Loved for their rustic appearance and rugged construction, farmhouse coffee tables are the perfect addition to any living room. From sleek Scandinavian rooms to shanty-to-chic rooms, they’re so versatile that they can fit in with almost any design style.
Before you head out to the furniture store and purchase a new coffee table to put in front of your sofa, there are a lot of things you’ll want to keep in mind.
You’re making an investment, and you’ll want to opt for a table that will suit both your unique style and your household’s needs. You’ll also want to choose a high-quality table you can pass down to future generations.
You’ll find lots of options when you go out shopping, but they’re just as easy to make. It all depends on the style you’re seeking — let’s make sure you get the right one!
12 Tips for Getting the Perfect Farmhouse Coffee Table
Modern farmhouse coffee tables range from mass manufactured to completely unique. You don’t need a lot of interior design experience to find something you’ll enjoy for years. Each table has its own character and, with time, you’ll spot it. Whether you decide to treat yourself to a new one or you decide to take a DIY approach, these tips will help you land the farmhouse gem of your dreams.
1. Get to Know the Right Table Size
First and foremost, you have to determine what size farmhouse table will work best for your room. As a design rule of thumb, a coffee table should be two-thirds the length of a couch. If you have a 9-foot long sofa, it would mean you need a table that’s at least 6-feet in length.
If you’re thinking about adding a square coffee table, the same rule still applies. Only, you’ll need to consider the space around the table as well.
2. Take a Good Look at Materials
Modern farmhouse-style coffee tables are easy to find, and they can be purchased rather inexpensively. However, they tend to be made from materials that lack the character the tables are known for having. Many are made from plastic-coated chipboard and won’t offer you the same longevity that comes with solid woods.
Since you’ll want a quality piece of furniture, double-check that you’re getting a barn wood tabletop or one made from carefully crafted hardwood slats.
3. The Perfect Shape for Your Space
If you’re working with a smaller room and a standard sofa, choosing a rectangular-shaped table makes sense. It will allow you plenty of lengths while not crowding your knee room. The standard height is between 14 inches and 20 inches, so you’ll also need to think about where you would like it to stand in proportion to your couch.
For those of you who have bigger rooms or sectionals, a round coffee table or a square table might make more sense. Simply measure to make sure that you’re sticking to the two-thirds rule with any shape, and you’ll love the addition.
4. Drawers Can Create Extra Storage
It’s a struggle to keep your living room space tidy. Thankfully, many farmhouse versions of tables include drawers. They’re completely optional, but they’re a clever and hidden way to keep things looking clutter-free.
Drawers tuck neatly underneath the tabletop, and they can be made in both square and rectangular shapes. Round tables can also be fitted with curved-front drawers.
5. Metal Accents Can Add a Little Flair
A quick look through any design magazine, and you’ll see that mixing metal accents with rustic-looking wood can be quite charming. In fact, it’s the cornerstone of many design styles. Combining brass accents or large metal bolts can add an extra layer of aesthetic appeal.
Carry it throughout your room, and it will tie everything together. At the same time, you’ll add a hint of modern edginess.
6. Head Out to the Flea Market
Go to any antique store or flea market, and you’ll most likely stumble on a rustic farmhouse piece just waiting for a new home. It might not be in perfect condition, but you could snag a bargain by being willing to add a little wood stain or glue yourself.
While you’re there, keep your eye out for vintage wooden benches. With a few simple adjustments, they make excellent living room furniture that will perfectly match.
Make sure to ask about tables or benches that items might be resting on. You never know if the table is on offer unless you ask.
7. Check Out Local Thrift Stores
Check out your local thrift stores if you didn’t find what you were looking for at the antique mall or the flea market. Some of them, like Goodwill, also have online merchandise that might be worth checking out, too. It will give you broader access to a larger shopping area.
You might not find the table you’ve been thinking about there, but there are usually many pieces that can be revamped or made to fit your room. They’ll cost a lot less than the ones you’ll find at big-box retailers.
8. Think Outside of the Box Table
Do you have a little creative energy to burn? Designers have come up with many creative coffee tables by using alternatives like crates and wine barrels — and you can too! A simple internet search will give you access to hundreds of free plans and tutorials that will let you completely personalize your table.
Grab some wood glue and your imagination because the sky really is the limit to the materials you can use.
9. Don’t Shy Away From Paint
To keep the rustic look on your table, you should allow all the blemishes to shine. Scratches and deep wood grain only give your table character, but you don’t have to stick to standard wood stains. Painting some or all of your table in white and light gray tones can make larger pieces feel lighter without sacrificing the uniqueness of the wood’s texture.
White will give you more of an old farm kitchen or Joanna Gaines feel, but a little gray will bring you into minimalist territory. However you do it, you’ll feel proud of the way it looks.
10. Add a Bottom Shelf for Organization
Both busy lives and growing families can make it hard to keep everything organized. Everyone has that issue, but a larger coffee table with a bottom shelf can help keep everything in its place. Usually spanning the entire table, they’re large enough for storing baskets, board games, or anything you need to keep around.
It might be hard to get everyone to keep their feet off of it, but the extra storage space will come in handy.
11. Borrow From Your Current Furniture
The most budget-friendly option could already be right in front of your eyes. Before you post them to your local marketplace, think about upcycling them into the piece you want. Old table frames can be dramatically changed with the addition of some old barn wood or mantlepiece.
Truly unique pieces come from using what you have to create something new. In the end, you’ll love it because of its history and because you made it.
12. Top it With Decorative Touches
Once you’ve found the right table, take a moment to admire it. It’s not easy to make your design ideas come to life. Then, set about decorating it with personal touches that bring it to life. Baskets, trinket trays, and flowers lend to the country house appeal without making things look cluttered.
Include a few candles, and your new table will look like it’s ready for HGTV to come over and film.
Finding the perfect farmhouse coffee table doesn’t have to break your budget. When you carefully examine the materials, you’ll find a piece that will last a lifetime. If you choose to go the DIY route, you’ll create something completely unique. Either way, you’re sure to have a great conversation piece that you’ll be proud to have found and incorporated into your design scheme.
