Do People Still Use Coffee Tables?

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Saran Razzaq, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Head of Content

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

TL;DR - Coffee tables remain remarkably relevant in modern homes, though their form and function have evolved considerably. From traditional wooden pieces to contemporary glass designs, these versatile furnishings continue to anchor living spaces whilst adapting to changing lifestyles. Whether you favour classic rectangular forms or prefer ottomans and console tables as alternatives, the coffee table's role as both practical surface and style statement endures rather splendidly.

Table of Contents

• What are coffee tables traditionally used for?
• Are coffee tables still popular today?
• How can you use a coffee table to your advantage?
• Alternative furniture
• Other ways to use
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

If you're questioning whether coffee tables still earn their place in contemporary living spaces, the answer is delightfully straightforward: absolutely, though perhaps not in the way your grandmother would recognise. The traditional coffee table hasn't disappeared so much as evolved, shedding its predictable form to become something rather more interesting. What you'll find anchoring today's living rooms might be a sculptural marble statement piece, a cluster of nested side tables, or a bespoke design that defies categorisation entirely. The question, then, isn't whether coffee tables remain relevant, but rather how you'll make yours work beautifully for the way you actually live. 

The most crucial consideration when purchasing or redesigning a home is the furniture itself.

When selecting a coffee table for living room schemes, consider not only your immediate requirements but also how the piece will evolve alongside your lifestyle over the coming years. A piece that doesn't match your aesthetic will invariably look out of place. This is why it's essential to carefully choose the ideal range of furniture for every room in the house.

Does your living room genuinely need a coffee table? And if you like the idea of one, what types are available? We've been designing contemporary homes for almost 40 years, so we can help you determine whether or not your living room needs a coffee table.

Let's take a closer look at more details.

What Are Coffee Tables Traditionally Used For?

Coffee tables, such as the Cassis Coffee Table by Berkeley Designs, are typically wooden, low-to-the-ground tables traditionally used to hold coffee cups and other small items. They're equally suited to displaying books, magazines, and decorative objects.

In the past, most tables were made of wood, but now they can be made of glass or metal.  A glass coffee table proves particularly brilliant in compact London flats, where its transparent surfaces create the rather delightful illusion of additional space whilst maintaining full functionality. They're usually square or rectangular in shape, with a top that's between 45cm to 76cm high. Some feature legs; others adopt a pedestal style with a single central support.  Whether you favour a round coffee table for its softer silhouette or a rectangular statement piece for grander proportions, the key lies in selecting dimensions that complement rather than overwhelm your seating arrangement.

Key Takeaway: Traditional coffee tables evolved from simple wooden surfaces for beverages into versatile display pieces available in wood, glass, and metal, typically ranging from 45cm to 76cm in height.

Are Coffee Tables Still Popular Today?

Coffee tables are still very popular today. For one, they provide the perfect perch for your coffee or tea whilst lounging on the sofa. They also lend your living space a wonderfully inviting atmosphere, particularly those with lustrous finishes that catch the light beautifully.

In addition to these practical uses, wide coffee tables like the Durban Coffee Table by Collection Alexandra can serve as an extra surface for other functions, for example:

• Eating dinner
• Working on your laptop while you watch TV
• Playing games with your family

The possibilities, once you consider them, are rather extensive.

Key Takeaway: Coffee tables remain genuinely popular furnishings, offering both aesthetic appeal and remarkable functionality - from beverage service to dining, working, and family entertainment surfaces.

How Can You Use a Coffee Table to Your Advantage?

Coffee tables are a great way to add style to your home décor scheme. They can be used in a variety of ways and are great for creating a cosy space in your living room.

1. Place for relaxation

If you're seeking an inviting spot to settle in with a good book or the morning papers, a coffee table proves rather essential. The surface provides an ideal spot for your drink or snack whilst you enjoy some peaceful contemplation, and yes, you can absolutely put your feet up for proper relaxation.

2. Place for entertainment

If you like entertaining guests in your home, then a coffee table can help set the tone for a relaxing evening spent catching up with friends. Use it as an extra perch for gathering, a surface for board games, or simply as a spot where guests can rest their drinks whilst chatting.

3. Place for decorations

Coffee tables excel at displaying cherished objects, family photographs, treasured collections, and pieces you'd genuinely like visitors to appreciate.

Key Takeaway: Coffee tables excel as multifunctional furniture, serving as relaxation surfaces, entertainment hubs for gatherings, and display platforms for meaningful decorative objects that reflect your personal style.

Alternative Furniture

Yes! Several alternatives can serve the same purpose rather beautifully.

• Console tables offer an elegant alternative to traditional coffee tables. These long, narrow pieces typically nestle against walls. They're usually made of wood, but they can also be made with materials like metal or glass.
• A TV stand is another piece of furniture that can serve as an alternative. These pieces feature shelves for your television and display items, plus drawers and cabinets for storing media and accessories.
• Ottomans can be used for seating or as footrests (or both!), depending on how big they are and where you put them in your home. Many feature hidden storage, making them particularly brilliant for compact living spaces.

Key Takeaway: Console tables, TV stands, and ottomans offer refreshingly practical alternatives to traditional coffee tables, each bringing distinct advantages for smaller spaces or multifunctional living environments.

Other Ways to Use

With our coffee tables, you can choose from an array of materials, sizes and finishes. We offer expert design advice to guide you through your options so that you can make the right choices for your space. An outdoor coffee table needn't sacrifice sophistication for durability; contemporary weatherproof materials now offer the same refined aesthetic as their interior counterparts, whilst withstanding British weather rather admirably.

Coffee tables are the unsung heroes of your living room. Naturally, they hold your magazines, but their utility extends considerably further. Here are a few ideas:

1. Put a plant on it.

2. Position it as an end table before the sofa, or flank it with matching pieces to create a sofa table effect.

3. Add a lamp for reading your favourite novel whilst relaxing on the sofa in atmospheric lighting.

4. Display treasured objects and decorative pieces that deserve visibility without cluttering your space.

5. Finally, keep a bowl of mints or toffees within easy reach for those civilised snacking moments.

Key Takeaway: Beyond their traditional role, coffee tables adapt beautifully as plant stands, lamp bases, display shelves, and even thoughtful hospitality stations - showcasing their quite extraordinary versatility in sophisticated interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the ideal height for a coffee table in relation to my sofa?
The rather sensible rule of thumb suggests your table should sit approximately 2-5cm lower than your sofa seat height, typically landing between 40-50cm from the floor. This creates a comfortable reach for beverages whilst maintaining proper visual proportion - frightfully important for achieving that polished look you're after.

How much clearance space should I allow around my coffee table?
You'll want to leave roughly 40-45cm of clearance on all sides between your table and surrounding seating. This genuinely practical spacing allows comfortable leg crossing and easy movement whilst preventing that awkward shuffling we've all experienced. For smaller London flats, 30cm works in a pinch, though it's admittedly rather cosy.

Can a coffee table work in a minimalist interior design scheme?
Absolutely - minimalist spaces actually benefit tremendously from well-chosen coffee tables. Opt for clean-lined designs in glass, brushed metal, or light oak with minimal ornamentation. The key lies in selecting pieces that provide function without visual clutter, creating that refreshingly uncluttered aesthetic whilst maintaining practical surface area.

Should I choose a round or rectangular coffee table for my space?
Rectangular tables suit longer sofas and formal arrangements rather brilliantly, whilst round or oval designs excel in compact spaces and homes with young children - no sharp corners to navigate. Consider your room's proportions and traffic flow patterns; circular tables encourage conversation and soften angular furniture arrangements quite beautifully.

Visit Our Showroom

Address & Hours:
FCI London, Rays House, North Circular Road, London, NW10 7XP
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm
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Contact Details:
Phone: +442081531235
Email: [email protected]

What to Bring:

• Room dimensions and measurements
• Floor plans or room layout sketches
• Current room photos from multiple angles
• Budget range and timeline
• Style preferences and inspiration images
• Details of existing furniture you want to keep

Conclusion

So there you have it - people definitely still use coffee tables, perhaps more than ever. The difference is that our perception of what can be used as a coffee table has changed over time. We're here to help you decide what type of coffee table will fit best in your home. Chat with us for advice or book an appointment to visit our showroom with a qualified design expert.

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