These Coffee Tables With Hidden Storage Are Both Pretty & Functional

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We love furniture that pulls double-duty—especially in spaces we use the most, like our living rooms. One of our favorite unsung heroes is coffee tables with storage, which are the ideal solution to a lack of bookcases, trunks, and closets. So we hunted around our favorite and most reliable retailers for beautiful options that boast plenty of space to hide away any unsightly items you don't want on display at all times. What's more, we chatted with David Samuel Ko, founder of his eponymous interior design firm in Los Angeles, to get his take on the matter.

"Whenever you are working with a small space with very little storage, oftentimes you need to get creative with how you are going to store things. I would definitely say a small living room or studio apartment are two instances when having storage within your coffee table would be super beneficial," the creative explains. "It makes it multifunctional, which is your best friend when living in a small space." He's not wrong. Living in a charmingly petite dwelling doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice what we'd consider a classic living room essential.

In terms of shape, you have plenty of options and can't go wrong with either, though all shapes have their upsides and downsides. "Square or rectangular are the best in terms of organization, as space doesn't get cut. You can really take advantage of every inch," Ko admits. "But aesthetically, a round one may make the most sense for a coffee table. I think there needs to be a happy medium between function and form. But get creative!" Ahead, you'll find plenty of options in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so feel free to pick what speaks to you and your space the most.

Modern Coffee Table

We'll start by saying that this beautiful coffee table expands to be quite large, so if you're working within strict confinement limitations, this may not be the storage piece for you. Otherwise, open it up to it's full 72.8-inch width and enjoy the myriad compartments and drawers inside.

Blake Coffee Table

On sale for $800 off, this Serena & Lily find is a perfect representation of the brand: it's minimalist, crafted with attention to detail, and just the right amount of coastal vibes. Because it's totally open beneath the surface, you may want to store only your prettiest items, like coffee table books. If the pale natural shade isn't your color, opt for the moody indigo in either a square or rectangular shape.

Farmhouse Coffee Table

We couldn't make a list of our favorite coffee tables and not include something that skewed farmhouse style. This highly affordable rustic find is a top contender that comes in four finishes, but we're partial to the white, which looks a bit more modern than the natural wood finishes. Though it may look like the outer doors slide, they're actually cabinets that conceal adjustable shelves, leaving the middle cubby totally open for your more sightly pieces. One happy reviewer said, "Wow…I’m impressed. So happy with my purchase. My hubby assemble the table in an hour with no issues. It came with instructions and easy to follow. Excellent quality, Arrived super fast and reasonably priced. I highly recommend this product."

Andre Coffee Table

If this funky sculptural shape is intriguing, feel free to leave the table in this specific configuration. Otherwise, swivel the rotatable panels in whatever direction suits your face. All of them conceal hidden storage, making this table a win in every way. One reviewer added, "The quality is insane. The packing was great too. I was debating on cheaper tables off amazon or Wayfair but decided to go all out assuming you get what you pay for, and this table is worth every penny. "

Tusten Coffee Table

We love an affordable find that looks expensive, and this East Urban Home coffee table is a perfect example. From the marbled top to the carved sides, this is a stylish piece worthy of any living space. "Beautiful table. Looks more high-end than it actually is. Gives our midcentury room a real pop!" one reviewer noted. "I will say it's pretty low to the ground, so we are going to switch out the legs to elevate it, but that's a personal preference thing."

Heaton Solid Wood Coffee Table

This may be solid wood, but it does have a big hollow opening for storing any bulky items you don't necessarily want on display. Simply swivel the top in any direction, and you'll reveal the sizable compartment below. Technically, there is some assembly involved, but because the table only has two pieces atop a set of hairpin legs, it's pretty easy. One reviewer said, "I love the color of the wood. It fits perfectly in my small 1947 ranch house. The storage is an additional bonus to a beautiful accent piece in my living room."

Palma Reclaimed Coffee Table

How's this for a conversation-starter? Made entirely from reclaimed Mexican oak, this is perhaps the most sustainably made coffee table on our list. Get it in the natural, untouched finish or a dramatic black. One reviewer noted, "Obsessed with my new coffee table, I don't feel cool enough to own it, but here we are! I've so many compliments on its sculptural design and the beautiful wood! I know will have this for a long time, its a timeless piece. If you are considering it, just go for it!"

Drum Storage Coffee Table

When it's closed, this table looks like your standard round drum coffee table. But the inside is hollowed out for storage, and the wooden top is actually a lid. If this specific color palette isn't doing it for you, opt for either of the other two, which are just as glamorous. It's also available in two sizes, so feel free to go big (or small).

Anara 4 Legs Coffee Table

Another more glamorous option for any stylish bachelorette pad is this small and simple find with a totally open storage space that can house even your tallest goods. A reviewer said, "Excellent product!! It beautiful and very classy. The table is made a quality materials. I did not know that the faux marble top was made of plywood, but I feel that’s my fault, not the manufacturers. Overall, I love the table, and look forward to many years of enjoyment!" The top may be wood, but it does look and feel just like marble.

