Why You Should Forget About the Usual Coffee Table
Think in smaller multiples for a stylish and functional alternative to that monster table in the middle of the room
Sara Rivka Dahan
July 30, 2013
Houzz Contributor, blogging at www.creativejewishmom.com about a creative life in Northern Israel. A designer and writer by trade, a crafter by night, with a passion for houseplants.
Houzz Contributor, blogging at about a creative life in... More
Being bound to the singular coffee table is a rule worth breaking. Instead of fussing over a table that takes up all your floor space, or trying to decide which side tables will work with your coffee table, think in multiples. Incorporating two, three, four or more smaller coffee tables instead of one large one celebrates both function and form — and will give you a contemporary look that's as practical as you can get.
A grouping of four side table stools makes a sculptural statement, and can be easily rearranged or moved when necessary.
Work with a pro on your furniture selection and layout
Work with a pro on your furniture selection and layout
We’ve all seen the idea of a bench as a coffee table, but how about two bench-style coffee tables? Each bench can be moved near a couch section, something not possible with a traditional coffee table.
In a space too tight to have it all, a pair of shapely wooden stools provide a functional surface without the space requirement, leaving more room for comfy seating.
Wooden stools: Crate and Barrel
Wooden stools: Crate and Barrel
Three ceramic garden stools, contemporary takes on the traditional Chinese garden stools, make a casual coffee table that can double as seating. Similar items are available in a wide range of colors and styles to use indoors or out.
Garden stools: Lowes
Garden stools: Lowes
Today's martini table looks elegant and sophisticated in a group of three.
Tables: West Elm Martini Table
Tables: West Elm Martini Table
Two slick and modern coffee tables become stunning indoor sculpture paired with white walls and neutral colors that allow the metallic finish to take center stage.
Tables: Flair Home Collection
Tables: Flair Home Collection
Here, two coffee tables, each one a trio form in itself, nicely balance the space in front of a long couch.
Tables: Phillips Collection
Tables: Phillips Collection
This rustic variation of the Chinese garden stool features intriguing cutouts.
This sleek side table would look fabulous as a set. Group four to create the look of a square coffee table.
A wooden grooved stool looks like a ceramic vase in the works, and even appears to be spinning. It's perfect for multiple groupings in a large or small space.
Tell us: Do you prefer one big coffee table or a more interactive group of two or more?
Tell us: Do you prefer one big coffee table or a more interactive group of two or more?
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3 x 5 feet and is one inch thick. At the time, the glass had to be imported from Germany. The salesman who sold me this Drexel table stood on it to show me it would not break. That table has served many a party, I have thrown cushions on the floor for overflow dinner parties, and yes guests have gotten trusting enough to grab a pillow and sit on it. And now my children are anxiously their inheritance.
Why? See thru, adds space and air. Can accommodate multiple items when entertaining. Easy to move items on. One level surface. Wonderful tablescapes that can be changed constantly.
I do not have a large living room and it works elegantly.
Liberate yourself from coffee tables. I’ve never had vast swathes of space to play with and coffee tables have bullied me. Then they just get covered in “stuff” and lurk waiting to bite my shins while never being totally comfortable to use for anything. Finally, I said no more. Now I have some end tables that are actually useful, functional and attractive, don’t hog all the space, don’t lie in wait to cause me grievous bodily harm, and leave my pretty rug to show off in all her glory.