A Tale of 10 Tables: A Round-Up of the Best Cocktail Tables

Somewhere along the line, what was formerly called the coffee table became known as the cocktail table. After all, cocktails are so much more fun than coffee. Who doesn't like to sit back on the sofa, surrounded by friends, stemmed glass in hand, ready at any moment to rest their drink on this ubiquitous piece of furniture? Indeed, cocktail tables are a necessary piece and they come in a multitude of materials, shapes and sizes. A great table can have a dramatic effect on the style of any room (or, alternatively, it can be almost invisible in the center of a dramatic space). In fact, there are so many cocktail tables to choose from, we find this to be one of the most difficult decisions homeowners and apartment dwellers need to make. And honestly, it's usually a once-in-a-lifetime decision, as a good one will stay with you forever. One of our readers asked us to to edit down the selection process for her. So, here we are, to the rescue and not a moment too soon, as the holidays are just around the corner.









Here is our top ten round up. There's something here for everyone.
1. Target Vogue Cocktail Table ($199.00)
This piece is a great value for the money and a wonderful first time at bat starter apartment piece. It's made of metal with strong tempered glass and an antiqued black finish.48"L x 24"W x 20"H




2. Williams Sonoma Home Wellman Cocktail Table by Hickory Chair ($2,950)
This one will break the bank, we know, but it may be worth it. An homage to streamline architecture and vintage roadsters, this Thomas O'Brien-designed coffee table faithfully embodies the lines and luxe of Deco. A glass lift-off serving tray makes this a stylish update on the classic butler's table. We covet this piece. It's stainless steel-plated in chrome, polished to a high-gloss shine. Very cool. 40"W x 22 1/4"D x 20"H




3. Oomph Fairfield Table with Natural Raffia Top ($1800)
We first spotted this beauty exhibited at the New York International Gift Fair in August. The lacquer finish is first rate and this shape is a personal favorite of ours. On the pricey side, this cocktail table retails for $1800. It's 36" square and comes in a choice of 16 high lacquer colors and has different top options.




4. Martha Stewart for Bernhardt Beekman Nesting Cocktail Tables with Glass Top Large Table ($899)
We haven't seen anything else like this. Love the Églomisé inset glass tops. So versatile and great for entertaining. Large Table, 55"W x 23 7/8"D x 20"H, Small Tables, 23"W x 17 3/8"D x 16 1/2"H




5. Maine Cottage Furniture Della Cocktail Table ($1,590)
Available in 40 spirited colors, this form is so classic, yet whimsical. It can be custom-painted a color perfectly suited for your room. It's nice and big, if you've got the space, at 42"D, 18"H




6. IKEA Klinglsbo Coffee Table ($69.99)
On the feminine side, admittedly, but still very chic in any small budget room needing a table asap. Handle with care, this glass is delicate. 45 5/8"L, 30 3/4"W, 19 1/4"H





7.Ethan Allen Iron Coffee Table ($879)
This sophisticated form is inspired by Parisian intricate scroll work first seen on grates and iron gates on city streets. Not a bad rendition for the price. It has a tempered glass top, which sits on a clean and simple base. 52"W x 18 1/2"H x 24"D.




8. CB2 Smart Coffee Table ($199.00)
Best all-glass coffee table for the money hands down. Perfect for the first apartment dwellers. 48"W x 24"D x 12"H





9. Crate & Barrel Tava Coffee Table ($599.00)
This copper tray-top metal table is hand-hammered and hand-forged of iron with an aged copper-plated patina. The rustic iron crossbar base is finished a darker antiqued copper. It's not your every-day coffee table and that's why we love it. 38"D X 19"H





10. Room & Board Eames 36 Round Table ($466)
While you may be influenced by the chic factor here, keep in mind that this table is kid-proof, making it a great long term investment. It's both classic and modern. Looks best on a carpet, trust us.

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