Mid-century modern design is a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and continues to captivate design enthusiasts today. Characterized by its clean lines, organic forms, and integration of natural materials, mid-century modern style has had a profound influence on various aspects of interior design. One such iconic piece that embodies the essence of this design movement is the mid-century modern coffee table. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of mid-century modern coffee tables, explore their evolution, highlight iconic designs, discuss their versatility and functionality, explore material choices and finishes, and provide styling tips for incorporating them into different spaces.
Products reviewed in more detail
Engraved Walnut Teak Coffee Table
Features
- Hand-turned solid wood
- Beautiful walnut engraving
Solid Walnut colored Teak hardwood makes up this beautiful hardwood table top. The tapered legs are made by hand to create a classic mid-century, rustic-modern style. The wood is beautiful and unique, full of natural and organic character. Under the table top are metal plates that can be easily removed for storage/moving. For a sleek and airy design, the tabletop is 7/8" (22mm) thick instead of the standard 1" (25mm).
Pros
- One of the nicest tables on Etsy!
- Stunning carving on the tabletop that really is unique
- Highly rated quality material and craftsmanship
Cons
Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
Features
- Solid pine wood
- Rustic and modern look
Our 100% handmade coffee table looks eye-catching with its rustic and modern look. It is made of 1st class pine solid wood. Installation is quick and simple. Industrial sanded tabletop leaves a perfectly smooth finish well-suited for meals, games, or simply as a footstool.
Pros
- We find it rare to see pine wood being the main choice out of all the Etsy tables we've reviewed. The wood is beautiful and the stain they use really shows off the textures throughout.
Cons
Mid Century Modern Solid Marble Stone
Features
- Dark walnut base
- Marble stone top
Featuring sleek lines, a dark walnut base, and a solid white marble stone oval table top. The Boria Coffee table is a true minimalist with a touch of Scandinavian flair from its angled legs, it is a foundation piece providing a perfect blank canvas that let your style speaks freely.
Pros
- Simple, clean design that's impressive to look at
- The contrast between the wood and the top is so impressive, we love the look of this table
Cons
Solid Teak With Glass Top
Features
- Glass top
- Light polish
We made this coffee table from teakwood by our best craftsmen. A classic midcentury design updated for millennials! This beautifully contoured and shaped case holds a perfectly fitted plane of glass. Its light polish enhances the grain of the teak wood, adding a sense of ageless warmth to modern rooms.
Pros
- Clean design with a nice glass top to showcase more of the wood grains
- A nice, simple shape and a table that isn't too expensive
Cons
Round Wood & Metal
Features
- See-through metal design
- Has storage
Your living area will look stunning with this metal and wood coffee table. It can be used as a low table for a seating area or a centerpiece for your living room. See-through storage underneath lets you display collections or store remotes and magazines. There's no need to worry about it clashing with a plain or luxurious living room style.
Pros
- There is something special about the metal design, it seems to be a one-of-a-kind piece that we have never seen anything like it before.
Cons
Classic Walnut Teak Coffee Table
Features
- Walnut-stained teak hardwood
- Turned by hand table legs
This beautiful hardwood table top is made from gorgeous, Grade-A solid walnut-stained Teak hardwood. The tapered legs are turned by hand for a classic mid-century, rustic-modern style. The legs screw into metal plates underneath the table top for convenience of easy removal for storing/moving. The tabletop is slightly thinner at 7/8" (22mm) instead of a standard 1" (25mm) for a streamlined look and airy design.
Pros
- The packaging of this table is meticulous and if it's prepared this well then you know the overall quality is next level
- The truly classic shape and design of this table means it will never feel out of style in your living room
Cons
Modern Custom Coffee Table
Features
- Scandinavian influences
- A variety of options are available
Featuring Scandinavian influences and copper accents, the Peyla Coffee Table is available in a variety of solid wood combinations. We offer a wide variety of wood types, or we can provide a custom quote based on your requirements. The wood shown here is Black Walnut and Cherry on Brazilian Cherry.
Pros
- A beautifully designed table with Scandinavian influences. The copper accent strip on the ends of the table is also a stunning addition and adds that little something extra in our eyes.
Cons
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Features
There are many versions of the kidney bean table out there, and after looking for inspiration in tables of the past, this is my interpretation. I wanted the curve of the table to be continuous while keeping the proportions pleasing to the eye. I wanted it to be sleek and modern looking while staying true to the original design. I also wanted to use materials that perfectly fit the period, to complement people's existing mid-century collections.
