Edited to add to The Nester's Linky Party, The Lettered Cottage Favorites of 2009 and The Inspired Room Best of 2009. Since this is a decorating blog, I do a wide variety of decorating posts, so it was hard to choose just one. It really depends on the person and what they're looking for at the time, but I liked the inspiration in this one and it seemed like others did too...
The post title pretty much sums this up, so I won't chatter on about it. If you're in need of a new coffee table or just looking to mix it up a bit, hopefully this post will provide some inspiration and helpful tips.
A large upholstered or leather ottoman is always an option.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_itYrwqTJD0g/SurPiIG-qlI/AAAAAAAABoA/sIp8MspVfm0/s400/Furniture_Sofa_Gateway+Calico+Corners.jpg)
Trunks are great, especially if you need additional storage.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_itYrwqTJD0g/SurSGvqPrOI/AAAAAAAABoI/4GktB6Zh1-c/s400/matching.jpg)
Add a glass table top to something. What? Use your imagination. :-)
Use two (or three) small tables or ottomans.![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_thIQpWr7aoSn1hmmtGkgdgyHePXZbpuWzNKP1QS993bjsSQSatVbsE7f78QnOPJ2_XwZrMvAV7ZaItHOTbosBLDL9BNf4x3agw3HRyoCk5M4Mpc-xxeRdSkhH821gkY4k=s0-d)
A small ottoman and a small table...
Find something that you love, in the shape that you need, and use it as a coffee table. Having a table that's "mobile" can be a nice idea as well.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_itYrwqTJD0g/SuqzxYUa8NI/AAAAAAAABnQ/mXZQ6hsGmLk/s400/lucite+table+option.jpg)
Add a mirror to an existing table to make it larger or give it some sparkle.
Use a bench. As many decorating styles as there are in the world, there's usually a bench style to go with it.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_itYrwqTJD0g/Suq0ulSnvJI/AAAAAAAABng/KR__jRrE1-0/s400/DIY+Coffee+Table+Tutorials.jpg)
Coffee table from a door - Kimba at ASPTL.
Ottman/coffee table from scratch - Tutorial here.
Vintage sign coffee table - Tutorial here.
Table base into an a coffee table/ottoman Britt at A Penny Saved.
A cute painted chalkboard table for the family room. diyideas.com.
If you like the table leg style shown in the photo below, you can find a very detailed tutorial for the entire table at diyideas.com .
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_itYrwqTJD0g/SuopmTJSxJI/AAAAAAAABmY/NvMWpCOifUc/s400/table+leg+diyideasdotcom.png)
What is your favorite type of coffee table? Have you ever used something really unexpected?
I'll be talking about side/end tables and bedside tables in upcoming posts. Have a good day!