6 Coffee Table Alternatives To Consider For Your Living Room

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Ottoman Coffee Table

The ottoman coffee table is a versatile and stylish alternative to the traditional coffee table. It combines the functionality of a footrest with the practicality of a coffee table, making it a perfect choice for your living room. With its comfortable surface and hidden storage space, an ottoman coffee table offers both comfort and convenience.

One of the key advantages of an ottoman coffee table is its multifunctionality. It can serve as a place to prop up your feet, providing a comfortable and relaxing experience. Additionally, you can use it as a seat when extra seating is needed for guests. Its flat surface can be used to hold drinks, snacks, and even books or magazines. This versatility makes it a great addition to any living room.

Another great feature of an ottoman coffee table is its storage capabilities. Many ottomans are designed with a hollow interior, allowing you to store various items such as blankets, pillows, and remote controls. This helps keep your living room organized and clutter-free.

When it comes to design, ottoman coffee tables come in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials. You can choose a fabric ottoman to add a soft and cozy touch to your living room, or opt for a leather ottoman for a sleek and sophisticated look. There are also ottomans with tufted detailing or decorative patterns, adding a touch of elegance to your space.

In terms of placement, an ottoman coffee table can work well in both small and large living rooms. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, as it takes up less visual space than a traditional coffee table. In larger rooms, you can even use multiple ottomans to create a stylish and functional seating arrangement.

To enhance the visual appeal of your ottoman coffee table, consider adding a tray on top. This not only provides a stable surface for placing drinks or decorative items but also adds a touch of personal style. You can choose a tray that complements your living room decor or opt for a contrasting color or pattern to make a statement.

Overall, the ottoman coffee table is a versatile and practical choice for your living room. Whether you want a place to put up your feet, extra seating, or hidden storage, this stylish alternative offers it all. With its range of designs and materials, you can easily find an ottoman coffee table that matches your personal style and enhances the overall aesthetic of your living space.

Trunk Coffee Table

The trunk coffee table is a unique and charming alternative to the traditional coffee table. It adds a touch of vintage elegance and rustic appeal to your living room while providing functionality and storage space. With its sturdy construction and nostalgic design, a trunk coffee table is a perfect addition to any home.

One of the standout features of a trunk coffee table is its storage capacity. The spacious interior of the trunk allows you to store a variety of items such as blankets, pillows, books, board games, or any other items you want to keep out of sight. This is especially beneficial if you have limited storage space in your living room. You can easily access your belongings by lifting the lid of the trunk, making it both convenient and practical.

In addition to its storage capabilities, a trunk coffee table adds a unique and vintage touch to your living room decor. It takes inspiration from old-style travel trunks or treasure chests, evoking a sense of adventure and nostalgia. Whether you have a modern or traditional interior, a trunk coffee table can seamlessly blend in and become a statement piece of your living room.

Trunk coffee tables come in a variety of materials and designs. You can find options made from wood, metal, or even a combination of both. Each material choice offers its own aesthetic appeal and durability. Wooden trunks add warmth and a classic look, while metal trunks provide an industrial and edgy vibe. Choose the material that best suits your style and complements your existing furniture and decor.

The versatility of a trunk coffee table extends beyond its storage and design. You can use the flat surface of the trunk to hold drinks, snacks, books, or even as a display area for decorative items. With the addition of a tray or a few coasters, you can create a functional and stylish space for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy evening with your family.

When it comes to placement, a trunk coffee table works well in both small and large living rooms. In a smaller space, it can act as a central focal point, providing both storage and functionality without overwhelming the room. In a larger space, a trunk coffee table can be paired with additional seating or other accent pieces to create a well-balanced and visually appealing arrangement.

Adding a trunk coffee table to your living room not only provides a practical storage solution but also adds character and charm to your space. Whether you prefer a vintage or modern style, there is a trunk coffee table out there that will suit your taste and enhance the overall ambiance of your living room. Embrace the nostalgia and functionality of a trunk coffee table and enjoy its unique and timeless appeal.

Nested Coffee Tables

Nested coffee tables are a trendy and space-saving alternative to traditional coffee tables. This stylish furniture option consists of multiple tables that can be neatly stacked or arranged in different configurations. Not only do nested coffee tables add visual interest to your living room, but they also offer versatility and functionality.

