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18 Mid Century Modern Coffee Tables: Picks to Fit the Aesthetic

  • By DeCasa Collections
Mid century modern coffee table
Photo by Point3d Commercial Imaging Ltd from Unsplash
September 1, 2023

DISCLAIMER: The images in this post are for informational purposes to illustrate potential possibilities, recognizing that individual tastes vary. We aim to capture your wants and needs, expanding on each style where possible to offer a range of available options from reputable designers and affiliated brands. This selection process considers a variety of factors to ensure we cater to the diverse preferences of our readers.

Mid Century Modern Coffee Tables

Mid-century modern coffee table designs became popular in the mid-20th century due to their unique design. These statement pieces were known for their minimalistic and sleek designs, geometric shapes, and practical functionality. They’re primarily crafted from inexpensive materials such as wood or metal and can be mass-produced, making them available to a larger audience.

Nowadays, mid-century coffee tables showcase simple yet versatile designs, making them suitable for various interior styles; Retro and vintage styles are just a few examples. Dunning, who curated an exhibit last year in California on modern chairs for the Palm Springs Art Museum, states that mid-century modern is “not even a trend anymore-it’s the dominant aesthetic.”

One of the distinguishing features of mid-century modern coffee tables is their emphasis on practicality and storage solutions. Many designs come equipped with built-in compartments, shelves, or drawers, making it easy for users to keep their living spaces neat and organized. Whether you’re looking to furnish your office, living room, or lounge, these timeless pieces are sure to make a statement and exude an air of refinement.

Oval with Tapered Legs

Light wood table

Photo by Yasmina H from Unsplash

The table features a traditional retro-style design with clean lines and a subtle appearance. Its top is crafted from solid wood and supported by three splayed legs, which give it a modern feel. The oval-shaped top adds a contemporary aspect and a slightly less conventional approach, while the wood’s grain and texture evoke a mid-century feel. When placed in front of the mid-century-inspired sofa, the table complements the sofa’s wooden tones and blends seamlessly with the neutral tones of the surrounding interior.

Low-Set with Drawers

Unclutter Your Space Rectangular Coffee Table with Storage

Photo By jruiz1708 from Freepik

In this vibrant space, the mid-century coffee table takes center stage with solid wood legs that add a touch of retro charm. The table’s clean lines and simple design make it stand out piece. The lightwood tabletop accentuates its light and airy feel. The bright orange and blue walls create a visually stunning backdrop that seamlessly merges with the vivid furniture pieces, resulting in a cohesive setup that is easy on the eye and inviting.

Continue Reading: 22 Top Picks For An Exemplary Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Trestle Base with Divided Top

Mid-century coffee table

Photo by R Architecture from Unsplash

This coffee table combines retro and vintage styles, making it a stand-out piece in this white-inspired interior. It features squared corners, a wooden trestle base, and a divided top, providing organization convenience and a relaxed aesthetic. Although it lacks a lower shelf or the convenience of storage drawers, it has a spacious top to keep decorative pieces, books, and magazines that can be grouped and corralled to organize your essentials using the section divisions on the table.

Related article: Coffee Table With Storage: 19 Stylish Solutions for Your Space

Retro Coffee Table with Storage

retro room with midcentury modern furniture

Photo by Studioworkstock from Freepik

This piece has a rectangular shape and straight legs. Its round corners and rich walnut finish accentuate its mid-century modern style. It features a single shelf with a rounded opening that matches the soft, round finishes on the tabletop and legs. The open storage shelf is perfect for keeping books, newspapers, or other essentials within reach but out of sight. Combining wooden furnishings and vibrant colors creates a blend of retro and vintage appeal.

Read More: A Blast From the Past with 22 Retro Coffee Table Design Ideas

Walnut Coffee Table

Wood Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Arpad Czapp from Unsplash

This retro-style coffee table is a fitting addition to this home library setup. It has straight, rounded legs, a rounded tabletop, and a single wooden-slatted shelf that can be used as additional storage for magazines or workspace-related items. The tabletop has a rich dark wood finish that enriches its authentic vintage aesthetic. The table is spacious enough to display decorative items and books while still maintaining a workspace focus.

Continue Reading: A Roundup of Reader Favorites: 15 Rustic Coffee Table Ideas

Varnish Finish with Industrial Accents

Elegant Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Boitumelo from Unsplash

This mid-century modern rectangular coffee table is an excellent choice for a classic, vintage, Mid-century feel. It has a straight-leg structure wraps around the tabletop and showcases an arrow-like design at the base level. The lower integrated shelf is the same shape and size as the tabletop, providing ample space for everyday essentials. The wood varnish finish, paired with the black metal framing, gives off a Century hue while emitting an industrial vibe. The lower shelf can also be used to store books, headphones, or any other household-related items.

