If you often find yourself hunched over your coffee table to type on your laptop or eat a quick lunch, it might be time to invest in a lift-top coffee table. While they may look like your average piece of furniture, these tables have a unique design that allows you to raise the top to a more comfortable height for task work. Plus, the best lift-top coffee tables are just as stylish as traditional options, bundling aesthetics and functionality into one. Our top pick is the Raymour & Flanigan Alton Rectangular Lift-Top Cocktail Table, a well-made and versatile option with plenty of hidden storage.
West Elm's Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table comes in a classic warm acorn finish or a lighter wood ... [+] tone, and one side has a real marble surface that’s perfect for resting a drink or plate while you eat. Wood Table
“A lift-top coffee table comes with numerous advantages,” explains interior designer Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight. “Its primary benefit is its multifunctionality, allowing it to serve as a traditional coffee table, a dining surface or even a work desk. With its adjustable height, you can raise it to comfortably dine or work and lower it when relaxing.”
To find the best lift-top coffee table for your space, you’ll want to find one that’s an appropriate shape and size: “Ensure it's large enough for your needs but not so large that it overwhelms your space or restricts movement,” recommends Kropovinsky. It’s also beneficial to select a piece that’s made from durable materials, especially if you plan to eat on top of it. And you may want to look for an option with built-in storage to help reduce clutter in your living space.
With versatility and value in mind, here are the best lift-top coffee tables that you can buy today, including options to match every type of decor.
Dimensions: 46 x 28 x 19 inches | Material: Hardwood frame with birch veneer | Weight: 116 pounds | Style: Transitional
The Alton Coffee Table is a well-made and versatile addition to your living room, and its classic style will fit in with just about any decor. This coffee table has a kiln-dried hardwood frame for unmatched durability, and it’s covered with a birch veneer in a cherry wood finish. The design also has paneled details and silver hardware to complete the traditional appearance.
While this table is stylish, it’s also highly versatile. The lift-top design has an impressive 200-pound weight capacity, a storage compartment and two drawers, where you can put remote controls, books and other clutter. It’s mounted on caster wheels, which make it a bit easier to move around your home—a useful feature considering the piece weighs more than 100 pounds.
Dimensions: 19.7 x 38.6 x 21.7 inches | Material: Water-resistant MDF | Weight: 44.3 pounds | Style: Minimalist
If you’re decorating on a budget, this affordable lift-top coffee table is the way to go. It comes in two different sizes—38.6 or 47.5 inches wide—as well as five finishes to suit virtually any space. The table has clean, simple lines and a spacious inner compartment for storage, and while it is made from MDF, the material is water-resistant, making it a bit more durable if you’re planning to eat on its surface. You do have to put the table together, which is a two-person job, but the added effort is likely worth the money you’ll save on this inexpensive piece of furniture.
Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 17.4 inches | Material: Solid eucalyptus, walnut veneer, and marble | Weight: Not listed | Style: Mid-century modern
The Mid-Century Pop-Up Coffee Table will make a statement in any room thanks to its sleek contemporary silhouette and marble accents. You can choose from a few different configurations to best suit your space, including options with either one or two pop-up surfaces. The table comes in a classic warm acorn finish or a lighter wood tone, and one side has a real marble surface that’s perfect for resting a drink or plate while you eat.
This coffee table is crafted from sustainably sourced solid wood with wooden veneer on top, and it’s also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it’s been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs. It has an open storage cubby, as well as a hidden compartment under the lift top, and overall, it’s a beautiful piece that you'll be able to use for many years.
Dimensions: 36 x 26 x 18 inches | Material: Solid poplar with oak veneer | Weight: 68.5 pounds | Style: Farmhouse
Some lift-top tables can be hard to operate, especially if they’re made from solid wood, but the Benchwright Coffee Table has a piston mechanism that ensures the surface lifts easily every single time. This coffee table is on the smaller side—measuring just 36 inches long—and it’s made from solid wood with an oak veneer and a black finish.
