The best lift-top coffee tables are functional pieces of furniture that allow you to elevate the top to a more comfortable height for task work. Here are our top picks.
If your living room doubles as your home office or dining room, the best lift-top coffee tables make it convenient to set up a laptop or enjoy a meal. These tables have a tabletop that lifts and shifts toward you, making it comfortable to work from a sofa or lounge chair. Our top pick is the Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Mccaslin Coffee Table, which features a stylish herringbone top and hidden storage. The West Elm Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table features an open storage cubby and a hidden compartment under the lift-top.
"A lift-top coffee table offers numerous advantages," explains interior designer Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight. "Its primary benefit is its multifunctionality, allowing it to serve as a traditional coffee table, dining surface or work desk. With its adjustable height, you can raise it to comfortably dine or work and lower it when relaxing." Look for an option that matches your aesthetic, fits your space and offers ample workspace and storage. With these factors in mind, here are the best lift-top coffee tables to spruce up your living room.
Best Lift-Top Coffee Tables
- Best Lift-Top Coffee Table Overall: Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Mccaslin Coffee Table
- Best Value Lift-Top Coffee Table: Sweetcrispy Lift-Top Coffee Table
- Best Splurge Lift-Top Coffee Table: West Elm Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table
- Best Hydraulic Lift-Top Coffee Table: Pottery Barn Benchwright Rectangular Lift-Top Coffee Table
- Best Lift-Top Coffee Table With Storage: Raymour & Flanigan Ashford Rectangular Lift-Top Cocktail Table
- Best Lift-Top Coffee Table For Small Spaces: Gracie Oaks Haneline Lift-Top Coffee Table
- Best Farmhouse Lift-Top Coffee Table: Ashley Havalance Signature Design Farmhouse Lift Top Coffee Table
- Best Modern Lift-Top Coffee Table: Castlery Andre Coffee Table
- Most Versatile Lift-Top Coffee Table: Seventable Coffee Table
- Best Round Lift-Top Coffee Table: Everly Quinn Sohad Lift-Top Extendable Frame Coffee Table
Best Lift-Top Coffee Table Overall: Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Mccaslin Coffee Table
Dimensions: 19.02 x 43.15 x 19.45 inches | Material: Manufactured wood | Weight: 57.2 pounds
Pros: Stylish design comes in several finishes, offers both enclosed and open storage, backed by a 5-year warranty.
Cons: Not the highest weight capacity.
The Mccaslin Coffee Table strikes the right balance of aesthetics, function, and value. The design has a stylish herringbone pattern on its tabletop, which lifts up to serve as a workspace or eating surface and can support up to 40 pounds when raised. There are also several finish options to choose from, allowing you to select the color that best matches your decor. This coffee table has two open shelves on the bottom where you can put decor on display, but there's also a hidden storage compartment under the tabletop. It's the perfect size for stashing remotes, spare blankets, and other living room accessories, and the table is backed by a 5-year warranty against defects.
Best Value Lift-Top Coffee Table: Sweetcrispy Lift-Top Coffee Table
Dimensions: 19.7 x 39.37 x 17.4 inches | Material: Engineered wood | Weight: 35 pounds
Pros: Inexpensive price point, compact design for smaller homes, spacious inner storage compartment.
Cons: Time-consuming assembly.
For budget-conscious decorators, this affordable lift-top coffee table is the perfect choice. It's compact and ideal for small spaces, with multiple available finishes to complement virtually any decor. The table boasts clean, simple lines and a spacious inner compartment offers plenty of storage. Constructed from engineered wood, it’s a durable option, especially if you plan to use it for eating. Assembly is required, typically a two-person job, but the added effort is likely worth the money saved on this inexpensive furniture piece.
Best Splurge Lift-Top Coffee Table: West Elm Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table
Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 17.4 inches | Material: Solid eucalyptus, walnut veneer, and marble | Weight: Not listed
Pros: Solid wood construction, marble section for eating, Greenguard Gold certified.
