SubscribeSign In
Collection by Megan Hamaker

Furniture Design Series: The Coffee Table

For the third installment in our table design series, (see the Dining Table series here and the Kitchen Table series here) we focus on the hardworking coffee table, center of everything from meals to mail to books to tired feet. Here are eight of our favorite coffee tables that are sure to live up to their serious furniture responsibility. Next up: The Side Table.

View 8 Photos
The U Trek coffee table is a reformulation of the Bensen U Table by designer Niels Bendtsen. Its clean lines and mobility result in a piece that simultaneously floats and anchors in a room.
The U Trek coffee table is a reformulation of the Bensen U Table by designer Niels Bendtsen. Its clean lines and mobility result in a piece that simultaneously floats and anchors in a room.
The MK1 from Duffy London morphs from a coffee table into a dining surface twice the size, all in two swift motions.
The MK1 from Duffy London morphs from a coffee table into a dining surface twice the size, all in two swift motions.
SEP06_ACTS_BEAUTY
SEP06_ACTS_BEAUTY
Though designers Jerad Mack and Shane Pawluck hail from the vast Canadian prarie, inspiration for their Eyeful coffee table came from a well-known landmark in France's capital city. The geometric shapes in the hardwood latticed base hold up the glass plate top, and the piece's low profile should appeal to those unable to scale the real deal in Paris.
Though designers Jerad Mack and Shane Pawluck hail from the vast Canadian prarie, inspiration for their Eyeful coffee table came from a well-known landmark in France's capital city. The geometric shapes in the hardwood latticed base hold up the glass plate top, and the piece's low profile should appeal to those unable to scale the real deal in Paris.
When painted large on the exterior of a warship, the graphic black-and-white stripes on this low table “dazzle” and confuse the eye of the enemy. Uhuru used teak from the deck of an authentic World War II vessel to create this coffee table inspired by the material’s storied nautical past.
When painted large on the exterior of a warship, the graphic black-and-white stripes on this low table “dazzle” and confuse the eye of the enemy. Uhuru used teak from the deck of an authentic World War II vessel to create this coffee table inspired by the material’s storied nautical past.
Part coffee table, part storage bin, this blue Usame table by designer Patricia Urquiola will add style to any room. The vegetal patterns add Art Deco nostalgia to the modern translucent construction, making the table suitable for almost any decor.
Part coffee table, part storage bin, this blue Usame table by designer Patricia Urquiola will add style to any room. The vegetal patterns add Art Deco nostalgia to the modern translucent construction, making the table suitable for almost any decor.
An oldie, but goodie from Arik Levy, the Geo Low coffee table is available in three sizes. Arrange an archipelago, or leave solo. We love that this design comes in a powder-coated aluminum version for outdoors, or a more classic wood finish for interiors.
An oldie, but goodie from Arik Levy, the Geo Low coffee table is available in three sizes. Arrange an archipelago, or leave solo. We love that this design comes in a powder-coated aluminum version for outdoors, or a more classic wood finish for interiors.