Not sure of the price, but this looks similar.

Here is a link that might be useful: Map Table

Let me adapt the question a bit. I really like the Target coffee table , but DH rightly points out that glass is a really bad idea with two rambunctious little boys who bounce first and think later.

I was thinking of buying it anyway and getting some kind of funky/cool insert: matching wood veneer, fabricated sheet metal, tile, whatever. Am I crazy? Is it a colossal pain in the rear to do something like this? I've never taken on a similar project and don't really know what I'm getting myself into...

Check out this one. It's about 100.00 more than the Target one, with no glass, all wood. They have a lot of coffee tables on this site also, so look around.

Here is a link that might be useful: Coffee table

This is also a Target table. Honestly, I think trying to replace the glass in the other one would not be worth the trouble/expense. I know how you feel though - I will never have another coffee table with glass in it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Target coffee table

Sorry, I linked to the wrong table.

Here is a link that might be useful: Target coffee table

Just came across this one on the JC Penney site, and it looks like they have more similar in style to what you posted above. This one is 249.00 and wood topped.

Here is a link that might be useful: JC Penney

Love the description on Crate and Barrel page' "traditional chinese joinery".

I found one at Homedepot.com (of all places!) Its a little darker than the C&B table but is almost the same style. I can't post a link b/c when I do, it just sends you to their home page. Go to homedepot.com and do a search for Internet # 160473.

The C&B table does use ancient Chinese joinery. It is designed by a female designer from China who became fascinated with furniture making while in the Forbidden City. She only uses solid wood and uses no screws or nails to hold pieces together - only ancient joinery (like a jigsaw puzzle) and tongue and groove/ mortise and tenon etc..

Thanks, everyone! The C&B table is really great, joinery or no; it just strikes me as foolish to spend that much on a coffee table that will inevitably get little-boy-ified. The HD and JC tables are pine, alas, which will get dented really fast.

Kathypass, that furnitureontheweb site has another table (link below) I really like, though no idea which wood it is. Have you had good experiences with this site? I'm reluctant to buy from unknown vendors.

An architect friend suggested taking out the glass and putting in plexi. how does this look, does anyone know? (I suspect I am over the line as far as over-thinking/over-researching this goes!)

Here is a link that might be useful: another possible coffee table

I'm sorry I haven't dealt with them, yet. Maybe put out a post "Furnitureontheweb - good or bad experiences", that type of thing. *Someone* on here has had to have dealt with them! LOL!

Yikes. I did a search on furnitureontheweb.com, and evidently they had 95 Better Business Bureau complaints against them within a 36-month period. Lots of contented customers writing in, but maybe it's like Overstock -- great if/when it works out, but if you have a problem, you're going to have to devote significant time to screaming at their customer service people until they actually take care of it. That is, if they ever take care of it, which isn't a sure thing.

You know, that Target table is looking good!

http://www.rotmans.com/ps-16554-16-rectangle-cocktail-table.aspx

Bumping this up to get info on Crate and Barrel.

andreagb - what did you end up choosing? I am also considering the crate and barrel map table and wondered if you purchased it.

Cindy, we're still using the battered metal trunk I found at a garage sale six years ago, now festooned with Elmo stickers. I just can't conscience spending all that $$ on a gorgeous table... only to have it covered with Elmo!

Good luck on your purchase, though!

For the record, I just happened upon this post, and I actually have that C&B coffee table! It is very sturdy, I have 3 kids, and it comes a bit "distressed" already so additional distressing isn't really noticable! It's quite rugged, and the drawers and shelf are really handy. It is also larger than I expected -- check your measurements before ordering! I was a little surprised at the scale of it.

Thanks, sueb20! I like a sublte pre-distressed look, but some pieces look too distressed - like Broyhill Attic Heirlooms. I'm looking for a large scale piece, so this might just be the one. Thanks for your input.

Andreagb - I hear you about the stickers. Gotta love Elmo! It's only a matter of time until your kids will outgrow that stage.

I've been searching for so long, I just want to make a decision. Thanks for your help.

Cindy

8 years ago we bought a sturdy, rugged table that came already distressed. The kids distressed it a bit more, of course, but it never looked bad. I'm now in the market for a new one and honestly, can't find anything I like as much than what I have! So we are going to refinish the old one. I personally think you should just get the one you really like, boys or not. You can always refnish it later. It can also serve as a good teaching tool for them for how to take care of furniture. It won't be foolproof, but any damage will be fixable in the long run.