We Tested (and Rated!) All the Coffee Tables at Wayfair — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space

Shopping for furniture online can be so stressful. Spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on a coffee table sight unseen is enough to give anybody the jitters. That’s why we created our Personal Shopper series — we go visit the physical stores of retailers like West Elm, Pottery Barn, Ashley, Burrow, and more to put the furniture to the test and rate it, determining what type of shopper it is best for. We check out everything, including rugs, sofas, and dining tables, and serve as your personal pair of eyes. This time, I went to the Wayfair store in Illinois to test out its coffee tables — along with other furniture categories, like sofas and dining tables — and narrowed it down to our top picks.

As I mentioned above, Wayfair is known as the ultimate online furniture store, so I knew it would be an important service for our readers to go visit and check out everything in person. Wayfair’s website offers hundreds of options per furniture category in every design style, which I know from personal experience, can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully, our article makes it easier to pick out coffee tables online. Wayfair offers free shipping and, on select tables on this list, free assembly.

We judged every Wayfair coffee table we found in-store based on the following five criteria to help us determine who the table suits best and for what type of use.

• 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?

Every Wayfair coffee table was tested by Apartment Therapy’s former deputy commerce editor, Alicia Kort. Alicia has tested and reviewed furniture for the Personal Shopper and Best List series to help readers find the best pieces for their homes, especially small spaces. From sofas and bed frames to dining tables and accent chairs, she’s covered it all — making her a furniture expert. 

Alicia spent the day at the Wayfair store in Illinois to evaluate the brand’s coffee tables on their storage, versatility, and appearance.

What impressed us: When you don’t have a ton of space to work with, a nesting coffee table can be a great solution. This option from Wayfair is relatively durable, thanks to the stainless steel frame. You could keep the smaller table nesting as a default and then pull it out when you need another surface for entertaining. The smaller table could even function as a side table if needed. Plus, it’s only $160, which is a great deal for two tables.

Specifications:

• Larger table dimensions:  36” long, 36” wide, and 18.5” tall
• Smaller table dimensions: 26.75” long, 26.75” in diameter, and 16.5” tall 
• Material: Tempered glass and stainless steel.
• Finishes: 4 options

What impressed us: If you’re on the hunt for a table that’s going to get a ton of compliments from guests, this is the one for you. The Marbled Wood Coffee Table will become the focal point of whichever room it’s in. The combination of a faux marble top and the wooden base is an unexpected pairing that is visually satisfying to gaze upon.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 36.02” long, 36.02” wide, and 14.96” tall
• Material: Solid and manufactured wood
• Finishes: 2 options

What impressed us: Shoppers who have a mid-century modern home aesthetic would find this coffee table as a welcome addition to their living room. The rounded edges and rectangular slatted doors are a visually interesting combination that will add more depth to your space. I saw the walnut version of this low-profile table in person, and I think it’s one of the more stylish options I viewed in Wayfair’s store. The table is also versatile, because the slatted doors can slide and move.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 39” long, 23” wide, and 15” tall
• Material: Solid and manufactured wood
• Finishes: 3 options

What impressed us: If you want your coffee table to blend in with your decor and don’t necessarily need it to be the standout focal piece, then this simple yet beautiful Brix coffee table is a great choice. There’s plenty of space to display coffee table books and magazines, along with a few knickknacks. The angled legs of the table make this minimalist pick a bit more unique than other options. I saw this coffee table in the matte black color, but natural beige is also available.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 44” long, 24” wide, and 16.5” tall
• Material: Solid wood
• Finishes: 2 options

What impressed us: Finding a stylish outdoor coffee table can be a feat. Because you need more weather-resistant materials, you’re a little more limited in what you can choose. Out of all of the coffee tables I viewed in Wayfair’s store, I found the Carlton to be the most aesthetically pleasing and practical. The teak is a natural wood that repels moisture, making it a great outdoor furniture material. Coffee tables are primarily used to put beverages on, but I prefer coffee tables that offer some storage. This one has a resin wicker shelf that could hold decor and patio accessories, but it also adds a stylish element.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 44” long, 23.5” wide, and 17.5” tall
• Material: Solid wood and resin
• Finishes: 1 option

What impressed us: The Tuoi Solid Wood Single Coffee Table has the most storage capacity out of any of the coffee tables on the list. I liked that the table provided both concealed and open storage, allowing people to conceal clutter, like remotes or coasters, while also displaying decor on the bottom shelf. I also loved the moldings and turned legs that give it a classic farmhouse look.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 41.75” long, 21.75” wide, and 18.5” tall
• Material: Solid wood
• Finishes: 5 options

What impressed us: If you’re trying to re-create the vibe of the 1920s in your space, then this budget-friendly glass coffee table might be what you’re looking for. Whether you’re going for a bold gold or a modern black, this coffee table has color options that’ll fit any space. I also like that the table has a small shelf that allows you to display books or magazines, without taking up valuable space on the top.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 45” long, 20” wide, and 17” tall
• Material: Tempered glass and stainless steel
• Finishes: 2 options

What impressed us: For those who want a retro-looking coffee table without going through the hard work of tacking down the perfect fit, this farmhouse-style pick is a good option. The wood is scored and distressed, so this coffee table already has a lived-in look. Because of the distressing, each individual coffee table is slightly different; no two are alike. This coffee table looked stunning in store, and it is versatile enough that it could be matched with different home decor aesthetics.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 42” long, 42” wide, and 20” tall
• Material: Solid wood
• Finishes: 1 option

What impressed us: Sometimes, coffee tables can feel a little generic, which is why this pick stood out to me. This table has coconut shells layered over solid wood, giving it a texture that would be perfect for a beach house or a boho-style home. The table is relatively compact, so it’s also a great pick for small spaces. You can also get it in light blue with some shimmery gold accents if you’re on the hunt for a pop of color for your space.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 31” long, 31” wide, and 16” tall
• Material: Made out of a solid wood base, which is layered over with laminated coconut shells
• Finishes: 4 options