- Kidney bean shape
- Proportional shape
Pros
- A kidney bean shape isn't something we see too often and is a refreshing shape on coffee tables
- The surface of the table is finished in a way that really lets the grain of the wood shine through
Cons
Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
Features
- All natural finishes
- Multiple wood choices
All natural finishes provide durable dirt and water resistance. Available in Walnut, maple, and Cherry. Walnut is shown in the first listing picture. Depending on species, available stock and width/depth your table may be made of anywhere from one to three slabs joined together to get desired width/depth.
Pros
- A nice selection of wood
- Customizable sizes
- Great reviews
Cons
Handcrafted Solid Wood Coffee Table
Features
Handcrafted mid-century solid wood coffee table with rounded corners and angled legs.
Pros
- This table has a lot of great comments from the Etsy community
- Well designed, traditional table we'd be happy to have in our living room
- Handcrafted
Cons
Hermann Coffee Table
Features
- Black walnut
- Timeless mid-century
Handmade outside of Edmonton, Canada, the Hermann coffee table is inspired by timeless mid-century modern design. It is built using only the highest quality of solid hardwood and expert techniques, making it an heirloom quality accent table.
Pros
- A stunning mid-century modern table
- Just by looking at the table, we can see the quality that has gone into the table's craftsmanship
Cons
Round Walnut Coffee Table
Features
- Mid-century look
- Retro inspired
A Mid-century / Retro inspired solid Walnut coffee table with simple yet dramatic design features. A clean and crisp table top with legs extending out just the right amount to bring attention to their unique tapered profile and provide a wonderful visual balance.
Pros
- Simple yet dramatic design
- A clean and simple design with unique legs
Cons
Mid Century Coffee Table
Features
- Slim design
- Classic chestnut
Offering a slimmer twist than our other chestnut piece, this mid-century modern coffee table comes with a depth of 15”. A splurge worthy piece - the classic chestnut coloring lends an age-old story to the wood, contrasting just a pinch with the modern turn of the angled oak legs. Place in front of the fireplace or by the sky-lit window and let the shifting colors highlight the natural splendor of this style.
Pros
- Clean design, we really like the thin wood giving this piece a more slender look and feel
- Nothing over the top with this table, clean and classic
Cons
Wooden Round Walnut Teak
Features
- MDF table
- Minimal design
This Round Wooden Walnut Coffee Table will change the atmosphere of your whole room, and house, instantly. Also, this Mid Century and Rustic Coffee Table is suitable for your living room and your office.
Pros
- This table has a nice quarter section design in the wood that's very unique
- More affordable than solid walnut tables
Cons
Natural Solid Wood Oak
Features
- Solid wood oak
- Custom table diameter option
A wooden round solid wood oak coffee table will be a great solution for organizing your space in the living room or your garden. You can choose a custom table diameter. It is made of natural wood, so it will delight you for years.
Pros
- A natural wood look will really brighten up your space with this color. The lighter tones of the wood oak would look amazing in your living room, especially if you have lighter walls to reflect more light.
Cons
Wooden Round Walnut Oak
Features
- Unique tabletop pattern
- Affordable
This Round Wooden Walnut and Oak combination Coffee Table will change the atmosphere of your whole room, and house, instantly. Also, This Mid Century Rustic Coffee Table is suitable for your living room and your office. Thanks to the painting applied by wood painting artisans, it provides long-term use and there will be no fading or change in its color for many years.
Pros
- This piece can change the atmosphere of your whole room
- This table looks like it can stand the test of time
- It's a lot more affordable than other tables (MDF)
Cons
Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Design
Features
- Modern, sleek design
- Low profile
Conspicuous wood grain and ascetic shape create perfect harmony. Best for a modern interior. This low-profile modern coffee table is made of wood veneer and oiled for a natural feeling. The base is covered in matte black paint to make it invisible.
Pros
- A beautiful example of a low-profile, modern table that would like great in a minimally designed space.
- The space at the bottom of the table gives it the appearance that it's floating off the floor, a unique and creative method we love to see.
Cons
Solid Walnut Board Coffee Table
Features
- Mid-century inspired
- Made to last a lifetime
This mid-century-inspired table is very functional and made to last a lifetime. Made from selected Walnut, chosen for its beautiful grain and variation in the timber.
Pros
- Stunning product details and attention to the craftsmanship
- The fact that they suggest this table is made to last a lifetime tells you they're thinking about this table to last you a long time
Cons
Solid Teak Mid-Century Table
Features
- Mid-century design
- Ovoid shape
Our most skilled craftsmen made this teakwood coffee table. There's nothing more stunning than midcentury! This space-age ovoid is beautifully contoured and shaped. Whether in a modern or vintage setting, the coffee table complements both. You can get a premium luxury look at a very affordable price with this unique coffee table.
