Stylish Coffee Tables Collection for Modern & Elegant Living Spaces

How to choose a coffee table

Size the table to the sofa. A coffee table about two-thirds the length of the sofa looks proportional, so an 84-inch sofa pairs with a table around 56 inches long. The tabletop should sit level with the sofa seat or an inch or two below it. Leave 14 to 18 inches between the table and the sofa, which is close enough to reach a drink and far enough to walk past.

Choose the shape by the seating. Rectangular tables suit long sofas and line up with the cushions. Round tables, from about 27 to 35 inches across, work with sectionals and in tight rooms because there are no corners to walk into. Nesting sets give you two tables that tuck together, which helps in a small living room that sometimes hosts a crowd.

Material decides how careful you'll need to be. Solid wood and wood veneer handle daily use and hide small marks. Natural marble and travertine have one-of-a-kind veining and real weight, and they want coasters, since stone absorbs spills. Tempered glass keeps a small room feeling open. Aluminum, steel and hand-forged iron bring an industrial edge. If clutter is the problem, a lift-top, flip-top or open-shelf table hides remotes and blankets.

Prices start under $150 for nesting sets and faux travertine accent tables and run to about $2,200 for hand-forged iron and solid wood storage tables. Every order ships free within the continental U.S.