Top 5 Coffee Tables With Shelf Underneath
Coffee tables have long been an essential part of home décor. While their primary function may seem simple – providing a place to set drinks, books, and remotes – the right coffee table can elevate the aesthetic of any room. Among the many varieties available, coffee tables with shelves underneath have gained significant popularity in recent years. These tables not only offer extra storage but also serve as a functional focal point in living rooms, dens, and even home offices.
The trend towards tables with additional storage space is partly due to the growing need for organization in modern homes. As our living spaces become smaller and our belongings increase, maximizing every inch of space has become crucial. A coffee table with a shelf underneath provides an innovative solution by combining style and practicality in one cohesive design. This versatile piece of furniture can accommodate everything from decorative accents to everyday items like magazines or blankets.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons why coffee tables with shelves underneath are such a great choice, provide a detailed buying guide, and offer tips on how to maintain and care for these versatile pieces of furniture. Whether you’re a minimalist looking for clean lines and hidden storage or someone in need of extra room for clutter, a coffee table with a shelf underneath might just be the perfect fit for your space.
Top 5 Coffee Tables With Shelf Underneath

1. Sauder Edge Water Lift-Top Coffee Table
The Sauder Edge Water Lift-Top Coffee Table is a sleek, functional gem. It features a spacious top that lifts up effortlessly, making it perfect for working from home or enjoying a meal in front of the TV. Beneath the lift top, there’s a large shelf that offers hidden storage for magazines, remotes, or even blankets. Its soft, distressed finish gives it a charming rustic vibe, and it works well in both modern and farmhouse settings.
2. Vivo Furniture Wood Coffee Table
If you’re looking for a sturdy yet stylish coffee table, the Vivo Furniture Wood Coffee Table is a fantastic pick. Made with a solid wood frame, it’s incredibly durable and has a charming industrial feel. The shelf underneath provides ample space for storing books, decor, or board games, and the design ensures it’s a standout in your living room. Whether you go for the dark walnut or light oak finish, it adds warmth and character to your space.
3. Ameriwood Home Carson Coffee Table
The Ameriwood Home Carson Coffee Table is all about modern vibes and practical use. It’s sleek, simple, and comes with a convenient open shelf underneath for easy storage access. This one’s perfect for those who prefer minimalism but still need to stash some essentials like remote controls or TV guides. The clean lines and the rich brown finish make it versatile enough to blend with a variety of interior styles, from contemporary to transitional.
4. Furinno Coffee Table with Storage Shelf
Furinno’s Coffee Table with Storage Shelf is all about maximizing functionality without breaking the bank. It’s compact, with a stylish lower shelf that’s perfect for storing items like books or throw blankets. The minimalist design makes it easy to integrate into smaller living spaces, and the sturdy particleboard structure ensures it can handle your daily needs. If you’re after a simple, budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on storage, this one’s a win.
5. Ashley Furniture Signature Design – T235-1 Coffee Table
Ashley Furniture Signature Design’s T235-1 Coffee Table brings a touch of rustic charm with its distressed finish and functional design. It offers a wide shelf beneath the tabletop, which is great for organizing remote controls, books, or decorative items. With its timeless design and neutral tone, it easily complements a variety of home decor styles. Plus, the sturdy construction ensures it can stand up to everyday use, making it both stylish and practical.
Why Buy Coffee Tables With Shelf Underneath?
There are several compelling reasons why you should consider investing in a coffee table with a shelf underneath. These reasons go beyond just their storage capacity, touching on functionality, design, and space-saving benefits. Here are some of the main advantages:
Maximized Storage Space
In today’s homes, where storage often comes at a premium, every square inch counts. Coffee tables with shelves underneath offer an efficient way to store items without adding bulky furniture. The shelf provides a perfect spot to keep items like remote controls, books, magazines, or even decorative pieces that need a home. Instead of letting these items clutter the surface of the table or your living room, the shelf offers a neat and organized solution.
Versatility In Design
Coffee tables with shelves underneath are incredibly versatile in terms of design. They come in various styles – from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage – ensuring that you can find one that matches your existing décor. The additional shelf also opens up possibilities for adding more layers to your design, such as placing a set of stylish baskets, a stack of art books, or even a decorative plant for a touch of nature.
Clutter Control
If you find that your living room often gets cluttered with small items like children’s toys, remotes, or magazines, the extra shelf can be a game-changer. By storing these items out of sight but still easily accessible, you can keep your living room looking tidy and inviting. This is especially important in homes where space is limited and every piece of furniture should contribute to both functionality and style.