Pros
- A clean, minimal teakwood table that would look great in your mid-century-inspired living room
- The storage space works well for hiding away smaller items
Cons
Mid Century Coffee Table in the Style of Ico Parisi
Features
This beautiful mid-century modern walnut coffee table is hand made of beech wood, dyed in a beautiful teak colour and hand varnished with a natural shellac finish. It has a tempered glass top and comes in a range of sizes, up to 90cm (35.5”) in width. It is shipped in a few elements to assemble and comes with instructions. Production time is around 4 weeks and shipping takes up to 7 working days.
- 42 cm (16.5”) high
- 90 cm (35.5”) length
- 40 cm (15.7”) width
Pros
- Hand made of beech wood
- Tempered glass top
- Range of sizes and colours available
Cons
- Production time of 4 weeks
- Shipping takes up to 7 working days
Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
Features
This hand fashioned rounded edge solid walnut coffee table is made to order with your space in mind. Floating, bespoke, simple lines, solid construction, and tapered rounded legs complete this elegant piece. Bound to be an up and coming mid century modern classic! The dimensions are 24”WX48”LX17”H.
Pros
- Made to order
- Bespoke
- Tapered legs
- Rounded edges
- Satin finish
- Oil-based varnish
- Matte, semigloss, or gloss option
Cons
- Pricey
Mid Century Modern Bamboo Coffee Table
Features
- rattan
- bamboo
- beige bamboo
- beige rattan
- brown bamboo
- brown rattan
- beige color
- brown color
- brown
- beige
Pros
- Perfect condition
- Stable
- Retro & Bohemian look
Cons
- No cons
Linon Mid Century Walnut Melissa Coffee Table
Features
- Coffee table shelf dimension 39.5”W x 19.75”D x 10.25”H
- Weight capacity: 100 lbs. on top and 20 lbs. on the bottom shelf
Pros
- Finished in a warm walnut tone
- Durable solid wood and birch veneer construction
- Spacious top area space and slatted designed lower storage shelf
- Perfect to be anchored and used in a home office, entertainment, or living room
Cons
- Some assembly required
Midcentury Modern Coffee Table - Solid Wood and Copper
Features
The Peyla Coffee Table - part of our Fjelsted furniture line - is a mid century modern design with flairs of Scandinavian influence. Designed and made in our Minneapolis wood shop by K. Fjelsted, this piece can be built in a variety of wood and copper combinations. Choose from our wood type offerings listed here or contact us - custom orders are always welcome. Sizing, as shown, runs standard at 45" long x 23" wide x 20.5" tall.
- copper
- brazilian cherry
- cherry
- black walnut
- white oak
Pros
- Mid century modern design
- Variety of wood and copper combinations
- Standard sizing
Cons
Industrial Metal Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
Features
- 42” W x 20” D x 14.25” H
- Materials: walnut, steel, oak, wood, metal
Pros
- Unique leg shape
- Customizable finishes
- Handcrafted in Utah
Cons
- No assembly instructions included
The Essence of Mid-Century Modern Design
At the heart of mid-century modern design are several key characteristics and principles that define its aesthetic appeal. Simplicity, clean lines, and organic shapes are fundamental elements that create a sense of timeless elegance. Mid-century modern design also celebrates the integration of natural materials, such as wood, metal, and glass, and employs innovative techniques to achieve sleek and functional forms.
Versatility and Functionality
One of the remarkable aspects of mid-century modern coffee tables is their practicality and versatility. These tables seamlessly integrate with various interior design styles and settings, from minimalistic to eclectic. Their multifunctional attributes, such as storage compartments or modular designs, offer added convenience while maintaining the clean aesthetic of mid-century modern design. We will delve into the ways in which mid-century modern coffee tables can elevate the functionality of your living space.
Material Choices and Finishes
Mid-century modern coffee tables can be found in a diverse range of materials, each contributing to their unique aesthetic appeal. Some of the popular materials used in their construction include:
- Wood: Wood, especially hardwoods like walnut, teak, and rosewood, is a prevalent choice in mid-century modern coffee tables. Known for their warm tones, beautiful grain patterns, and durability, these woods bring a natural and organic feel to the furniture piece.
- Metal: Metals like stainless steel, brass, and chrome are often incorporated into mid-century modern coffee tables, either as structural elements or decorative accents. Metal frames or legs provide a sleek and minimalist touch, adding a touch of industrial charm to the overall design.
- Glass: Glass tabletops or shelves are commonly seen in mid-century modern coffee tables. Clear or tinted glass adds an airy and light feel to the furniture piece, while also showcasing the clean lines and intricate details of the base or legs.
Origins of mid-century furniture
The mid-century modern coffee table is a great way to spruce up your living room and give it a more modern look. But where did this style of furniture come from? And why is it so popular today?
Mid-century modern furniture first became popular in the mid-20th century.
