Coffee and accent tables are the unsung heroes of the living room. You and your guests need a place to put a drink, book, or remote, after all. And the good news is that these tables can be found for a steal.

But a lot of our folks get confused when it comes to choosing styles and shapes to make their space stand out. Here are our tips for affordable coffee and accent tables that wow:

Affordable Coffee and Accent Tables That Think Outside the Box

Your room doesn’t have to be littered with tables. Get creative and use unexpected pieces like ceramic garden stools (which, when clustered, look great as a coffee table), upholstered ottomans with trays, a stack of books, or even nesting tables. Or, for a great, affordable coffee table or accent table alternate, try a trunk.

Joss & Main Starting at $40

Mix and Match: The Beauty of Different Materials

All of your tables—coffee, end, sofa, or console—should be a mix of different materials. This is the number one tip for creating a high-end look on a budget. Avoid the dreaded look of a set. Affordable interior design doesn’t have to look inexpensive, even if it is!

Wayfair $229

Shape Matters: Choosing the Right Affordable Coffee and Accent Tables for Your Space

Have a rectangular console table? Then go for an oval coffee table. Or a rectangular coffee table? Choose a round side table. You get the idea. Not only do you want a wide array of materials (see mix and match above), but you also want an assortment of shapes in your space.

west elm $499-$999

Room to Move: Affordable Coffee and Accent Tables for Sectionals

That age-old question of confusion: what table is best for a sectional? Our designers agree, round coffee tables usually work best because rectangular or square ones often fit tightly like puzzle pieces and restrict legroom. That said, rules are (sometimes) made to be broken. It really does depend on several factors, like the size of the room, style, and budget.

CB2 $899

Positioning Pointers: Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Tables

• Every seat in your room (sofa, side chair, chaise, etc.), needs a surface. If you can’t stretch your arm and rest a glass (or tablet, or…) on a surface, that area needs an accent table.
• Nesting tables equals liberation for your room’s layout! Why? They stack. Bring smaller ones out when someone’s in the seat and tuck them away when not needed. Brilliant!
• Don’t go all symmetrical. End tables on each side of the sofa? Boring! How about a floor lamp on one side and an end table on the other? Now that shakes things up.

Perigold $329

Affordable coffee and accent tables don’t mean you have to sacrifice style or quality. By thinking creatively and considering unconventional table options, you can create a unique space that reflects your taste, budget, and needs. From unexpected alternatives to mixing materials and choosing the right shapes, the possibilities are endless.  

Ready to take your living room to the next level but need help? Book a complimentary design consultation with our team today.