A lounge area with a coffee table in the middle is usually the focal point of any living room. But styling a low piece of furniture is not always an easy thing to do.
New York City-based interior designer Kati Curtis says that it is all about grouping objects in layers.
“The most common mistake I see people make is keeping everything at the same height. The key is to create layers with books and objects or anything you might want to display,” she says. “I like to use functional objects like a beautiful inlaid box or a bowl you can stash remote controls in!”
If you’re in the market for a new cocktail table, Curtis suggests looking into pieces that are between 16 and 18 inches high. “This is the ideal height for leaning over to set a drink on, but also for putting your feet up,” she adds.
We also asked Curtis who recently returned from Milan’s Salone del Mobile about the most current trends in coffee table design and it turns out that it’s not a specific style or design aesthetic that’s coming at the forefront of interior design. Instead, professionals are focusing on interesting materials.
“[…]shell, stone, leather, even polystyrene and Murano glass—anything but the traditional wood and/or sheet glass for cocktail tables! The key is the craftsmanship and detail work in the making of these pieces,” says Curtis.
Now check out the most stylish cocktail tables that will wow your guests.
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Bethan Gray Rainbow Pen Shell Fluted Coffee Table
“This table is so unique and versatile! It’s not only stunningly beautiful with the color reflections of the inlaid shells, but also sustainably made of discarded materials from the seafood industry,” says Curtis.
To buy: $24,367, bethangray.com
Alessandro Zambelli Lunapark Small Colored Murano Glass Coffee Table
Inspired by the bright colors of amusement parks, this table, made in Italy from Murano glass, will add a modern and fun vibe to your living room. The best part is that you can customize the colors if you’d like.
To buy: $2,845, 1stdibs.com
Urbia Sun Coffee Table
This gorgeous table will become the focal point of any room. It’s made from mixed wood veneer and features a variety of wood shades.
To buy: $1,263, lumens.com
CB2 Saddle Leather Tufted Ottoman Table
We love a good-looking practical piece and this ottoman does double duty as a table as well. The deep brown hue of the buffalo leather will add a cozy, earthy element to your living room.
To buy: $999, cb2.com
West Elm Concrete and Chrome Coffee Table
Perfect for a contemporary home with a minimalist vibe, this coffee table features a handmade solid concrete top and a chrome base.
To buy: $799, westelm.com
Alex MacMaster Wave Coffee Table
This table is such a statement piece. The sculptural base is handmade in Worcestershire, England, from wood veneer and birch plywood, and sits under a clear glass top.
To buy: $2,808, lumens.com
Jonathan Adler Alphaville Cocktail Table
This modern cocktail table features a reflective base and a mirror top for a sleek and sophisticated look.
To buy: $1,995, lumens.com
Arteriors Marissa Coffee Table
This uniquely shaped coffee table looks like a work of art. It sports an antiqued brass finish for a timeless look.
To buy: $1,494, horchow.com
John-Richard Collection Cissy Calcite Coffee Table
This sleek and airy table is constructed from a natural calcite top and antiqued brass base.
To buy: $5,079, horchow.com
Palecek Ren Fossilized Clam Coffee Table
This coffee table may look contemporary but it actually represents millions of years of history. The top is cut from fossilized clam stone from Southeast Asia and sports beautiful mosaic patterns. It sits atop a wrought iron base with gold accents.
To buy: $2,699, horchow.com
