If I were going to keep one, it would be the coffee table. i definitely would not keep both. The idea of the table is to look like a found item. With matching, it would look like a catalog. Can we see them in your room?
Dee

Yes, you are nuts for thinking you are overly matching things. If you like both pieces and they work in the room, then by all means, keep them. Maybe you wouldn't want to get a complete set of matching side tables, matching lamps, etc., but you are nowhere near matchy-matchy at this point.

I read your first sentence then jumped to the photos -- and my second thought (first thought was "Cool!") was "Oh no - Hope she doesn't get *both* of them because that will destroy the effect..." And I do believe that. One of those tables will look distinctive and quirky; two will look wrong.

Restoration Hardware's Furniture Cart coffee table is one of my favorite pieces -- and would be similar to and compatible with the Industrial console table. But quite possibly TOO similar.

I'd probably go another direction altogether, and would suggest you write down exactly what you like about the table: Open versus heavy, funky-industrial, natural materials, 'urban loft', casual, indestructable... Whatever it is that makes the tables work in your space -- then shop for both. Replace the piece you can replace most easily.

I'd look for something clean-lined and primitive, possibly Asian, Farm or Industrial, either all-wood, all-metal, or metal and glass if it's not all 'shiny and new-looking'.

But your eye is not going to take them in at the same time. One is in front of the sofa and one is behind.

I think you can make them distinctive by what you put on them.

I would not have them in the same room or within view of each other, but I would consider having both in the same house. The console looks like it could be used almost anywhere - hallway, DR, kitchen/breakfast room, den...even a guest room.

What is wrong with having a couple of matching items in a room. ? If you like them both, buy them. Is there some design rule that that states you cant have matching items.

That new line by RH is soooo kewl. They really have gone in a completely new direction with their latest offerings.

I would get the coffee table. Coffee tables should be unique, and are a central focal point in a room.

I would not get the matching console table for the same room. It would dilute the uniqueness of the pieces and seem too matchy-matchy but like allison said, if you love them both put them in different spots in the house. Doing that would give some continuity throughout the house. These pieces would work for continuity purposes since although they are unique and quirky, they have clean simple lines.

If I had to make a choice I'd take the coffee table. But I love both and the matching part wouldn't bother me. I agree with graywings that you can make them distinctive by what you put on them. I'd keep both (you undoubtedly have a lot invested in shipping) and either use both in same room or find a use elsewhere in the house and switch around as you like. Very cool style!

"What is wrong with having a couple of matching items in a room?"

Just my opinion of course, and worth every penny! ;-)

In general - no, matching isn't bad, and there's nothing wrong with suites of matching items. But IMO, there are some things that are better matched than others -- for example, simple sofas or chairs, traditional tables, light fixtures. But pieces that are supposed to look 'unique' or 'one of a kind' should not have an exact match. Those would include Oriental rugs (close is OK - exact says 'mass produced'), quirky or exotic pieces, 'hand-made' items.

Splitting them so that they're not within each other's sightlines would mitigate the match -- possibly completely.

Since they're supposed to look all handmade and unique, etc., I think having a pair diminishes the impact. I've linked to a place in my neighborhood that makes furniture out of actual industrial materials.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cleveland Art

Since these tables are intended to suggest aging and aging is a random process I think two of the these tables will inevitably appear contrived. It lacks the soul and individuality you get from a hand-me-downs and from art and souveniers purchased over time, and with personal meaning. By owning the pair, it would look to me that the owners made a trip to restoration hardware and purchased whatever they found that fit their theme.

Both pieces have such beautiful clean lines, I would definitely use the 2 in the same room, the continuity would not be striking right at first glance since both would be accessorized differently.

In a quest to not match anything ever, I find some decors to be busy and distracting.

No, you're not nuts for thinking they're too "matchy matchy". These pieces were designed to appear to be one of a kind. That's why the 2 aren't working for you...trust your eyes. :)

I'd probably keep the coffee table since it is more of a focal point and the unusual size is what you're looking for.

There are many types of console tables that would complement it...I think Sweeby's advice regarding that was good.

Love the coffee table. Being that you have to have other furniture in the room I would look at other pieces designed by Luay Al-Rawi.

It's the bench I was looking at...probably not high enough though.