Your coffee table can have many uses – a place to piece together a puzzle, a spot for a cocktail, or the center of a conversation area. Our guide takes a look at the ten most common styles of coffee tables and their defining characteristics, from contemporary to mid-century modern. Plus, we break down the benefits and drawbacks of different materials so you can choose the best coffee table design.You're sure to find a coffee table style that fits your home!

Coffee Table Styles

Coffee table designs come in a wide range of styles to suit the aesthetic of your home. We've gathered 10 of the most popular coffee table styles to help you choose one that you love.

Traditional: Traditional furniture can also be thought of as formal furniture. Traditional coffee tables tend to be made of rich woods and have ornate detailing, such as curved legs, carvings, or inlaid tops.

Transitional: Transitional furniture falls between traditional and contemporary/modern furniture. It has a more casual, functional feel. Because these coffee tables are designed to work with a mix of aesthetics, transitional coffee tables will suit most decor styles.

Modern & Contemporary: Though contemporary and modern may seem interchangeable, they do have slight differences. The contemporary style refers to what is currently popular while modern has a less cluttered and visually "lighter" appearance. Contemporary coffee table designs often feature stark interiors with bold, bright accents, along with glass tops and metal bases. Common features of modern coffee tables include the combination of natural materials such as leather and wood along with metal into their designs.

Farmhouse/Country: Both farmhouse and country styles feature feminine lines and detailing, such as turned legs. Painted and distressed finishes are common features of country and cottage coffee tables.

Industrial: The defining materials of industrial-style furniture are weathered wood, stainless steel, and concrete. Any coffee table designs that look as if they have been salvaged or made from a pre-existing piece will fit in this style.

Rustic: Coffee tables in a rustic style are predominantly made of weathered or distressed wood with exposed metal accents, like nail heads. Though similar to industrial, rustic coffee tables place an emphasis on the natural wood, rather than metal. Rustic pieces can have a mountain or country feel to them.

Mid-Century Modern: Mid-century modern refers to the interior design style that was popular between the 1950s and 1960s. Mid-century modern coffee tables are characterized by clean, simple lines and bent wood or molded plastic construction. Most of the time, these coffee table styles have a simple finish to show off their natural beauty.

Glam: Glam style is refined and luxurious, so glam coffee table designs typically feature shiny metal finishes, polished glass, and ornate details. Extravagant materials like marble and mirror can also elevate glam coffee tables to create a stylish focal point.

Coastal: Coastal homes incorporate light and bright colors with timeworn finishes, such as white-washed paint or aged metal hardware. Coastal coffee tables have clean-lined, nautical-inspired silhouettes, and are often made from wood or wicker.

Boho: Because boho furniture brings a free-spirited and eclectic sense of style to any space, the coffee tables often have features like hammered metal, organic shapes, ornate carvings, or distressed finishes. These unique coffee tables are known for adding a whimsical and eye-catching element to any space.

Coffee Table Materials

When choosing the right coffee table design, material is a key consideration. Not only does the material impact the overall appearance, it also affects the practicality of the piece. We've outlined the most popular materials for both the tabletop and base so you can find the best coffee table for your home.

Top Material

Metal: A popular pick, metal coffee tables are made out of durable iron, steel aluminum, or other alloys. Often, these easy-to-clean modern coffee tables are complemented by a glass top or a combination of wood and glass.

Wood: By far the most common coffee table surface, wood is susceptible to water rings, so most people use trivets and coasters to protect it.

Glass: Another popular top material is glass. When buying one of these types of coffee tables, you should know that water rings and spills will be more visible on glass, and it will need to be cleaned regularly.

Stone: For a traditional, stately look, choose a slate-, stone-, or marble-topped table. These coffee table styles are dramatic and come in a range of premium real and faux stone materials. The upkeep of a masonry top will depend upon the type of stone.

Fabric: If you desire a cushy place to rest your feet, an upholstered tabletop has the sturdiness of a coffee table, but the comfort of an ottoman. Placing a serving tray atop an upholstered coffee table can give you a spot to rest a drink without worry of it spilling.

Leather/Faux Leather: Coffee tables with leather or faux leather tops, much like fabric, have ottoman-like perks while giving a more modern aesthetic. While these would look fantastic in nearly any setting, keep in mind the material upper will require a little additional care.

Mirrored: If you are looking for unique coffee tables with a touch of glamor, mirrored surfaces are sure to catch your eye. There are a number of ways mirrors can be placed on these types of coffee tables, ranging from just the top surface to covering the entire surface from top to bottom for a stunning effect.

Base Material

Wood: Similar to the wood tabletops, wood-base coffee tables are a popular choice. The wood legs add a natural feel to a coffee table and come in a variety of styles – from mid-century modern to rustic.

Metal: With a sleek finish and clean lines, metal bases are versatile and durable. They pair well with any type of tabletop, including wood, metal, or stone.

Glass: This type of base often features a glass shelf below the tabletop or a waterfall-like silhouette for a stylish, see-through design. These types of coffee tables are an excellent option for contemporary, glam, or transitional spaces.

Rattan/Wicker: Rattan and wicker coffee tables bring plenty of natural texture. The woven design works well in coastal, boho, or farmhouse-style homes.

With so many coffee table styles and coffee table designs to choose from, you are spoiled for choice and will be able to furnish your space exactly the way you want.