Coffee tables are often a necessary family room staple. Whether it’s to hold pretty décor accessories or more functional items like drinks, snacks, remotes and reading materials, they are one of the few items in a house that are as functional as they are decorative. Available in pretty much any size, material and shape you can imagine, you are sure to find one that suits your personal style. But if you move frequently or are often trying to make furniture fit into tight apartment spaces, we have three unique coffee table solutions that can help maximize space while still giving you the look and function you need!
A Trunk
A large trunk is a great coffee table solution. Not only are trunks sturdy and built to last, they often provide ample storage space inside for things such as movies, seasonal items, extra pillows and blankets, games, toys and more. In small spaces, adding in extra storage to staple furniture pieces can help reduce clutter and ultimately create more usable space in the same footprint. An old, weathered trunk can give your space character, while sleek versions provide a modern flair. However, thanks to their clean lines and simple shapes, old trunks are easy to update to match your style. If you find a trunk on your next thrifting trip, paint it or cover it in wallpaper (as shown here) to add a major pop of color and texture to an otherwise bland space!
An Ottoman
A large, soft ottoman is not only a kid-friendly coffee table solution but is also a great way to build extra (comfortable) seating into your tight floor plan for the impromptu parties or game nights. Most ottomans are sturdy enough to function as both a coffee table and bench seating, and they are lightweight enough to move around whenever and wherever you need them. Inexpensive to purchase but also simple to DIY, ottomans are the ideal way to introduce a cozy element to your living space. Bonus style and function points if you find and use an ottoman with built-in storage! Just be sure to provide a tray on the soft top surface for drinks and other snacks to keep spills and messes at bay!
Multiple Small Tables
If you are trying to keep the amount of furniture you have to a minimum but still want each seat in your family room to have a convenient place to put a drink, consider using several small tables in place of one large one! Pushed together in a group, they visually act as one unit, but pulled apart, the arrangement can appear larger, and the tables can be repositioned around the room as necessary. Using several small tables is the perfect scalable coffee table solution for someone who is frequently moving into new spaces with different dimensions. Bigger space? Use all the tables. Smaller space? Use just one or two and store the rest. An added bonus is that smaller tables can double as side tables in almost any room, giving you a lot of options and flexibility from a single (or multiple!) piece of furniture.
Coffee tables are the ultimate decorative and functional home décor item. Not only do they help any sofa arrangement feel more balanced and complete, they are essential to comfortable living and entertaining. In tight spaces or in situations where you need flexibility, think beyond the standard coffee table and come up with a unique and creative solution that will meet various needs. Whether it’s extra storage, seating or movability, our strategies here will help you find just the right table for your apartment space!
Need even more coffee table ideas? Here are some great multi-functional pieces to consider, and here are three ways to give your current coffee table a unique look!