Reminder: Your Coffee Table Can Be a Statement Piece

While some coffee tables quietly complement the furniture around them, others demand attention. These examples from the WL archives, with their distinctive shapes and striking materials, fall into the latter camp—proving that a well-designed coffee table can help define your entire living room.

Old Meets New

The team at Scott and Scott Architects managed to update this Ron Thom-designed home without losing any of its mid-century charm. In the living room, a custom green velvet and concrete sectional pairs with a Jorge Zalszupin Petalas coffee table—an original design from the late 1950s. See the before and after renovation photos.

Head Over Heels

Everything in this 8,000-square-foot Calgary home was inspired by high fashion—the light fixtures, the walk-in closets and even the Noir coffee table. Katie Rioux and Candice Arcuri of DWK Interiors couldn’t resist its stiletto-like shape. Peek inside this stylish abode.

Life’s a Beach

Homeowners Mina Wesa and Sukh Brar wanted to transform their ’90s-era Kits Point home into a globally inspired beach house—so they turned to their friend, PlaidFox Studio’s Ben Leavitt, for help. With a natural materials palette, earthy colours and a few select pieces (like the custom dining table from Barter Design and coffee table by artist Brent Comber), the designer subtly deployed the beach aesthetic. Learn more about this Vancouver home makeover.

In Good Shape

This living room by Mera Studio Architects demonstrates how you can mix and match shapes and textures to great effect. Rounded pieces, including the cream sofa and brown marble coffee table, balance out the space’s more linear elements. Check out the rest of this warm, earthy modern style.

Spills and Thrills

Parents, take note! The custom coffee table in this media room is not only playful and colourful, but also spill proof. Paul Lavoie and Julie Lanctot had it designed in a kid-friendly vinyl that can withstand the messes from movie snacks and drinks. Explore this Alice in Wonderland-inspired Calgary home.

Of Sound Mind

Despite being off-grid, this cabin near Desolation Sound still has a few modern luxuries, including an outdoor fireplace, Wolf appliances and a modern sound system. The coffee table is actually the subwoofer; a speaker hangs from the ceiling, encased in a fir surround. Check out the rest of this remote home by architect Laura Killam and designer Sophie Burke.

Any Time Now

There were two things that completely wowed designers Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds when they first walked into this home: the expansive views of Halfmoon Bay and the owners’ collection of mid-century furniture. The sculptural Noguchi coffee table and Saarinen Womb chair lend a perfect vintage vibe to the living room. Tour this beautiful getaway on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast.