines and coffee table books:
To create more space and add character, place one or two objects on a pile of coffee table books or magazines for a thoughtfully curated look.
Henley coffee table | Malvern sofa
Add a decorative tray:
Highlight your favourite decorative accessories in one stylish spot.
Parquet coffee table | @laura.elizabeth_
Dual function furniture
Malvern modular corner sofa | Malvern footstool | @ourwelshhomeuk
If you don’t have space for a coffee table, a footstool offers a versatile solution, providing both ad-hoc seating and a surface for drinks and snacks — just add a tray on top! Opt for textured upholstery, like that featured in our Malvern sofa and coordinating footstool in beige fabric, to create a serene and stylish room scheme.
Browse our full collection of oak coffee tables and more to find the perfect one for you. Plus, don’t miss our complete buyer’s guide to choosing the right size coffee table for your space.
Let us know how you style your coffee table by sharing your photos using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.
