Top 14+ Coffee Table Styles Designers Are Finally Retiring

Mirrored Coffee Tables Lose Their Shine

Mirrored coffee tables once dazzled living rooms everywhere, bringing a sense of glamour and sparkling up dark spaces. But over the past two years, leading designers and trend reports have shown a rapid decline in their popularity.

Industry data from 2023 suggests that sales of mirrored furniture fell by nearly 18% as consumers shifted toward more natural finishes. The main reason?

These tables are notorious for showing fingerprints, scratches, and dust, making them high-maintenance. Designers also point out that mirrored surfaces can overwhelm smaller spaces by creating visual clutter.

Instead of reflecting style, they now reflect the trend cycle’s end, with many homeowners opting for wood or stone alternatives that feel warmer and more grounded. Design experts from Elle Decor say people are seeking “less shine, more substance” in their living spaces.

Overly Ornate Carved Wood Tables Fade Away

The era of elaborate, heavily carved wooden coffee tables is winding down. These pieces, often inspired by antique European styles, have become less appealing to modern homeowners.

A recent Houzz survey found that 72% of respondents preferred clean, simple lines over ornate details. The shift comes from a collective move toward minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired interiors, where less is more.

Ornate tables can appear bulky and make a room feel dated. Designers also note that intricate carvings trap dust, making them less practical for daily life.

Today’s design preference is for understated woodwork that highlights natural grain and craftsmanship rather than excessive embellishment.

Glass-Top Tables Take a Back Seat

Glass-top coffee tables once symbolized sleek modernity, but they’re now considered more trouble than they’re worth. According to a 2023 report by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, glass-top tables experienced a 15% drop in sales.

The main complaints: they’re fragile, prone to chips and cracks, and constantly need cleaning. Designers also claim that glass can make a living space feel cold or impersonal.

With families spending more time at home, the demand has shifted to materials that offer durability and warmth. Upholstered ottomans and wooden tables are rapidly replacing glass, according to the latest Living Room Trends survey.

Industrial Pipe Frame Tables Lose Their Edge

Tables featuring exposed metal pipe frames were a mainstay of the “industrial chic” movement. However, a recent study by Apartment Therapy found that nearly 60% of designers believe this look has been “overdone and exhausted.” The harsh, utilitarian aesthetic is less in demand as people crave cozy, inviting spaces.

Industrial pipe tables are often criticized for being uncomfortable to use and for clashing with softer décor styles. Designers now favor mixed materials that blend metal with wood or stone in more subtle, sophisticated ways.

The shift reflects a growing desire for spaces that feel curated and personal, rather than mimicking warehouse or loft environments.

Trendy Acrylic and Lucite Tables Disappear

Acrylic and lucite coffee tables burst onto the scene promising a futuristic, “invisible” look. But designers have grown weary of their plastic feel and lack of character.

In a 2024 HomeGoods survey, over 65% of respondents said they were “ready to move on” from acrylic furniture. These tables are also prone to scratches and cloudiness over time.

Many find them too lightweight, causing accidental movement or tipping. With sustainability on everyone’s mind, plastic-based furniture is increasingly seen as wasteful.

Designers now look for tables made from recycled or renewable materials, shifting away from synthetic pieces.

Oversized Ottoman Tables Fall Out of Favor

For years, oversized ottoman coffee tables provided a plush, multipurpose solution in living rooms. However, their bulky dimensions have become a design headache.

Real estate agents report that large ottomans can make small rooms feel cramped and disrupt traffic flow. A survey from Zillow in early 2024 showed a 21% decrease in searches for oversized ottoman coffee tables.

While multifunctionality remains important, designers are recommending smaller, versatile tables that don’t overpower a space. More compact, modular tables are gaining traction, offering flexibility without the visual bulk.

Farmhouse “Barn Door” Tables Move On

The farmhouse trend, with its sliding barn doors and distressed finishes, has dominated interiors for nearly a decade. But according to the National Association of Home Builders, interest in farmhouse-style tables has dropped significantly—by as much as 30% since 2022.

Designers argue that these tables have become cliché and overly rustic. Many homeowners now prefer streamlined, transitional styles that blend traditional and modern elements.

The trend is moving away from overtly themed furniture toward pieces that feel timeless and adaptable.

Lift-Top Coffee Tables Lose Appeal

Lift-top coffee tables promised clever storage and workspace solutions, but many designers now view them as impractical and clunky. Data from Consumer Reports shows an uptick in complaints about lift-top mechanisms failing or becoming stuck.

These tables also tend to be heavier and can pose a safety risk for children or pets. The trend in 2024 is leaning toward simplicity, with more open, accessible storage options like shelves or baskets.

Designers are advocating for tables that encourage relaxation, rather than ones that feel like office furniture in disguise.

Chunky Block Tables Bow Out

Chunky, solid block coffee tables made a statement in the early 2010s, but now they’re being retired for lighter, airier alternatives. Designers say that these tables, often weighing over 100 pounds, are difficult to move and dominate a room.

A recent survey by Decorator’s Digest showed that 68% of designers would not recommend block tables for small or medium spaces. The trend now favors tables with slender legs or open bases, which create a greater sense of space and flow.

Lightweight materials and modular designs are becoming the new go-to for contemporary living rooms.

Marble-Look Laminates Lose Credibility

Marble-look coffee tables made with laminate or faux stone surfaces have fallen out of favor. While they were once a budget-friendly way to achieve a high-end look, designers and homeowners alike are now seeking authenticity.

A 2024 survey by Interior Design Magazine found that 75% of respondents preferred real stone or wood to imitation materials. Laminate surfaces tend to show wear quickly, often peeling or chipping at the edges.

The preference has shifted to fewer, better-quality pieces that stand the test of time, even if that means saving up for the real thing.

Nested Table Sets Lose Their Niche

Nesting coffee tables, while practical, have become less popular as living spaces and lifestyles evolve. According to a study by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, sales of nesting table sets declined by 13% in 2023.

Designers point out that these tables can look cluttered and often end up separated, defeating their purpose. Instead, buyers are seeking single, statement-making tables or a pair of mismatched tables for a curated look.

The move is toward intentional design, rather than convenience alone.

Round Glass and Chrome Tables Get Sidelined

The combination of round glass tops and chrome legs was once the pinnacle of contemporary style. But in 2024, designers are moving away from these cold, clinical-looking tables.

Many homeowners feel they lack warmth and personality. In addition, the shiny chrome finish can show fingerprints and smudges, making upkeep difficult.

Market research indicates a 17% drop in sales of glass and chrome coffee tables over the past year. Softer, matte-finish metals or mixed materials are taking their place, providing a cozier, more inviting vibe.

Multi-Level “Stepped” Tables Lose Their Platform

Multi-level or “stepped” coffee tables, designed with multiple tiers for display and storage, are being phased out. Designers note that these tables often become clutter magnets, collecting everything from magazines to remote controls.

A recent poll by House Beautiful found that only 10% of designers still use multi-level tables in their projects. Single-surface tables are now preferred for their clean appearance and easy maintenance.

The consensus is that less is more when it comes to surface space, helping keep living rooms tidy and serene.

“Statement” Animal-Leg Tables Trot Away

Coffee tables with animal-shaped legs or whimsical bases were once a bold way to show personality. However, these novelty tables are now seen as distracting and impractical.

According to a 2024 design forecast by The Spruce, animal-leg tables have virtually disappeared from new product lines. Most designers agree that such pieces quickly feel dated and rarely blend well with evolving décor.

The trend is moving toward subtler, more adaptable design choices that stand the test of time without losing their charm.