what can i use in place of a coffee table

18 Multi-Functional Coffee Table Alternatives

• 1. Ottoman Ottoman furniture has long been used as a coffee table alternative because of its elegance and versatility. ...
• 2. Poufs Poufs are similar to ottomans. ...
• 3. Stacking Boxes Stacking boxes are another minimalist idea for a coffee table substitute. ...
• 4. Antique Trunk Antique trunks have always been popular storage options. ...
• 5. Drum ...
• 6. Side Tables ...
• 7. Nesting Tables ...
• 8. Tray Tables ...

Full Answer

How do you make your own coffee table?

Method 1 Method 1 of 2: Building a Simple Wooden Coffee Table

1. Cut boards for the top. Use a table saw or hand saw to cut boards to the length you would like your coffee table to be. ...
2. Piece the top together. Put wood glue on the long, two-inch thick sides of the boards you are using for the top, and slide them together so that they ...
3. Secure the top. ...
4. Add sides (an apron), if you like. ...
5. Cut the pieces for the legs. ...

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How do I make a simple coffee table?

Basic steps:

• Remove veneer with a metal scraper
• Apply several thin coats of spray paint to the base of the coffee table
• Use wood filler to smooth out the table top if necessary
• Apply shellac-based primer to table top
• Paint table top with white paint
• Let dry for 24 hours
• Tape off your stripes with blue painter’s tape

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How do you decorate a coffee table?

Use the rule of three for effortless-looking living room style

• Circles and squares. Books add smart structure, but if every piece is rectangular, the look can feel a little stuffy. ...
• Play with heights. Another way to add energy to your coffee table look is by playing with the heights of items. ...
• Candles and flowers. ...
• Easy being green. ...
• Simple asymmetry. ...
• Glass Tables. ...
• Upholstered tables. ...

What are some alternatives to a coffee table?

9 Practical Coffee Table Alternatives

1. Pair of Side Tables. Because there are two tables, you can easily push them together or pull them apart depending on where you need the storage space.
2. Trunk. A trunk provides ample storage, making it a great place to put pillows, blankets, toys, or books. ...
3. Tufted Ottoman. ...
4. Tray Table. ...
5. Garden Stools. ...
6. Nesting Tables. ...
7. Storage Bench. ...
8. Drink Cart. ...
9. Suitcases. ...

What can I use instead of a coffee table in a small space?

Here are eight coffee table alternatives that will give you the same style and functionality as a traditional coffee table, but will cost you less than $300.C Side Tables. ... Nesting Tables. ... Storage Ottomans. ... Tiered End Tables. ... Vintage Trunks. ... Side Tables With Baskets. ... Garden Stools. ... Practical Pairs.

Can I do without coffee table?

Do you need a coffee table? According to some interior designers, NO! You don't need a coffee table in your living room.

Can I use a side table as a coffee table?

A pair of matching side tables are a terrific alternative to a traditional coffee table. They can be arranged to give the illusion of a single table but can also be pulled apart and used separately when necessary. This is a great option for small spaces that need versatile pieces of furniture.

How can I make an inexpensive coffee table?

3:139:2210 DIY Coffee Table on a Budget - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply some wood glue between the pallet pieces for better assemblage. Don't forget to leaveMoreYou can apply some wood glue between the pallet pieces for better assemblage. Don't forget to leave some planks on both ends of the bottom.

Can a bench be used as a coffee table?

As a coffee table. A simple bench with no back or sides is versatile enough to transform from a piece of seating to a table and back. Use a bench as your coffee table in a small seating group, and you can always move it off to one side as an extra seat for a few guests at a bigger get-together.

What is the purpose of a coffee table?

A coffee table is a low table designed to be placed in a sitting area for convenient support of beverages, remote controls, magazines, books (especially large, illustrated coffee table books), decorative objects, and other small items.

Can I use an ottoman as a coffee table?

If you're using the ottoman as more of a statement piece, place it between your seating arrangement to mimic a coffee table. From there, you can style it as you please – add a tray for holding your beverages, books and other accessories, or keep it comfortable and drape your favorite throw blanket over the top.

Should a coffee table be lower than the couch?

The height of a coffee table is important. It should be no lower than 1-2 inches from the seat of your couch. The standard height for a table is 16-18 inches and pairs well with a typical sized couch. A higher sofa requires a taller table, one that is 20-21 inches in height.

How do you make a table into a coffee table?

1:1011:57Converting A Dining Table In To A Coffee Table - Habitat Kilo - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo having thought this through I think I've got two options I can either cut off the bottom of theMoreSo having thought this through I think I've got two options I can either cut off the bottom of the table frame. And then I can rejoin the apron rail.

Can I make my own coffee table?

Sure, you can go out and buy a coffee table to complete your living room. But if you're considering dabbling in DIY projects, a DIY coffee table is a great place to start. Lots of coffee table designs are super simple to make on your own, whether that involves woodworking or simply using a bottle of Gorilla Glue.