As a whole, the design is fairly traditional, featuring a faux drawer with matte black pulls and simple block legs. There’s even an open shelf on the bottom where you can stash books and other decor. A small storage compartment under the table’s lift top adds extra room to stash away tchotchkes, and the legs are equipped with adjustable levelers to ensure it doesn’t wobble on uneven flooring.
Dimensions: 50 x 28 x 18.5 inches | Material: Hardwood with pine veneer | Weight: 145.5 pounds | Style: Transitional
You’ll be able to keep your living room free of clutter with the Ashford Lift-Top Coffee Table thanks to its several hidden storage areas. The top lifts up to reveal a spacious cubby, and the two side cabinets and bottom drawer are functional, as well. There’s plenty of space for books, board games, remote controls and even extra blankets.
In addition to its ample storage, this coffee table has a durable construction made from hardwood with mortise-and-tenon frame joinery. There are rolling casters on the bottom of the table, making it easier to move around, and the lift top is spacious enough for several people to sit around it.
Dimensions: 18.125 x 37 x 17 inches | Material: Manufactured wood with metal frame | Weight: 45.1 pounds | Style: Industrial
The Gracie Oaks Haneline Coffee Table has a compact design that will fit comfortably in small living rooms, and its lift-top design allows it to double as a workstation or eating area. The table is made from manufactured wood with a powder-coated steel frame, and while it does require some assembly, the process is quick and easy.
This table has a spacious hidden compartment and a lower shelf for storage, allowing you to put clutter out of sight. However, you’ll want to keep in mind that the table only has a 40-pound weight capacity, so it shouldn’t be piled with heavy objects or sat on by an adult.
Dimensions: 27 x 45 x 17 inches | Material: Engineered wood | Weight: 83 pounds | Style: Farmhouse
The Dorrinson Lift Top Coffee Table has a farmhouse-style design, featuring a rustic whitewashed finish and crossbuck accents, and its sizable surface provides plenty of room for you to work, eat or just kick up your feet. The table is made from engineered wood with laminate on top—not the most durable option, but it makes it more affordable—and it has a functional lower drawer for storage. The lift-top design has a spring-loaded mechanism that makes it easier to open, and it’s fairly straightforward to put together with two people.
Dimensions: 55 x 27.5 x 13 inches | Material: Engineered wood with walnut veneer and lacquer | Weight: 81.6 pounds | Style: Modern
If you’re looking for a modern coffee table that’s sure to rack up compliments from your guests, this unique option from Castlery is the way to go. While it doesn’t have a traditional lift-top design, the two-tiered top allows you to rotate both surfaces individually, bringing the platform toward you, if desired. One of the platforms has a walnut veneer and the other has a shiny white lacquer, providing eye-catching contrast in your living room.
The base of this coffee table has a hidden compartment that you can access by rotating the two surfaces, and despite its sturdy construction, the table is reasonably priced. The architectural design of this coffee table is sure to complement your modern decor, and you can’t beat the convenience of being able to move the tabletops to suit your needs.
Dimensions: 19.7 x 47.2 x 19 inches | Material: MDF | Weight: 60 pounds | Style: Farmhouse
No matter the layout of your furniture, the Seventable Coffee Table can be adjusted to work perfectly within your home. This well-priced unit features two individual lift-top surfaces, and the larger one can be installed in either direction to accommodate L-shaped sofas of all orientations.
This coffee table is available in four finishes, and it has a farmhouse-style aesthetic with a slightly distressed finish and X-shaped accents on both ends. There are two drawers at the bottom for storage, as well as compartments underneath the table surfaces. Just keep in mind that it is made from MDF, which isn’t the most durable, especially if it gets wet.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 31.5 x 31.5 inches | Material: MDF, steel, and linen upholstery | Weight: 112 pounds | Style: Contemporary
The YITAHOME Coffee Table will do double-duty as a small eating area thanks to the three stools that come with it. Unlike many lift-top tables, which generally have a rectangular design, this coffee table has a circular shape, and its three linen-covered stools nest perfectly underneath it when not in use. It’s supported by a gold-covered metal frame, and the tabletop has a faux marble finish to add elegance to any space.
