personal shopper

I Tested Every Article Coffee Table IRL — Here Are the Best Ones for Every Space and Need

Alexa CasanovaShopping Writer
Alexa CasanovaShopping Writer
I cover all things shopping, from cleaning and organizing finds to decor and furniture that’s worth every penny. Your home says a lot about you, so I’m always curious about the things people choose to bring into their space — and aim to make it easier to find those things! I’ve written home and lifestyle content for Well+Good and Design Milk.
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Living room with Article sofa and coffee table and personal shopper seal in upper right
Credit: Article

A coffee table is more than just your sofa’s sidekick. If you live in a small space, it might double as a dining area or workspace. And if you’re the host of the group, it’s the center of every get-together. That’s why finding the right model is crucial. Apartment Therapy’s Personal Shopper series is here to help you do it: I visit your favorite home retailers to test furniture IRL and report back on my findings. We’ve tested coffee tables from big-box stores like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and CB2, but Personal Shopper really comes in handy when you’re eyeing an online-only brand, like Article. So if you’re curious to see what the modern DTC (direct to consumer) favorite is all about, you’re in luck because I flew to the company’s only showroom in Vancouver to help you find the best Article coffee table for your space. 

Credit: AT Media

Why Article?

Except for the brand’s flagship showroom in Vancouver, Article is primarily an online-only business. This means unless you live within commutable distance of that store, you won’t be able to touch and feel their products before purchasing. And if you’ve been exposed to Article products online like I have, you might already be tempted to make a purchase — because the brand makes some of the most stylish furniture I’ve seen. That’s why I did the due diligence for you by investigating Article coffee tables in person. 

Article has over 60 coffee tables in nearly every design aesthetic, whether your style leans mid-century modern, Scandinavian, contemporary, or boho. And because Article works directly with manufacturers, they’re able to make high-quality, high-end pieces at a more reasonable price point than their luxury competitors. You can choose white-glove delivery (for $199) at checkout for the ultimate experience. Article also offers inside room delivery ($119), which means the delivery person will bring your order to whatever room you choose (without assembly), sparing you from lugging a heavy box up your stairs or through a tight apartment hallway.  

The Criteria

I reviewed every Article coffee table in-store based on the following criteria to help me determine the right coffee table for every space and need. 

  • Storage: How much can the coffee table hold? Is any available storage space concealed or displayed? How much storage capacity does it have?
  • Versatility: Can the table be used as more than just a coffee table? How suitable is it for working from home?
  • Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., detailing, dark wood) or more contemporary (i.e., sleek, light wood)? Does it work with a range of different decor styles?
  • Safety: Is it family-friendly? How well does it suit the needs of people across a range of abilities? Do the shape and materials make it a safe option for families with kids?
  • Durability: Does it stain or scuff easily? Do you have to use coasters? Would it age well with regular use?

Why You Should Trust Me as a Tester

Every Article coffee table was tested by me, Alexa Casanova. As Apartment Therapy’s shopping writer, it’s essentially my job to test, review, and recommend products, whether it’s easy-to-assemble bed frames, modular sofas, coffee tables, or anything else you may be looking for. I’ve covered them all, so I know what makes a piece of furniture worth buying. I was previously the commerce editor at Design Milk and Well+Good. 

I spent the day at the brand’s flagship store in Vancouver to evaluate every Article coffee table on its design, storage capacity, and durability.

Every Article Coffee Table We Tested

Best for Small Spaces: Cooper 35.5” Coffee Table

What impressed me: When I saw the Cooper coffee table in-store, it was nestled in the nook of one of Article’s small-space sectionals. Its 35.5-inch-wide silhouette fit in perfectly and still left plenty of room to walk around it — so I think it’s a great choice for tight living rooms. It also has a spacious storage shelf underneath to help keep its lightly textured oak surface clear of clutter. While I found it a tad too low to work or eat off of, its sprawling surface would be great for hosting or casual game nights.

In terms of style, the Cooper table has a clean, no-frills look that complements virtually any decor style, and features inverted edges that give it a tinge of mid-century modern flair. In the Natural Oak finish I saw in person, it has an airy, casual appearance, but in the Walnut finish, it has all the warmth of a vintage piece. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • It’s small-space-friendly
  • It has a built-in storage shelf underneath
  • The inverted edge details
  • Its clean, MCM-inspired appearance

Good to know

  • It comes in two sizes
  • It’s too low for working or dining

Specifications: 

  • Styles: Also available in a rectangular coffee table, and more 
  • Dimensions: 16” high, 35.5″ wide, 28.5″ deep
  • Materials: Solid beech, MDF, walnut veneer

What impressed me: The Suri coffee table immediately stood out, with its statement blocky silhouette and chamfered edges. It has a larger footprint at 44 inches wide, but manages to feel light and breezy with its White Oak finish and open interior. What’s more, its concealed wooden legs make it look like it’s floating, which adds to its airy appearance. 

When it comes to storage, the Suri’s open interior functions like an open display shelf. It’s big enough to store baskets, a stack of coffee-table books, or decor — you just have to be okay with it being in plain view. It has a low profile that isn’t the most comfortable to work or eat on, but it does lend a sleek look to drinks and party snacks while entertaining. I personally think it might be a bit too bulky for small spaces, but it would look great in an open, formal living room. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • Its airy, coastal look
  • It looks like it’s floating
  • The light, White Oak finish
  • Its statement-making silhouette
  • The chamfered edges

Good to know

  • It also comes in a square silhouette
  • It’s a bit bulky for small spaces

Specifications: 

  • Styles: Also available in a square coffee table and console table
  • Dimensions: 15″ high, 44″ wide, 22″ deep
  • Materials: Solid and veneered oak, MDF, steel

Best Mid-Century Modern: Lenia 53.5″ Oval Coffee Table

What impressed me: The Lenia coffee table is all MCM charm with its curved, surfboard-like shape and tapered legs — although it could just as well complement coastal spaces in the White Oak finish I looked at in-store. It has a spindled under-shelf that adds to its vintage look, but is rather limited in terms of storage (remotes, for example, will slip through the slats!). A decorative tray could solve that pretty easily, though. 

It’s also one of the more family-friendly choices I saw, due to its kid-safe rounded corners and the expansive surface area that offers plenty of room for activities. And while you’ll need the floor space to accommodate its 53.5-inch-wide silhouette, it has a shallower depth that could suit a smaller space depending on the layout. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • Its stylish, mid-century modern aesthetic
  • It can look coastal depending on the finish
  • It’s family-friendly and kid-safe
  • It has an under-shelf for storage

Good to know

  • It may be too wide for some spaces
  • The spindled shelf isn’t ideal for storing smaller items like remotes

Specifications: 

Best Scandinavian: Adel 42″ Round Coffee Table

What impressed me: The Adel coffee table gave me cozy, “hygge” energy with its soft edges, chunky cylindrical legs, and round silhouette that invites you to gather around. It has a thick, sturdy tabletop that feels like it would hold up well during get-togethers and meals. And in Article’s ever-popular Smoked Oak finish, it lends a warm, grounding element to any living room. Plus, it’s also available in a petite 35-inch-wide size that’s perfect for cramped spaces. 

What the Adel coffee table lacks in built-in storage, it makes up for in surface area. It’s surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room for a decorative catchall tray, storage basket, or even an artful stack of books you want to display. And if you’re as clumsy as I am, the coffee table’s smooth, rounded edges add a layer of safety. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • Its chunky, cylindrical legs
  • The thick and sturdy tabletop
  • The warm Smoked Oak finish
  • It has a spacious surface
  • The stylish, Scandi-cool look

Good to know

  • It comes in a smaller, 35-inch-wide size
  • The rounded edges are kid-safe
  • It lacks storage

Specifications: 

  • Styles: Also available as a sideboard, cabinet, and more  
  • Dimensions: 16″ high, 42″ wide, 42″ deep
  • Materials: Solid and veneered oak, MDF

Best Storage Coffee Table: Leif 47″ Storage Coffee Table

What impressed me: At first, I thought the Leif was just another beautiful, rectangular block coffee table. Imagine my surprise when the Article associate pulled open the giant soft-close drawers on either side — they’re huge, and perfect for everything from throw blankets to board games. I appreciated that the drawers are located on the shorter sides of the rectangular table, so they’re easier to access and don’t pull out toward your sofa or media console. 

The Leif coffee table isn’t exactly compact at 47 inches wide, but if you have the floor space to spare, it’s worth what you gain in concealed storage. It’s incredibly stylish, too, with an elegant plinth base and a smooth white oak surface that brightens a room. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • The huge, soft-close drawers
  • Its sleek, minimalist design
  • The bright, White Oak finish
  • The sprawling 47-inch-wide surface
  • The elegant plinth base

Good to know

  • It might be too wide for small spaces
  • The sharp corners aren’t exactly kid-safe

Specifications: 

What impressed me: The Baarlo coffee table’s boho vibe sets it apart from Article’s more MCM- and Scandinavian-inspired pieces. Designed with asymmetrical legs in a chunky cylindrical shape, it has a sculptural, organic appearance that lends a bit of natural softness and style to any living space. It’s a solid mid-size option at 46 inches wide, so it works in small and larger spaces alike. And while I’m partial to the warmth of the Smoked Oak finish I saw on the showroom floor, the Baarlo coffee table also comes in an Oak and Black Ash finish, so there’s bound to be an option for you. 