How do you make a modern coffee table?

0:008:04How to Build A Modern Coffee Table - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow that I have 6 boards I paired them off making three one and a half inch boards. And then I gluedMoreNow that I have 6 boards I paired them off making three one and a half inch boards. And then I glued each pair together with wood glue. Once. They were all glued up I sandwich them together in clamps.

How do you make a coffee table out of a door?

0:185:30How To Build a Coffee Table Out Of An Old Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday's project coffee table from an old door. This is a five panel door these are the highlyMoreToday's project coffee table from an old door. This is a five panel door these are the highly coveted ones the good ones and it.

How can I decorate my living room without a coffee table?

Here are 10 living rooms that go without one — maybe one of these setups work for you!Use a Leggy Ottoman. ... An Ottoman With Storage. ... Use a Grouping of Accent Tables. ... Ottomans for Extra Seating. ... Two Small Ottomans Instead. ... Use a Cocktail Height Table. ... Use a Round Ottoman instead of Square.More items...

Are side tables necessary?

A sectional does not need end tables, though they are useful pieces of furniture that give you a space for decorations, lamps, drinks, and other items. They are also an important decorative piece in many living rooms, giving the room a sense of completion.

Do you need a coffee table if you have an ottoman?

While usually used as a place to kick up your feet, ottomans aren't subject to that – you can use it for storage or even as a substitute for the coffee table if you want to take a non-traditional route. “An ottoman is often an underappreciated living room staple,” wrote Kristin Flanagan of Architectural Digest.

How do you use a coffee table in the bedroom?

0:593:023 Easy Ways to Style Your Coffee Table | Give Me Room - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou kind of want to give that high-low affect this bowl works for a beautiful centerpiece. You canMoreYou kind of want to give that high-low affect this bowl works for a beautiful centerpiece. You can put your remote your keys candy. Candles always create a beautiful mood.

Why do tables slide under each other?

These tables will slide under each other when not in use so that they don’t take up a lot of space.

Why do tray tables fall over?

Because of their smaller size, if you accidentally knock a tray table it is very easy for them to fall over.

Can you move a side table to a sofa?

Side tables are generally fairly inexpensive, making them a great option if you are on a budget. You can move them to the sides of the sofa if you need extra space. If you buy a coffee table at a later time, you can usually find a use for side tables in other places of your home.

Can you pull two tables together?

Because there are two tables, you can easily push them together or pull them apart depending on where you need the storage space .

Is a coffee table too low?

While it serves these purposes , a traditional coffee table can be too low for a comfortable dinner or too hard as a footrest. If you want to spice things up in your home decor and save valuable space, you can replace the traditional coffee table with a more practical alternative. Better use a more functional or casual piece ...

Can you use a tufted ottoman as a seating area?

Tufted ottomans can double as additional seating, which is great if you love to entertain and want to make sure that everyone has a place to sit.

Do you need a coffee table?

They give you a place to put drinks, books and other items and they can also be decorative design elements. But traditional coffee tables are no longer required. There are plenty of other options available to cover both the practical and visual aspects of coffee tables.

Can you use a milk crate as a coffee table?

Old milk crates or similar items can also be used in place of a coffee table. You can either use just one large crate or attach a few of them together. Again, it gives you a place to put drinks as well as some added storage underneath.

What is a coffee table?

A lot of people will tell you that a coffee table is a necessary piece of furniture for a living room. You need a place to put up your feet, put down drinks, and most importantly, to anchor the room.

What is a matching side table?

A pair of matching side tables are a terrific alternative to a traditional coffee table. They still give the illusion of a single table but can be pulled apart and used separately when necessary. This is a great option for small spaces that need versatile pieces of furniture .

What is the best furniture for a small living room?

Small living rooms often provide less than ideal space for storage, so incorporating furniture that makes the most of it is important. Rather than multiple tables or elongated versions, try using a two-tier table that not only has a top surface but another shelf below. You'll take up the same amount of room as a standard coffee table but will add more much-needed space.

Can you use an ottoman as a coffee table?

Ottomans have long been considered great alternatives to coffee tables. When you put a large tray on them it creates a solid surface so you can still place decorative or practical items, but when you remove the tray they can be used as extra seating.

Can you use wooden crates as a coffee table?

We highly admire a rustic theme, and wooden-style crates used as a coffee table fit right into the motif. The sturdiness and vintage appeal make it a prime candidate to place your drinks, books, remotes, or decorative items. Plus, it never hurts to upcycle and reuse items for a brand new purpose. Whether you choose to go a full DIY or purchase it from someone else, it adds a certain charm that's hard it ignore.

Is a coffee table a living room?

A lot of people will tell you that a coffee table is a necessary piece of furniture for a living room. You need a place to put up your feet, put down drinks, and most importantly, to anchor the room. As homes get smaller, designers get more creative, and decorating enthusiasts get more adventurous, some interesting alternatives to traditional ...

