Coffee Table Quest

I’ve spent the last few weeks searching for the perfect coffee table for one of my clients. The challenge is to find one that suits their great room, works with a white leather sectional, is kid friendly and, most importantly, is under a thousand dollars. Because of the children, glass is out - but there is another important reason to consider that materials this piece is made of: what kind of sound does the table make when you place cup on it?. Is it a cold “clink” or a warm “confident” sound? The sound a table makes also rules out metal. Also, this client lives in a new construction house with fairly modern furnishings and would like to incorporate some more natural elements. While the perfect table hasn’t been found just yet, here are some of my favorites so far:

I love this Mongo Cocktail table from Area 51 on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Retail price is $825, but they are having a good sale right now. There is a better picture on the store’s home page.

I didn’t expect to find a table I liked for this project at Miller Pollard in Seattle’s University Village, but I really appreciate the mix of modern and rustic elements.

Pictures don’t do this table justice. Roost's Recycled Wood furniture at Velocity Art and Design is made from reclaimed railroad ties and the metal frames have been given a waxed finish. Coffee Table Duo includes two tables, the smaller of which can be stored under the larger. The sales person tells me assembly can be tricky but with a little patience you can do it on your own.

I’ve always been a fan of the Parsons table and love West Elm’s version. It is simple, substantial and contemporary.

If price and glass didn’t matter I would pick The Noguchi Coffee Table by Herman Miller. This table works in just about any room in any decade, the sign of a classic.