Q: Hi guys, I just moved to an alcove studio in NYC, and need a new coffee table that works with this room! I was thinking of buying a square coffee table such as the Basis 36" square in walnut from Room & Board, but was looking for advice. Maybe something round would be better? Or a Noguchi table? Any advice appreciated. Thanks so much.






I totally think noguchi table would be perfect for your space as everything is currently clean lined and a round table is just to obvious. Noguchi is not your typical shape so I think it would be a great addition to your beautiful space.
view mvastudios's profile
Why not get an adjustable height coffee table that can double as a dining table - and use your side chairs as seating along w/ the sofa as a cozy dining area?
That way, you can clear out the table and chairs behind the sofa and place your dresser behind the sofa as a credenza - and spread out a bit more...
view bepsf's profile
36" sounds too big for that space, think about flow, getting around the table. I have the SAME PROBLEM! I bought a 40" square glass table for my studio space and it was just too big. The scale was off and I kept hitting my shins it was getting painful. No bigger than 30" would be idea. It looks like you have the same area to work with that I do.
I do like the look of the glass. I am going to get some solid block of wood type thing, rustic but modern, I can visualize it, have not found it yet...glass turned out to be "too leggy". legs everywhere!
Speaking of, your rug is too small too. The front legs of the chairs and sofa should be on the rug to anchor it.
Good luck!
view msjessiemeghan's profile
Where is that lamp from? It's gorgeous!
-Ruth
view cptnruthless's profile
noguchi is much too big for your space (about 52" at its widest). also don't see the style working with what you have. you need a round table to break up all the squares you have going on. maybe about 30-34" in diameter; maybe a simple contemporary steel base.
view twelveindustries's profile
Do you mean you want a coffee table with a similar style as R&B's basis, or you want a desk height coffee table?
I don't really think there is anything wrong with your current coffee table, but if you do want a new one I think you should stick with glass and one with curves (circle, oval, triangle). You have a lot of square lines going on, the oval coffee table softens the space. Also, you have a small space with lots of furniture, so a glass table takes up less visual space.
view HeyNowTex's profile
Like HeyNowTex, I don't see what's wrong with the table you have now. (Actually, I really like it a lot.) So what do you think is wrong? What do you want to change or fix?
view JoanneM's profile
I would definitely do two small cube tables placed next to one another instead. This would be a more versatile solution, that could be easily moved out of the way if you ever needed the floor space for some reason. It would probably be cheaper as well, as you could find this sort of thing anywhere.
view amarie's profile
I think a Noguchi (a small version or small copy) or a kidney shaped table would be lovely. I don't much like the look of the glass. Go for something soft and sensuous . . to offset the 'clean' setup you have.
and I agree . . the rug is too small! Beautiful chairs though!
view Limeliteshines's profile
I second the idea of two cube tables (Crate Barrel and West Elm are easy places to find things like this. Oh, and CB2). I also think the cb2 peekaboo table (http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=11024&f=699) would work well in a small space like that, because it's translucent. I think it's 37" long, but it's pretty narrow.
view as3087's profile
if you need to offload that coffee table, I'll take it. I've been using an ottoman as a coffee table.
view cecicela's profile
I disagree with these people, that table is gross. You are making the right choice in replacing it. I would go with noguchi table too. If you have the budget for it, you should think about replacing that heinous rug at the same time with something that will work better with the rest of your color scheme.
view kevoncubine's profile
I say round, low to the floor and glass to keep everything open...
view LSUgrad03's profile
A Noguchi would be hot.
view ftpansy's profile
Actually, with a different rug, the table will look more harmonious with your sofa and chairs. The rug looks dark, rumpled & furry, and detracts from the modern lines of the table - being glass, it really needs something to set it off. I'd look for a rug that was larger, lighter, and close-cropped, perhaps with a simple bold graphic that picks up the colors in the chairs. Good luck!
view KarenH's profile
OK. this is sort of hilarious.
Couple answers first.
The floor lamp is the Weegee from Lights Up! I got it from Design Public. It's a beautiful lamp.