The only con is that it doesn’t have any built-in storage, and the asymmetrical legs make it difficult to store a bin or basket underneath its tabletop. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • It’s sturdy and durable
  • It’s family-friendly
  • The soft, rounded edges
  • Its organic shape
  • Its asymmetrical, cylindrical legs

Good to know

  • It doesn’t have any storage

Specifications: 

  • Styles: Also available as a side table and a desk 
  • Dimensions: 14.75″ high, 46″ wide, 25″ deep
  • Materials: Solid and veneered oak, MDF, plywood, steel

What impressed me: To me, the Torme coffee table is the most family-friendly of the bunch because of its kid-safe rounded corners and 48-inch-wide surface that offers tons of room for snacks and games. It’s also made of solid and veneered oak, which gives it exceptional sturdiness and durability. Even better, it has two deep, soft-close drawers to help keep its pristine White Oak surface clear of clutter. 

It also has about 6 inches of clearance so you can easily vacuum any crumbs that might fall underneath — and there’s space to stash a slim storage basket or two if you need extra storage. Functionality aside, the Torme coffee table stands out with its Scandinavian-inspired simplicity, especially in the cool White Oak finish. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • The kid-safe rounded corners
  • It has deep, soft-close drawers
  • It’s sturdy and durable
  • It has about 6 inches of clearance
  • Its Scandinavian-inspired simplicity
  • It’s great for spaces of any size

Good to know

  • It’s available in two finishes

Specifications: 

Best Farmhouse: Lloyd 54″ Coffee Table

What impressed me: The Lloyd coffee table has a rich, chocolaty finish and textured surface that exudes rustic charm, while the arched plinth legs and rounded edges give it a more modern feel. It’s a coffee table you can make your own, depending on how you style it. Its 54-inch-wide silhouette gives you and your guests plenty of space to perch drinks and snacks while hosting. And let’s be honest — it looks way more expensive than its $599 price tag. 

It doesn’t have a ton to offer in terms of storage, but you do get a solid amount of under-the-table space for baskets. It also only comes in the one Warm Brown finish, but fingers crossed Article releases it in more colors eventually! 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • The textured, rustic finish
  • Its modern arch-shaped legs
  • It complements farmhouse and modern aesthetics
  • It has ample under-table storage space

Good to know

  • It doesn’t have any built-in storage
  • It only comes in one finish

Specifications: 

  • Styles: Also available as a side table and console table
  • Dimensions: 16″ high, 54″ wide, 30″ deep
  • Materials: Solid Mindi wood, plywood, iron hardware

What impressed me: With its drum silhouette and sculptural, sphere-shaped legs, the Sigrid coffee table is guaranteed to get compliments — especially when you flip up its lidded top to reveal the roomy storage compartment inside. I appreciate that it’s a half lid, so you can easily access items without disturbing items on its surface. And unlike other storage coffee tables that can be quite cumbersome to open, this one lifts without any effort. Fill it with a throw blanket, or gaming or TV remotes — there’s room for it all. 

Statement style aside, I could see the Sigrid coffee table cozying up living rooms of all decor aesthetics. It can go modern or boho in the Smoked Oak finish I saw in person, or look Scandinavian or coastal in the lighter oak finish. It’s made to be the main character, no matter how you style it. 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • The sculptural sphere-shaped legs
  • It has a lift-up storage compartment
  • The round shape is kid-safe
  • It complements any decor aesthetic
  • Its spacious surface area

Good to know

  • It comes in two finishes

Specifications: 

  • Dimensions: 16″ high, 42.5″ wide, 42.5″ deep
  • Materials: Solid and veneered oak, MDF, steel

What impressed me: If you’re partial to curvier silhouettes, then the Neah coffee table set is the perfect match. There are no straight lines to be found in its soft, kidney-bean silhouette — even the plinth-like legs have rounded edges, which makes it a safe choice for households with kids. What’s more, its Smoked Oak surface is smooth to the touch and finished with rounded, bullnose edges for true all-over softness. 

While the smaller table doesn’t nest completely underneath the larger one, the Neah set still gives you the flexibility you expect from a nested design. Arrange them with the inverted sides facing each other to form an oval shape, or back-to-back as an archlike silhouette. And if you’re really tight on space, Article sells the tables individually (you’ve got options!). 

Credit: Alexa Casanova

What we love

  • They can be repositioned to switch up your look
  • The smooth oak surface
  • The kid-safe rounded edges
  • The stylish, curvy silhouette
  • The unique plinth-like legs

Good to know

  • Article sells the tables individually
  • They don’t nest completely under each other

Specifications:
 

  • Dimensions: Large table: 15.75″ high, 49″ wide, 27.25″ deep; Small table: 12.75″ high, 33.25″ wide, 18.5″ deep 
  • Materials: Solid and veneered oak, MDF, plywood

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