Bean There, Done That: Coffee Table Alternatives
Unique coffee table finds that will get you thinking outside the box
Whether you like them tall or short, strong and bold or with something special on top, your coffee table is something you should be proud to call your own – you have to live with it every day, after all. If you’re in the market for a new one, take a look at these surprising alternatives. Some offer versatility, others boast clever storage, some even repurpose your old wares. If there’s one thing they all have in common, however, it’s their ability to draw in your attention and become the focal point of the room. Need a talking point? Start here.
See how you can stack and create a variety of possibilities? This design creates extra storage space for your magazines, books and TV remotes so you have no excuse to leave the top full of clutter!
Off the beaten track. Not only does this steamer-inspired travelling trunk add a spot of vintage charm to this masculine room, it also doubles as hideaway storage – ideal when you’re short on space. While you can buy these new, you’re sure to find something even more characterful at a garage sale or op shop for a fraction of the price.
TIP: When shopping around, keep in mind the size of the trunk. It’s crucial that it sits at a comfortable height, similar to that of a typical coffee table, so you’re not forced to stretch your abs in order to get to the chips (though, that’s not necessarily bad for your waistline).
TIP: When shopping around, keep in mind the size of the trunk. It’s crucial that it sits at a comfortable height, similar to that of a typical coffee table, so you’re not forced to stretch your abs in order to get to the chips (though, that’s not necessarily bad for your waistline).
Should you find yourself with a great find, but one that’s too short by coffee table standards, just add some legs. The owner of this vintage suitcase went the extra mile by covering the top with fabric from Ikea, which also acts as a great way to protect the original surface from coffee marks and the like.
Work your magic. This is not actually a floating Persian rug, but you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking so. This ‘flying carpet’ coffee table rests on a plywood surface that can also be easily removed (should you rather lie on the rug!).
See the rest of the house (and the real magic behind the rug) here.
See the rest of the house (and the real magic behind the rug) here.
Set in motion. An off-cut piece of glass can be transformed into a simple coffee table, too – just add some wheels as a base for nifty mobility.
Open Sesame. As you’ve probably come to notice, almost any flat surface can work as a coffee table top. Doors are particularly useful and can be painted and cut to size as well. This one has been kept in its original state – not even the handle has been removed – and has steel pipe legs attached.
With so many options available, finding the right door for your house will probably be the toughest part. If you strike lucky and find one painted in a lovely colour, just apply a polyurethane for a durable long-lasting professional finish that’s in keeping with the original form.
With so many options available, finding the right door for your house will probably be the toughest part. If you strike lucky and find one painted in a lovely colour, just apply a polyurethane for a durable long-lasting professional finish that’s in keeping with the original form.
Root and branch. A really organic look that also brings the outdoors in is treated offcuts of timber. Your local tree lopper may have excess timber they’re trying to get rid of – and you might even get it for free!
Revive. Upcycling is a common theme amongst Houzzers and their coffee tables. An old gear factory came up with the goods for this unique find, in which a piece of equipment is used as the base.
More upcycling ideas that turn trash into treasure
More upcycling ideas that turn trash into treasure
Cart off. You might have noticed rustic and/or industrial factory carts popping up all over the place as coffee tables, even in furniture stores. Despite being over a hundred years old, and never really being intended as something to rest your cup of coffee on, homeowners are flocking to the antique item and its imitations. I was even able to find a business (outside of Australia, unfortunately) that specialises solely in refinishing factory carts, so the demand is clearly there.
If you want to make an original one your own DIY project, besides sanding, staining and sealing it, you could also try customising it by replacing the nails and nuts, for instance – or even add a glass top.
If you want to make an original one your own DIY project, besides sanding, staining and sealing it, you could also try customising it by replacing the nails and nuts, for instance – or even add a glass top.
Here an old metal French cart gets a new lease on life with a simple glass top addition.
Old school. How adorable is this coffee table setup? The antique kids’ chairs and table were bought separately, but combined, work twice as hard as an activity table for the little ones. A way to repurpose your kids’ tables and chairs (the ones sans cartoon characters – unless you’re into that sort of thing!) when they grow out of them, perhaps? Having said that, even a household without kids could do with its charm and touch of whimsy.
Take a seat. If you want a cheaper alternative to a coffee table, consider using a cluster of stools, like shown here. Not only do they look perfectly at home as a makeshift coffee table, but they also provide extra seating when guests are over, too. Try mixing and matching a variety of stools (of the same height) for a more eclectic effect.
TIP: In this case, a heavier option will keep the wobble at bay.
TIP: In this case, a heavier option will keep the wobble at bay.
If you need a consistent surface for placing things down that doesn’t obscure the look of the stools, simply layer with a glass top.
Pack it up. Storage boxes are an especially budget-friendly alternative to traditional coffee tables, and are a great addition to small spaces. Fill them with stowaway essentials, top with a decorative vase and voilà, a nifty little coffee table. The bonus here is you can easily move them around and update them without feeling guilty (because you certainly didn’t spend a fortune on them!).
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What do you think of these coffee table alternatives? Do you have a unique one yourself? Show us or tell us about it in the Comments.
MORE
Guide to Creating a Beautifully Styled Coffee Table
How to Choose the Right Coffee Table
Bedside Tables With a Difference: 11 One-of-a-Kind Ideas
SHARE WITH US
What do you think of these coffee table alternatives? Do you have a unique one yourself? Show us or tell us about it in the Comments.
MORE
Guide to Creating a Beautifully Styled Coffee Table
How to Choose the Right Coffee Table
Bedside Tables With a Difference: 11 One-of-a-Kind Ideas
TIP: Consider where the pallet or crate came from and how it was used. You wouldn’t want to bring something into your home that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or other icky stuff.