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One of the most important things in a living room is your sofa. It’s where you kick back after a long day, stretch out your legs, and sink into the cushions with a sigh of relief. But as comfy as it is, that sofa wouldn’t be nearly as functional without its right-hand companion: the humble coffee table.
Where else would you set your drink while you binge-watch your favourite show? Or put the pizza box when hosting a movie night with friends? It’s the perfect landing spot for your remote, phone, or the keys you toss down as soon as you walk through the door. But what happens when an ordinary coffee table isn’t enough?
Maybe you’ve got your laptop open for a quick email check, your coffee on one side, and a stack of takeout containers chattering in the background. Or you're in the middle of a game night, and everyone’s balancing cards, snacks, and drinks on a table that's clearly too small. That’s when an extendable coffee table comes in handy.
Extendable coffee tables work the same as regular tables, but when you need more room, they stretch out to cater to your evening. This guide will show how different extendable coffee tables can add both style and function to your living room.
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How Do Extendable Coffee Tables Work?
The average UK home measures just 818 sq ft, one of the smallest globally! But don't worry, managing a small space is easier with multifunctional furniture like expandable coffee tables. They give you a flexible, multi-use surface that can expand for special occasions and retract when you need more open space.
Whether you’re hosting guests, eating on the couch, or working from home, an extendable coffee table can make your living room more adaptable to your lifestyle. Here’s how they work.
Pull-Out or Lift-Top Mechanism
Many extendable coffee tables have a pull-out or lift-top feature. With a pull-out, you can slide out part of the table to create more space. If it’s a lift-top, the surface raises up to give you extra room. Once you’re done, you can easily slide back or lower the top to return the table to its original size.
Automatic Extension
Some tables have a motorised system that extends with the push of a button. These are great if you want to expand your table without much effort. A simple press of a button, and the table stretches out to give you more room.
Convertible Design
Some tables also allow you to adjust the height. These convertible tables can go from a low coffee table to a higher dining room table that extends.
Let’s say you want to eat dinner on the couch while watching a movie. With a convertible table, you can easily raise the height of the table so you can eat comfortably without bending down or hunching over. After dinner, you can lower it back down to its usual coffee table height.
The Furl’s Box Extending Table is both extendable and fully height-adjustable. It has sleek, modern lines and can effortlessly transform into a table that seats up to 8 guests. With its clever internal mechanism, you can adjust the height anywhere up to 84cm, making it as versatile as you need.
Extendable Coffee Table Buying Guide
When you're on the hunt for the perfect extendable coffee table, there are a few key things to consider that will make a difference in how it works in your space.
Size
‘A coffee table that's too large can overwhelm the space, making it feel cramped, while one that's too small can look lost and ineffective.’ says Tina Priestly, a professional home organiser, on livingetc.com.
A good rule of thumb is to pick a table that’s about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This way, it feels proportional and balanced without crowding the space or looking out of place. When the table extends, you’ll need enough room around the edges so it doesn’t feel cramped or become a tripping hazard. Before you buy, measure the area and check that there’s still enough space to move around comfortably without getting caught in the table’s extended edges.
Shape
Shape is just as important. If your living room’s long and narrow, a rectangular table is probably your best bet — it’ll give you the most surface without cramping the space. If your room’s more square or feels tight, something round or square might fit better. Round tables are also great for smaller rooms since they don’t have corners that take up unnecessary space.
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Storage
When choosing an extendable coffee table, look for tables with hidden storage. This could be drawers or compartments to hide remote controls, coasters, or even board games, so the space stays clutter-free. Some extendable tables have a lift-top or sliding feature for extra storage.
You don’t need to go for a table with every kind of hidden drawer or compartment. Just focus on getting something that works for your lifestyle and keeps the area around the table tidy without extra effort.
Material
Depending on your lifestyle, some materials may be more suited to your needs. For example, if you have young kids or pets, you might want a table with a durable finish (like solid wood or scratch-resistant glass) to withstand spills and scratches. While if you can handle more delicate use, a glass table may be a great choice.
Final Words
An extendable coffee table is a smart way to make the most of your space. Whether you're hosting guests, working from home, or just need some extra surface area, they adapt to fit your needs. With the right size, shape, and functionality, an extendable coffee table can add both style and practicality to your living room.