If You Think You Don’t Have Room For a Coffee Table, These 10 Options Might Change Your Mind

Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer based in New York City who covers interior design and lifestyle content. She is constantly on the hunt for eye-catching pieces to add to her space and believes that a home is never truly finished being styled.
Sarah M. Vazquez
Sarah M. VazquezCommerce SEO Editor
For the past 8 years, I've covered all things shopping. My work's been published by Hearst, PureWow, and Bauer Media Group. I'm a Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl (with a BA in English from Montclair State University) who loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and my family (but not necessarily in that order).
updated Dec 28, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A living room featuring a yellow armchair, blue sofa, and two nesting coffee tables
Credit: Lula Poggi

When it comes to small-space living, there are some truths you come to accept — namely, that you can’t always get what you want, especially when it comes to furniture. One piece of furniture that is the first to be avoided in small spaces is the coffee table. Though they’re often a staple in living room design, many small spaces can’t accommodate them — or at least, that’s what we used to think.

Just because your apartment lacks square footage doesn’t mean you have to forgo a coffee table entirely. In fact, when living in small quarters, it may be more practical to invest in a coffee table rather than a dining table! On the hunt for the perfect compact pick? Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite coffee tables for small spaces that are perfect for everything from casual use to formal entertaining.

Do you have a small-space-friendly coffee table you swear by? Let us know in the comments below!

Martini Side Table
$159$127

Round tables are a small space savior, and this side table could easily be repurposed as a coffee table for a super narrow space. Plus, it's petite enough that you can move it around your place with ease — pull it directly in front of you as you dine or work on a laptop, then store it off to the side at the end of the day.

$127 at West Elm
Batotana Coffee Table
$198$155

Add some rustic flair to your living room with this carved coffee table from Wayfair. The industrial legs keep it looking sleek and modern, while the solid wood top adds warmth and natural texture to any space.

$155 at Wayfair
Shae Boucle Storage Bench
$699

Who can resist a cute piece that also comes with built-in storage? This Urban Outfitters bench is a total winner. While it technically isn't designed to be a coffee table, it can definitely be used as one — just add a tray or a stack of magazines to create a makeshift tabletop.

$699 at Urban Outfitters
Alvis Lift Top Cross Legs Coffee Table
$116$99

If you need something that you can stash out of sight at the drop of a hat, this Wayfair piece is an easy choice. You can remove the tray and fold up the legs in a snap, so it's the perfect piece to have on hand if you only have space to set up a table on occasion. The sleek gold is nice and stylish, too, although it's also available five other color combinations.

$99 at Wayfair
Campanelli Coffee Table
$387$148

This wooden table from Wayfair has a funky, mid-century shape without the steep price tag. It's thin enough that it won't overwhelm a small living room, but its length means that you can maximize its storage potential. Plus, multiple people can use it as a dining surface at once, which is always a plus!

$148 at Wayfair
Desma Coffee Table
$163

With a look that's part Scandi, part MCM, this coffee table is perfect for anyone looking for something bold and space-saving. Clean lines and splayed legs give it style, while its removable top offers storage for the ultimate two-in-one design.

$163 at Wayfair
Paramus Coffee Table
$435$180

This round wooden coffee table has an extra dose of detail thanks to the stunning black base. We also couldn't be more impressed with the price! If your space is full of square or rectangular pieces, a round table may be an excellent alternative and will add some visual interest to a room.

$180 at Wayfair
Lavish Home Clear Acrylic Multipurpose Coffee Table
$150$120

Acrylic, see-through tables are always a good go-to for those looking to minimize visual clutter. This particular pick from Amazon doesn't look like much, but it's actually super versatile — you can use it as a couch tray, a tiny coffee table, or turn it vertically and use it as a C-style end table.

$120 at Amazon
Trish Coffee Table
$510

For something with a Boho flair, this Joss and Main coffee table is a can't-miss pick. With a beautiful black wood body and rush shelf at the base (yay, storage!), this petite table is sure to bring you years of joy (and compliments).

$510 at Joss & Main
Halton Nesting Tables
$50

Why opt for one table when you can snag a set of two? This Wayfair duo looks lovely as a nesting pair, or the two pieces can be separated and utilized in different places. The style is great for those who lean more minimalist and modern — check out the dip-dyed legs!

$50 at Wayfair

More to Love from Apartment Therapy