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Who knew compact living could be so chic? partition door
Small space living is an art in itself. Whether you're using your living room as your home office, or your kitchen as your gathering space, utilizing every square inch in a way that is both functional and stylish requires impressive design smarts. And when strategizing, there's no area more frequented in your tiny pad than the square footage, however meager, in front of your couch. Which is why choosing the right coffee table might be as key to your sanity as finding the right therapist.
Wondering where to start? First, measure your space. Ideally, your coffee table should be about two-thirds the width of your sofa, with enough room to walk around comfortably. When shopping for coffee tables, look for round or oval tables that allow for easier movement in small areas (and will save you a few curse words when you will inevitably meet one of its corners unexpectedly). Glass or acrylic tables create the illusion of more space, making your room feel open and less cluttered. If you prefer wood or metal, pick pieces with thinner legs or open designs.
Coffee tables often come with built-in storage or dual functions that are key to compact living. Tables with hidden compartments, drawers, or lift-top options can help reduce clutter, and some even convert into desks or dining tables. If you're lucky enough to already have a corner for a desk, you could also consider a nesting table that offer a variety of options depending on the day or event (you can pull out the smaller ones when needed and tuck them away to save space when hosting that annual New Year's Party).
Each of the below tables is thoughtfully selected for its ability to maximize space while adding character to your home. Whether you’re looking for sleek glass tops, mid-century modern vibes, or innovative foldable designs, there’s something on this list for every style and need. Without further ado, here are the best small coffee tables of 2025.
This coffee table, which features a pretty scalloped base made from rich mango wood in a soft white-washed hue, is the perfect addition to a small living room looking for a touch of elegance and character. The scalloped design adds a playful yet sophisticated detail, while the light, airy finish helps brighten up the space without overwhelming it.
A Joss & Main furniture reviewer says: “Love the quality! Easy to assemble. Adds a soft aesthetic to our living space."
We love a nesting table situation. This duo functions as a spacious coffee table, perfect for holding drinks, books, or decor. However, the real magic happens when you need more room—simply slide the smaller table underneath the larger one to create a more open, uncluttered feel.
A Semjar furniture reviewer says: “OK, best purchase I have made in quite some time. The box arrived and it was one of those flat boxes that you kind of dread when you’re getting furniture, but then I opened it up and this was the easiest assembly of any furniture I’ve ever ordered all you have to do is screw in the legs, it comes with its own Allen wrench and it took me a total of seven minutes to put the whole thing together and it’s so pretty. It’s a great quality as you can see from the picture. It looks very fancy."
Bring the outdoors in with this woven ottoman which features a natural, textured look that seamlessly blends into a variety of decor styles—from coastal to bohemian. But it's not just pretty; it doubles as both a coffee table and a hidden storage solution for blankets, magazines (this month's issue of ELLE DECOR, perhaps?), or remote controls.
A Target furniture reviewer says: “Gorgeous ottoman! This holds up very well and it says you’re not supposed to store things in it (at least kids toys) but I store pillows and it works just fine. Love the look with my classic living room."
A wood coffee table offers a unique design and space-efficient silhouette to any living room space. The round, sculptural base adds visual interest, while the smooth wood top provides a functional surface for drinks, books, or decor. We love that it was made from solid wood that has been kiln-dried for added durability.
looking for more table surface but less bulk? Safavieh's barely-there acrylic coffee table is just the specimen that can be a minimalist addition to any room. It's made from durable, transparent acrylic, that blends seamlessly with any style without adding bulk or visual clutter. Whether placed in a modern, contemporary, or even eclectic room, this acrylic table adds elegance without compromising on space.
A Safavieh furniture reviewer says: “Price is actually good compared to most! Beautiful, sturdy, clear piece! Amazingly packed for shipping! Daughter uses as a desk and I will definitely buy another for myself!"
This hammered brass coffee table is an elegant and eye-catching addition to any small living room, offering a bold statement without overwhelming your space. The hammered texture of the brass surface reflects light, creating a warm, inviting glow while adding an artisanal touch to the room’s decor. Note: It's a lot smaller than it looks in the picture.
A Target furniture reviewer says: “Love! Good quality for the price and the perfect brassy/gold look. Very happy with it."
Sure, CB2's Espira coffee table doesn't have a pull-out top or its own additional seating, but at just 35 inches, it's a chic, minimalistic addition to any space. The table's sleek marble-inspired resin silhouette and clean lines create a sense of openness that doesn't sacrifice style.
A CB2 furniture reviewer says: “Just delivered today and it is even more beautiful in person!! It’s heavy and well made and the color and shape is beautiful! Not to sound dramatic, but it’s like a piece of art."
Looking to add a splash of color to your living room? We're loving this solid and oak veneer coffee table, finished in a soft sage green paint. It's understated, and complements a variety of decor styles, from coastal to modern farmhouse. We love the fluted base!
A Daals furniture reviewer says: “This coffee table exceeds my expectations! The wood is beautiful, it feels sturdy and well made, and the amount of storage is perfect for what we were looking for. Couldn’t be happier with our purchase."
Who knew there's something out there that's a better multitasker than you? Enter: Loon Peak's coffee table, which features pull-out seats. It's a game changer for small living rooms, offering both style and functionality. Made from durable wood with a sleek marble surface, it exudes sophistication while remaining sturdy and long-lasting.
A Wayfair furniture reviewer says: “It was exactly what I was looking for in a coffee table. Love the look of wood with the marble top, and best part is the storage underneath
This innovative coffee table is the ultimate multitasker, perfect for small spaces where every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep. Not only does it function as a stylish coffee table, but it also lifts, rotates, and folds open to double size into a full dining table at standard table height. So one moment, you can be binging your favorite TV series, with your feet propped upon the coffee table; and the next, entertaining guests over a full spread of your famed roast chicken. We especially love that it features rounded corners on the table top. Did we mention it has five stars from all 126 of its reviewers? Enough said.
A Expand furniture reviewer says: “I’m thrilled with my new table that effortlessly transforms from a coffee table to a small dining table! The quality of the wood is exceptional, sturdy, and beautifully crafted. The transformation mechanism works seamlessly, making it a breeze to switch between casual coffee sipping and dining with ease."
At ELLE DECOR, we understand the challenges of small space living, especially when it comes to finding the perfect coffee table. Whether we’re testing space-saving designs in our own homes or consulting with the interior design experts we trust, our team is committed to being your go-to source for stylish, functional furniture solutions. We carefully research, review, and vet every product we recommend to ensure you’re getting expert-approved options that fit your space without sacrificing style. From multifunctional pieces to sleek, minimalist designs, you can trust us to bring you the best small-space coffee tables on the market.
Rachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publication’s feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 16 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.
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