It was a reaction to the traditional, ornate furniture that had been popular for centuries. Mid-century modern furniture was simple and sleek, with clean lines and minimal decoration. This style became very popular in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
How mid-century furniture became popular
There are a few factors that contributed to the popularity of mid-century modern furniture.
- First, it was an affordable style of furniture that could be mass-produced.
- Second, it appealed to the growing number of people who were moving into cities and wanted smaller, more functional homes while retaining beautifully designed products.
- Mid-century modern designers like Charles and Ray Eames were able to create unique pieces that were both stylish and practical.
Today, mid-century modern furniture is once again becoming popular. This is partly due to its retro vibe, but also because it's a practical style that can be adapted to any home décor scheme. If you're looking for something different in your living room décor, consider adding a mid-century modern coffee table!
Styling and Pairing
Creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing living space involves thoughtful styling and pairing of furniture and accessories. In this section, we will provide practical tips on how to incorporate a mid-century modern coffee table into different spaces. We will discuss complementary furniture choices, such as sofas and lounge chairs, as well as accessories like rugs and lighting, that enhance the overall mid-century modern aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from well-styled mid-century modern living rooms, we will showcase examples that illustrate the versatility and visual impact of these coffee tables.
Complementary Furniture Choices
- Sofas and Lounge Chairs: When pairing a mid-century modern coffee table with seating furniture, opt for pieces that share similar design characteristics. Look for sofas and lounge chairs with clean lines, organic shapes, and tapered legs. Choose upholstery in neutral tones or bold colors inspired by the mid-century modern palette to create a cohesive look.
- Side Chairs and Ottomans: Consider adding side chairs or ottomans to create additional seating around the coffee table. Look for designs that feature iconic mid-century modern elements, such as molded plywood or Eames-inspired shell chairs. These pieces can add visual interest and enhance the functionality of the space.
Enhancing Accessories
- Rugs: Select a rug that complements the mid-century modern coffee table while defining the seating area. Look for rugs with geometric patterns or abstract designs, reminiscent of the era's graphic motifs. Natural fibers like wool or jute can add texture and warmth to the space.
- Lighting: Incorporate lighting elements that complement the mid-century modern style. Consider pendant lights with clean lines and sculptural shapes, or floor lamps with tripod bases and retro-inspired shades. These lighting fixtures not only provide illumination but also serve as decorative accents.
- Art and Decor: Add artwork and decor that reflects the mid-century modern aesthetic. Look for abstract paintings, geometric prints, or vintage posters. Display ceramic vases, sculptural objects, or mid-century-inspired clocks to add interest and personality to the tabletop.
Showcasing Inspiring Examples
- Mid-Century Modern Eclectic: Pair a walnut mid-century modern coffee table with a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture pieces. Combine bold colors, patterns, and textures to create an eclectic yet cohesive look. Add accent chairs upholstered in vibrant fabrics and mix in statement pieces like a retro-inspired record player or a vintage floor lamp.
- Minimalist Scandinavian: For a minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired space, choose a light-toned mid-century modern coffee table with clean lines. Pair it with a neutral-colored sofa, lounge chairs with light wood frames, and a cozy faux fur throw. Add subtle pops of color through accent pillows or a modernist art print.
- Retro Glam: Create a glamorous mid-century modern look by pairing a glass-top coffee table with velvet upholstery and metallic accents. Choose a sofa with tufted details, metallic or mirrored side tables, and a chandelier-inspired pendant light. Incorporate plush textures, such as faux fur or shag rugs, to enhance the luxurious ambiance.
Conclusion
The mid-century modern coffee table is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a symbol of timeless elegance and innovation. With their clean lines, organic shapes, and integration of natural materials, mid-century modern coffee tables offer a sense of sophistication and style that transcends trends. Whether you're a fan of the classics or looking for a contemporary interpretation, these coffee tables have the ability to transform any living space into a stylish and inviting environment.
By understanding the principles and characteristics of mid-century modern design, you can make informed choices when selecting a coffee table that aligns with your personal style and complements your existing decor. Whether you opt for a timeless classic or a modern interpretation, the mid-century modern coffee table is sure to be a focal point that elevates the aesthetic appeal of your living room.
Author
My coffee journey spans 15 years of diverse experiences. Starting from those first sips, my passion for the industry has grown steadily. I've enjoyed working at a local coffee shop, exploring cultures worldwide, meeting incredible farmers on plantation tours, and helping launch a family member's coffee roasting venture. Throughout this journey, discovering and buying coffee from local roasters to support community businesses has been a pleasure. Through Roast Love, I aim to create content that informs, raises awareness, and helps you, the reader, buy and brew that perfect cup of coffee.
