Recently, while leafing through an illustrated book, I noticed that these books are called "coffee table books" in English. And not by chance! Because that's exactly where they usually find their place: on the coffee table: a piece of furniture that, as a discreet addition to the living room and a radically transformable usable space, is probably often overlooked.

Its origins—like many other pieces of furniture we know today—date back to the late 19th century in the upper-class culture of Victorian England. It is believed that the first European coffee table was designed in 1868 by the eccentric architect Edward William Godwin. Godwin's designs were influenced by Japanese culture and were classified as part of the "Anglo-Japanese Style." Initially, however, the public was not sure what to make of this new piece of furniture. Only over time did the coffee table become a staple in living rooms around the world.

But why "coffee table"? The name describes exactly what it was intended for: a convenient place to rest coffee, drinks, books, or magazines while relaxing, chatting, or reading. The coffee table originally came from Asian teahouses. Today, it serves countless other purposes: as a spontaneous work surface, an improvised dining table, a classic place for the remote control (and, in fewer and fewer households, the good old TV guide), or even as a display surface for beautifully illustrated coffee table books.

I particularly like how each coffee table brings its own character to the living room through its material and shape, without being too overpowering. Whether it's warm wood, cozy fabric, modern metal, glass, or elegant stone, each table unfolds a uniquely flexible character in combination with its various uses.

Below this article, you'll find my personal coffee table favorites. Perhaps your new favorite spot for coffee, books, and sweet moments awaits here.

You can find more inspiration here !

Our coffee table highlights