6
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8
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Pros:
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Very affordable
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Lightweight
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3 color options
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Easy to assemble
Cons:
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May not be durable enough to last for years
If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable coffee table for a dorm or apartment, the LACK is just $30. How is it so affordable, you ask? LACK tables are made with paper, which makes them light and easy to move. The paper construction also helps keep the price down.
The top of this coffee table is made from particleboard, fiberboard and plastic, while the filling material is paper. The shelf and legs are made of particleboard, fiberboard and foil. Its ultra-lightweight construction can still hold 44 pounds, which should be plenty for a few books, a candle and a decor piece. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it with a damp cloth.
Reviewers rave about the price and look of this IKEA coffee table. While we think it’s the perfect budget pick for a temporary space, some have even owned and used it for years despite its low-cost construction.
8
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8
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Pros:
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Fluted finish gives elegant look
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Stain-resistant
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Affordable
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Natural pine finish
Cons:
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Some reviewers take issue with color
If you pay attention to home decor trends, you’ve probably seen a lot of fluted tables recently. A fluted coffee table adds texture and depth to any room. This affordable coffee table from Better Homes & Gardens is a modern, stylish centerpiece for your living space.
At under $200, this table is a great find if you don’t want to sacrifice being on trend for an affordable price tag. The light, natural pine finish is airy and pairs well with cream furniture and soft hues. Guests will be shocked when they ask about your stylish coffee table and find out you got it at a bargain price.
What to Look for When Buying a Coffee Table
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when shopping for a new coffee table is size. Be sure to look at the measurements of a coffee table when shopping to understand how it will work in your existing space and with your existing furniture. You want to have enough room to move around the table comfortably, and you don’t want a table so large that it overwhelms a small room.
You’ll also want to consider functionality. What you need from your coffee table (storage, multipurpose function, round edges, etc.) will determine your options, too. If you frequently host gatherings, you’ll want to ensure the height and placement of your coffee table are convenient for guests to reach refreshments and other items.
Material is another thing to consider. Depending on your budget, decor style and lifestyle, you may opt for engineered wood over real wood, marble over wood, or round edges over sharp corners. Wood, whether solid or engineered, tends to be durable and timeless. Glass, on the other hand, is easy to clean and doesn’t overwhelm a small room. Marble offers a more high-end look in a more formal space.
Finally, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a coffee table to achieve your desired look. Consider staying at or below your budget while shopping for a new coffee table. Coffee tables tend to get less traffic than kitchen tables, so opting for more cost-efficient materials may be the way to go, as you won’t have to worry as much about wear and tear.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our shopping editors continuously stay up to date on the latest design trends. They also shopped, assembled and tested coffee tables for this list. While they’ve independently tested half of the options on this list, they hope to test more coffee tables soon to bring you new options to shop confidently.
Mary Henn, the author of this piece, has written extensively about home decor and trends, furniture, mattresses and more. Over the years, she’s consulted with numerous interior designers, furniture makers and other professionals on home furnishings.
How We Found the Best Coffee Tables
After hours of shopping for coffee tables and reading online reviews, we got our hands on some of the best coffee tables for at-home testing. Our team of shopping experts had coffee tables shipped directly to their homes, where they assembled and used them for months on end. Our editors noted if a coffee table was difficult to assemble or looked different in person than online. Overall, we found that the best coffee tables should be relatively easy to assemble (or not require assembly at all), durable and affordable to you.
FAQ
How large should my coffee table be?
It’s recommended that your coffee table be 1-2 inches shorter than the height of your sofa’s seating; that way, things on the surface are easy to reach. Additionally, most designers recommend finding a coffee table that’s about two-thirds the length of your sofa because a table larger than that will overpower other furniture in your room.
How do you prevent scratches on a wooden coffee table?
If you want to prevent your wooden coffee table from scratching, you can apply protective coatings or sealants to create an additional barrier against moisture damage and scratches. You can also use wood fillers and touch-up kits if scratching has already occurred.
How do I style a coffee table?
The key is to keep it simple. Adding a plant, candle or small stack of coffee table books is a great starting point. Keeping it functional is also wise. Leave room for refreshments or even add a well-made toy that looks great and your child can play with.