The coffee table is where life happens. It’s the spot for family game nights, catching up with friends over coffee, or just putting your feet up after a long day. It’s the anchor of your living room and sets the tone for the whole space. But finding that perfect coffee table? It can feel a bit like shopping for the perfect pair of jeans… We promise it doesn’t have to be that hard, though. Besides, if you’ve decided to buy a wooden coffee table, then half the job’s already done!
Wood is one of the most popular coffee table materials in SA for good reason (and not just because we’ve got great taste). Wood is warm, inviting and versatile enough to suit any interior and just about any décor style. Plus, it gives you plenty bang for your buck – which – let’s be honest – has to go the extra mile these days!
So, let’s get you set up to find your perfect fit in the wooden coffee table department. We’ll cover popular styles and trends, practical tips for choosing a coffee table, and introduce you to five of our favourites from Incanda’s beautiful homegrown wooden coffee table range.
Popular Coffee Table Styles
Your coffee table is a statement piece, reflecting your personal style and setting the vibe for your living room. Whether your taste leans towards rustic charm or sleek minimalism, there’s a wooden coffee table style out there waiting to complete your space.
Rustic Coffee Tables
Are you a nature lover who would rather take a walk in the woods than sit cooped up inside? Rustic coffee tables bring the fresh appeal of the great outdoors into your living room, with that beautiful genuine natural wood. They can be made from various kinds of solid woods, often featuring a natural matte or textured finish. Rustic coffee tables add warmth and charm to your home.
Modern Wood Coffee Tables
With their sleek lines and sophisticated looks, modern coffee tables often combine real wood with glass tops for convenience and easy maintenance. The smooth, minimalist designs match modern fast-paced and time-saving lifestyles. They banish bulk and extra ornamental flourishes to complement modern lounge suites and fit in well in today’s homes.
Industrial Coffee Table Designs
Looking to infuse an urban vibe in your lounge? Industrial coffee tables incorporate other materials like metal, glass or synthetics with solid wood. The strong angles and arty looks are great for split level apartments with angled ceilings, stairs and banisters, or loft style units that make use of interesting architectural shapes and high ventilation spaces.
Traditional Coffee Tables
These beautifully vintage tables with ornate detailing are sure to bring back memories of Grandma’s gorgeous rich Victorian period pieces. They often feature oval or rectangular shapes with rounded and bevelled edges, sometimes with a glass top over the wooden surface. Traditional wood coffee tables will add a touch of elegance and luxury to your living area.
Coffee Table trends we’re loving in 2024
You’ve nailed down your style, now let’s talk trends! 2024 is all about coffee tables that are as good for the planet as they are for your living room. Here are two trends leading the way.
Natural Wood Finishes
One of the biggest perks of choosing a wooden coffee table? The gorgeous natural finishes! From subtle matte to high-gloss glam, there’s a finish to complement every style and enhance the wood’s unique character. Glossy Clear Coat adds a touch of sophistication and shine, perfect for modern or glam living rooms. Matte Finish enhances the wood’s natural beauty with an understated, rustic vibe. Beyond aesthetics, wood finishes also act as a protective layer, shielding your table from wear and tear to ensure it ages gracefully. Plus, you can easily find finishes that complement your existing décor and furniture!
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Designs
In 2024, sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it’s a must-have. Thankfully, you can find stunning wooden coffee tables that are as eco-friendly as they are stylish. Here’s what to look for: Responsibly Sourced Wood: Look for tables crafted from reclaimed, recycled, or sustainably harvested wood. This helps protect our forests and reduces the environmental impact. Eco-Conscious Production: Many manufacturers are now using non-toxic finishes and adhesives, minimizing harmful chemicals in your home and the environment.
Finding the Perfect Wooden Coffee Table: What to Look For
Ready to find your coffee table soulmate? Here’s a breakdown of the key things to consider, answering those common questions that pop up during the coffee table hunt:
How do I pick a coffee table style?
When choosing a coffee table style, remember it should be a reflection of your personal taste and work well with your living room’s overall vibe. If you have a modern, rustic, or traditional space, there are plenty of coffee tables designed to seamlessly match.
But don’t be afraid to get a little creative! If you’re feeling bold, mix and match styles for a look that’s uniquely you. Just remember to tie the look together with a common element like colour or texture.
What type of coffee table goes with a leather couch?
Wood naturally enhances the warm and inviting feel of leather. But don’t shy away from contrasting textures – metal, glass, or moulded plastics can also create a stylish juxtaposition against the smooth texture of leather.
When selecting a design, make sure it aligns with the style of your leather couch, whether it’s modern, traditional, or something in between. And of course, colour coordination is key! Think about how the colours of your coffee table, couch, and other décor elements will work together. A pale wood coffee table can look stunning with a grey leather couch and pops of blue and green in your accents.
What shape coffee table should I buy?
The shape of your coffee table plays a crucial role in the overall flow and functionality of your living room. It should work harmoniously with your seating arrangement. Rectangular coffee tables are a classic choice and work especially well in front of three-seater couches, offering plenty of surface space. Square coffee tables are great for smaller spaces or when you have two-seater couches arranged in a square. If you prefer softer lines and a coffee table that’s easy to move around, an oval shape might be the perfect fit. And for smaller spaces or when you want to create a cozy conversation area with armchairs, a round coffee table can act as a beautiful centrepiece.
Coffee table dimensions
How big should it be?
The table shouldn’t be so big that it overwhelms the furniture, or so small that it almost disappears in the space. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that’s about two-thirds the length of your couch. Big and bulky suits a huge puffy couch. Smaller and slender suits chairs with thin legs.
How high should my coffee table be?
Usually, the coffee table ends up being a foot rest too, so aim for a height that’s about the same or slightly lower than your couch’s seat height. The standard coffee table height is around 40-50 cm, which works well with most couches. A slightly lower coffee table can make a room feel more spacious. If the table is mostly ornamental it could be a bit higher, especially with round tables.
How far from the couch should my coffee table be?
An ideal distance between the coffee table and the couch is 45-60 cm for easy movement and legroom. This will depend on the size of the table, the seating and the room.
What type of wood is best for a coffee table?
There are two main categories of wood: either hard and durable, or soft and more affordable. Hardwoods such as Blackwood, Ash, Oak, Walnut, Teak and Acacia are extremely hard-wearing and durable. On the other hand, softwoods like pine are more budget-friendly, but susceptible to dents and scratches. Reclaimed pine is more robust. Exotic woods like Rosewood or Mango offer a unique aesthetic, but make sure they have been responsibly sourced. Finishes and treatments can protect wooden tables and prolong their life, but no wooden furniture is completely invulnerable to water damage. Using coasters and suitable cleaning products make good wood caring sense.Â
Should your dining table and coffee table match?Â
Although matching tables create a harmonious and unified mood, there are no rules. Your personal preference is key. Â If you have a light wood or dark wood dining table, select a coffee table with similar tones, to provide a cohesive look. Wood finishes on coffee tables are great for blending in with dining tables, or other existing pieces of furniture. However, mismatched tables can create an interesting eclectic and personal style. This can also help to differentiate spaces in a modern open-plan layout.
Inspiration: 5 Wooden Coffee Tables You’ll Want to Take Home
Ready to get inspired? We’ve handpicked five of our favourite modern and versatile designs from our very own wooden coffee table range. Each design is available in both rich Blackwood and airy Oak Smoke, and is sure to get those design juices flowing!
The Tulbagh Coffee Table effortlessly blends rustic charm and modern practicality. Crafted from premium solid wood, its spacious drawers glide open smoothly to reveal ample storage for blankets, books, and all your living room essentials. The sturdy metal frame ensures lasting durability, while the timeless square design complements any seating arrangement.
This modern rectangular table is styled in solid wood with rounded corners and tapered legs. Slim and elegant, the Philadelphia will be a great accompaniment for a three-seater couch with armchairs or a second two-seater couch in the conventional U-shape setting.
Need a bit of extra handy storage space for the books, games and throws that collect around the lounge? This versatile rectangular two-layered coffee table is symmetrically designed with a convenient shelf below the table top. The beautiful grain patterns of the solid wood will improve the style factor in any lounge.
Make a statement with the Sahara Coffee Table, where the raw appeal of industrial design meets the warmth of natural wood. The sleek, rectangular silhouette is crafted with a solid wood top, which strikes a natural contrast with the steel legs. This bold combination creates a captivating focal point, adding a touch of urban sophistication to any living space.
Ready to find the perfect wooden coffee table for your home?
At Incanda, we pride ourselves on crafting high-quality furniture with a distinctly South African feel. Our pieces are made with the finest materials and designed to last a lifetime. Browse our full range of wooden coffee tables online or visit one of our eight showrooms across the country to experience the Incanda difference firsthand.
