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Wooden Coffee Tables: The 2024 Buyer’s Guide
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Categories :
Decor
, Dining Room
, Living Room
Featured Product: Delmont Coffee Table
Wooden coffee tables are one of those furniture items that never go out of style. And it’s not just because designers keep coming up with fresh ways to reinvent them. The natural warmth, versatility and durability of wood make it a timeless choice for furniture that easily blends into any home and becomes part of the family—a piece you’ll be able to hand down to the kids when you’ve finally played your last game of scrabble.
You’re probably here because you’ve decided that a wooden coffee table is sure to make the perfect addition to your living space. Or maybe you’re still weighing your options. Either way, our 2024 buyer’s guide to wooden coffee tables will get you up to scratch on the most popular styles and latest trends, along with essential tips for choosing a coffee table that's just right for your home and your personal style.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or a red cappuccino, if that's your thing), and let's get you set for choosing a coffee table that’s worthy of that honoured spot at the heart of your home.
Featured Product: Stanford Coffee Table
What are the main types of wooden coffee tables?
Traditional Coffee Tables
These are the kind of coffee tables your gran is sure to have on site, plentifully stocked with ageing coffee table books and a collection of porcelain pooches. These elegant old-timer tables tend to boast intricate carvings and richly stained wood with a glossy finish. If you’ve got a period style home, or you’d fancy a vintage piece to anchor your eclectic interior, then a traditional wooden coffee table could be the perfect investment piece to round off your ensemble.
Rustic Coffee Tables
Rustic coffee tables channel the cosy, log cabin vibe, helping make your living room feel more, well, lived in. They're often made from reclaimed wood with the marks and scars to tell tales of their previous life, but can be made from all kinds of solid woods, usually featuring a natural matte or textured finish. Either way, these laid-back beauties will infuse your space with unique character and charm.
Modern Wooden Coffee Tables
For those who lean towards a clean, minimalist aesthetic, modern wooden coffee tables are your go-to. They tend to feature sleek lines with natural wood finishes, and the wood will frequently be combined with other materials like glass or metal for a clean, slick aesthetic.
Industrial Coffee Table Designs
Industrial coffee tables are where wood meets metal in an elegant dance. Industrial designs are all about combining natural elements with an urban twist, making them perfect for those loft-style living rooms.
2024 Coffee Table Trends
Now that you’re familiar with the main players of the wooden coffee table world, let’s take a look at some of the freshest coffee table trends in 2024.
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Designs
Sustainability continues to be the buzzword and the driving force in furniture design. More and more homeowners are looking to make environmentally conscious choices, and furniture shopping is no exception. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in demand for eco-friendly wooden coffee tables, particularly reclaimed wood coffee tables or ones made from recycled, or otherwise sustainably sourced wood, to reduce the impact on our forests. Manufacturers are also adopting more environmentally friendly production processes, using non-toxic finishes and adhesives. The result is coffee tables that are not only beautiful but kinder to the planet.
Featured Products: Phoenix Coffee Table
The Phoenix Coffee Table is beautifully crafted from reclaimed pine with a glass top for a versatile and eco-friendly design.
Multi-functional Tables
As living spaces become smaller, particularly in urban areas, furniture that can perform multiple functions can be a welcome space-saver. That’s why we’re seeing more coffee tables with built-in storage options like compartments, drawers and shelving—all features which tend to work best in wood. Of course, your coffee table may also double up as a dining table or a desk (but we’re putting that down to human inclination rather than intentional design).
Natural Wood Finishes
In line with the sustainability trend, this year we’re also embracing the beauty of natural wood—knots, grain and all. Natural wood finishes allow the beauty of the wood to shine through, highlighting its unique grain patterns and rich, warm hues. From a glossy clear coat that showcases the wood's natural colour, to a matte finish that gives a more rustic look, natural wood finishes offer a range of options to suit various decor styles and tastes, while ensuring you’ll have a piece that ages beautifully.
Unique Shapes and Designs
In 2024 we're seeing a move away from traditional rectangular and square coffee tables towards more unusual and creative shapes and designs. Round and oval tables and pedestal designs are gaining in popularity, offering a smoother, softer aesthetic that can make a space feel more open and inviting.
Featured Products: Raven Nesting Coffee Table
Also look out for coffee tables featuring asymmetrical designs, multiple tiers, and artistic or sculptural elements. These unique pieces, such as the Lyra Teakroot Coffee Table below, are not just functional but act as a focal point in the room, much like a piece of art.
Featured Product: Lyra Coffee Table
Also look out for coffee tables featuring asymmetrical designs, multiple tiers, and artistic or sculptural elements. These unique pieces, such as the Lyra Teakroot Coffee Table below, are not just functional but act as a focal point in the room, much like a piece of art.
