You'd Never Know — 9 Design-Forward Coffee Tables Cleverly Concealing Storage Compartments, Wooden Trays, and Even Built-In Ice Buckets
Because sometimes the best design features are the ones you can't even see

As far as I’m concerned, a coffee table anchors your living space. Alongside making a really lovely focal point, a trusty coffee table plays an essential role in keeping the TV remote and evening snacks within easy reach of the sofa — while also doubling as a convenient place to put your feet up at the end of a long day (if that's allowed in your household).
And when it comes to choosing a design that suits your space, have you ever considered a coffee table with hidden storage? After all, the cozy season is fast approaching, and we're always in need of more inconspicious places to stash our ever-expanding collection of snuggly blankets and throws.
Multifunctional pieces are gaining momentum when it comes to the biggest coffee table trends right now, but don't fret, that doesn't have to come at a cost of style. To prove the point, here's nine coffee tables with hidden storage that will suit every size and style of living room.
If you’re in need of somewhere to stow bulky items like spare blankets and throws, why not swap out the standard coffee table for a storage ottoman? Upholstered in a timeless striped fabric (though there are other colors available), this round style makes an elegant coffee table when topped with a tray — and also doubles as a comfortable footrest.
Well, wow. Showcasing two stacked contrasting solid marble blocks that have been cleverly positioned to create a floating illusion, this designer coffee table truly oozes luxury. Swivel the top block to reveal a storage section that comes with a removable metal insert, meaning it can be quickly transformed into a built-in ice bucket.
Short on both storage and seating in your living room? This upholstered bench is ideal for narrow spaces, and comes complete with two matching footstools — both of which have solid wood reversible lids so that they can also be used as side tables. They’re the perfect size for storing blankets, and they even nest neatly under the bench when not in use.
There’s something seriously chic about a drum coffee table — and this one is no exception. It boasts a spun metal base in an antique brass finish, and the solid mango wood top boasts handy cut-outs for easy lifting and access to the spacious storage compartment underneath.
Boasting a sleek pill-shaped design, this narrow coffee table won’t take up too much precious floor space, but still provides plenty of hidden storage. Plus, its flip-top lid boasts a stylish wooden tray on one side — so you can quickly transform it from footrest to table.
With its classic circular shape, rich walnut finish, and geometric black and white pattern, this petite drum coffee table gives off really retro vibes. Best of all, it’s totally hollow — so lifting the lid actually reveals a surprising amount of storage space.
With its sleek and minimalist style, and sturdy design, this coffee table is guaranteed to look the part in most modern living rooms. You can even extend the tabletop using the additional leaf — and there’s ample storage space in the concealed compartment for any items you don’t want on show.
Complete with patterned glass in a warm caramel brown hue, this retro-style coffee table feels like the perfect fit for a living room that’s been designed with a mid century modern aesthetic in mind. Best of all, it’s got a seriously spacious built-in storage drawer that’s totally undetectable thanks to the lack of handles.
A clever addition to Dunelm’s industrial-inspired Fulton range, this compact coffee table can be easily extended to reveal an accessible open shelf storage space. Finished in a dark wood effect, it’s the perfect sophisticated yet understated piece for a modern home.
Versatile pieces of furniture like coffee tables with hidden storage can really help with maximizing the space in particularly small living rooms. Alternatively, chairs with hidden storage are another great option — and they can also work really well in bedrooms and home offices.
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Georgia is a freelance writer, based in South London. She started out in the homes and interiors space, writing for the likes of Good Homes Magazine and Grand Designs, before joining the HuffPost UK team as a Shopping Writer. Since going freelance in June 2023, she can primarily be found writing for the likes of GLAMOUR UK, British GQ, and ES Best (and Livingetc) — covering off everything from the top current interior design trends, to edits of the current must-have home products.