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8 Ways to Reimagine the Coffee Table
A Trunk, Ottoman, Cart and More Can Become the Center of the Living Room
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building process. For me, it's all about learning about my clients and creating a personalized space that fits the way they live.
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building... More »
Gone are the days when your coffee table had to be just a coffee table. In today's design world, the coffee table can be so much more. Whether an industrial element, something pulled directly from the woods or a piece of high art, these furnishings still serve their all-important purpose: a place to put your feet or drinks.
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| 1. Pick antique fixtures as conversation pieces. In this French-inspired living room, the industrial cart becomes a perfect place to showcase other collectibles. The rustic nature of the wood works beautifully with the neutral colors and textures in the rest of the room. |
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| 2. Everyday objects can be repurposed. By placing a piece of glass on top of these two drums, this space is given an extra personal touch. Look for pieces around your home that are aching for a new life and purpose. |
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| 3. Sometimes overscale is just the right size. I'm not sure if this is an ottoman, a coffee table or a bed. As a coffee table it's just right. You can put your feet up on the perimeter, while the tray in the middle acts as a stable location for drinks. |
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| 4. If space is limited, use a piece that has multiple purposes. I've seen multi-functional pieces before, but never a coffee table that is also a child's table. This low table and set of chairs becomes a perfect place for the kids to work on art projects while the adults sit and converse around them. |
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| 5. "Lighten" a piece with mirrors. This super-glam mirrored coffee table reflects all the colors and textures going on this room. The reflective nature also keeps the table from feeling too large in the space, which it could otherwise do given the chunkiness of the legs and top. |
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| 6. Natural elements work as functional sculpture. In this modern space, the tree root base adds an interesting texture and shape, especially against the highly geometric pattern on the area rug. If you're going to use a table with an unusual shape or pattern, consider how it plays off other patterns and materials used in the space. |
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| 7. Highlight architectural elements with high design. Nothing like a modern coffee table with only one leg (yep, that's right!). This table has a leg on the right side and is suspended on the left side using steel cables. The light underneath highlights the fact that this piece is suspended and replicates the other architectural elements in this space. |
by twenty7 design
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8. Look for a modern interpretation of a classic piece. This trunk–turned–coffee table hints at an era long gone when steamer trunks were more predominant. The stainless steel brings this piece into the 21st century. Notice how the patterned stools reflect the geometric pattern of the area rug and wall art, all balanced against the cold reflective surface of the trunk.
More ways with coffee tables:
Design Details: Coffee Tables Done Right
A Clear Choice: Lucite Coffee Tables
More ways with coffee tables:
Design Details: Coffee Tables Done Right
A Clear Choice: Lucite Coffee Tables
Comments
Molto Bene Studios that child's table coffee table is genius! Great idea book, you featured some very unique things
2 years ago · Like
Deanne We have a coffee table as a child's table in our living room my husband cut it down from a normal table and made little stools that slide in underneath 
2 years ago · Like
newmouse Child's table as coffee table is the best idea. Where were you when my kids were small?
2 years ago · Like
Debra Carrillo I like the silver trunk and the ottomans. The room itself is great!
2 years ago · Like
ksiegelson Like the tree root table, but what is the situation on the wall behind it? That appears to be a collection of wadded paper towels installed as art? Sometimes I just have to say hmmmm....
2 years ago · Like
Shuffle Interiors We took an vintage radiator, cleaned it up, topped it with glass and have integrated it into a client's home as a side table to create an urban/masculan feel. Other repurposed accents included a pair of vintage clawfoot tub legs used as bookends in the open shelving. Photos in progress.
2 years ago · Like
ooshi Love the child's coffe table!!
2 years ago · Like
luckykats ksiegelson: they do look like giant spitwads, don't they?
2 years ago · Like
hburchfield Love the child's coffee table idea, but not sure how much convering or sitting can take place while they play! It's still one idea I'd like to try!
2 years ago · Like
Sesshu Design Associates, Ltd We created this unique 'broken' cocktail table for a large sitting area that needed to allow traffic flow through the center. 
2 years ago · Like
Susan Jay Design Table for the kids...had the same idea! 
2 years ago · Like
tea Brought back fond memories when I saw the childrens chairs at the coffee table. It has been many years, but I had a small kitchen table no longer being used, so I took it to a welding company and they charged 20 dollars to get the legs down to coffee table height. It functioned as coffee table as well arts and crafts table for my grandchildren. Needless to say I was extremely pleased.
23 months ago · Like
suewilmart That broken coffe table is way beyond cool. But it looks like the top is layers of something, and the base looks like two different substances. What is it made of?
16 months ago · Like
Diamondflame Hey, hobbits table! Nice idea!
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 14, 2011.
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