Contemporary Coffee Tables: How to Nail the Look in 2026

A contemporary coffee table looks current because of four things working together: a confident, often sculptural shape, honest materials such as glass, metal, stone and solid wood, a calm and considered colour palette, and styling that leaves room to breathe. Get those right and the table will feel fresh without chasing short lived fashions. In this guide we explain how contemporary design differs from modern and minimal styles, which shapes and finishes are shaping living rooms right now, and how to choose a scale that suits the proportions of a typical UK lounge. We look at pairing a contemporary table with traditional architecture such as period fireplaces and cornicing, how to balance texture so the room does not feel cold, and how to style the surface with a few carefully chosen objects. There is also practical advice for smaller rooms and family homes, along with the common mistakes that stop a contemporary scheme from coming together....