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9 of the best modern coffee tables to spruce up your living space

A coffee table can make or break the look of any room.
Curved, pebble-shaped timber coffee table in a neutral living room.

A coffee table isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a design statement that holds the potential to transform your living space. Gone are the days when coffee tables merely held your mug or a plate of snacks. They’ve transformed into multifunctional centrepieces that hold the power to make or break a room’s overall aesthetics.

So, if you’re curious about how you can enhance your space with a modern coffee table, keep reading as we reveal the most sought-after picks of 2024, as well as what you should look for when buying one.

9 best modern coffee tables to shop in Australia 2024

01

Kirribilli coffee table in warm ash

from $495, Koala

Best for: Understated elegance

After a simple coffee table that looks great, goes with everything you already own and has plenty of space to store your treasure trove of coffee table books? Look no further than Koala’s Kirribilli table. The simple design will work in any style of home and the clever undershelf is perfect for keeping the tabletop clear while also displaying your favourite design tomes. It also has curves in all the right places, with gentle corners and a ‘honed’ look base. 

Colours: Warm ash and dark ash.

Key features:

  • Made from 100% FSC certified wood
  • Matching bookshelf, TV unit, console and bed base available
  • 5-year warranty
  • 120-night trial
  • Fast and flexible delivery

02

Magnus square side table in solid American oak

from $549, Icon By Design

Best for: Small and cosy living spaces

Sometimes in small spaces, a central coffee table just doesn’t work. Strategically placed side tables are a great alternative, as they allow you to set down a mug without impeding traffic flow to the sofa or making the room feel cramped. The Magnus side table by IconByDesign is a wonderful option, as it is available in both square and round versions and features a sleek modern silhouette. It’s made from solid American oak and has rounded edges for a sophisticated finish. One reviewer says “When I received the table it surpassed all my expectations. The wood was top quality oak and the workmanship excellent.”

Key features:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Natural wood gives the piece a unique character
  • 20+ 5-star reviews from verified customers
  • In stock and available to ship
  • ZIP payment options available
  • Australian-owned business

03

Tokyo coffee table in walnut

from $599, LoungeLovers

Best for: Sculptural style

A coffee table with a clear glass top is a great option for a small living room as it will create added functionality without impeding a room’s visual flow. Glass can also reflect natural light around the room, giving the space a warm and inviting feeling. LoungeLovers’ ‘Tokyo’ coffee table is modeled on a 1947 design by sculptor Isamu Noguchi and features a glass top mounted on a sculptural wooden base.

Key features:

  • Currently in stock and available to dispatch
  • Base made from solid ash timber with a tempered 15mm glass tempered top
  • Easy to assemble
  • Scultpural design
James Lane Coffee Table

04

Domi coffee table in white

from $639, James Lane

Best for: The trendy all-neutral-everything look

The Domi coffee table is a unique blend of modern, Mediterranean, retro and futuristic design elements, making it a versatile addition to any home. Its striking aesthetic not only tells a thousand stories but also stands out with its own narrative.

Key features:

  • Fully assembled
  • Material: Iron
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Available in White and Black colours
  • 1-year warranty
Palatine Steel Coffee Table

05

Palatine steel coffee table

from $269.99, Temple & Webster

Best for: Sleek and sophisticated living spaces

Embrace playful modern design with this pedestal coffee table. The low-to-the-ground living room centrepiece features a generous surface for endless uses, from styling a beautiful floral arrangement to hosting a casual afternoon tea. Customers love this pick for its stylish design, perfect size, ideal height and easy assembly.

But don’t take our word for it, here’s what one happy reviewer had to say: “I recently purchased this coffee table for my second living room and it has completely transformed the space. The sleek and minimalist look of the coffee table adds a touch of sophistication to the room.”