For More Info: Modern, Rustic, and Beyond 21 Rectangle Coffee Table Designs

Cubic Coffee Table

Real Wood Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Cytonn Photography from Unsplash

This wood coffee table with storage is a unique piece that exudes authenticity. Its cubic form has rounded edges and corners and comes in a mahogany finish. The table features two divided storage compartments that are open from both the front and back of the table. Short trestle legs support the table’s main structure. The table’s surface is generously sized, ideal for mid-sized to larger living rooms. You can use the top surface to keep everyday essentials or a vase of flowers, while the lower shelf can be used to store accessories that have less frequent use.

Discover More: Coffee Table With Storage: 19 Stylish Solutions for Your Space

Light Wood with Castors 

Handcrafted Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Francesca Tosolini from Unsplash

This setup offers a convenient option. The table has a spacious lower open shelf equivalent to the tabletop, making it perfect for keeping magazines and everyday gadgets within reach. Additionally, the table is equipped with caster wheels, providing added mobility and making it versatile enough to be used in different areas of the house as needed. The rich wooden textures stand out when displayed alongside two matching side tables in a gray-inspired interior. With its added mobility, this style would be well-suited for a lounge or office space.

Gain Insight: A Roundup of Reader Favorites: 15 Rustic Coffee Table Ideas

Coffee Table with Drawers & Hairpin Legs

Aesthetic Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Francesca Tosolini from Unsplash

This coffee table is a unique blend of different styles. Its design boasts metal hairpin legs angled outward for a distinctive appearance, squared corners, and two slim drawers. The table’s main body has a rough, weathered finish, while the clean and defined lines, along with the slender hairpin legs, bring in a mid-century vibe with a touch of minimalism. The drawers are perfect for storing items from potential spills or excessive sunlight or simply to keep your space clutter-free.

Round Nesting Set Of Two

Round Brown Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Set of two

Photo by Marilyn Huang from Unsplash

Introducing a pair of mid-century nesting tables that add a touch of rusticity to the space. The tables feature rounded tops with a raised perimeter to help organize and prevent spills. The tops have a rich dark wood finish, while the surfaces are finished in jet black, pairing coherently with the slim profile metal legs. The tables are set on a neutral carpet and rug, allowing the dark tones of the wood to stand out. The smaller table can be conveniently tucked under the larger one when not in use, creating the nesting style for added convenience.

Continue Reading: 20 Fresh Takes to Invigorate the Versatile Round Coffee Table

Waterfall Style Coffee Table

Metal Legs Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Max Harlynking from Unsplash

This interior features a coffee table that fuses a wooden top with a metal base, merging mid-century design with industrial flair. The table has a sleek wooden top placed on a sturdy black frame, with clean lines and a mid-century style that gives it a formal appearance. Although the table lacks any added storage solutions, it provides ample space to store your essentials without a lower shelf and maintains an authentic aesthetic.

Discover More: Think Outside the Box: 24 Opulent Metal Coffee Table Design Ideas 

Round with Tempered Glass Top

Glass Top Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

This coffee table has a refined design and a light, airy feel. It features a round wooden top with a tempered glass center, combining mid-century and contemporary styles with its lighter wood finish. The rounded top creates a softer aesthetic, ideal for more relaxed and less formal setups. The tapered legs give the table character, making it stand out from more basic options. The wood finish coordinates with the integrated wooden library wall, creating a cohesive look throughout the space.

Read More: Small Space Solutions: 20 Clever Small Coffee Table Ideas

Kidney Bean Coffee Table Set of Two

Mid-Century set of 2 Brown Coffee Table

Photo by Phebe Tan from Unsplash

These two coffee tables feature a mid-century design that adds a touch of minimalism to the living room. The wood coffee tables are crafted with a dark wood finish and consist of two matching kidney bean-style tables of varying sizes. They come with tapered legs and wooden tops, making them aso ideal for contemporary interiors. The smaller table can be used in a different room if you only need one for your essentials or space is limited.

Gain Insight: A Cluster of Innovation: 15 Nesting Coffee Table Ideas

Rectangular Coffee Table

Sleek Design Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Point3d Commercial Imaging Ltd from Unsplash

The rectangular coffee table has a sleek design fits cohesively into the cozy mid-century living room, forming a warm ambiance. It has square corners, a wooden top with engraving for an added design touch, and straight wooden legs in each corner. This option suits this lounge area, kitted with wooden floors and integrated bookshelves. You can use the table for serving dinner due to its larger surface area, keeping books, or displaying decor.

For More Info: Modern, Rustic, and Beyond 21 Rectangle Coffee Table Designs

Small Coffee Table with Teak Finish

stylish luxury living room armchair sofa coffee table

Photo by Follow The Flow from Freepik

The mid-century modern coffee table is an iconic design that stands the test of time. It boasts a rectangular wooden top with a slight overhang, squared corners, and straight cylindrical legs. Additionally, it comes with a storage drawer integrated into the top and an open lower shelf for further storage options. The emerald green sofa and vibrant yellow armchair contrast the table, proving its versatility within the maximalist setup.

