For anyone outfitting a public space in an office interior, the coffee table can be a great add-on item to add style (and functionality) to a lobby, waiting room or other area. When buying a coffee table, you have a lot to choose from, in terms of styles, materials and prices.

Lots of vendors now make it a little easier by offering product specs, pictures and more online, so that you can do a lot of shopping quickly from your desk. Take advantage of online sellers to get coffee table information for situations like these:

1. To fill an empty space in a lobby, where a coffee table can serve a lot of useful functions such as holding magazines and literature.

2. For upgrading an office to a newer, sleeker style.

3. For outfitting a brand new office space, where all kinds of furniture is added to the business space.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose mahogany coffee tables for a sleek, comfortable look

For some projects, you'll be happy with a simple mahogany wooden coffee table. These square, spare models are part of a furnishing aesthetic that some describe as minimalist; less ornate models have no extras, just four legs and a smooth, clean top surface.

I recommend: Digital Gift Store has simple mahogany tables on sale along with a whole lot of other interesting gear for the office. You can find the Lesro Madison simple yet elegant mahogany coffee table at Office Depot.

Find a glass top coffee table online

Other coffee table options are glass topped models. Some find these easier to clean, and the clear glass top is attractive in many spaces. Glass panels may be permanently installed or held onto the table by clips, allowing for easy cleaning.

I recommend: Save a bundle with the Bianca frosted glass top table and more coffee table models starting at Smart Bargains.com. Get more quality wood frame coffee tables with glass tops at Master Visions.

Browse fancier coffee table models

If minimalism isn't your style, check out the wide variety of metal, glass and mixed materials coffee table designs, including tables with decorative steel plates amd curled metal corners. Find coffee table models that will look best with your chairs and other items.

I recommend: Cherry models with stylish metal fittings are just part of what you can find at Coffee Tables Galore, a coffee table provider site with various coffee table styles at competitive prices. Find more fancy glass and metal designs at all-purpose online vending site Nextag.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When ordering from a coffee table directory or coffee table list, make sure you note down some basic information about what you've bought, so you don't get your purchase confused with other models offered on the site. Alternately, you can bookmark your purchase page to keep all of the information handy.