Friday, October 30, 2009

Coffee Table Ideas, Tips and Inspiration

Edited to add to The Nester's Linky Party, The Lettered Cottage Favorites of 2009 and The Inspired Room Best of 2009. Since this is a decorating blog, I do a wide variety of decorating posts, so it was hard to choose just one. It really depends on the person and what they're looking for at the time, but I liked the inspiration in this one and it seemed like others did too...

The post title pretty much sums this up, so I won't chatter on about it. If you're in need of a new coffee table or just looking to mix it up a bit, hopefully this post will provide some inspiration and helpful tips.

A large upholstered or leather ottoman is always an option.
Calico Corners

Trunks are great, especially if you need additional storage.
House Beautiful Photo Don Freeman




Add a glass table top to something. What? Use your imagination. :-)
House Beautiful Photo Michael Grimm




Use two (or three) small tables or ottomans.
A small ottoman and a small table...
Better Homes and Gardens

Find something that you love, in the shape that you need, and use it as a coffee table. Having a table that's "mobile" can be a nice idea as well.

Country Living Photo Michael Weschler




Add a mirror to an existing table to make it larger or give it some sparkle.
diyideas.com

Use a bench. As many decorating styles as there are in the world, there's usually a bench style to go with it.
Image Pottery Barn

Cherry plywood table - Better Homes and Gardens.
Coffee table from a door - Kimba at ASPTL.
Ottman/coffee table from scratch - Tutorial here.
Vintage sign coffee table - Tutorial here.
Table base into an a coffee table/ottoman Britt at A Penny Saved.
A cute painted chalkboard table for the family room. diyideas.com.

If you like the table leg style shown in the photo below, you can find a very detailed tutorial for the entire table at diyideas.com .

What is your favorite type of coffee table? Have you ever used something really unexpected?

I'll be talking about side/end tables and bedside tables in upcoming posts. Have a good day!