Have you considered two tables, with smaller proportions?

You could find two matching tables that (if they have level sides and aren't round) you can push together when you need extra space or take apart and use around the room if you need that, sometimes, too.

I feel like, especially for a small space, that's a great way to go. It still looks neat and tidy, but you have options (keep together, break apart and put equidistant in a traiditional coffee table setting or move around all over as you need them.)

To me, options in a small place is one of the most valuable things in making your space easier to work with and better to live in.

I too have a small living room... I bought a mid century mersman coffee table like this, it was the perfect size for my tiny space, (I have a sectional but its still so tight.) the coffee table was long but not too wide and I am able to move around just so... http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEKgGDFiEjQ/T0vgOs7DI_I/AAAAAAAATqQ/i7MSxY27rec/s1600/mers2.jpg

(PS Just to clarify, when I say matching I don't mean nesting like you tried before.)

Have you considered the peekaboo clear coffee table from cb2?

If you want cheap and lofty, you can go for milk crates and top them with patterned cushions or check out the 'city slicker side table' on CB2. That's fun, because you can use just one or stick 2 together for a bigger piece and separate them if you need more space. They'd be great as nightstands, end tables or a coffee table.
MINT: http://www.cb2.com/city-slicker-mint-side-table/s452130
WHITE: http://www.cb2.com/city-slicker-white-side-table/s124837

How about using the ottomon as the coffee table with a serving tray on top; one that isn't too big so if you wanted, you could still put your feet up. You can pickup the tray if you needed it for extra seating.

I'd get a wooden bench and use that as a coffee table.
Narrow, can also be used for seating... and it comes in a variety of styles, so depending if you want rustic or clean... you can switch it up.
Also, it won't break the bank= this one is $60.00
http://www.wayfair.com/Boraam-Shaker-Wooden-Bench-36136-36536-L256-K~BAA1157.html?refid=GX10021778100-BAA1157&PiID%5B%5D=9155044&gclid=CIWRq8mG0rUCFcme4AodXHsArg

I second the Peekaboo line from CB2 mentioned by DallasStudent13. There's also a "console" that looks to be low and narrow, and on wheels. Or, two of the Peekaboo side tables (which look low enough to serve as coffee tables).

The layout looks pretty full to me already, but if you want to add to it, I'd suggest that you find a bench that would sit at the end of the sofa and could be placed in front of the sofa for use as a footstool or, with a tray (as needed) for a coffee table. When not in use, it gets tucked to the side of the sofa. Alternately, get two matching porcelain/ceramic garden stools - place at end of sofa and reposition when needed. If you get a punchy color, they would make a statement.

A good rule of thumb is that a coffee table should be 1/2 to 2/3 the length of your couch. Looking at your layout I'd also recommend something oval or circular to break up the square shapes you have going on. Plus, a curved line is easier to walk around, which is important in a small space.

I too like the idea of two smaller tables. Check out the Martini Side Table from West Elm. Two or three of those and you have yourself a coffee table plus they can double as extra seating if you have people over. And they come in a range of colors.

I also second the recommendation of the CB2 Peakaboo coffee table, assuming its not too wide for your space. Because its clear, it won't take up a lot of visual weight, which will help the room feel bigger than what it is.

I have an Ikea Liden side table (the side table, not the coffee table) that is going to be my coffee table once I free it up from its bedside duties. I tried to hunt down the dimensions online but nothing conclusive. It's too bad it was discontinued.

My "living room" section of my living room is small to say the least. I need something small enough to not get in the way but large enough to hold a few items and not get tripped on. This seems to fit the bill. Although once it's in place (and I trip over it a few times) we'll see.

My mom uses 2 square storage ottomans in her small family room. They both have a tray under the top so she can flip them for a hard surface, or use as extra seating when needed. Also, the storage is great to get throw blankets out of the way when not in use. I'm pretty sure she got them at HomeGoods.

For anyone recommending the CB2 peekaboo, I recently found this place because I needed taller end tables and I was very pleased with the product and the cost: http://www.acrylicparts.com/acrylicendtables.html

Try a round coffee table. You can get one that is more traditionally sized and functional but the curve will still allow traffic around it.

I agree with the bench idea! We use a C&B bench as our coffee table.

I have a tiny living room and am going to echo the suggestions to use two small storage ottomans. They provide storage, can be used as extra seating, or as footrests. The ones with tray tops are the most versatile. I used two small ones instead of one larger one because I can move them around to where they are needed.

agree with pixels. I have a vintage coffee table (handmedown) that just seems to fit better than anything currently for sale, which all seem too big & heavy or too small.

