Research by furnishings website ufurnish.com has found that British people spend an average of 38 days researching furniture buys for their home. Coffee tables spark the most deliberation, with shoppers spending 128 hours researching online and in-store before committing to a purchase.
This article contains affiliate links, from which we may earn a small commission
This ‘purchase paralysis’ is caused by numerous factors, from being overwhelmed by choice to holding out for the perfect piece, as well as couples struggling to reach an agreement. Dining table and chair sets take the second longest to find, racking up 85 hours of research, followed by lighting at 81 hours.
If you’re currently browsing the internet for coffee tables, it may be helpful to know what’s proving popular with other homeowners. Here, ufurnish.com, which showcases collections from more than 110 retailers, shares its 10 best-selling coffee tables, ranging from pared-back and minimalist to Art Deco-influenced styles.
1. Zaragoza coffee table, Made
The wavy shape of the Zaragoza from Made (£400) reflects the current trend for softer, curvier furnishings. It’s made from engineered wood with a walnut veneer, paired with polished black legs for a modern industrial feel. The rounded edges also make this coffee table design more toddler-friendly than rectangular versions with sharp corners.
Zaragoza coffee table from Made
2. Canyon oak-effect table, Argos
Part of the Canyon collection that also encompasses a bookcase, TV unit and sideboard, this rustic-looking table from Argos (£85) is finished with a unique oak-effect 3D-paper foil finish. Made from particleboard, it offers a natural, solid-oak look without the price tag. Self-assembly required.
Canyon in oak from Argos
3. Glass topped nest, Where Saints Go
This set of two coffee tables is ideal for those who appreciate the Art Deco aesthetic. The larger table is glass-topped and the smaller one, which slides underneath when not required, has a gold, metallic finish. The set has been handmade, with slight imperfections adding to its character. £325 from Where Saints Go via ufurnish.com.
Round nest from Where Saints Go
4. Cruz living-dining collection, SCS
For a coordinated living and dining space, consider buying key pieces from the same collection. The Cruz collection from SCS includes dining tables, sideboards, coffee tables and more, in various sizes. Each piece is traditionally jointed. £279.99 from SCS via ufurnish.com.
5. Barbican convertible table, Pepper Sq
Multi-functional furniture is ideal for smaller spaces. The marble-effect Barbican convertible coffee-to-dining table by Pepper Sq (£1,829) morphs into a desk or dining table, expanding from 120 x 170cm to 120 x 220cm via two internal extension pieces and a gas lifting device.
Barbican convertible coffee-to-dining table from Pepper Sq
6. Burford rattan coffee table, John Lewis & Partners
Handmade from intricately woven natural rattan, the Burford coffee table from Desser (£239.99) has a toughened glass top and a storage shelf to keep out of the way. Sustainably sourced in Indonesia, this natural rattan is strong, durable and easy to keep clean. Matching furniture is available.
Burford rattan coffee table from John Lewis & Partners
7. Miami minimalist table, Furniturebox
The glass and chrome Miami coffee table from Furniturebox (£134.99) is a simple, barely-there solution for a minimalist scheme. The table top is made from 8mm thick clear tempered glass. A matching console and lamp table are also available.
Miami table from Furniturebox
8. Scala marble-effect table, Dunelm
Marble-topped coffee tables offer that timeless, Italian style. The Scala from Dunelm (£229) combines a marble-effect top with a gold-finished steel frame to add a touch of luxury to your scheme.
Scala marble-effect coffee table with gold legs from Dunelm
9. Black-and-gold style, Aosom
This bold coffee table pairs gold, crossed-hairpin steel legs with black tempered glass. Strong and striking, this design is available in various sizes, ideal for creating a nested look or simply adding a matching side table. Designed by Homcom and available from Aosom, starting from £39.99.
Black glass table with gold hairpin legs from Aosom
10. Freddie multifunctional nest, Dunelm
Crafted from a black metal frame with wood-effect table tops, this Mid-century modern-style coffee table nest is ideal for a pared-back, contemporary interior. The Freddie set from Dunelm (£80) comes with two nest tables – ideal for entertaining guests or creating a co-ordinated scheme with side tables.
Freddie wooden-effect nest from Dunelm
