The living room is where everything happens – catch-ups, quiet moments, spontaneous snacks, and Netflix marathons. But as we seek to make the most of our spaces, especially in smaller homes or open-plan layouts, the right furniture can change the way a room feels and functions. Enter the floating coffee table: a piece that’s making a quiet but impactful statement.
What Is a Floating Coffee Table?
A floating coffee table is designed to appear as if it's hovering above the floor. It’s typically wall-mounted or crafted with a base that minimises its visual weight, giving the illusion of more open space. Unlike traditional designs that sit firmly on the floor, this minimalist form gives a room some breathing space – literally.
Small Space, Big Impact
In compact homes or apartments, floor space is premium real estate. Furniture that hugs the floor or consumes visual space can make a room feel heavy and cluttered. Floating furniture, especially coffee tables, helps eliminate that bulk.
By lifting the table off the ground, your eye travels through and beyond it, giving the impression of a larger, airier space. This trick is a favourite among interior designers looking to maximise floor area in living rooms without sacrificing functionality.
The Practical Side
Floating coffee tables don’t just look sharp – they’re practical too. Cleaning becomes easier when the base of the table is clear, especially in homes with robotic vacuums or pets. The streamlined design often includes integrated storage, with slim drawers or hidden shelves perfect for storing remotes, coasters or that growing stack of magazines you’ve been meaning to read.
How to Style a Floating Coffee Table
Styling any coffee table comes down to balance, scale and texture – and the same applies here. Keep it minimal but intentional. Think a low, wide ceramic bowl, a well-worn hardcover book, or a textured tray to keep smaller items in check. And don’t be afraid of asymmetry; a slightly off-centre arrangement keeps things interesting.
Match materials to your room’s palette. A timber floating coffee table pairs well with linen sofas and tonal rugs, while a sleek stone or resin option suits a more contemporary or urban interior. If your table includes an open shelf underneath, use it – but sparingly. Folded throws, sculptural objects, or a pair of candle holders can give it purpose without clutter.
Best Settings for a Floating Coffee Table
A floating coffee table works best in certain environments:
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Open-plan living areas: Its low profile doesn’t interrupt sight lines, keeping the flow from room to room feeling seamless.
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Compact lounges: Where every square metre matters, its minimal footprint earns it a place in tight spaces.
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Modern interiors: The clean lines and pared-back form suit architectural homes and newly renovated spaces alike.
Design Considerations Before You Buy
When choosing a floating coffee table, pay close attention to the proportions. It should sit at or slightly below the height of your sofa seat. Consider how you use your living room: Do you eat here? Do you entertain? Or is this your quiet reading corner?
Also, think about placement. If you’re going wall-mounted, factor in the height and sturdiness of the surface it’ll attach to. For freestanding floating-style models, look for construction that gives the visual lift without compromising stability.
Sustainable and Locally Made Options
For those based in Australia, sourcing a floating coffee table that’s made locally can bring more than just aesthetic value. Australian hardwoods like Tasmanian oak or blackbutt offer durability and warmth. Custom furniture makers in Melbourne are increasingly offering bespoke solutions tailored to your space – including wall-mounted options that take both layout and lifestyle into account.
Discover Our Custom Coffee Tables: Cara, Canopy, and Romita
Cara: Timeless Craftsmanship
Price: $4,250
Dimensions: L 140 x W 80 x H 38cm (Custom Sizes Available)
Experience the robust craftsmanship of Cara, made from solid American Oak. Customisable to your specifications, this table offers enduring quality and understated elegance.
Expertly Crafted, Guaranteed We stand by the quality of our furniture, offering a 5-year warranty to ensure your Canopy coffee table remains a cherished part of your home for years to come.
Visit Our Showroom: See Cara in our Melbourne showroom.
Canopy: Sleek and Sophisticated
Price: $4,350
Dimensions: L 140 x W 90 x H 38cm (Custom Sizes Available)
Canopy combines a slim top with sturdy legs for a modern, floating appearance. Handcrafted in Melbourne, it's available in various finishes and fully customisable.
Expertly Crafted, Guaranteed We stand by the quality of our furniture, offering a 5-year warranty to ensure your Canopy coffee table remains a cherished part of your home for years to come.
Visit Our Showroom: View Canopy in our Melbourne showroom.
Romita: Bold and Spectacular
Price: $5,750
Dimensions: D 120 x H 35cm (Custom Sizes Available)
Romita's solid design and striking aesthetics make it a standout piece. Crafted from American Oak and Australian hardwood, it’s built to last and can be tailored to your needs.
Expertly Crafted, Guaranteed We stand by the quality of our furniture, offering a 5-year warranty to ensure your Canopy coffee table remains a cherished part of your home for years to come.
Visit Our Showroom: See Romita in our Melbourne showroom.
Final Thoughts
A floating coffee table is more than a style choice – it's a spatial strategy. It lifts a room visually, adds subtle functionality, and delivers a fresh, contemporary aesthetic without being overbearing. Whether you’re working with a modest living room or simply want to update your setup with something more refined and clever, this understated piece offers a lot more than meets the eye.
For Melbourne-based homeowners wanting something made to fit their space and style, speaking to a custom furniture maker can transform your living room from good to brilliant – no unnecessary bulk required.
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
Embrace the process of creating a custom piece, and enjoy the satisfaction of owning a coffee table that is uniquely yours.
Contact Us
Phone: Contact us at 1300 052 495 (Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm AEST)
Email: enquiry@momu.com.au
Live Chat: Available Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm AEST
Showroom Address
Location: 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Hours: Thu-Sat, 10am-3pm (Other times by appointment)
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.