If you’ve ever looked at your living room and felt like something was missing, chances are it’s your coffee table. More than just a place to rest your remote or morning brew, the modern coffee table has become an anchor point in interior styling — a functional statement that ties the entire room together.
And yet, getting it right isn’t as easy as it sounds. Here’s how to choose and style a modern coffee table that not only works with your space but makes it feel intentional, balanced, and refined.
Why Your Coffee Table Choice Matters
Your coffee table sits at the centre of your lounge space. It’s where conversation starts, books are stacked, snacks are shared, and decor comes to life. But it’s also often overlooked. The right table can bridge the visual gap between your sofa and the rest of your furnishings, making the space feel cohesive and well-considered.
In open-plan homes, a thoughtfully chosen modern coffee table helps delineate zones. In compact apartments, it pulls focus and makes even a small area feel thoughtfully styled.
What Makes a Coffee Table Modern?
When we talk about modern design in furniture, we're not just referring to the present day — we're talking about clean lines, minimal detailing, and high-functioning pieces that adapt to contemporary lifestyles.
Modern coffee tables often feature:
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Mixed materials: think timber and glass, metal and stone
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Streamlined shapes: oval, round, or rectangular with smooth edges
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Low profiles: giving a sense of space and openness
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Built-in storage or nesting features for versatility
These aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re thoughtful design choices that keep your living space clutter-free and stylish.
Material Matters: What to Look For
Timber
Always a staple, but especially when paired with polished finishes or unexpected shapes. Look for responsibly sourced, solid timber options that will last and wear beautifully over time.
Stone
Marble, travertine, or reconstituted options add weight and textural interest. A stone-topped modern coffee table becomes a grounding piece that can hold its own even in a sparsely furnished room.
Glass
Great for smaller rooms, glass opens up sightlines and makes a space feel lighter. Tempered glass paired with sculptural bases in timber or metal strikes the right balance between functional and sleek.
Shape It Right
When choosing a shape, let your layout lead. Rectangular tables work best with long lounges or modulars. Round and oval designs are ideal for tight corners or smaller sitting areas, allowing easier movement around the space.
For larger areas, consider a pair of square or round nesting tables — they create dimension and flexibility, and can easily be moved around depending on your needs.
Styling Your Modern Coffee Table Like a Pro
Styling doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is to balance form and function.
1. Stick to Three Layers
Start with a tray or a large book to anchor the base. Add a sculptural item (think a ceramic bowl or small vase) and finish with something organic — a bunch of fresh stems or a low-maintenance indoor plant.
2. Keep Proportions in Check
If your table is oversized, you’ll need larger objects to avoid everything looking lost. For smaller tables, resist the urge to overcrowd. Edit ruthlessly.
3. Make It Work Harder
Storage is non-negotiable in busy homes. Opt for a modern coffee table with drawers or a lower shelf to keep remotes, coasters and cables tucked away but within reach.
Matching Your Coffee Table to Your Sofa
Here’s the formula: Your table should sit about 5cm lower than your sofa seat and be roughly two-thirds the length of your lounge. Anything taller will feel bulky; anything shorter may look awkward.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials. A soft linen lounge pairs beautifully with a stone or timber table. If your sofa is leather or dark-hued, go lighter in your table to avoid visual heaviness.
You’ve Never Seen a Modern Coffee Table Like These: The MOMU Pieces Redefining Minimalist Living
Low in profile. High on impact. If you’ve been searching for a modern coffee table that delivers style without overstatement, MOMU’s handcrafted range might just be the solution. Designed and made to order in Melbourne, each table showcases restrained detailing and solid American Oak construction – built for homes that favour substance over fuss.
Whether you're styling a sprawling living room or working within a tighter space, these designs anchor the room while allowing space to breathe. Let’s take a closer look at the Salta, Montana, and Canopy coffee tables – each offering something distinct but equally refined.