Gain Insight: From Old To New: 20 Enticing Modern Coffee Table Design Ideas

Contemporary Coffee Table

Solid Design Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

This solid-designed mid-century coffee table accentuates this modern, upscale living room. Its wide rectangular body carries square corners and straight metal legs that meet at base level to form an X design. The table is lightweight yet robust, giving it an airy yet luxe feel when pairing the rich wood finish with the chrome accents. Its modern aspect makes it versatile, while the wood’s texture affirms its authenticity in the Mid-century space.

For More Info: Modern, Rustic, and Beyond 21 Rectangle Coffee Table Designs

Round Coffee Table

Round wood table

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

This style takes inspiration from the traditional coffee table era, featuring a rich dark wood finish and a simple design. It has a rounded wooden top with four tapered legs, representing the sleek and natural trends of the 50s and 60s. It can be used as a coffee table, for displaying decorative pieces, or for scented candles, but it doesn’t offer much surface space. Overall, it is an elegant and understated piece that complements this contemporary setup coherently.

Read More: 20 Fresh Takes to Invigorate the Versatile Round Coffee Table

Two-Tier Coffee Table 

Wooden Round Top Table

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

This coffee table features a round wooden top, supported by straight rod-style metal legs and a lower shelf placed symmetrically to the tabletop. The clear glass vases topping the table add a subtle decorative touch to the overall setup. The table’s size makes it ideal for holding drinks, smaller living room essentials, and decorative items, while the lower shelf can store accessories that may not necessarily be considered ‘decor’.

Gain Insight: 20 Fresh Takes to Invigorate the Versatile Round Coffee Table

Final Thoughts

As we approach the end of our roundup, it’s safe to say that Mid-century coffee tables are timeless furniture pieces with an iconic design. They attract the attention of homeowners and design enthusiasts alike with their sleek lines, geometric shapes, and practical functionality. These tables blend retro and vintage charm, making them an exceptional choice for any home. Comprising primarily wood and metal, they are durable and long-lasting, making them a valuable investment. You can use them as a centerpiece or an accent piece, adding elegance and sophistication to your living space and enhancing the overall ambiance of your room.

To fully immerse yourself in the world of coffee tables, take advantage of these must-read articles that offer captivating insights and valuable information: 

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My home isn’t mid-century; can I still use a mid-century coffee table?

Definitely. Mid-century coffee tables are surprisingly adaptable. Their simple, unfussy designs easily complement contemporary, boho, minimalist, and even some traditional styles. The key is creating balance with other furnishings in your space.

What are the most sought-after materials for authentic mid-century coffee tables?

Teak, rosewood, and walnut are quintessential mid-century woods, showcasing warm tones and striking grain patterns. Sculptural bases could incorporate metal, glass, or even molded fiberglass.

How can I tell if a coffee table is genuinely mid-century modern?

Look for these tell-tale signs:

  • Tapered or angled legs.
  • Organic shapes (kidney bean, amoeba, rounded edges).
  • Minimal ornamentation.
  • Mixed materials (wood and metal, for instance).

If you’re unsure, consult a reputable vintage furniture dealer for expert authentication.

What makes mid-century coffee tables unique in terms of design?

Mid-century coffee tables often feature clean lines, organic shapes, and minimalist aesthetics. Unlike earlier styles, they prioritize functionality without sacrificing style, reflecting the post-war era’s emphasis on practicality and simplicity. This design ethos is exemplified by iconic pieces like the Noguchi table, known for its sculptural base and glass top.

Are there designers famous for mid-century modern coffee tables?

Yes, here are some iconic names to look out for:

  • Isamu Noguchi
  • Charles and Ray Eames
  • Eero Saarinen
  • George Nelson
  • Arne Jacobsen
  • Hans Wegner
What’s the difference between mid-century modern and mid-century Scandinavian coffee tables?

Both embrace minimalism and clean design, but there are subtle distinctions:

  • Mid-century modern: May include more diverse materials and playful shapes.
  • Mid-century Scandinavian: Often favors lighter woods and emphasizes functionality above all.
Are some mid-century coffee table shapes more iconic than others?

Definitely, watch out for these classics:

  • Kidney bean or amoeba-shaped: Biomorphic forms reflecting the era’s interest in space-age design.
  • Surfboard: Long, oval tabletops with tapered legs.
  • Noguchi table: Sculptural interlocking wood base with a glass top.
I love the look, but what are some drawbacks of mid-century coffee tables?
  • Fragility: Some vintage pieces may require gentler handling than contemporary furniture.
  • Lower height: Not always the most comfortable for dining or working at length.
  • Popularity: Authentic designer pieces can be very expensive.
What pitfalls should I avoid when buying mid-century coffee tables online?

When buying mid-century coffee tables online, avoid misleading descriptions and undisclosed damage. Be sure to thoroughly review product descriptions and photos for accuracy, inquire about the item’s condition and provenance, and research reputation and return policies to ensure a smooth purchasing experience.

How do I ensure the mid-century coffee table I buy holds its value?

To ensure the mid-century coffee table you buy holds its value, prioritize authenticity, quality craftsmanship, and iconic design. Maintain the coffee table properly by following care instructions and consider factors like rarity, condition, and provenance when determining its value.

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