Multi-Functional Usage
A coffee table with a shelf underneath offers flexibility beyond its typical use. It can serve as an occasional work surface, a place to display art, or even a convenient spot to store things you need access to often. For those with small apartments or studios, it can even double as a media console, holding entertainment devices, books, or a decorative vase without sacrificing precious space.
Aesthetic Appeal
While the storage aspect is important, the aesthetic appeal of coffee tables with shelves underneath cannot be overstated. Many of these tables feature clean lines and sophisticated materials that complement a range of interior styles. Whether you prefer the industrial charm of metal frames or the timeless elegance of wood, these tables are designed to integrate seamlessly into your home décor.
Buying Guide For Coffee Tables With Shelf Underneath
When buying a coffee table with a shelf underneath, several factors must be considered to ensure you choose one that fits your needs, space, and style. Below is a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Size And Proportions
Before making any purchase, it’s essential to measure the space where the coffee table will go. Consider both the surface area of the table and the height of the shelf. A coffee table that is too large can overwhelm a room, while one that is too small may not provide the functionality you need. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 18 inches between the edge of the table and your seating area.
Additionally, think about the height of the shelf. A lower shelf can store larger items, but it may be harder to access. If the shelf is intended to hold smaller objects or decorative pieces, a higher shelf might be more practical.
Material And Durability
Coffee tables with shelves come in a variety of materials, each with its pros and cons. Common materials include wood, metal, glass, and even acrylic.
- Wood: Offers warmth and a timeless look. Choose from solid hardwood, engineered wood, or veneer. Solid wood tends to be more durable but may require more maintenance.
- Metal: Modern and sleek, metal coffee tables are durable and often have a minimalistic design. They’re perfect for industrial or contemporary settings.
- Glass: Offers a light, airy feel and is perfect for smaller spaces. However, glass tables require more frequent cleaning and are more fragile.
- Acrylic: A modern, transparent option that offers a sleek, minimalistic appearance without overwhelming a room.
Consider your lifestyle when choosing the material. If you have young children or pets, materials like wood or metal may be more practical.
Storage Functionality
The main reason for buying a coffee table with a shelf underneath is to store items, so consider what you need to store. If you require more hidden storage, look for tables with enclosed shelves or drawers. If you’re simply looking for a place to display decorative items, an open shelf design will suffice.
If you have a lot of smaller items to store, choose a table with multiple levels or adjustable shelves, which allow you to customize the storage space.
Style And Design
The style of your coffee table should reflect the overall design of your home. Here are a few popular styles:
- Mid-century modern: Known for its clean lines, wooden frames, and minimalist approach.
- Industrial: Often made from a combination of metal and wood, these tables have a rugged, utilitarian feel.
- Contemporary: Sleek and often minimalist, these tables incorporate materials like glass, metal, and wood in fresh, innovative ways.
- Rustic/Farmhouse: Features distressed wood, often with a weathered finish, for a more natural, earthy vibe.
Choose a design that complements your existing furniture and color scheme. Don’t forget to consider the table’s finish as well – matte, glossy, or natural – depending on the ambiance you want to create.
Budget
Finally, set a budget for your purchase. Coffee tables with shelves underneath come in a wide price range, depending on the material, brand, and design. Set a budget before you start shopping to narrow down your options.
Maintenance & Care
Maintaining your coffee table with a shelf underneath requires regular cleaning and occasional upkeep, depending on the material. Here are some essential tips for keeping your table in pristine condition:
Wood Tables
- Dust regularly using a soft microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup.
- Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth to avoid stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the wood’s finish.
- Periodically treat the wood with furniture polish to maintain its luster. You may also want to apply a wood conditioner if the table appears dry or scratched.
Metal Tables
- Wipe metal tables with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. For tougher stains, use a mild soap solution.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface.
- If the table has a rust-resistant coating, it should be fairly low-maintenance. Otherwise, check for rust spots and treat them as needed.
Glass Tables
- Clean glass tops with a standard glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
- Be mindful of any fingerprints or smudges, especially on glossy glass finishes.
Acrylic Tables
- Acrylic can scratch easily, so use a soft cloth for cleaning.
- Use a specialized cleaner for acrylic to avoid damage.
Final Words
A coffee table with a shelf underneath is more than just a piece of furniture – it’s a functional and stylish solution to managing clutter, creating extra storage, and enhancing the design of your living space. Whether you’re looking to make the most of a small room or simply love the idea of a multi-functional table, these tables provide the ideal combination of utility and design.
From considering size and material to maintaining the table’s appearance, a coffee table with a shelf underneath can offer you years of service and style. With so many options available, there’s no shortage of designs to choose from. Carefully think about how the table will fit into your space and what purpose you want it to serve, and you’re sure to find the perfect match.