What about a couple of these poufs? http://www.cb2.com/knitted-graphite-pouf/f7379 / They could function as both ottomans and additional seating if needed. They are small enough to shove into a corner if needed too.

Definitely go for a round one.

I'd advise you to do without the coffee table. Not every room needs one, and I think you will be happier in the long run with the extra floor space.

That said, if you really want something, I'd consider one of the small soft poufs now in vogue (if that goes with your overall decor).

LOVE this question, as I'm struggling with the same issue in my new rental. Happy to hear a few of you suggesting the bench idea as that's what i've been leaning towards as it doubles as extra seating for guests. Here's an IKEA bench i've been eyeing, but in white: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60201246/

I had this same problem - my living room is TINY! I ended up going with a trunk from Target - it's a dark wicker material that is a good amount smaller than a regular sized coffee table. I bought a sheet of glass online to make it more functional. It's the perfect solution for me, because not only is it small, but it adds some extra storage space, which is a HUGE plus!

Here's the link: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-global-trunk-dark-brown/-/A-14104445#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton

Another option I really considered was getting 2 smaller footstool/ottoman type things, like this: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/samar-ottoman/s232142

In the end, I went with the trunk because it was cheaper (it was $80 when I bought it, but now it's only $64!) and because, as I mentioned, it enhanced the severely limited storage I have in my apartment.

Hope that helps!

We have storage ottomans (with lids that flip into tray tables) in lieu of a coffee table and we love it! Great storage (we throw in blankets, remotes, A/V manuals, and DVDs into ours) and it's so flexible: extra seating when we have guests, some place to put up our feet, or tray tables for eating in front of the TV. Plus, they stack nicely when I'm vacuuming.

I think you should create something very special - that can have added storage - like this old card catalog turned coffee table:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stegersaurus/6010127141/

I use two small X leg benches as a coffee table. The upside is that although they are rattan, they are padded and can act as extra seating, and I can pull one up to the sofa if I am working on something or eating there. You can easily find matching trays to put on top if you want a more solid surface. I used these before at the end of my bed in another apartment, so they are very versatile. There are many of these type on the market, including a very stylish one I spied at Target yesterday.

I use an IKEA LACK side table in my tiny apartment. It's the perfect size and height!

you need something with round edges, not square. everything else in there is square. you need an oval.

I think the Hex side table by West Elm might work. You can add three together for a larger surface but separate them out if needed. http://www.westelm.com/products/hex-side-table-g669/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables&cm_src=coffee-side-tables||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

How about using two Chinese-style ceramic garden benches? They are round, airy looking and can be used as extra seating. If you must, you could put an oval glass on top.

Personally, I have not had a coffee table in 40 years; they are clutter-attractors and bite shins!

Also, if you have a love seat, just focus on two side tables instead.

Nesting tables fit any need or space concerns. Round or Oval gives you less chance of bruised shins too.

We too have a tiny living room and have had to figure out something besides the traditional coffee table. My boyfriend has a really awesome vintage military trunk that we use for a coffee table. It's the perfect size and height, and it allows us a place to keep a lot of things that don't need to be displayed (or accessed regularly). I found a link on AT to a couple 'trunk as coffee table' displays.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/doubleduty-furniture-the-trunk-113912

what about a pouf? they are smaller than both a coffee table and an ottoman/footstool, but you could still put stuff on them, not to mention have extra seating :)

Now that is a clever and super cute coffe table!

I was going to suggest the poufs from CB2 or World Market with a tray on them as well. They are very cool and can be used to prop feet on or as extra seating.

If that floorplan drawing is accurate, you don't have room for a coffee table. You've filled up the space with your upholstered furniture. If you want a coffee table, rethink the chairs. I'd put another end table in the space next to the sofa for setting stuff on, and leave the little tiny bit of rug space you currently have free in front of the sofa free - so you can get to the sofa to sit. Otherwise, you'll be bumping your knees.

This space is crying out for round. I'd add a low upholstered round ottoman, not too large. They come in all styles from minimalist to traditional.

I have a pair of two smaller square tables in my small living room, and they work well for us (particularly in an L-shaped furniture configuration). They're super affordable from Overstock.com and there are other shapes and sizes available (search for "Bunch" tables).

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bunch-Metal-Cocktail-Table/2105473/product.html

Because the surfaces are all glass, they take up less space visually, but since there's a second shelf, they still have plenty of room for magazines, etc.

By the way, these are almost identical to Pottery Barn's "Tanner" collection, but are only a fraction of the price. Great deal!