Unique Coffee Table Ideas & Designs

If you are planning on moving soon, or have just grown tired of the coffee table in your living room or lounge, now may be the time to consider getting a new one. While the basic format of a coffee table is a long, rectangular surface resting upon four legs, there are many unique coffee tables ideas and designs you can use to give your space an exotic or intriguing look. Make sure to keep functionality in mind, as truly unique coffee tables often have multiple purposes. Does this Spark an idea?

Foosball Table

A foosball coffee table is a great idea for dens, lounges and game rooms. You can equip your table with a working foosball game, and include a transparent top that allows you to see all of the action (while your beverage of choice rests safely above it). Perhaps the simplest method for building your own foosball coffee table would be to buy a foosball table, cut the legs down to an appropriate size and then cover the top with a sturdy slab of glass. You might also want to consider finding a tabletop version of the game and setting it into the frame of a table of your own design.

Freezer Rack Table

You can make coffee tables out of just about anything. Marthastewart.com suggests using an old, commercial-sized freezer rack, which is essentially a rectangular metal frame with a series of flat metal panels running across it. Weld a section of old metal piping onto each corner of the rack for legs. Not only will you have an interesting, industrial-looking coffee table, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that it is made entirely of recycled materials.

Boat Table

If you have a flair for the nautical, this coffee table idea is for you. According to weburbanist.com, you will really only need three basic items to make your boat table: a dingy (or small boat, approximately 4 feet long), a stand for the dingy and a table surface. One of the best options for the table's surface is to cut and fit a piece of sturdy glass over the boat's opening, so you---and your guests---can look inside. You can put buoys, coils of rope and other nautical items inside of the boat's hull for decoration.

Snow Table

Living in an area that has cold and snowy winters can have its advantages, and snow architecture is one of them. Instead of building a snowman the next time there's a storm, why not make a coffee table (and some snow chairs or couches)?
Simply roll up a big snowball---like you are building the base of a snowman---and pat down the top until flat. You can sit around your snow coffee table and drink hot cocoa with the family until your furniture melts away.

Video Game Table

If you want to make your gaming experience more enjoyable, try sitting at a video game coffee table while you play. Paint a scene from the popular videogame Pacman onto an existing table. Include painted "coasters" that resemble the four different-colored ghosts that chase Pacman around the game maze. Or, recreate one of the heavily pixelated characters from the game Space Invaders on a tabletop by using squares of colored fabric. Consider adding other features to your table, such as grooves for controller wires and slots for storage.