Cons: More expensive than other options.
The Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table stands out in any room with its sleek contemporary silhouette and elegant marble accents. Offering various configurations, including options with one or two pop-up surfaces, it allows you to tailor it to your space perfectly. It features an open storage cubby and a hidden compartment under the lift-top. Available in a classic warm acorn finish or a lighter wood tone, one side features a genuine marble surface ideal for resting drinks or plates while dining. Crafted from sustainably sourced solid wood with wooden veneer on top, this coffee table is Greenguard Gold certified, ensuring it's been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs.
Best Hydraulic Lift-Top Coffee Table: Pottery Barn Benchwright Rectangular Lift-Top Coffee Table
Dimensions: 36 x 26 x 18 inches | Material: Solid poplar with oak veneer | Weight: 68.5 pounds
Pros: Hydraulic lift for easy opening, crafted from solid wood, adjustable leg levers prevent wobbling.
Cons: Only one finish option.
Some lift-top tables can be challenging to operate, particularly those crafted from solid wood. However, the Benchwright Coffee Table boasts a piston mechanism that guarantees the surface lifts effortlessly every time. The table is relatively compact, measuring just 36 inches long, and it's constructed from solid wood with an oak veneer and a black finish. Overall, the design leans towards the traditional side, featuring a faux drawer with matte black pulls and simple block legs. Additionally, there's an open shelf at the bottom for storing books and decor items. A small storage compartment beneath the table's lift top provides extra space for storing small items, and the legs come equipped with adjustable levelers to prevent wobbling on uneven floors.
Best Lift-Top Coffee Table With Storage: Raymour & Flanigan Ashford Rectangular Lift-Top Cocktail Table
Dimensions: 50 x 28 x 18.5 inches | Material: Hardwood with pine veneer | Weight: 145.5 pounds
Pros: Several enclosed storage areas, built from durable hardwood, casters for easy movement.
Cons: May be too big for smaller spaces.
The Ashford Lift-Top Coffee Table is designed to help you keep your living room clutter-free, featuring several hidden storage areas. The top lifts up to reveal a spacious cubby, while the two side cabinets and bottom drawer offer additional functionality. With ample space for books, board games, remote controls, and extra blankets, organization becomes effortless. Constructed from hardwood with mortise-and-tenon frame joinery, this durable coffee table also has rolling casters on the bottom to facilitate easy movement around a room.
Best Lift-Top Coffee Table For Small Spaces: Gracie Oaks Haneline Lift-Top Coffee Table
Dimensions: 18.125 x 37 x 17 inches | Material: Manufactured wood with metal frame | Weight: 45.1 pounds
Pros: Compact design works in smaller spaces, spacious inner compartment for storage, easy to assemble.
Cons: Low weight capacity for tabletop.
The Gracie Oaks Haneline Coffee Table features a compact design that comfortably fits in small living rooms, with its lift-top functionality doubling as a workstation or eating area. Crafted from manufactured wood with a powder-coated steel frame, it offers durability and stability. This table includes a spacious hidden compartment and a lower shelf, providing ample storage space to keep clutter out of sight. However, it's essential to note the table's 40-pound weight capacity, meaning it's not suitable for heavy objects or adult seating. Plus, some assembly is required, though the process is quick and straightforward.
Best Farmhouse Lift-Top Coffee Table: Ashley Havalance Signature Design Farmhouse Lift Top Coffee Table
Dimensions: 28 x 47.88 x 19 inches | Material: Solid pine, veneer and engineered wood | Weight: 77 pounds
Pros: Distressed finish matches farmhouse decor, high weight capacity, two hidden storage compartments.
Cons: Heavier than other coffee tables.