One of the main advantages of nested coffee tables is their ability to adapt to your specific needs and available space. When not in use, the smaller tables can be neatly tucked inside the larger one, saving valuable floor space. This makes them ideal for smaller living rooms or apartments where space is limited. You can easily bring out the additional tables when needed, providing extra surface area for drinks, snacks, or display items.

The multiple tables of nested coffee tables also allow for flexibility in design and arrangement. You can experiment with different configurations, such as spreading them out to create a layered and dynamic display, or clustering them together to form a cohesive and compact arrangement. This versatility allows you to change the look and feel of your living room without investing in new furniture.

In addition to their space-saving benefits, nested coffee tables can also serve various purposes. The smaller tables can be used as standalone side tables when placed next to chairs or sofas, providing a convenient spot to hold a lamp, a book, or a cup of coffee. They can also be used as individual serving trays for entertaining guests or as temporary workstations for laptops or tablets.

When it comes to design, nested coffee tables are available in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes. You can choose from different shapes such as round, square, or rectangular to complement the overall aesthetic of your living room. Whether you prefer a rustic wooden look, a sleek and modern design, or a glamorous glass finish, there is a nested coffee table set that will suit your personal style.

Consider the material and construction of the nested coffee tables to ensure durability and longevity. Opt for sturdy materials such as solid wood, metal, or tempered glass to withstand regular use and potential accidents. Also, pay attention to the quality of the nesting mechanism, ensuring that it is easy to use and securely holds the tables in place.

With their versatility, functionality, and stylish appeal, nested coffee tables are a smart choice for any living room. They offer a practical solution for small spaces, provide flexibility in arrangement, and add visual interest to your decor. Whether you need extra surface area or simply want to update the look of your living room, nested coffee tables offer a clever and chic alternative to traditional coffee tables.

Consider using a large ottoman, a pair of smaller tables, a storage trunk, a set of nesting tables, a garden stool, or a vintage chest as a unique and functional alternative to a traditional coffee table in your living room.

Upholstered Bench

An upholstered bench is a stylish and versatile alternative to a traditional coffee table. With its comfortable seating and elegant design, an upholstered bench can add a touch of sophistication and functionality to your living room. It serves as a perfect spot for additional seating, as well as a place to rest your feet or display decorative items.

The key advantage of an upholstered bench is its versatility. Not only does it provide a comfortable seating option, but it also allows you to easily change the layout of your living room. Unlike a bulky coffee table, an upholstered bench can be moved and rearranged effortlessly. This flexibility is particularly useful if you frequently entertain guests or if you simply want to refresh the look of your living space.

When it comes to design, upholstered benches offer a wide range of options to suit different styles and preferences. You can choose from various fabric options, such as velvet, linen, or leather, to match your existing decor. Additionally, the bench can feature different styles of upholstery, such as tufted details, nailhead trim, or decorative patterns, to add a touch of elegance and visual interest.

In addition to its seating functionality, an upholstered bench can also serve as a convenient storage solution. Many benches come with built-in storage compartments, either under the seat or within the bench itself. This allows you to keep your living room organized by storing items like extra throw pillows, blankets, or remote controls out of sight.

An upholstered bench can be placed in various locations within your living room. It can be positioned in front of a sofa as a coffee table alternative, offering a place to rest drinks and snacks. Alternatively, it can be placed against a wall, serving as a decorative accent piece or a spot to showcase decorative items like plants, books, or artwork.

Another benefit of an upholstered bench is its ability to add texture and softness to your living room. The fabric upholstery provides a cozy and inviting feel, making it an ideal space for relaxation and socializing. Guests will appreciate the comfortable seating option, and you can enjoy the luxurious experience of putting up your feet after a long day.

When selecting an upholstered bench, consider factors such as the size, height, and weight capacity to ensure it fits well within your living room and caters to your specific needs. Measure the available space and consider the proportions of your existing furniture to ensure a cohesive and balanced arrangement.

Overall, an upholstered bench offers both style and functionality to your living room. With its comfortable seating, storage capabilities, and versatile design options, it is a versatile piece of furniture that can enhance the overall look and feel of your living space. Whether used as additional seating or a decorative accent, an upholstered bench provides a welcoming and chic touch to any living room.

