For the longest time I used a black, antique trunk for a coffee table. But it sorta bothered me because it covered up part of my zebra-print area rug. A friend suggested that I replace it with a glass-topped coffee table with a black iron base, so my rug would be visible. I removed the trunk and don't have a coffee table right now. But I have been keeping my eyes open for a coffee table like she suggested. Do you have a trunk for a coffee table? If so, what are your thoughts about this? I think I like how my room looks without the trunk, but I did like it for storage. I'd love to see pictures of your trunk that you use for a coffee table -- or hear comments about using one.

Pier 1 has that round iron coffee table with glass top. You might check there. Could you post your room again?

Here is a pic of a room I saved.

That is so funny because I was just thinking about my trunk that I use for a coffee table. Originally I bought it for extra storage but have yet to put anything it in. All it does is collect junk. My issue is that I don't have room for end tables so a coffee table was supposed to serve the purpose of having something to put drinks on but has turned into a catch-all.

I could still use the trunk in another areas strictly for storage and it's nice looking so it's not a total loss if I don't use it as a coffee table. My other reason the trunk worked for a coffee table in my LR is that it is much smaller than most regular coffee table.

Here is mine-it's from Costplus.

Do you have a picture of you LR with your zebra rug? I'd love to see it. I wanted a zebra rug..I still want some zebra somewhere in my condo...

I use a trunk as a coffee table in the sitting area of my bedroom. We don't have a linen closet, and the trunk holds bed linens and blankets for our room. I like the function and how it looks in our bedroom, which is fairly casual. Pic below: excuse the mess - I sometimes work in my bedroom and am doing so today.

I agree with your friend that glass has a lighter overall feel and definitely showcases a rug better than a trunk. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for your quick responses, everyone. Annie, I don't have a picture -- sorry! It's just one of the big, black antique trunks with the wooden strips and leather handles on each side. It's in very good shape. I'd like to continue using it but, as I said, it covers up a portion of the area rug. Of course, I wouldn't have storage if I opted for a glass-topped table.

Always1StepBehind, you wanted to see a picture of my zebra rug. As I told Annie, I'm not able to post pictures, but it's a 6 x 9 area rug and it looks nice in front of my neutral-colored couch, with red throw pillows. Also, the wall behind my fireplace is red. The zebra rug really "sets off" the room. Everyone always comments on it.

I don't but my sis does and she loves it. Doesn't bother her at all it covers part of the rug. She uses hers to store family picture albums and important papers.

My daughter has one and it looks great. She loves it. It came from an aunt of her husband.

I did use mine for a coffee table; now I use it at the end of the sofa (since I got a coffee table.) Interestingly, I had friends say they liked the trunk better than my new table...BUT the table was one I had raved about & DH surprised me with it on our anniversary. So I just moved the trunk to serve as an end table...since our couch is big it is not out of proportion.

But I keep my pictures in that trunk, and also keep pictures in my grandfather's old black trunk that is in our guest room. I've always told DH & DS...in case of fire GET THOSE TRUNKS FIRST!

I think trunks make great coffee tables. I got an oblong glass top coffee table last year and I love it.

I use my trunk as a bedside table which works great too! Would love one for my coffee table if I can find the right size...

Keep the trunk, get a bigger rug!

I don't use a trunk. I use a 100+ years old cedar hope chest my great-uncle made for my grandmother.

Even if it depends on the type of furniture you have in the rest of the room i could suggest you a model of coffee table i`ve seen and i might buy in the near future and that mostly because of the nice storage place it has underneath http://www.designshell.com/coffee-tables/retro-coffee-table
I hope that helped you a bit
Oh and concerning the glass topped table that doesn't match any type of furniture so pay attention to that when and if you plan on getting one .. it is pretty pretentious..

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dani3lle,

quote:

Oh and concerning the glass topped table that doesn't match any type of furniture so pay attention to that when and if you plan on getting one .. it is pretty pretentious..

Huh???? do you mean IYO??

This message has been edited. Last edited by: annie17,

I don't find glass coffee tables pretentious in the least. You also don't need to have a set of glass tables for a glass coffee table to 'match' the rest of your furniture. Like every other material, there are more casual glass tables and more formal ones.

Formal doesn't equal pretentious.

Here is a picture of trunk from William Sonoma Home that I think work as tables...pair these small trunk cubes two side by side to make a coffee table

Ladecorate
ladecorate's blog (Cococozy)

Thanks for all your interesting comments. For those of you who use your trunks as end tables, what do you put on it? Also, do you turn the trunk "end ways" rather than being able to look at the front of it? I've thought of doing that, but didn't know what to use for the other end table -- at the other side of the couch.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SweetHomeAL,