The Havalance Coffee Table will fit in nicely with farmhouse-style decor thanks to its two-tone distressed finish. This piece is crafted from a mixture of solid pine and engineered wood, and its durable construction can support up to 350 pounds, making it a top pick if you tend to load up your coffee table with books and other heavy items. There's a large open shelf at the bottom of the table where you can place decor, and there are also two concealed storage trays under the tabletop where you can tuck away clutter.
Best Modern Lift-Top Coffee Table: Castlery Andre Coffee Table
Dimensions: 55 x 27.5 x 13 inches | Material: Engineered wood with walnut veneer and lacquer | Weight: 81.6 pounds
Pros: Stylish modern design, two rotating platforms, no assembly required.
Cons: Low weight capacity.
While the Castlery Andre Coffee Table lacks a traditional lift-top design, its two-tiered top allows you to rotate both surfaces individually, bringing the platform toward you as desired. One platform features a walnut veneer while the other boasts a shiny white lacquer, offering striking contrast in your living room. While the base of this coffee table conceals a hidden compartment accessible by rotating the two surfaces.
Most Versatile Lift-Top Coffee Table: Seventable Coffee Table
Dimensions: 19.7 x 47.2 x 19 inches | Material: MDF | Weight: 60 pounds
Pros: Two lift-top surfaces, lots of enclosed storage areas.
Cons: Not the best-quality materials, complicated to assemble.
No matter your furniture layout, the Seventable Coffee Table can be adjusted to seamlessly fit within your home. This affordably priced unit features two individual lift-top surfaces, with the larger one designed to accommodate L-shaped sofas of various orientations. Available in four finishes, this coffee table boasts a farmhouse-style aesthetic, complete with a slightly distressed finish and X-shaped accents on both ends. Additionally, it includes two drawers at the bottom for storage, along with compartments underneath the table surfaces. However, it's worth noting that it's made from MDF, which may not be as durable, particularly if exposed to moisture.
Best Round Lift-Top Coffee Table: Everly Quinn Sohad Lift-Top Extendable Frame Coffee Table
Dimensions: 17.7 x 31.5 x 31.5 inches | Material: MDF, steel and linen upholstery | Weight: 112 pounds
Pros: Stylish design with faux marble, includes three nesting stools, minimal assembly required.
Cons: Not the best-quality materials.
The Everly Quinn Sohad Lift-Top Coffee Table serves dual purposes, doubling as a small eating area with its included three stools. Unlike many lift-top tables with rectangular designs, this coffee table features a circular shape, and its three linen-covered stools neatly nest underneath when not in use. Supported by a gold-covered metal frame, the tabletop boasts a faux marble finish, adding elegance to any space. Equipped with a convenient lift-top mechanism, this coffee table allows you to adjust the height of the surface, revealing a well-sized storage area underneath. While minimal assembly is required, it's worth noting that certain components are made from MDF, which may be more susceptible to damage compared to real wood.
MORE FROM FORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team is dedicated to helping you buy the best furniture and decor for your home, finding the right balance of functionality and style. Our team of experts has spent countless hours researching and testing all types of products, such as the best sofas and best bean bag chairs, to help you make the most of your decor budget. The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: Rebekah Lowin, Amanda Arnold, and Sholeen Damarwala. The author of this piece, Camryn Rabideau, is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics. For expert tips on selecting a coffee table, we spoke with interior designer Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight, an NYC-based design firm.
How We Chose The Best Lift-Top Coffee Tables
To find the best lift-top coffee tables for your home, we scoured through dozens of top-rated products, looking for options that are stylish yet highly functional. We looked at bestselling coffee tables from brands and retailers that we trust, including Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Wayfair. We considered the materials used for each coffee table, prioritizing options that are sturdy and well-made. We also prioritized options with easy-to-lift tabletops. We considered the style of each product, aiming to select options that will fit in with common decor aesthetics, including mid-century modern, farmhouse, and traditional. We combed through dozens of reviews for each coffee table, selecting products with a minimum average rating of 4 stars.
