Modern Designs & Ideas Coffee Table

It's the pride of every living room, the coffee table sitting smugly in the center and probably getting most of the airtime when it comes to entertaining loved ones or friends.

But will your coffee table do justice to your home and yours? Gone are the days when we had no choice but to go to the local department store and choose a color, any color, plus small pickings.

Today we can upcycle, recycle, refurbish, polish, and reuse to our heart's content! And when it comes to a unique and eye-catching coffee table, anything is possible.

The real trick to creating spaces that are as full of character as you are is to think outside the box and get creative.

The first step is to think about what you are using your coffee table for - and use it well.

Although they are called "coffee tables," we all know that this is not the be all and end all of their existence. Think of the other things you like to have on your coffee table and let your imagination run wild!

It is a convenient place to store your stack of house and garden magazines, for other cozy reading, fresh flowers, or other eye-catching little things that fit the character of the room.

If you are someone who likes to be surrounded by beautiful things, think about having built-in shelves where you can store your decorative items.

Choose classic or traditional styles, use metal, wrought iron, or use playful, bright patterns that match your personality.

Unique Coffee Table DIY Ideas

1.       Trunks – using a wooden trunk or chest of wood as a coffee table is a safe way to add character and history to a room.

2.      Wine barrel - an easy-to-get alternative that adds a little rustic charm to any living room. It's also a great option for outdoor entertainment. Cut it in half and have it short, or cut it in half and cover it with a solid piece of wood.

3.      Vintage Water Skis - this could be the perfect beach house coffee table.

4.      Used and old cable spool. This results in a beautiful round tabletop that can be lacquered, restored or left as it is for a truly rustic feel.

5.      Stack up books in 4 corners and find a big tabletop – you’ve made yourself a coffee table in two simple steps. You can use all the books for the base, just make sure they're all the same size. And use a solid old piece of wood, such as a door or an existing tabletop.

6.      We've used trunks before, so why not suitcases? Stack them up, repaint them and you've got a stunning new coffee table.

7.      Use an old stump or round tree and have it treated. The result is a large, beautiful round table - perfect for your living room

8.     Use a piece of gnarled but flat driftwood or a similar piece of wood to create an interesting shaped table.

9.      A large steel bucket is a fantastic coffee table. Top with a wooden round.

10.  A large basket is a storage-friendly option. It's all about the land, the cottage, or the coastal feel. Plate with a tablecloth or use a tray to balance items that sit on top.

11.   Use an old wooden bench. This results in a long, narrow table - perfect for decoration items.

12.  Arrange ceramic garden stools into a loose collection of coffee tables that can serve as seating.

13.  Use an old trolley for a versatile and storage-friendly coffee table

14.  Think of different shapes, such as three wooden planks at different angles. This creates a unique centerpiece on different levels, but still practical.

15.  Top a Foosball table with glass and voila! You have a coffee table, doubled with the playing time.

16.  Why not make a pulp coffee table - user-friendly and sustainable.

17.   Use an old short surfboard - this is a stunning addition to a beach house

18.  Use an old bathtub and cover it with a piece of treated pine, oak, or Rimu. For indoors, cover the entire top, but for outdoors - leave half-open and double as a planter.

19.  If you like plants in the house use an inverted table with a deep abdomen and a glass top. Watch your plants grow under your coffee table. Beautiful!

20. Use old antlers, stacked on top of each other and glued for a sturdy and rustic base. Top with a piece of glass to complete.

21.  For a twist on a more traditional table, cover it with a chalk board. This creates a fun memo board for the whole family, or you can change it every day with an inspiring quote.

22. This is another one for the bookworms out there. Stack books, glue them together for the base and legs for the coffee table. This is a nice solid table.

23. Use a solid small fish tank as the base of your coffee table and cover it with a piece of glass. Make sure that the glass is removable but stable - and you have an aquarium to watch while you relax.

24. Stack smaller coffee tables on top of each other. Three usually create the perfect height

25. A clean outdoor table idea is the use of pottery as legs. Think of large terracotta pots covered with glass.

26. For an interesting tabletop, place interesting flat stones or pebbles together on glass, and place another glass top on top.

27.  Branch out and use different geometric shapes.

28. Use an old dresser that has a suitable height and repaint it to match your living room. This creates large storage space.

29. Use a butcher's block with wrought iron legs for a solid, classy look.

30. To get really creative, borrow the wheels and body of an old bicycle and place a thin glass or thin pine tabletop over it. Rustic, vintage, and very creative.