Benefits of a Storage Coffee Table

Yes, a storage coffee table is worth it for most living rooms, especially smaller ones. Its biggest benefit is that one piece does two jobs, giving you a surface for drinks and books on top and a place to keep remotes, magazines and throws out of sight. That means less clutter on show and one less storage piece taking up floor space.

In this guide, we'll explain when a storage coffee table is worth it, the main benefits, how it compares with a storage ottoman and what to look for when you're choosing one.

Key Takeaways

• A storage coffee table is worth it if your living room needs to work hard, as it gives you a table and storage in one.

• Hidden or open storage keeps everyday clutter off the tabletop, so the room looks tidier with less effort.

• It saves space in small living rooms, because you may not need a separate cabinet, basket or side unit.

• Storage comes in different styles, including lift-top lids, drawers and open shelves.

• A storage ottoman is the softer alternative, giving you hidden storage and a footrest in one, like our Koala Sofa Bed Ottoman.

Are Storage Coffee Tables Worth It?

Storage coffee tables are worth it for most homes, because they give you extra storage without needing any extra floor space. The coffee table is usually the piece right in front of your sofa, which makes it the most convenient place to keep the things you reach for every day.

They're especially worth it if you live in an apartment or a smaller home, if you have kids and a growing pile of toys, or if your living room doubles as a home office or guest space. In all of these, the extra storage helps the room stay calm and tidy without adding more furniture.

A standard coffee table can still be the better choice in some rooms. If you already have plenty of storage, love a very slim or glass-top look, or want the lightest possible table to move around, you may not need the extra space underneath. For most living rooms, though, we think the added storage is well worth having.

Key Benefits of a Coffee Table with Storage

The main benefits of a coffee table with storage are less visible clutter, more useful space in a small room and more flexible ways to style and use the table.

Hidden Storage for Everyday Clutter

The biggest benefit of a storage coffee table is a home for the small things that tend to pile up in a living room. Remotes, chargers, coasters, magazines, kids' books and spare throws can all be put away, so the tabletop stays clear for your cuppa, a few books or a vase.

Closed storage, like drawers or a lift-top lid, hides things completely, which is ideal if you like a minimal look. Open shelves keep things within easy reach and give you a spot to display books or baskets. Either way, having a set place for everyday items makes tidying up much quicker at the end of the day.

Space-Saving in Small Living Rooms

In a small living room, every piece of furniture needs to earn its place. A storage coffee table combines two pieces in one, so you may not need a separate cabinet, basket or side unit for the same things. That frees up floor space around the edges of the room and keeps walkways clear.

It's also a practical choice for renters, as it adds storage without needing anything built in or fixed to the walls. When you move, your storage comes with you.

Styling Flexibility (Lift-Top, Drawers & Shelves)

Storage coffee tables come in a few different styles, and each one suits a different way of living.

• Lift-top tables have a top that raises towards you, which can make it easier to work on a laptop or eat from the sofa. There's usually storage underneath the top.

• Drawers keep smaller items organised and out of sight, which suits remotes, chargers and stationery.

• Open shelves give you an easy-reach spot for books, magazines or baskets, and they keep the table looking light.

• Lift-off or flip lids, often found on ottomans, hide bulkier things like throws and toys.

Our Kirribilli Coffee Table uses the open shelf approach, with a discreet shelf underneath and a raised lip around the top that helps stop things sliding off. Baskets or boxes on the shelf are an easy way to add hidden storage if you want it.

Storage Coffee Table vs Storage Ottoman

A storage coffee table gives you a hard, stable surface with storage below, while a storage ottoman gives you a soft, padded top with hidden storage inside. We've compared them side by side below.

Our Koala Sofa Bed Ottoman is a good example of how an ottoman can do both. It has hidden storage under the lid and a flippable top that turns into a hard side table surface, plus removable, washable covers. You'll find more options in our ottomans range.

What to Look for When Choosing One

The best storage coffee table is one that fits your space, matches the way you use your living room and has the right kind of storage for what you need to put away. These are the things we'd check before buying.

• The right height. Look for a table that sits level with your sofa seat or a little lower, so it's easy to reach.

• The right size. A table around two-thirds the length of your sofa usually looks in proportion.

• The type of storage. Choose drawers or a lid for hiding things, or an open shelf for things you use often.

• How much it can hold. Check the weight limits for the top and any shelves, especially if you'll store heavier items like books.

• Easy access. Make sure drawers open fully and lids lift without hitting the sofa or walls.

• Rounded edges. Soft corners are a smart choice in homes with kids or pets.

• Quality materials. Solid construction and certified timber help the table last. Our Kirribilli is made with FSC® certified timber.

• A matching look. Choose a finish that works with your sofa, side tables and bookshelves.

Find a Coffee Table With Storage for Your Living Room

If you're after a tidier living room without adding more furniture, a coffee table or ottoman with storage is an easy place to start. We design ours to keep everyday clutter in check while looking right at home next to our sofas.

• • Our Kirribilli Coffee Table has an open storage shelf underneath, a raised lip around the top and FSC® certified timber.

  • Our Koala Sofa Bed Ottoman has hidden storage under the lid and a top that flips into a side table.

  • Browse our full coffee & side tables range for more ways to add surface and storage.

  • Explore our ottomans range if you'd like storage with a softer, padded top.

  • Add baskets, cushions and throws from our homewares range to finish the look.

  • Plan the rest of the room with pieces from our living room range.

Every Koala coffee table and ottoman comes with our 120-day trial, so you can see how it works in your space before you decide.