Designer Approved: Coffee Table Alternatives That Are Practical And Beautiful

by John Griffith
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When you think of a living room, you can’t imagine it without a few essential items – the sofa, the TV, a chair, and the coffee table. And while we completely agree that a coffee table is a must-have piece of furniture, there are a ton of different approaches you can take when choosing its design. Why stick to the boring wooden coffee table design when there are so many creative ideas on the market? The main job of a coffee table is to be practical, yet beautiful. It should also be able to pull together a while living room scheme. Well, if selected correctly. With a good table you can create a central design feature around which you can easily position all the other furniture in the room. But what table can do that? Today, we will show you some designer approved coffee table alternatives to inspire you to get creative with your space.

The main job of a coffee table is to be practical, yet beautiful

two piled poufs as a coffee table

Coffee Table Alternatives

What if the best coffee table for you, isn’t a traditional coffee table at all? You’ll never know without looking at the alternatives. That’s why we’ve prepared this list of gorgeous and practical coffee tables you can choose from if you are looking for something more unique.

What if the best coffee table for you, isn’t a traditional coffee table at all?

alternative coffee table circular ottoman in green

#Ottoman

Ottomans are incredibly charming, super versatile and are a popular coffee table alternative. This piece of furniture can be used as a footrest, a seating option, a table, and so much more. It comes in a ton of shapes, sizes and designs, which means there is one for everyone. You can get a big square one, a smaller circular one. It really depends on the space and your aesthetic. And depending on what you need it for, as we mentioned, its purpose can easily change. It can also be moved around.

Ottomans are incredibly charming, super versatile and are a popular coffee table alternative

big ottoman square shape in living room

@Jessica Bennett/Nicole Hill Gerulat

#Poufs

A pouf is similar to the ottoman in a way. However, they are much smaller and can be used both individually or as a set. If you have a smaller room, they are a great option. You can easily move them around and place them where you need them, which is also quite a bonus. Use them as a table in front of the couch or move them around and place one at each side of the sofa for some cool side tables. They are super functional and come in a ton of different designs you can choose from.

If you have a smaller room, poufs are a great option

brown pouf wth a tray on it

#Tree stump

If you are going for a more rustic, farmhouse look, or you simply want to incorporate more natural pieces in your home, getting a tree stump for a table is an amazing idea. It’s unique, it’s original and it’s very much in with the 2023 design trends, as we will be seeing more and more natural materials incorporated around the home. Such tables come in a bunch of sizes, shapes, and wooden finishes, so there is plenty to pick from. This is definitely a timeless piece that is super practical and will last you an eternity.

It’s unique, it’s original and it’s very much in with the 2023 design trends

tree stumps being used as tables

@Leanne Ford Interiors

#Trunk

If you want something super kooky and unique for a table, you can get yourself a vintage trunk. These pieces are quite big, so they can fit a ton of things on them and they come with built-in storage. Amazing! A trunk sits beautifully in a room, it’s practical, it’s a fun focal point, and a great conversation starter for when you have people around. You can thrift this piece or shop around for a design you like.

If you want something unique for a table, you can get yourself a vintage trunk

black trunk as a coffee table

@David A. Land

#Stool cluster

Why have one table when you can have many? Get some cool stools in different shapes, sizes, and heights and style them together to create a little cluster of a table. This design gives a lot of personality to the room, it’s super creative and it gives you some extra seating options if they are needed. They can also be moved around easily which means you can experiment with how you arrange them and where you put them.

Why have one table when you can have many?

coffee table alternatives cluster of stool

@Simon Watson

These were some of the best coffee table alternatives designers love. We hope you found this article interesting. Now you have plenty of inspiration and get creative with your space. No need to confine to the design “norms”. Do what’s best for you and your space!

These were some of the best coffee table alternatives designers love

wooden and felt coffee table

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.