When you're building a living room that truly reflects your personal style, the coffee table is more than just a surface — it's a statement. A well-chosen piece can change the feel of the entire space, especially when it's something a little unexpected. That’s where the unusual coffee table comes in.
Forget what you know about conventional low tables and minimalist glass slabs. The right design can inject your room with personality, texture, and even a bit of irreverence — without overwhelming the space. Here's what to look for, how to style it, and why choosing something different can elevate your interior.
Why Your Coffee Table Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
Too often, the coffee table is the last item considered in a living room layout. It's the place where everything gets dumped: remotes, magazines, mismatched coasters. But rethink that and you’ll see that this modest piece of furniture has the power to anchor the space visually and create balance between your sofa, armchairs, and other key elements.
With open-plan living becoming more common, especially in modern homes and apartments, the coffee table also plays a central role in defining zones. A unique coffee table for living room spaces isn't just functional—it gives the room purpose and structure.
Materials That Do More Than Just Look Good
When you're shopping for an unusual coffee table, materials make all the difference. While timber and stone remain timeless choices, it’s the combination of finishes that makes a piece stand out.
Consider pairing matte finishes with high-gloss surfaces, or mixing raw edges with sculptural silhouettes. Some popular combinations that we’re seeing more of in 2025 include:
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Concrete and brass: industrial yet refined
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Recycled timber and resin: sustainable with visual depth
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Marble and coloured acrylic: a sharp contrast between luxury and playfulness
Choosing a table that incorporates contrast — in shape, texture or finish — ensures it becomes a talking point rather than just another surface.
Sculptural Forms Are In
More than just functional furniture, sculptural coffee tables are gaining traction in Australian homes. Whether it’s a wavy silhouette, an off-centre pedestal base, or an irregular top, opting for a table that looks like it belongs in a gallery is a clever way to make a bold impact.
A modern sculptural coffee table works particularly well when the rest of your living room leans towards neutral tones or simple lines. It creates a focal point without demanding that every other element fight for attention.
Styling Tips: How to Let Your Coffee Table Shine
Once you’ve chosen your statement table, don’t bury it under a pile of clutter. The way you style it should highlight its shape, materials and craftsmanship. A few rules to keep in mind:
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Keep groupings odd: Clusters of three objects — a candle, a bowl, and a small stack of books — are visually balanced but not too neat.
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Play with height: Don’t let everything sit flat on the surface. Add a tall element (like a vase), something mid-height (like a ceramic piece), and something low (like a tray or book).
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Leave breathing room: Let parts of the table surface stay bare to highlight its design.
If you’re working with an asymmetrical coffee table design, use that irregularity to your advantage. Let one side hold your styled elements while the other remains free, creating a dynamic, lived-in look.
Where to Find the Right Piece
At MOMU, we specialise in pieces that defy expectation without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Whether you're searching for a custom coffee table in Melbourne or something you can style alongside your existing modular seating, there’s no need to settle for something standard.
Many of our clients come in looking for something specific — a low timber coffee table with storage, a minimal round table for a compact living room, or even a statement piece with curved edges — and end up selecting something completely different. That’s the beauty of seeing unusual designs up close.
It Doesn’t Have to Match (And That’s the Point)
Gone are the days when every piece of furniture had to be part of a matching set. If your sofa is angular and sleek, try a coffee table that softens the space with curves. If your lounge room already has plenty of organic shapes, a geometric table can cut through the softness and create structure.
Contrast is what brings a room to life. And the right unusual coffee table lets you do just that — all while being practical enough to hold your morning coffee and remote control.
Consider Proportions and Practicality
Of course, it’s not all about looks. Coffee tables still need to work hard in your living room. Make sure the height suits your sofa — typically around 40–45 cm high — and that the footprint doesn’t overwhelm your space. A general rule: your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa.
And if storage is a priority, look for pieces with hidden compartments or layered shelves. That way, your living room stays clutter-free while your table still takes centre stage.
Discover the Right Coffee Table for Your Home
The Mesmerising Canopy Coffee Table
Price: $3,600
Size:
- Standard: L 140 x W 90 x H 38cm
- Custom Sizes Available
Description: The Canopy Coffee Table offers a sleek design with robust legs, creating a floating illusion. Handcrafted from premium American Oak in Melbourne, it comes in various stains and finishes. Customisable to your preferred dimensions, this table combines elegance with durability, backed by a 5-year warranty.
The Expansive Montana Coffee Table
Price: $4,100
Size:
- Standard: L 120 x W 120 x H 40cm
- Custom Sizes Available
Description: The Montana Coffee Table evokes the feel of wide open spaces with its generous dimensions. Made to order from American Oak, it is available in multiple stain options and satin finishes. Customisable to suit your space, this sturdy table is built to last, with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
The Playful Moray Coffee Table
Price: $3,700
Size:
- Standard: D 110 x H 39cm
- Custom Sizes Available
Description: The Moray Coffee Table features a contemporary round design with a striking base. Crafted from solid American Oak in Melbourne, it balances modern and timeless styles. Custom sizes and finishes are available, and it is backed by a 5-year warranty, ensuring longevity and uniqueness.
Discover the Coffee Table That's Taking Melbourne by Storm: The MOMU Perfect Coffee Table
When it comes to making a statement in your living room, few pieces of furniture can rival the impact of a well-designed coffee table. The MOMU Perfect Coffee Table is a piece that not only anchors your space but also elevates it to new heights of style and functionality. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this coffee table offers a harmonious blend of form and function, making it a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of modern sophistication to their home. Whether you're hosting guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a book, the MOMU Perfect Coffee Table is the ideal companion, bringing both beauty and utility to your living space.
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
Final Thoughts: Choose the Unexpected
In a world filled with mass-produced furniture, going for an unusual coffee table is a simple yet effective way to stand out. It shows that you've thought about your space — not just how it looks, but how it feels to live in.
Whether it’s a chunky timber block with curved edges, a steel-and-glass piece that resembles a sculpture, or a low profile slab of stone that grounds your living room, the right coffee table does more than hold your drinks. It tells a story.
Ready to find yours? Explore MOMU’s collection of handcrafted tables designed for people who think differently about their interiors.
Contact Us:
- Phone: Our customer care team is available Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm (AEST). Contact us on 1300 052 495 for assistance.
- Email: Get in touch via email at enquiry@momu.com.au.
- Live Chat: Click on the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Available Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm (AEST).
Visit Our Showroom:
- Address: 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm. Virtual appointments can also be booked.
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.