Glass coffee tables are among one of the most popular styles of furniture found in our living rooms. Their clean and transparent aesthetic can create a bright and airy atmosphere. And, their strong tempered qualities make for a sturdy foundation to pop your coffee cup on.
Great for large and small living spaces, coffee tables with glass create an almost floating structure to display and elevate your home furnishings and accessories. While some coffee tables can be tucked away in a corner, others demand a centerstage presence in the middle of your living room, acting as a focal point and conversation starter.
When it comes to cleaning a glass table, there's no special maintenance required. All this wipe-clean surface needs is a microfiber cloth and a weak solution of distilled vinegar and water.
We take a look at tables that are constructed with glass as their main material. No matter what your interior style, we've tackled all trends from modern and Art-Deco to Scandi and rustic. Contrary to opinion, they're not as fragile as you think and can be the cherry on top of your chic space.
10 glass coffee tables for see-through style
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1. Gertie Contemporary Glass Coffee Table with Mesh Metal Drawer - Saracina Home
Table: H8 x W42 x D22 in | Color options: 2
If you're a renter or homeowner that likes to switch your style seasonally, or when you've got the interior ick, consider this glass coffee table from Target. With its combination of midcentury modern, industrial and contemporary style, you can chop and change the accessories and decor around this classically-designed table and know that it won't stand out like a sore thumb. The handy basket insert makes it a great storage coffee table for holding small items – perfect for if you're constantly patting down the sofa to find the remote, or often get the blame for sitting on it! This strong table made from durable MDF, tempered glass, and powder-coated steel can withstand up to 50lb.
2. Safavieh gold coffee table
Table: L40 x W24.3 x H18.1 in | Color options: 1
Give your VIP guests the red carpet treatment in your living room with this glass coffee table from Target. Inspired by Plaza hotel in New York City, we're particularly impressed by the rope detail on the gold-colored iron frame. It's the perfect table to add instant glam factor to a modern or more contemporary living space. It certainly makes us want to dress up to go downstairs!
3. Safavieh Abena Geometric Coffee Table Gold
Table: W39.37 x D39.37 x H16.54 in | Color options: 1
They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, so let this glass table shine bright in your sitting room. With its geometric structure and gold hue, take yourself back to the roaring twenties with this Art-Deco-inspired furniture. Whether you like to host small gatherings or big parties – this design oozes a sociable personality – whether you're celebrating with a glass of champagne or toasting to the weekend with a cup of tea!
4. Article Catta coffee table
Table: H16 x D32 in | Color options: 1
If you like Pina Coladas, but prefer to not get caught in the rain, stay inside and admire this wicker glass coffee table. Made with natural materials, this tabletop is giving us vacation vibes. With its round drum silhouette for holding coffee (and ehem, cocktails), this bohemian piece of furniture is a thing of beauty for all of you free-spirited souls.
5. Article Silicus coffee table
Table: H16.5 x W42 x D23 in | Color options: 2
So far, we've concentrated our efforts on finding you glass coffee tables made from stylish see-through tops. But, if that's too conventional and you want to consider something more modern and translucent, this pastel-painted Scandinavian option is perfect for injecting a bit of color into your living space. Aside from that, it'll mean that smudgy fingerprints won't show up so much. Also available in light grey.
6. Article Vitri coffee table
Table: H15 x W36.5 x D36.5 in | Color options: 1
Add an air of mystery to your living room with a smoked glass-topped coffee table. Combining nutty Walnut wood and smoggy grey glass, create a sensual and seductive sixties feel in your lounge. Use it as a resting place for your morning latte or stay late into the night with a short drink on the rocks. Works well with other midcentury modern furniture, or in a modern minimalist space.
7. Jonathan Adler Torino Frame Coffee Table
Table: H17.75 x L35.5 x D35.5 in | Color options: 1
Say hello to this beautiful set of nesting cocktail tables from Jonathan Adler, available at Wayfair. Using back-painted glass in pastel blue, pink, green, and cobalt, and lined with contrasting brass detail you can have a piece of Milanese-inspired furniture right in the middle of your living room. These glass coffee tables can be used separately or can come together to bring a touch of Italian elegance to your social space.
8. Bodalli Rectangular Cocktail Table
Table: L23 X W48 X H19 in | Color options: 1
Looking for a glass coffee table that is light and airy, but with a Scandi-rustic feel? This Bodalli Rectangular Cocktail Table is just the thing you need with a textured travertine stone-style slab shelf. Style with a faux fur rug underfoot for a natural Nordic-inspired scheme. Or, keep things uber-contemporary with a chrome-colored vase or bowl to match the metal frame.
9. Burrow Signal Coffee Table
Table: D34 x H16 in | Colors available: 2
Sick of looking at glass coffee tables that won't fit in a snug apartment or house? This Burrow signal coffee table was designed for smaller rooms. While the round tempered glass top spans out wide, the tapered steel base won't take up lots of floor space. Choose a powder-coated black base for industrial-style minimalism or go for brass plating if you want to create a luxe living room.
10. RH Thaddeus glass coffee table
Table: 36 sq. H15 in | Colors available: 4
Many, if not most metal-framed glass coffee tables tend to attract homeowners or renters who are in the market for a clean and contemporary look. However, if you're craving an artisan and characterful table that has organic texture, imperfections, and handmade quirks, this rustic, handcrafted furniture is the best we've found for you. Inspired by the sculptural works of Salvador Dalí and Diego Giacometti, this hammered metal table is available in forged pewter, brass, bronze, or iron.
What are the advantages of a glass coffee table?
'Glass coffee tables fit in so well with other designs – whether you favor bright and bold interiors or something more minimal, a glass coffee table will always work. It’s part of their charm.' says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of OKA.
'They also instantly make a room feel bigger and brighter. Plus, because they’re so easy to clean, they’re incredibly practical. I’d always recommend looking for tables made from tempered glass – stronger than traditional glass, it can withstand everyday knocks and scrapes, making your coffee table timeless in more ways than one.'
While Anne Charlotte Watorek, PR and social media manager at Tikamoon says: 'A glass-topped coffee table gives the illusion of space, as you can see right through it to the floor below. If your table has a shelf on the bottom, you can even use it as a display area - style it up with books and decorations to elevate the look of the whole room.'
'Glass may pick up smears and fingerprints easily, but it's much easier to clean than a traditional wood surface. A quick spray of glass cleaner and a wipe with a microfibre cloth every few days will keep it looking immaculate. Plus, you'll never need to worry about water rings if someone forgets to use a coaster!'
How strong is a glass coffee table?
'The type of glass used for these tables is usually specialist toughened glass,' confirms Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley.
'The surface is specifically made to be scratch resistant so no need to be afraid of ever harming it. For finishing touches add decorative trays, candles, and some seasonal fresh flowers.'
How to style a glass coffee table
'Glass tables are excellent for small spaces as they are visually unobtrusive and can make rooms feel larger and more open. They can also draw the eye towards your decorative rugs or highlight floor choices,' advises Louie Higaki, general merchandising manager of furniture, home décor, and decorative textiles, Anthropologie.
'Glass tables are very flexible from a design perspective and can complement wood tones easily. They are also easy to clean!'