Best Lift Top Coffee Tables – Reviews & Guide

You don’t really have to be a coffee enthusiast to appreciate the versatility of a lift top table. While they function primarily as a coffee table, that’s not where their practicality ends. They can be a great investment to have especially if you have a small living room which can’t accommodate much furniture.

Lift top tables come in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes. You surely have a lot of choices available in the market. To help you pick the best lift top table to fit your space, needs and preferences, read our buying guide and compilation of great lift top table models.

Why You Should Get a Lift Top Table

Lift top tables are quite a nifty invention, aren’t they? But if you’re still debating whether to buy one or not, here are some more reasons why lift top tables are a must-have for every living room.

First, lift top tables are multifunctional. In their original height, they can be used as a regular coffee table. Raise them up and they can be used as a dining table. Once raised, lift top tables make it much easier for you to eat your dinner while sitting on the couch and watching your favorite tv shows. No more need to hunch over low tables or eat with your plate on your lap.

Not only are they practical, lift top tables can also fit nicely with various living room design schemes. They come in a variety of styles and colors. You can definitely find one that’ll match your current living room décor.

Another reason to get a lift top table is that they can be a great work table especially for those are working from home. You can easily adjust the table’s height to whatever might be the most optimal for your back. Some even come with drawers where you can keep your notes, documents and other papers so you wouldn’t have to look for them when you need them.

Last, lift top tables can be used for everyday activities. You can use them to put your drinks or snacks on. You can even use them to play card games and board games.

What to Look For When Buying a Lift Top Table

Not all lift top tables are created equal. Here are some things you need to consider when buying your first lift top table.

Function

Although most lift top tables can be used for most of your needs, some are designed to be better for certain functions. So, ask yourself first what you’ll be using the table for the most. Will you be using it as a study table, a work table or a dining table? What things will you be putting on the table? Would you like a table big enough to share with other people?

Material and finish

A lift top table’s material and finish will greatly affect its overall look. Some lift top tables are made from wood, painted wood or metal and are finished with varnish, paint or faux marble designs. While we are biased to the classic look of a good old wooden coffee table, your decision will depend on the current look of your living room. Make sure to get a table which design doesn’t clash with colors and décor in your space.

Design and storage

As we’ve mentioned earlier, some lift top tables have built-in drawers and shelves which can be used as storage for your things. You can opt for tables with drawers if you need the storage space for your books or pens. However, a lift top table with open shelves would look and feel less bulky and cramp in a small living room.

Size and dimensions

Lift top tables are available in a wide array of sizes and heights. Get a table that would accommodate your sitting height well and be able to fit the things that you often need while working or eating.

Top 6 Lifting Top Coffee Tables

Sauder Edge Water Lift-Top Coffee Table With Storage

The Sauder Edge Water Coffee Table with lift top is perfect for those of you who are looking for a stylish and functional addition in their homes. The table is finished in an estate black color and can be raised upward and moved forward for a more convenient position for eating and working.

Not only that, it also has some great hidden space on top and some open shelves perfect for storage and displaying things. The table is 41 1/8 inches wide and can be extended to up to 24 ¾ inches from its original height of 19 1/8 inches. Be warned though, as this table needs to be assembled out of the box.

Dorel Living Faux Marble Coffee Table with Lift Top

If you’re looking for an affordable yet stylish lift top table, check out this one from Dorel Living. This beautiful table has a faux marble surface table top and is constructed from solid wood and wood veneers. It also has an espresso finish and plenty of storage space underneath where you can keep magazines or coffee table books. You’ll also be pleased to know that this table retails for less than $80. This table can be raised to around 28 ½ inches in height from its original height of 18 inches.

Mainstays Lift-Top Coffee Table

Another affordable lift top table is this one from Mainstays. For less than $100, you’ll get a table with a full extending top made from composite wood finished in a beautiful espresso color. This table is great for working, dining and even crafting. It can be fully extended to a height of 26 ¼ inches. Another great thing about this table is that it can be assembled easier than the first ones we reviewed. You’ll only have to attach the table’s legs before using it. Most people who have bought this Mainstays table found it a great addition to their small living rooms.

Ashley Furniture Signature Design – Woodboro Lift Top Coffee Table with End Drawers

For those who are willing to splurge for their first lift top table, the Ashley Furniture Signature Design- Woodboro Lift Top Coffee Table is a great bang for your buck. The table has a vintage-inspired design with antique hardware and oil-rubbed stain. The table is also hand-finished and is made of veneers and engineered wood. The table comes with four drawers and caster legs.

People who work from will find this table great as it has a sliding table top with a storage compartment for laptops. Its table top can be lifted up to 27 ½ inches.

Lift-top Coffee Table in Cherry Finish with Storage Drawers and Bottom Shelf

This next lift top table offers a great balance between function and style. It has a cherry finish and plenty of storage space in the form of a drawer and a bottom shelf which is perfect for keeping magazines and other things within reach. It also only requires some minor assembly. However, people who have bought this table say that it took them up to 45 minutes to fully assemble the table before they can use it. Still, they liked the table’s great quality especially considering its price which is in the middle ranges.

Sauder Carson Forge Lift-Top Coffee Table

We have another table from Sauder on our list. This time it’s the Sauder Carson Forge Lift Top Coffee Table. Like the previous Sauder table we reviewed, this one lifts both forward and upward. It is made in a wrought iron style hardware and accents. This table also has some hidden storage beneath and on top for your coffee table books and other things. You can also rest assured that this table can handle heavy books. Users comment that the table raises effortlessly and is a great height for sitting on their couches. However, some found assembling this table a bit time-consuming.