Design Element: Glass Coffee Tables

Glass coffee tables are not a new trend in decorating. With today’s modern mix of styles and materials, glass coffee tables are an easy way to bring together different styles in the living room or family room. Glass coffee tables can have wood, metal, stone or glass bases.  A sister to the glass coffee table is the Lucite or acrylic coffee table. It boasts the same clarity but without the worry of breakage.

Glass coffee tables are wonderful in small spaces as they do not add visual volume to a room. The glass allows the flooring underneath it to be visible. If you have an area rug with a central medallion or elaborate pattern, a glass coffee table will not block the design like a wood table.

There as many styles of glass coffee tables as there are decorating styles.  Ultra contemporary tables may have steel or chrome bases. More traditional glass tables typically have wood or wrought iron bases. The less heavy the base, the lighter the table will feel.  Like in this contemporary living room, the base has slim metal supports that allow the table to virtually disappear within the space.

Glass tables will show dirt and smudges more than other materials. You may also want to think twice about a glass table if you have small children.  If you do want a glass table with smaller children, choose one with a round top rather than something with sharp corners. Or wait until the children are older before investing in a glass coffee table.