Key features:

  • Materials: powder-coated steel and plastic foot pads
  • Unique pedestal base
  • Smoothly finished surfaces and edges bring polish to your space
  • Easy to clean
  • 3-year warranty and 30-day return policy
Santo Andre Coffee Table

06

Santo Andre coffee table

from $349, Amart

Best for: Coastal homes

Embrace playful modern design with this pedestal coffee table. The low-to-the-ground living room centrepiece features a generous surface for endless uses, from styling a beautiful floral arrangement to hosting a casual afternoon tea. Customers love this pick for its stylish design, perfect size, ideal height and easy assembly.

But don’t take our word for it, here’s what one happy reviewer had to say: “I recently purchased this coffee table for my second living room and it has completely transformed the space. The sleek and minimalist look of the coffee table adds a touch of sophistication to the room.”

Key features:

  • Materials: powder-coated steel and plastic foot pads
  • Unique pedestal base
  • Smoothly finished surfaces and edges bring polish to your space
  • Easy to clean
  • 3-year warranty and 30-day return policy
Saygoer Glass Coffee Table

07

Saygoer glass coffee table

from $519.94, Amazon

Best for: Apartment living

This versatile glass coffee table is a perfect blend of modern minimalism and practical design. Crafted with a 6mm tempered glass top in translucent grey, it exudes a sense of luxury while maintaining simplicity.

“This is the perfect size/look to complete the family room! It feels sturdy and does not look cheap at all,” said a reviewer. “Everything came in one piece and there were no scratches to the glass. Easy to assemble by myself too! Overall, very happy with the coffee table.”

Key features:

  • Over 540 five-star reviews on Amazon
  • The glass surface is easy to clean and maintain
  • Tempered glass metal material
  • Compact for small spaces
  • Responsive customer support ensures assistance if any issues arise
  • 1-year warranty
FIRA Coffee Table

08

Fira coffee table

from $1399, Freedom

Best for: Hotel glamour

Make a striking statement with the FIRA coffee table, which is meticulously handcrafted using traditional bone inlay techniques. Made from ethically-sourced buffalo bone pieces, each delicately hued with a semi-permanent dye, this table is the modern centrepiece you and your lounge room deserve.

Colours: Grey, blue/brass, and white

Key features:

  • Made by skilled artisans
  • Furniture crafted from buffalo bones bears unique markings, variations in shade and minor pattern mismatches to enhance its inherent beauty
  • Made from plywood, buffalo bone, resin and iron
  • Available in blue and white shades
  • 100cm diameter

09

Eve pebble-shaped coffee table in birch

from $329.99, Mocka

Best for: Calming curves

It doesn’t matter whether your home is modern in style or leaning more towards Scandi-minimalism, this stunning coffee table will fit right in. It features ribbed timber legs and an eye-catching curvaceous top. You might think to achieve this look you’d have to spend a pretty penny, but the Eve table from Mocka comes in at well under $500.

Colours: Mid wood look and black.

Key features:

  • 30 day returns
  • Design is a fusion of Japanese and Nordic style
  • Made from MDF frame and plywood covered in birch veneer
  • Easy to assemble
  • In stock and available to ship

What should you look for when buying a quality coffee table?

When purchasing a coffee table, several key considerations come into play to ensure you find the perfect fit for your space and style.

Size and proportion

Ensure the table fits your space without overwhelming or underwhelming it. Consider the dimensions of your room and other furniture.

Functionality

Think about how you’ll use the table. Do you need storage? A surface for drinks and snacks? A workspace?

Style and aesthetics

Choose a table that complements your existing décor and your personal taste.

Material and durability

Opt for materials that suit your lifestyle. Wood, glass, metal and more offer different looks and levels of maintenance.

Shape

Round, square, oval – select a shape that not only fits your space but also complements the room’s layout and design.

Height

Ensure the table’s height is appropriate for your seating arrangement. It should be easy to reach from your sofa or chairs.

Versatility

Look for a table that can adapt to various situations and needs, offering both form and function.

Budget

Set a budget and explore options within your range. Quality doesn’t always mean breaking the bank.

Ease of maintenance

Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the table, especially if you have children or pets.

Personal preference

Ultimately, choose a coffee table that resonates with you and aligns with your lifestyle. It should not only serve a purpose but also reflect your individuality.

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