Naya Pop-Up Coffee Table

The facets along the side give this otherwise simple pop-up storage coffee table, which is available in two finishes, a whole lot of extra interest. The top doesn't just open to reveal hidden storage; it can also double as a tray for movie nights, game nights, wine nights, and more.

Lee Coffee Table

Though it looks a bit moody in this setting, it can go bohemian or glamorous, depending on the rest of your living room setup. From the cane details to the rimmed wooden surface, this is a good addition to any small living space in need of some additional storage.

Paxson Sled Coffee Table with Storage

This midcentury-inspired wood coffee table, which comes in two additional colors, offers a nice amount of storage space. We'd recommend stowing away books or magazines in the drawer section and keep the top minimal and quiet, as pictured with the single dish and vase.

Modern Lift Top Coffee Table Desk

This coffee table, which pops open for storage purposes and to double as a desk, is perfect for those who work from home—and it's super affordable, too. "I ordered this and received it quickly. After assembling it there was some damage to an inner piece, after contacting them and showing them the damage, they did not hesitate to send one out right away," one reviewer noted. "The quality is great and I would highly recommend this item to everyone interested." If matte black doesn't work with your space, opt for the dark gray.

Denson Lift Top Coffee Table

Not only does the top on this coffee table lift up, but there's also a convenient little drawer on the side for items you want to have easier access to. One reviewer noted, "LOVE IT! Perfect size. Looks way more expensive than it was. Very functional and easy to put together." We can't argue with that!

Pop-Up Storage Coffee Table

One section of this table is an open shelf with a marble top, the other? A top that pops up and out so you can stow things away inside. We're obsessed with the highly authentic-looking finish, which is classic midcentury modern with its smooth edges and highly pigmented hue. You can also choose a few elements for yourself, including how many pop-up tops are included, the finish, and size.

Bios Coffee Table

This coffee table features a drawer for tucking away eyesores and a shelf for the decor that deserves a spotlight, but won't fit on the tabletop. It also mixes quite a few midcentury modern materials, including oak, lacquer, and powder-coated metal. It's sleek and slim, making it ideal for any small space that doesn't want to skimp on style.

Kettle Coffee Table

This uniquely shaped coffee table has a rounded top that opens up to a nice amount of storage space. Also, thanks to its shape, it could easily fit around bigger furniture pieces like sectionals.

Lift Top Coffee Table

Open storage compartments on the bottom allow you to show off knick-knacks, while the liftable top portion provides you with storage and a space to eat or work. One pleased reviewer said, "This table is exactly what I was looking for! Is a good size while closed and doesn’t take up a lot of space but I love how it can become a table top if you want it to! It only took my husband about an hour to put together by himself!"

White Lift Top Coffee Table

Prefer a simple, white coffee table? This one features a bottom shelf for storing more stylish objects, and a liftable top compartment can also be used as a desk in a small space. One of the thousands of five-star reviews says, "This coffee table remains open 95 percent of the time. I can never use it because someone else is always using it! I won't be able to go back to a traditional coffee table after this..."

What material is best for a coffee table?

Ko says, "I would definitely say wood or metal is the best for a coffee table. I would avoid anything that has a laminate or veneer on top as that will deteriorate over time and show more use." Contrary to popular belief, laminates and veneers are not finishes applied to natural wood. Rather, they're materials made of synthetics that are designed to look like wood. Unlike wood and metal, which can last for quite a few years, synthetics tend to show damage much faster and due to the nature of the manufacturing process, are difficult to repair.

That said, if you are snagging a cheaper alternative to something more luxurious, a lacquered finish makes for a glamorous look. Lacquer is a protective finish that is hard to see, but makes a massive difference in the lifespan of your pieces, so if you want your coffee table to last, feel free to either buy it lacquered or apply the finish yourself (or enlist the experts).

What are cool alternatives to a traditional coffee table?

As an interior designer who likes to get creative, Ko has some suggestions. He says, "I would look for a trunk (vintage or new) that is more of an intentional choice. Another option would be an upholstered ottoman with storage. You can find a fabric you like to feel intentional and add to your space, which will make it feel less like a coffee table with storage in it." Though we'll never turn down a vintage trunk, there's something about an ottoman with storage that makes us feel extra tempted. After all, it serves three functions: coffee table, extra seat, and storage unit. What more could we possibly need?

Why trust us?

Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful's associate shopping editor and lives in New York City, where space is limited, so she did her homework when hunting around for a coffee table that could make up for her lack of storage space. David Samuel Ko is the principal designer and founder of Los Angeles-based interior design firm Maison Ko. His undeniably cool spaces are as fashionable as they are functional.

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