The coffee table has long held a place in the traditional formulation of the living room, but not every space needs to be designed by this old formula. Some creative alternatives to the usual coffee table can add character to a space without sacrificing one whit of practicality.
Here are our picks for 10 coffee table alternatives that get you thinking outside the box when it comes to the design of a coffee table to inspire some exciting designs.
Cluster of Stools
A cluster of living room seats creates flexible and interesting seating to replace the general use of a coffee table. Choose 3-4 old wrought iron stools or rattan and wood stools with different heights to use together: for example, when friends come over, pull them closer to increase seating capacity, use them as a small table for drinks and snacks, or align them in a line to form a united tabletop.
These stools are the perfect way to utilize small spaces. They are quite versatile and can be used for various purposes. During a game night, guests gather around the stools to play cards or board games. On a lazy evening, they can be scattered around holding magazines, remote controls, and coffee cups.
Bench
Use a solid bench for the coffee table, which will open up the room's flow while serving as an eye-catching piece. In addition, when friends visit, extra seats are ready. A few small tray dishes or cushions could do the trick in providing a solid place for drinks and snacks.
The upholstered benches provide extra comfort, and since they have no sharp edges, they are safe for children and pets to run around on. Choose a bench with a hidden compartment to cleverly store blankets, books, or board games.
Vintage Trunk
If you want to add a touch of nostalgia to your space, then you can try replacing the coffee table with a vintage trunk. Find one in second-hand markets or antique shops.
With a little cleaning and polishing, they can add character to your living space and turn out to be a unique conversation starter. They are very practical, and the lid can be opened to store toys and other things.
Side Tables
Because the coffee table is usually too big, and it can look awkward in smaller spaces. It is more flexible to put some small side tables than to put one big coffee table.
You can use them strategically placed near each seat, such as placing a dainty metal side table next to the rocking chair, just large enough to hold coffee cups and a mobile phone, while a wooden side table with drawers next to the sofa could be handy for storing remotes and magazines.
Ottoman
Ottomans are very functional furniture pieces, and they are a great alternative to regular coffee tables. They are soft, big, and upholstered all over so that you can just lie on them, lift your legs, and feel comfortable. If you want to drink something or have a snack, you put a tray on it, and in an instant, it becomes a perfect serving table.
The ottoman serves as a comfortable temporary seat when there are more visitors. In the living room with no coffee table, you can also select the ottoman with storage functions. This meets the needs in daily life, and can also hide all the odds and ends, which makes the living room neat and warm.
Tree Stump
Tree stumps can be transformed into peculiar kinds of coffee tables. Select a stump with a flat surface, sand it to feel comfortable, and varnish with paint. Place a cup of hot tea and your favorite book on it. It is especially nice.
The bark can be left on to show the natural texture or a simple coat of paint or stain can be applied to give it an easily personalized look. You can also remove the bark to reveal the grain of the wood with its natural knots, cracks, and unique curves.
Nesting Tables
Nesting tables are other stylish and versatile pieces of furniture that do not consume much space and are flexible to use. When not in use, they can be stacked together neatly and unfolded in a jiffy when you have guests or require an extra table.
Smaller tables can hold teacups or mobile phones while larger ones are used as the main table to display drinks, decorations, or snacks during parties.
Pouf
Like ottomans, poufs can be employed as an attractive, multi-functional alternative to coffee tables and are capable of bringing practicality and style to your living room.
Poufs are also very versatile in use: being a temporary sitting area or as a footrest; for small rooms, this piece of furniture is highly acceptable. With a tough tray placed upon it, in an instant, the pouf can turn into a small table on which to place coffee and refreshments, or scented candles to make the time spent there even more agreeable.
Because they are lightweight and can easily be moved with one hand, they are very convenient to move around and set up with whether it be for a football match with friends or listening to music near the window.
Storage Baskets with Trays
The need for a coffee table in the living room brings along an appropriate option of storage baskets with trays. A strong tray forms the surface where drinks and snacks will sit firmly, while the basket underneath will house all your books, game controllers, and neatly charged cables.
For when friends drop by unannounced, this cleans up the basket in just seconds and adds freshness to the coffee table to handle those spur-of-the-moment entertainment opportunities. Several of these creations are even made with removable trays, to use with or without the basket/tray depending upon the mood.
Better yet, baskets made of natural materials such as wicker, rattan, or seagrass will add a rustic natural charm to any room and give a feel of life within.
Nothing
Maybe your living room doesn't need a coffee table. A small living room feels lighter and airier without a coffee table in it, which is very nice to behold.
Children and pets can play on the floor with no risk of getting injured. Of course, you do need to ensure there are enough other surfaces within easy reach of the sofa for frequently used items like mobile phones and water glasses.
Read More:
How Far Should Your Coffee Table Be from Your Sofa?
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