Side Table Trio

A side table trio is a modern and practical alternative to a traditional coffee table. This unique furniture arrangement consists of three smaller side tables that can be used individually or grouped together to create a stylish and functional focal point in your living room. The side table trio offers versatility, flexibility, and a touch of contemporary design to enhance your living space.

One of the key advantages of a side table trio is its flexibility in placement and arrangement. Unlike a single coffee table, the trio allows you to disperse the tables throughout the room for added convenience. You can position one table next to a sofa or chair to hold a drink or a book, place another table near a reading nook as a convenient spot for a table lamp, and use the third table as a decorative accent piece near a window or against a wall. This flexibility allows you to customize the layout of your living room to suit your needs and preferences.

The trio of side tables also offers versatility in terms of functionality. Each table can serve multiple purposes, making them versatile pieces of furniture. Use them as convenient surfaces for drinks, snacks, or electronic devices while watching TV, or utilize them as display areas for decorative items such as plants, sculptures, or art pieces. You can even use them individually as bedside tables in the bedroom or as additional surface space in other areas of your home.

When it comes to design, side table trios come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and materials. You can opt for sleek and minimalist designs for a contemporary look, or choose tables with intricate details and decorative elements for a more traditional or eclectic aesthetic. The tables can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, glass, or even a mix of materials to create a unique and visually appealing combination.

One of the benefits of using a side table trio is their compact size. They take up less floor space compared to a large coffee table, making them an excellent choice for smaller living rooms or apartments. The smaller tables can be easily moved or rearranged to accommodate different seating arrangements or to create more open space when needed.

In terms of placement, you can experiment with different configurations when using a side table trio. You can create a triangular arrangement to emphasize the symmetry and balance of the tables, or you can place them in a linear sequence to create a more linear and elongated look. You can even separate the tables and use them in different areas of your home, such as the bedroom or home office, when not in use in the living room.

Overall, a side table trio offers both functionality and style to your living room. Whether you are looking for a space-saving option, a versatile furniture arrangement, or a contemporary design element, the side table trio is a practical and trendy alternative to a traditional coffee table. Enjoy the flexibility, versatility, and modern aesthetic that a side table trio brings to your living space.

Storage Cubes

Storage cubes are a practical and versatile alternative to traditional coffee tables. These compact and modular furniture pieces not only provide a functional surface for your living room, but also offer additional storage space. With their sleek and contemporary design, storage cubes are a perfect choice for those who value both style and functionality.

One of the main advantages of storage cubes is their ability to maximize storage capacity in your living room. These cubes come with built-in compartments that allow you to organize and store various items such as books, magazines, blankets, and other living room essentials. This is especially beneficial in smaller spaces where storage might be limited.

The modular nature of storage cubes also allows for flexibility in arrangement and configuration. You can stack multiple cubes together to create a tall and narrow storage unit, or place them side by side to form a longer surface. This adaptability allows you to customize the layout to fit your living room’s specific needs and aesthetics.

Storage cubes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials to suit different preferences and styles. You can choose from cubes made of wood, metal, or even fabric, depending on your desired look and durability. Some storage cubes even come with removable or reversible lids, which can serve as additional tabletop space or seating options when needed.

In addition to their storage capabilities, storage cubes can also double as extra seating in a pinch. If you’re hosting a gathering or have guests over, simply top the cube with a cushion or a small ottoman to instantly transform it into a comfortable seat. This versatility is particularly useful in smaller living rooms where space is limited.

Another advantage of storage cubes is their ability to blend seamlessly with various interior styles. Whether your living room has a modern, minimalist, or eclectic design, there is a storage cube that can complement your existing furniture and decor. You can choose cubes in neutral colors for a subtle and understated look, or opt for vibrant hues and patterns to make a bold statement.

In terms of placement, storage cubes can be used in various ways within your living room. They can be positioned in front of a sofa or between chairs to serve as a coffee table, providing a convenient surface for drinks and snacks. You can also place them against a wall or in a corner to create a stylish and functional storage solution.

Overall, storage cubes offer a practical and stylish alternative to traditional coffee tables. With their storage capabilities, modular design, and versatility, they provide a functional solution for organizing your living space while adding a contemporary touch. Choose storage cubes that suit your style and needs to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your living room.