Salta Coffee Table
Price: $4,590
Size: L 180 x W 105 x H 38cm
Custom sizes available upon request
There’s something quietly bold about the Salta. Its low-lying profile combined with clean, architectural lines gives it a commanding presence in any living space. The shadow line detail adds a sculptural edge, making it more than just a surface – it’s an understated design statement.
Made from solid American Oak and available in a wide selection of stain options or satin paint finishes, the Salta is designed to slot seamlessly into both light and moodier interior schemes.
Key Features:
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Handcrafted in Melbourne from American Oak
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Deep shadow line adds architectural dimension
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Custom sizes available for tailored spaces
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Choice of stains or satin paint finishes
Why Salta Works: It’s large, but low. That means it grounds the room without overwhelming it – ideal if your living space needs anchoring.
Montana Coffee Table
Price: $4,950
Size: L 120 x W 120 x H 40cm
Custom sizes available upon request
Montana is square, solid, and designed with openness in mind. If you’re after a modern coffee table that balances volume with proportion, this one hits the mark. Its generous surface area invites layers – books, ceramics, trays – while the absence of visual clutter keeps it feeling light.
Built to order from American Oak and finished in your choice of stain or satin paint, the Montana works well in both symmetrical and more relaxed room layouts.
Key Features:
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Generous square format
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Handcrafted locally from American Oak
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Custom finishes to suit your space
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Designed to feel spacious and grounded
Why Montana Works: It's the quiet centre of the room that gives you space to play, without demanding attention.
Canopy Coffee Table
Price: $4,350
Size: L 140 x W 90 x H 38cm
Custom sizes available upon request
Slim top. Substantial legs. The Canopy walks the line between minimal and bold – all without saying too much. Thanks to its deep-set shadow line, the table appears to float, giving the illusion of space even in smaller rooms.
It’s a clever play on proportion and mass, handcrafted in Melbourne from American Oak and finished to your specifications.
Key Features:
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Floating appearance thanks to shadow line design
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Solid American Oak construction
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Customisable in finish and size
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Bold profile without bulk
Why Canopy Works: It’s visually light yet structurally grounded – a balance that’s hard to find and harder to perfect.
Find the Right Modern Coffee Table for Your Home
Each MOMU modern coffee table is made to order, giving you flexibility when it comes to sizing, finishes, and styling. Whether you gravitate toward the strong lines of the Salta, the spacious feel of the Montana, or the sculptural lightness of the Canopy, these tables were designed to work hard and look effortless.
With a focus on local craftsmanship and enduring materials, these pieces are built not just to suit your space today, but to grow with it over time.
Why MOMU Gets It Right
At MOMU, furniture isn’t mass-produced — it’s made with intention. Their modern coffee table range reflects this, offering considered designs that meet real-life needs while looking beautiful from every angle.
Designed in Melbourne and crafted to order, each table is made with quality materials that age gracefully and suit a wide range of interior styles. Whether you prefer light, Scandi-inspired tones or deeper, moody finishes, there’s a piece that’ll work in your home — no guesswork required.
Ready to upgrade your space? Browse MOMU’s collection and find the modern coffee table that’ll transform your living room from underwhelming to quietly impressive.
Local Employment
1 in 5 furniture makers in Australia are employed in Melbourne
Craftsmanship
Handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and quality
Materials
High-quality materials used, ensuring durability and comfort
Warranty
Melbourne-made sofas come with a 10-year warranty
Contact Us
Want to customise your modern coffee table or see the finishes in person? We’re here to help.
Phone:
Our customer care team is available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm (AEST). Contact us at 1300 052 495 for assistance.
Email:
Send us a message at enquiry@momu.com.au and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Visit Our Showroom:
12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Appointments outside of these hours (including virtual) are available upon request.
Easily accessible from nearby Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. It's a straightforward drive south from Richmond and South Yarra, and the journey from Kew, Balwyn, and the northern suburbs, including Fitzroy, Thornbury, Ivanhoe, and Northcote, is a breeze. Visit the MOMU showroom at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. You can find MOMU here in Google Maps.