Coffee Table Alternatives for a Small Space
I’ve basically taken for granted that not having a coffee table is normal. So much so that it appears I haven’t updated the blog from having no coffee table, (when Theo turned about 2 years old) to now having a couple of ottomans or poufs that act as our coffee table. I recommend losing a coffee table, when space is limited and kids are tiny, so often that I forgot to actually write it down here! So here I am putting it in writing.
You don’t NEED a coffee table. They are a nice-to-have furniture item that I think is easy to give up when what you need most is space to move and play. The main purpose of a coffee table in my opinion is to have somewhere to put down a drink and maybe put your feet up. Maybe play a game? So how can we do these things without a coffee table?
Side tables - Small side tables, colourful side tables, curvy side tables. Side tables that double as stools? Having a couple side tables in your living room to put your drink or book down solves this problem. A sturdy 18” tall side table can also act as another seat at your dining table when you have guests!
A few favourite side tables of mine are:
Hay Bowler Side Table - I like the tiny size of this cutie
my poufs/ottomans with Skagerak Tray on top, IKEA similar version HERE
Ottomans or Poufs
We started with one 24” dia pouf and a year or so later added another 12” dia pouf. They’ve proven to work really well for us. They are extra seats, coffee table(s), foot rests, karaoke stages, floor is lava safe spots etc. Both are the same height, only 12” I think. Which I think helps. Everything in our living room is very low to the ground so there is still a lot of floor sitting and I believe it makes the space feel larger than it actually is. I got these locally from Vancouver Special, they are by Softline a Danish company (Another online source for Softline HERE, TRAY option, Taller Pouf HERE, ). I like that the covers are removable and that they are wool. These are my fave but there are many other ottoman/poufs on the market. For a more heavy duty one I would take a look at Blu Dot HERE and HERE. EQ3 is another good source for Poufs.
Bench
A third option is using a narrow bench as a coffee table. Something 12-18” deep and lower height like 15”. This should be easier to find vintage. We had a Nelson bench at one point that worked well. I particularly love this funny low bench from Montreal-based FOUND. They also have great coffee tables if you are into that sort of thing…
That’s all for now, maybe take a fresh look at your living room and consider the phase of life you are in. Maybe it’s worth trying no coffee table for a bit? You can always change your mind later!
This post contains affiliate links where we may earn a small commission if you purchase directly through them. Thanks for your support!