What To Look For In A Lift-Top Coffee Table
Size And Shape
As you search for a lift-top coffee table, consider finding one that suits the shape and size of your living space. While most lift-top products are rectangular, there are also circular options available, like the Everly Quinn Sohad Lift-Top Extendable Frame Coffee Table. When it comes to sizing, a common guideline is that a coffee table should be two-thirds of the length of your sofa. This creates a balanced appearance in the room and allows ample space for movement around it. Additionally, consider the height of the table—it should be one or two inches shorter than the height of your sofa cushions when it's closed.
Material
Coffee tables are crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and manufactured/engineered wood. "The ideal material for a coffee table depends on your needs, preferences, and the table's intended use," says Kropovinsky. "Wood is a traditional choice, offering durability and various finishes, making it suitable for everyday use. Glass adds a modern and elegant touch and is low-maintenance, making it easy to clean. Metal tables provide a contemporary style and are also durable for daily use." These materials are highly durable and can withstand frequent use. For budget-conscious shoppers, coffee tables made from engineered wood or MDF may be available. Engineered wood, like plywood, is often a good budget-friendly option, as it offers durability. However, MDF may be more prone to bending or cracking, particularly under heavy use.
Opening Mechanism
To operate effectively, lift-top tables require some form of opening mechanism to elevate the tabletop. Inexpensive tables typically utilize hinges, which can make opening a bit more cumbersome and may slam shut if not lowered carefully. A step up from hinges are spring-loaded tabletops, which provide some assistance in raising the tabletop. At the high end, units may feature hydraulic opening mechanisms, requiring minimal effort to operate and often providing the smoothest motion.
Can You Eat Off A Lift-Top Coffee Table?
Many people utilize lift-top coffee tables as workspaces, particularly in the absence of a home office, but they can also serve as dining areas. If you lack a dining table or simply prefer eating on the couch, a lift-top table simplifies reaching for your food without needing to hunch over. When shopping for a lift-top coffee table for dining purposes, consider the materials used. Tabletops made from MDF are susceptible to staining and warping when exposed to moisture. Therefore, opting for a more durable material or being vigilant about using coasters and placemats while eating is advisable.
Should A Lift-Top Coffee Table Have Storage?
While exploring various lift-top coffee tables, you'll notice that most offer some form of storage—ranging from a simple compartment under the tabletop to built-in drawers and/or cabinets. These storage areas prove useful for storing supplies like blankets, pillows, remote controls, and other living room essentials, making them a sought-after feature on coffee tables. However, if you don't specifically desire or require storage space, certain designs, such as the Castlery Andre Coffee Table, offer minimal or no storage options. Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference.
How High Should The Top Of A Lift-Top Coffee Table Lift?
When you lift the surface of a lift-top coffee table, it typically moves towards you and increases in height by 6 to 8 inches. The most comfortable height for this surface will vary based on your intended use and the height of your couch. "For dining or work purposes, the height should accommodate chairs or be at a comfortable level to avoid straining your neck or back," recommends Kropovinsky. "Generally, the lifted top should align with your chest level for the most comfortable use."
How Tall Should A Lift-Top Table Be?
The best height for a lift-top coffee table will depend on the height of your sofa or chair. In general, you’ll want the lift top to be several inches higher than the seat, giving you room to put your knees underneath the surface without banging them. On average, most sofa seats are around 18 inches high, so you’ll want to look for a lift-top table that elevates to around 24 inches, like the West Elm Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table.
Who Should Consider Buying A Lift-Top Table?
If you’re wondering whether a lift-top coffee table is right for you, consider how you spend time in your living space. If you regularly eat meals, work on a laptop, or do tasks that require a flat work surface, a lift-top coffee table will make all these tasks more comfortable and convenient. On the other hand, if you generally just lounge and watch TV in your living room, a regular coffee table may suit your needs just fine.
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author Camryn Rabideau,Contributor