How can I be so confused about a coffee table?

10 years ago

I have a large den 20x22, and I currently have a very good quality large square 38" x 38" coffee table. I have been looking for another table with a more updated feel and rectangular in shape but haven't had much luck. I have seen this one at Pottery Barn and the look is what I want. Am I so naive to think if I am going to spend this much on a table, it should be more than veneers over MDF? Any suggestions??

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paul martin

10 years ago

Since you have a perpendicular sofa arrangement a square or round would be better. Excess adornments like shelving, molding and hardware allow retailers to drive the price up. Add a storage option and the product managers go bonkers and really ask for the moon and stars in terms of pricing. If I may suggest perhaps a simple rustic solid-wood round table, perhaps made of recycled wood might it the bill. Interest would be generated by the unique characteristics of the wood. It may take a wee bit of effort to find one but it may be worth looking for one you absolutely love.

Or an easy option would be Crate and Barrel's Edgewood Square coffee Table. Made of recycled teak and is 40" x 40". Retails for $699. The round one is about 38" and is $599. Both are clean and simple and celebrates the beauty of the wood.

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Comments (21)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
Check out better furniture places Pottery barn would not be my go to.Why not google solid wood furniture
Danielle Lyn
10 years ago
Im in the same boat, I cant find solid hardwood i like (in a decent price range). I want a restoration hardware one but its so far out of my price range. I ended up finding designers on esty that could replicate the look with real wood, some of them were even local. Its worth a shot?
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Clarissa
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for the suggestions! Would something else look better? Round or wood with metal, wood and glass? I tend to keep furniture for awhile so I want to get this right.
Bev
10 years ago
I love the look and feel of real wood and it's something that never goes out of style!
Clarissa
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you sewsmore would you go rectangular or round?
JustDoIt
10 years ago
Quirky - I think the same as you. For those prices they should be real wood.
Bev
10 years ago
Clarissa--It just depends on what you find. If you find a rectangular coffee table that you have to have--that's the one to buy! The same thing in a round table.
Clarissa
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone for the comments. I will keep looking for a "solid wood" table that speaks to me!
sandiocd
10 years ago
Quirky-I am like you-- I like a good solid wood furniture piece, but I suffer from sticker shock. I have had good luck going to used furniture or antique shops and finding a nice piece to refinish or rehab. If that is something that you are open to doing, you might run across a real bargain! I have done this several times.
Bev
10 years ago
Right now, most of the furniture stores are having sales of some sort. It just so happens that I went furniture shopping with my daughter when we were visiting her in Virginia. She got extremely lucky and found a clearance bedroom suite that she loved. She saved over $1500.00!
Clarissa
Original Author
10 years ago
puremichigan and paul, both your ideas are appealing! The round ottoman is an interesting approach but would need storage for the grandchildren's things. Paul as the name implies I do enjoy things that are different and "unique" and stand out from the norm. The sofa and other seating is pretty traditional, but I have mixed a lot of quirky pieces in with it, so your idea of a rustic piece has me thinking!
PRO
Karen Schram, Ethan Allen Design Center - Cary, NC
10 years ago
Check out Ethan Allen. You are getting solid wood furniture that will last forever. And, the pricing is completely competitive.
PRO
paul martin
10 years ago
Another "quirky" option would be an unfinished edge wood table. One of the originators was an artist George Nakashima:

You can find similar ones online but they must be seen in person to see if you truly

love these one-of -a-kind pieces of art.
Clarissa
Original Author
10 years ago
Paul, those tables are stunning! Such an unusual piece and I love it. It would add such so much natural texture to the room. There is a shop about two hours from my home that just might have something like this made my local artisans. I am going to take a little trip and check them out ! Thanks for the suggestion and the pictures. Really started me thinking in a new direction!
PRO
paul martin
10 years ago
You are very welcome! Good luck on your search.
Susan Davis
10 years ago
Late to the party; have your very gorgeous piece painted with chalk paint in a tone that relates to a color in the room, or have it professionally refinished like the Pottery Barn piece. You can probably get a wood sample from PB. Your piece is really really pretty.
decoenthusiaste
10 years ago
This bit of info might help in your search, since the coffee table should fit the sofas rather than the room. It should measure 1/3 - 1/2 of the space between the sofa arms.
jmm1837
10 years ago
You might want to check out some custom furniture makers, too. I had a buffet and some bookcases made out of solid hardwood to my specs, that proved to be no more expensive than the veneer/MDF stuff on sale in the major stores.
Kristy Singer_Dian
10 years ago
If sticker shock is a concern, and this might sound weird, but consider an ikea solid pine coffee table called Rekarne. Refinish to your specifications. I've done this and beat up the pieces prior to assembly and get many compliments. mind you with young kids, I couldn't invest in something more expensive that would likely get abused.
Clarissa
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you everyone for the great information. I have a much clearer idea of what I need for the room, so now the fun begins! The search is on!