Can you use a waterfall table as a coffee table?

In a case like this, acrylic waterfall tables would be ideal. When they're not in use as coffee tables, tuck them away to the side. The beauty of nesting tables is that they can easily be moved around.

Can you use a pouf as a coffee table?

Pro tip: Invest in some extra floor pillows and poufs. Not only will they be useful when you have guests over, but they can also double as a coffee table when necessary. Let this snap from Ines Larsson’s feed show you how it’s done.

Is there an end all to coffee tables?

According to some design pros, not necessarily. “There is no end-all answer in my opinion when it comes to coffee tables,” explains Stephanie Hauptli, a product and interior designer at Hauptli Haus. “Well-done interiors should not be done by a rulebook, but rather be a response to each project, room, or client.

What to do with a coffee table that has a unique layout?

If your coffee table has a unique layout, play to its fun shape and decorate each mini surface to suit your personality. More surfaces equals more styling potential, right?

How to turn an ottoman into a coffee table?

All you need to convert an ottoman into a traditional coffee table is a chic tray. Choose a color that will pop against the ottoman's fabric. Gold is always a solid pick that will stand the test of time .

What color is good for a coastal room?

Add a subtle coastal touch to your space with some coral and blue and white decor—porcelain is always in style. The above setup is an excellent example of honoring a theme without going overboard.

What is a tray on Pinterest?

A tray is a simple Pinterest-worthy trick that stylists and decorators like Vanessa Francis Interior Design use to make items work together in a display. The right tray can corral items on a table into one elegant and unified presentation. On this table, the tray and vignette are white, keeping the look minimalist.

What to do with berries and branches?

Branches and berries are oh-so-festive to keep on the coffee table during the holiday season. Place some in a large dish and you're all set. Spritz live branches with water throughout the week to keep them looking nice and fresh.

Can you leave a coffee table empty?

If you prefer a clean slate, you can always opt to leave your table totally empty. This can be ideal for those living in small apartments whose coffee tables play multiple roles throughout the day, transitioning from a dining area to a workspace in just a matter of minutes. The key here is making sure that the rest of your space is well-decorated so that it doesn't appear that you've only just moved in.

Can you use ginger jars as vases?

A favorite collection of pieces deserves to be admired and not tucked away for special occasions. If you're a ginger jar lover, set out a few beloved pieces on your coffee table and use them as vases if you're so inclined.

What to put on a rustic coffee table?

Rustic decor doesn’t have to look like a log cabin. Put a fresh take on foresty decor with a glass-topped coffee table with a wooden base and top it with wooden and copper vases filled with fresh ferns and flowers on a metal tray, along with a small metal lantern.

What to put on a wooden table?

Embrace the beauty of nature in your decor by getting a wooden table and decorating it with a faux wood slice topped with other natural elements including large pine cones and a glass bowl filled with sand and decorative grasses.

How to make a small living room feel bigger?

Make a small living room feel bigger by shrinking the furniture you’d expect to find. Use a loveseat instead of a full-sized couch, and pair it with a small table topped with dainty accessories like a narrow vase and a small potted plant.

How to decorate a living room with abstract art?

In an airy living room filled with bright abstract art, even table decor should have a quirky, upscale feel. Center a large round tabletop under a chandelier and fill it with abstract and offbeat statuettes.

How to make an all white living room look dated?

An all-white living room can look dated. Modernize it with a glass table and reflective mirrored tray, then bring white back into with accessories of varying textures. Experiment with a marbled box, a ceramic pineapple, and a vase of large white flowers.

What is nesting table?

If you’re the kind of person who is constantly tweaking your decor, a nesting table gives you the opportunity to get more decorating space. Round tables provide a nice geometric counterpoint to a rectangular couch and picture frames.

What to do with a black and white room?

You can even continue the theme with the center table in your living room. Select large art books, candles, books, and a clear glass vase with lots of white flowers to dress up the room while staying on theme.

How to keep toys in line in a family room?

If you have a coffee table in a play room or family room, look to baskets to keep your child's toys in line. Labels assign a basket to each kid, while small plastic containers organize the collections. Make a rule that only toys that fit in the basket can be kept in the family room. Any extras need to be stored elsewhere. This trick will keep the baskets from routinely overflowing and looking too cluttered.

Can an ottoman be used as a coffee table?

Many ottomans can double as the perfect coffee table. This upholstered edition opens up to a shallow storage space that holds board games and other family room essentials. When shopping for a storage ottoman, make sure you have a plan for its use; knowing what you need to store will help you pick the right size and storage capacity.

Can you use a drawer as a coffee table?

Sliding drawers embedded within a coffee table make storage a snap. Just load the piece with all of your goods, then slide them out of sight. You can find coffee tables specially designed to include this feature. Or opt for repurposing a piece of existing furniture, such as an elongated nightstand, shallow dresser, or console table, to serve as a coffee table.