Living Room Glass Coffee Table Decorating Ideas

10 Kinds of Glass Coffee Tables That Can Make a Room

Want to elevate your living room's elegance? It's easy to go right with a stunning glass coffee table

Louise O'Bryan

October 5, 2017

Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content producer for digital and print media. Specialising in house tours, room renovations and decorating solutions, my previous clients include Inside Out (Aus), Ideal Home, The Times weekend supplement and Sainsbury's magazine. I never tire from the thrill of discovering a jaw-dropping, inspirational home to feature and having an insight into other people's spaces. Call me curious or just nosey!

Whether you're looking for a statement furniture piece or general design inspiration, take a peek at these dramatic living spaces, which have one thing in common: a stunning glass coffee table that steals the show. From intricate designs to pared-back classics, these striking tables take the starring role in the room, not only because of a central spot, but also because they bring that special something to the space. Could a similar table help you take your living room to the next level?

1. Styled to perfection. Finished with slick chrome detailing, this glass table has another key to success: the collection of pieces on top that sets the tone for the room's refined look. Neat stacks of books create a sense of calm and order, while the display's linear lines mirror the striking picture gallery on the wall behind. Candles and a monochromatic floral arrangement keep things understated and elegant.

Get tips on how to decorate a coffee table

2. Tinted. When decorating with dark and earthy colors, stick to similar moody glass tones like black or brown.

This sultry coffee table topped with black glass has a distinctive 1980s feel and is the perfect addition to the retro-style living space. The dark glass ties in with the inky colors and adds to the warm, cocooning feel.

3. Graphic. This complex design is a piece of art in itself, creating a striking feature and emphasizing the sense of space in the long room. The styling is kept to a minimum to allow the fabulous legs to set a contemporary tone.

Find geometric glass coffee tables

4. Slender. If you don't want a your coffee table to make a big statement, go for a subtler design that blends in with the backdrop.

This dainty number is a wonderful addition to the pared-back living room, as the warm metal detailing connects the elements of the room together — the floor lamp, the sofa legs and even the mirror tie in beautifully for a reassuringly balanced effect. Slim legs on tables like this, as well as consoles, sofas and beds, are a hot look right now.

5. Industrial. Does your room lack direction? Then try choosing a glass coffee table that will make a strong style statement to pull your design together without dominating the space. In this living room, the table's bold metal frame has a modern, industrial look that's echoed in the wall mirror, giving the room character and personality.

6. Related to other elements. Similarly, this glass coffee table's bold, confident lines reflect the living room's sophistication. Note how the table's dark detailing also picks up on the legs of the armchair and the picture frames on the wall. Bringing elements together like this adds the final polish and is key to creating this smart look.

7. Iconic. Take two midcentury classics and double the impact. The centerpiece here is the coffee table — a classic designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966 — which is minimally styled to be the star, with only that comparably curvaceous green bowl on top. The side table by the fireplace is by Eileen Gray.

In an eclectic room like this, design classics can ensure a little gravitas. They may not come cheap, but a timeless piece will appreciate in value.

Explore a restored midcentury home designed by Eileen Gray

8. Wheeled. Love pared-back, Scandinavian style? Then look for a simple design, such as this minimal piece of glass that has a utilitarian touch courtesy of the heavy-duty casters. The clean, slick edges of the table capture the calm simplicity of Scandinavian style, while the robust wheels bring a hint of industrial character that creates a focal point in an otherwise quiet, neutral room.

Tip: To make a similar table, find toughened glass and ask your supplier for advice on attaching the wheels.

9. Concentric circles. The round coffee table in this space draws instant focus to the center of the room, thanks to the way it echoes the round lampshade hanging above. The bold circular shapes also bring a dynamic touch to the otherwise sedate room, which could feel a little static and soulless without the dramatic table holding center stage.

10. Overlapping rectangles. If you're lucky enough to have a spacious living area, a large coffee table is a good option so that it's reachable from every seat. There is, of course, a limit. In this space, where it could be a bit of a stretch to set down a drink from either sofa, despite the table's generous size, there's a clever and creative solution at play.

Revealed beneath the glass is a low table in a complementary design that can be pulled toward either sofa. The low table also creates a sculptural arrangement that adds interest as well as flexibility.

Tell us: Which of these glass coffee tables would you choose to complete your space? Share your thoughts in the Comments.

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