What to consider when choosing a wooden coffee table
- Coffee table size and shape
The size and shape of your coffee table will dramatically impact the flow and functionality of your living space. The table shouldn't be so big that it overwhelms the room, or too small that it seems insignificant. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that’s about two-thirds the length of your couch.
As for the shape, consider the other elements in your room. Rectangular or oval tables work well with larger sofas, while round or square tables are great for smaller seating arrangements or rooms with limited space. Keep in mind that the shape will tend to influence the room's feel—round tables will naturally draw the eye around them to create a sense of flow, while a square or rectangular table can provide a sense of order and structure. - Types of wood
The type of wood your coffee table is made from will affect the aesthetic as well as practical aspects like maintenance requirements and durability. Hardwoods like oak, walnut, teak and acacia offer fantastic built-in durability and natural beauty, making them a very popular choice for wooden coffee tables that can often last decades.
Softwoods like pine can be a more budget-friendly option, but will be a bit more susceptible to dents and scratches. On the other hand, reclaimed pine is more robust and resistant to wear and tear, thanks to the fact that it’s survived a previous life or two! Exotic woods like rosewood or mango can bring a unique aesthetic to your room, but make sure they've been responsibly sourced.
The finishes and treatments used on a wooden coffee table can also help protect the wood and prolong the life of your table. No wooden furniture is completely invulnerable to water damage, so remember to keep those coasters on hand!
- Coffee table construction
A well-constructed wooden coffee table is an investment that can last for generations. When you’re out table shopping, look for marks of solid construction, including sturdy joints and connections, smooth and well-applied finish, and an even, balanced stance.
Tables made from solid wood are often the most durable, but will naturally be a little heavier to move around. Veneered coffee tables, made from a thin layer of high-quality wood over a base of less expensive material, can be a good alternative that’s easier on the back muscles, and the wallet. They offer the beauty of the wood at a more affordable price, but may not last quite as long as pure solid wood tables.
Featured Product: Century Coffee Table
- Functionality and durability
Of course you’ll also want to consider your lifestyle and how you plan to use your coffee table. If you expect it to withstand the rigors of daily use, like kids' playtime, or doubling as a footrest or boardgame table, you'll want to prioritise durability and easy cleaning.
Featured Product: Delmont Coffee Table
Look for a table made from a tough, long-lasting hardwood like walnut, teak or acacia wood for a hardy option that can take some punishment.
Featured Product: Brixton and Nottingham Coffee Tables
In terms of functionality, you may also want to look at tables with built-in storage to help reduce that inevitable living room clutter!
- Coffee table styles and designs
The style and design of your coffee table should complement your existing decor and personal tastes. Do you lean more towards traditional or modern? Do you enjoy the rustic charm of farmhouse decor, or the cool, edgy appeal of industrial style? Maybe you're drawn to the simplicity of Scandinavian design, or consider yourself a connoisseur of Art Deco? From the minimalist to the intricate, there’s a wooden coffee table to suit every taste and home aesthetic. Use your coffee table as a centrepiece to set the tone of your living room and decorate it with a few of your favourite decor pieces to highlight your individual style.
What should you budget for a wooden coffee table?
While we all wish budget didn’t have to play a role in our furniture choices, for most of us it’s a key consideration. The good news is that affordable coffee tables are not too hard to find with the abundance of choices on offer in store and online. Of course, coffee table prices can range dramatically based on factors like the type of wood, the quality of the construction, and coveted designer names and brands.
In South Africa, you can pick up a mass-produced coffee table for less than R2000, or pay up to tens of thousands for a tailor-made table in a rare wood. For a good quality wooden coffee table, you should prepare to spend upwards of R3000. Set a budget that you're comfortable with, but remember, a good coffee table can be an investment that lasts for decades. It might be worth spending a little more for a piece that you truly love that will stand the test of time.
Shop Cielo’s wide range of stylish coffee tables online
Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or hosting a cosy games night, the right coffee table can help ensure your living room is always the go-to spot for relaxation and fun.
Choosing the right coffee table is a careful balancing act between fun and functionality, personal tastes and enduring style. But don’t worry, we’ve done most of the hard work for you with our selection of hand-crafted coffee tables that combine the latest trends with timeless character and quality. Whether you’ve decided to go for a wooden coffee table or something different, our wide range of contemporary, modern and rustic Cielo coffee tables will have you spoiled for choice.
Browse our range of wooden coffee tables, side tables and other stunning living room furniture online, or visit your nearest Cielo showroom to inspire your space.