This coffee table has a convenient lift-top mechanism that lets you raise the height of the surface, and there’s a well-sized storage area underneath it. The unit requires minimal assembly, but certain components are made from MDF — which can be damaged more easily than real wood.
As you shop for a lift-top coffee table, you’ll want to find one that’s an appropriate shape and size for your living space. You’ll find that the majority of lift-top products have a rectangular shape, but there are some circular options available, such as the YITAHOME Lift Top Coffee Table.
In terms of sizing, the general rule of thumb is that a coffee table should be two thirds of the length of your sofa, as this will create a balanced look within the room and provide space for you to walk around it. You’ll also want to consider the height of the table—it should be one or two inches shorter than the height of your cushions when it’s closed.
Coffee tables can be made from a variety of different 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 that offers durability and various finishes, making it an excellent choice for everyday use. Glass adds a modern and elegant touch and is low-maintenance, thus easy to clean. Metal tables provide a contemporary style and are also durable for daily use.” All these materials are also highly durable and can stand up to frequent use.
If you’re shopping on a budget, you may find coffee tables made from engineered wood or MDF. Engineered wood, such as plywood, is often a good budget-friendly choice, as it’s quite durable, while MDF is more prone to bending or cracking, especially under heavy use.
To function properly, lift-top tables need some type of opening mechanism that allows you to elevate the tabletop. Inexpensive tables will often just use hinges, which make it a bit more cumbersome to open and can slam shut if not lowered carefully. The next step up is spring-loaded tabletops, which offer some assistance in raising the tabletop. Finally, high-end units may have hydraulic opening mechanisms, which take minimal effort to operate and generally provide the smoothest motion.
Many people use lift-top coffee tables as a workspace, especially in the absence of a home office, but they can also be used as a place to eat. If you don’t have a dining table—or simply prefer eating on the couch—a lift-top table will make it easier to reach your food, as you won’t have to hunch over to reach your plate.
If you do plan to use your lift-top coffee table to eat, it’s important to keep materials in mind as you shop. Tabletops made from MDF are prone to staining and warping if they’re exposed to moisture, so you’ll either want to look for a more durable material or be diligent about using coasters and placemats when eating.
As you look at different lift-top coffee tables, you’ll find that the majority offer some type of storage—some simply have a compartment under the tabletop, while others have built-in drawers and/or cabinets. These storage areas can be used to store supplies like blankets, pillows, remote controls and other living room fixtures, which is why they’re an often sought-after feature on coffee tables.
However, if you don’t necessarily want or need a coffee table with storage, there are some designs, such as the Castlery Andre Coffee Table, that have minimal (or no) storage space. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference.
When you lift the surface of a lift-top coffee table, it generally moves toward you and increases 6 to 8 inches in height. The most comfortable height for this surface will depend on how you plan to use it, as well as 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.”
As a senior editor at Forbes, I report on the business of sports and edit coverage in Forbes.com's SportsMoney section. I previously served as an assistant managing editor, overseeing the website's network of nearly 3,000 contributors and the editors working with them, and as the deputy business editor, overseeing the business coverage at Forbes.com and working closely with the channel's contributing writers in digging up stories, developing angles and delivering strong analysis. In my pre-Forbes days, I worked in sports and business news as an editor at the New York Times.
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As a senior editor at Forbes, I report on the business of sports and edit coverage in Forbes.com's SportsMoney section. I previously served as an assistant managing editor, overseeing the website's network of nearly 3,000 contributors and the editors working with them, and as the deputy business editor, overseeing the business coverage at Forbes.com and working closely with the channel's contributing writers in digging up stories, developing angles and delivering strong analysis. In my pre-Forbes days, I worked in sports and business news as an editor at the New York Times.
Send me your comments and complaints on Twitter.
I am an accomplished author, journalist, and photographer who specializes in consumer technologies. Please visit my website at www.JasonRich.com and check out my eBook, \"iPhone 14 Pro Max Digital Photography\" (www.iPhoneBookShop.com). I am also the author of The Remote Worker's Handbook (Entrepreneur Books) that'll be published in March 2023.
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