10 wooden coffee table designs and how to use them best

Written by

28 June 2023

•

6 min read

In the world of furniture, the humble coffee table often assumes the role of a silent centrepiece. A wooden coffee table, in particular, is like the trusty friend that effortlessly complements a room's personality.

Wood possesses an undeniable allure, captivating us with its unique patterns and colours while evoking a sense of groundedness. Wooden coffee tables have an enduring charm due to several factors. Their exceptional durability and versatility make them highly sought after. Moreover, they emanate warmth and comfort that seamlessly complements a diverse range of living room styles.

This solid dark ash coffee table boasts a convenient, functional magazine rack. Featured product: Frisco Coffee Table.

1. Cross-legged wooden coffee table - perfect for traditional spaces

A cross-leg coffee table is a stylish and versatile furniture piece. These tables typically have a rectangular or square table top supported by two crossed legs, creating an eye-catching visual appeal. This featured cross-legged coffee table is crafted from Mindi wood, offering an attractive and laid-back aesthetic to any living area, particularly traditional settings. The table's coarse grain adds a touch of sophistication and a smooth finish, supplementing the timber flooring and other pieces of furniture.

This coffee table's organic tones perfectly complement the room's interior style. Featured product: Cross Leg Coffee Table.

2. Contemporary wooden coffee table - an interesting option for new age living spaces

Contemporary hardwood coffee tables are sleek and modern furniture pieces made from high-quality hardwoods like oak or walnut. With clean lines and minimalist designs, these tables blend well with various interior styles, particularly open-plan and new age living spaces. This stunning coffee table, a beautiful fusion of contemporary Japanese architecture and interior styling, is meticulously handcrafted from solid timber in a Sydney workshop. Its tabletop showcases subtle tapering at each corner on the underside, lending an oriental touch to its appearance. With staggered heights, the tables are designed to overlap to create a single, low-lying coffee table set.

Overlapping surfaces create a striking appearance. Featured product: Kenzo Coffee Table.

3. Round topped wooden coffee table - a soft touch for any industrial living space

Round wood coffee tables emanate an organic charm through their graceful contours and rich wood textures. This 100% FSC-certified solid oak timber coffee table balances style and symmetry. The tapered edge detail on the top adds to the softness of the curve, and the legs are intricately angled to create a refined look. This wooden coffee table style is perfect for industrial-themed or barn-house living spaces, creating a striking contrast, especially when paired with brick flooring.

This round coffee table features a smooth surface and cross-legged design. Featured product: Mikado Round Coffee Table.

4. Pedestal coffee table - a unique alternative for smaller living areas

A pedestal coffee table is a stylish alternative to traditional coffee tables, featuring a single central support or pedestal instead of four legs. This type of table has a circular or oval table top made of wood, glass, or metal, resting on the pedestal for stability. This design offers more legroom and manoeuvrability, making it suitable for smaller living spaces, and can also function well as a small dining table. While originally designed for outdoor use, this pedestal coffee table can be easily customised to suit indoor settings as well.

Stylish pedestal coffee tables stand out with their unique design. Featured product: Bob Outdoor Pedestal Coffee Table.

5. Wooden square coffee table - perfect for light, airy environments

Wooden square coffee tables are a classic and versatile choice. They offer a timeless appeal and complement different interior design styles, especially modern living rooms characterised by cream or white decor and expansive windows that invite ample natural light. This coffee table is a captivating embodiment of the essence of wooden square coffee tables, drawing inspiration from minimalistic architecture. Crafted from solid oak, this exceptional piece highlights the timber's innate allure and distinctive traits. Its light modern design gracefully showcases the allure of oak, with each grain and knot telling a story of its own.

The stunning coffee table is coated with a durable hardwax oil, safeguarding the wood and preserving its vibrant colour. Featured product: Rise Square Coffee Table.

6. Stool coffee table - flexibility and practicality entwined

Stool coffee tables offer a clever and versatile twist on traditional coffee table designs. By combining the practicality of a coffee table with the functionality of a stool, they provide a flexible seating and surface solution for any living space. With their compact size and sturdy construction, stool coffee tables can be easily moved and arranged to accommodate different seating arrangements or serve as extra seating when needed.

Take this Nara Coffee table, for example; it showcases exceptional craftsmanship through hand-crafted construction using Hickory or black elm. Not only does it boast a robust build that ensures durability and longevity, but it also adds a touch of natural beauty to a room.

Related article: 10 different ways to create a cosy living room

A stool coffee table can offer you an additional seating option when needed. Featured product: Nara Coffee Table.

7. Relaxing outdoor lounge table - great for patios and courtyards

An outdoor lounge wooden coffee table is a delightful and functional addition to any outdoor space. Constructed from durable and weather-resistant woods like teak, cedar, or acacia, these tables blend natural splendour into your patio, deck, or garden. The warm hues and organic wood patterns create an inviting and rustic ambience, perfect for unwinding or hosting gatherings in the open air.

This particular teak outdoor table is part of a versatile ensemble that forms an outdoor lounge suite, making it an excellent option for outdoor courtyards or beachside patios.

Related article: How to choose outdoor furniture: 9 top tips

Outdoor coffee tables look great in patio and courtyard areas. Perfect for beachside properties. Featured product: Venlo 3pc Teak Outdoor Lounge Setting.

8. Scandinavian coffee table - minimalist magic for the modern living room

Scandinavian coffee tables are sleek, minimalist, and functional. They feature clean lines, light-coloured wood, and a focus on practicality. This oak Nordic coffee table showcases the natural beauty of the wood with a smooth finish, perfect for resting books and other possessions on. Its contemporary design includes subtle bevelled edges that enhance its form, while a large soft-close drawer provides convenient storage.

This minimalist coffee table is a practical choice for the modern living room. Featured product: Nordic Coffee Table.

9. Mediterranean coffee table - well suited to a coastal, or tropical style living space

Mediterranean coffee tables are ordinarily constructed from timber or concrete and capture the relaxed vibes of coastal living. These tables offer a unique and tasteful centrepiece to a room, showing off traditional craftsmanship and intricate designs. This particular Mediterranean coffee table showcases immaculate white custom-made items that beautifully enhance the linens' cosy textures and delicate hues. It provides a perfect setting to showcase unique ceramics and vessels and would look great in any coastal or tropical-themed space.

This Mediterranean coffee table has been handcrafted from a timber frame, coated with concrete, and finished in white matt paint. Featured product: Palma Coffee Table.

10. Reclaimed wood coffee table - great for any rustic setting

Reclaimed wood coffee tables are skilfully crafted from repurposed wood sourced from old buildings, barns, and other locations. These unique coffee tables boast a rustic, rural feel, as they retain the original characteristics of the reclaimed wood, such as knots, nail holes, and captivating variations in colour and texture.

This reclaimed hardwood coffee table features a unique bordered edge design. Expertly crafted from 100% reclaimed materials, this piece radiates a charm that beautifully showcases the timber's rich history and colouring. It serves as an ideal addition to any living space with a rustic setting, adding a touch of character and allure.

Reclaimed hardwood coffee tables offer exquisite natural colours. Featured product: The Woodhouse 45 Reclaimed Hardwood Coffee Table.

Wooden coffee tables are a functional, smart choice

As you can see, a wide array of wooden coffee table designs and styles are compatible with various living spaces. Wood's natural beauty and warmth imbue a sense of comfort and refinement, fostering a welcoming atmosphere ideal for relaxation and socialising. Wooden coffee tables undoubtedly deserve your consideration if you're searching for a functional, yet stylish addition to your living area.