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The centre table for your living room is the landing pad for drinks and snacks, a stage for decorative displays and a focal point that ties the space together. But with so many shapes, sizes, styles and materials to choose from, how do you find the perfect centre table for your living room?
That’s what we’re here for!
The ultimate guide to centre table shapes
#1: The long and short of it: Rectangular centre table for living room
Centre table trunks, also known as trunk coffee tables, have hollow interiors that can be used as a storage space for blankets, pillows, board games, or anything you want to keep out of sight but easily accessible.
Rectangular tables are the best living room ideas and designs because they work well with various layouts, particularly those with rectangular sofas. You can find a table that complements your existing décor, whether it’s minimalist, rustic, or industrial.
#2: Square centre table for structured living rooms
The clean lines of this modern minimal centre table with an uncluttered surface create a sense of airiness and order in the living room.
#3: Round centre tables for compact living rooms
Unlike rectangular tables, round tables eliminate the danger of sharp corners, making them a great choice for homes with small children or active pets. They work well with modern aesthetics due to their clean lines, but can also fit with traditional settings when paired with the right materials and finishes.
Here’s a modern take on round centre tables with glass tops and metal rims!
This unexpected centrepiece draws the eye, its unique character adding a touch of rustic charm to the modern setting. The table, crafted from polished distressed wood, boasts a rich, textured surface that whispers of old-world charm.
#4: Oval obsession
Oval nesting tables are the new obsession! Guess why? They are sleek, save space, and nest perfectly.
Centre tables for every dream design
#5: Modern centre table for living rooms you’ll love
Clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on function define modern centre tables. Glass, metal, and high-gloss finishes are popular choices.
#6: Timeless traditional treasures
Traditional tables evoke a sense of timelessness with their use of warm wood tones. These rich colours, often mahogany, cherry, or walnut, create a feeling of warmth in the living space. The tables themselves are not simply functional surfaces; they are often adorned with ornate details like carvings, mouldings, or decorative hardware. Cabriole legs, a hallmark of traditional design, add a touch of old-school luxury with their curved form, further elevating the centre table from a piece of furniture in your living room to a decorative focal point.
#7: Industrial centre table inspirations
The industrial centre table injects a touch of raw urban energy into your living room. Often crafted from reclaimed wood or metal with exposed pipes and rivets, it embodies a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic.
While its industrial character makes a bold statement, the clean lines and uncluttered surface ensure it remains visually balanced and won’t overwhelm your space. This table is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of functionality and edgy style.
These tables are a perfect fit for lofts, modern living spaces, or anyone who appreciates a conversation piece with a touch of edge. While their industrial aesthetic might seem cold, incorporating warm accents like throw pillows or a cosy rug can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
#8: Stunning Scandinavian centre tables for living rooms
Minimalist design with a focus on light wood tones and functionality characterises Scandinavian centre tables. Crafted from light woods like beech or oak, these tables often showcase clean lines and tapered legs. The focus is on natural materials and showcasing the inherent grain of the wood. Some Scandinavian tables incorporate hidden storage drawers or compartments, maintaining a clean aesthetic while offering practical solutions for keeping clutter at bay.
#9: Make a statement with mid-century modern centre tables
Channel the iconic style of the 1950s and 60s with a mid-century modern centre table. Often crafted from rich walnut or teak wood, they might feature tapered legs with a splayed design for a sense of lightness.
Organic shapes and a mix of materials like wood and brass are also very often seen in mid-century modern tables. They are perfect for living rooms that embrace a minimalist aesthetic with a nod to vintage style.
#10: Eclectic eye candies
Eclectic centre tables bring the unexpected, offering a unique focal point for your living room. They break away from traditional matched sets and embrace a unique mix of styles, materials, and textures.
Selecting the right centre table material
#11: Centre table design with glass top
Glass tops also showcase the beauty of any decorative items placed underneath, like a stylish rug or a curated collection of coffee table books. The transparent surface allows light to pass through, creating a sense of airiness and openness in the space. This is particularly beneficial for smaller living room designs, as it visually expands the feel of the area.
#12: Wooden centre table design
Wood tables come in a wide range of options, from rustic and reclaimed wood designs with unique grain patterns to sleek, mid-century modern styles with clean lines and walnut finishes.
You can find a table that not only complements your existing furniture but also provides durability and functionality.
#13: Marble & granite for lasting appeal
The natural veining and rich colours of these stones create a stunning focal point in your living room. Marble offers a luxurious feel with its smooth surface and comes in various lighter tones, while granite provides a more durable option with a wider range of colours and patterns.
Both materials are relatively easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for a high-traffic area like a coffee table. However, coasters should be used to prevent etching or staining on the stone surface.
Centre tables with marble or granite tops can be paired with metal bases for a modern look, or wooden legs for a more classic aesthetic.
#14: The balance of rattan & wicker
The open weave construction of these materials offers breathability and a light, airy feel. Rattan, with its smooth, round core, adds a touch of sophistication, while wicker, with its flatter strands, provides a more rustic charm. This natural aesthetic pairs beautifully with a variety of styles, from coastal and bohemian to mid-century modern.
#15: Keep your centre table gleaming with brass
The warm glow of brass complements a variety of materials, from rich wood tones to sleek marble tops. It can be a subtle accent, featured in the legs, handles, or trim, or take centre stage with a brass tabletop. Brass inlays or geometric patterns can add a touch of art deco flair, while brushed brass finishes offer a modern and luxurious feel.
Beyond shape, style, and material
#16: Combinations of materials
The warmth and natural beauty of wood provide a solid base and structure, while the woven wicker elements add a touch of textural interest and a lighter feel. This combination can be particularly effective in creating a coastal or bohemian aesthetic. The wicker can be incorporated in various ways, such as woven panels on the table’s sides, a wicker shelf underneath the main surface, or even as an inset tray on the top.
This material mix also offers practicality, as the smooth glass surface is easy to clean and maintain, while the wood base adds warmth and a touch of rustic charm.
#17: Storage
Drawers, shelves, or hidden compartments can be lifesavers for keeping clutter at bay.
#18: Height and proportion
Ensure your centre table is the right height for your sofa. Ideally, the table surface should be around the coffee table height (16-18 inches) from the sofa seat.
#19: Functionality
The table itself provides a surface for drinks, snacks, or decorative items, while the ottomans serve double duty as additional seating. The ottomans can often be tucked neatly under the table when not in use, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look in your living room. This type of centre table for living rooms is ideal for apartments, smaller homes, or anyone who appreciates a touch of flexibility and functionality in their furniture choices.
These clever tables come in sets of two or more, where each table fits snugly within the other. This allows you to completely transform your coffee table situation based on your needs. Need a sprawling surface area for a game night? Nest all the tables together. Hosting a small gathering? Separate the tables to create individual side tables or coffee tables.
#20: A gallery of centre tables
How can Livspace help you?
We hope this article on centre table design for living rooms has inspired you to revamp your living space!
- Our team can custom design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
- We have delivered over 75,000 happy homes
- Count on us for premium-grade materials that are not only high-quality but also built to last
If you’re looking for ways to transform your house with custom designs, book an online consultation with Livspace today.
Disclaimer: All contents of the blog are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.