The coffee table is o.k. - it's a bit old, and the size is ok, but it kind of looks like hotel lobby furniture, and the wood doesn't match the media cabinet or chair legs.
Now - the rug :) The rug is about 5 years old now, and I guess it is sort of beat up. I wouldn't call it "heinous," but I echo the statement. If I had some more funds, I'd buy a bigger, more beautiful rug. LOL
coffee table for now - I like the idea of the acrylic rectangular table from cb2, but agree that some curves could be good. any suggestions?
view manjil's profile
I agree, you money would be much better spent on a new rug.
view mviamontes's profile
i love the table you currently own, but i think you are right in saying that a square shaped table would look better. I ordered a small square table (orange) from http://www.2bmod.com/
the service was excellent and i love the table.
view zoo's profile
If you're looking for a minimalist table that doesn't take up a lot of visual real estate, the Adesso Glacier table is great. It has a spare but elegant design and works well in small spaces since it's mostly glass. I got one off Craigslist and love it.
Your studio is bigger than mine though, so you may be looking for a table that's more of a focal piece. In that case, you might want to go with something like what msjessiemeghan suggested - a rustic natural base to add texture and interest and a glass top so that the space looks open.
view JH4285's profile
Perhaps that huge round rug from Ikea would be a suitabel substitute?
view fuzzyEgg's profile
I think that a clear table (like the one you already have) would work really well if it was rectangle!
view Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe's profile
Rounded edges are better in a small space - easier to navigate around (both mentally and physically.)
view home body's profile
A round coffee table sounds great in theory, but I had one in front of a couch like that and it was a total pain. Only the person directly in front of it could use it easily. And if you're a put-your-feet-up kind of person, forget it with a round table.
Round rug, maybe. But a rectangular coffee table will be so much more practical.
view tequila red's profile
The rug is a far bigger problem than the coffee table. Replace it with a slightly larger sisal rug that better reflects the clean, contemporary lines of your furniture.
As for the coffee table... do you really need one at all? I think that the space might look better without one, perhaps with some minimal black nesting tables next to the TV if they're ever needed.
view Blandwagon's profile
I don't know about the quality of their furniture, but the "Smoke and Mirrors" coffee table from Urban Outfitters may work. It is a polished steel frame with a black top. It is 44"x22" so it may be too long for the space.
view KWorld's profile
Looks like I'm the first one to say "yes" for the square basis coffee table from R&B. Reasons:
1. I have it & LOVE it. It's very well made. If you think it's too big go for the rectangular one - it's just gone on sale.
2. The drawer can store all your remote controls & your neighbors'! It's huge.
3. LOVE LOVE the wood, will last forever. It looks even more beautiful with time.
4. I agree with you, I don't like your current coffee table. And the naguchi is beautiful, but the world is full of fake naguchis, it's like a LV purse - I'd never buy one. Don't buy the acrylic one from cb2, it's very "now" (and with all the scratches it'll get, it won't last beyond now)
Then when you get more money to spend on the room, buy a light colored rug.
view ferha's profile
I kind of like the one in the room.
view ChrisGal's profile
It is a small space....the rug is doing nothing so i would actually just get rid of it and DON'T replace it.
I just don't think coffee tables are practical in such small spaces... But if you really, really need something there, then go for something different.
Instead of an actual coffee table, try get an ottoman (leather would be cool) that way you can get comfortable while watching tv, have extra seating... give the space warmth.
And if you need a hard surface, get a tray to keep on the ottoman.
view manu_pty's profile
I like the shape and scale of your current table, but you are correct that the style might not be the best.
BTW, may I ask where are your side chairs from? Me-likey! Now let's just hope that they are kind to the pocket.
Last, I like the carpet - it has a vintage feel to it that makes me curious. It just does not go well with the rest of the LR decor. Would it fit better in your alcove area?
view Melo's profile
I know a great store where you can find modern coffee tables that not only look great but are extremely functional and versatile. Check out Boconcept!
view vasefox's profile