Glass vs. Wood Coffee Tables: Which Is Better for Your Living Room?

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

Choosing the right coffee table can feel surprisingly complex. The material you choose affects not only your living room's style but also its durability, safety, maintenance, and functionality. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, two of the most popular choices among homeowners are glass coffee tables and wood coffee tables.

According to Michelle MacLellan, an interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, selecting the right material depends on your space, lifestyle, and existing furniture. “It is all about perspective. You have to take into consideration your pre-existing furniture and know what works and what does not,” she explains.

This comparison breaks down the strengths and limitations of each option so you can choose the one that truly fits your home.

Key Takeaways:

• Wood coffee tables offer a warm, cozy aesthetic and are ideal for family-friendly spaces.
• Glass coffee tables create a modern, airy feel that visually opens smaller rooms.
• Wood is generally more durable around kids and pets.
• Glass is easier to clean but needs more frequent upkeep.
• Both materials can complement each other when styled intentionally.
• These style principles apply to dining tables as well.

In This Article…

1. Is a Glass or Wood Coffee Table Better
2. Which One Is More Family Friendly
3. Which One Is Better for Small Spaces
4. Which One Has More Cleanup
5. Which One Is More Stylish
6. Can Wood and Glass Work Together
7. Glass vs. Wooden Tables: Pros and Cons Summary
8. Glass vs. Wooden Dining Tables

1. Is a Glass or Wood Coffee Table Better?

Choosing between glass and wood begins with understanding your style, layout, and lifestyle needs. Wood coffee tables create warmth, a grounded look, and a classic or rustic appeal. They often pair well with traditional interiors or cozy spaces where texture plays a key role. 

Glass coffee tables, on the other hand, provide a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Because their transparency reduces visual weight, they are excellent for smaller rooms or anywhere you want to maintain an open feel.

Both options bring their own functional benefits. Wood is sturdy and forgiving, while glass showcases decor beautifully and keeps a clean visual line. The best choice depends on what you want your space to feel like and how you use it daily.

2. Which One Is More Family Friendly?

Wood coffee tables tend to be the safer and more practical choice for homes with children or pets. Their durability allows them to withstand bumps, toys, and everyday wear. Michelle explains: “If an object were to fall on the top of the glass for whatever reason, it might unfortunately shatter on impact.”

Glass tables require more caution, especially with sharp corners or thin tabletops. However, you can create a balance by selecting a glass top with a wooden frame, which adds stability and softens the look.

If safety and longevity are priorities in a high-traffic family home, wood is typically the better match.

To get more Ideas for Decorating Your Living Room, take a look at this article.

3. Which One Is Better For Small Spaces?

Glass coffee tables are ideal for small living rooms thanks to their ability to visually expand a space. Light passes through the surface, reducing visual clutter and making the room appear larger and more open. This makes glass a popular choice in condos, townhomes, and modern compact layouts.

Wood coffee tables can still work well in small rooms, but they tend to feel more substantial. If your priority is keeping the room bright and airy, glass is the clear winner.

To learn more about Maximizing Your Small Space, take a look at this article.

4. Which One Has More Cleanup?

Glass coffee tables are extremely easy to wipe clean, but they show fingerprints, streaks, and dust much faster than wood. If you like a spotless, polished look, expect more frequent maintenance.

Wood coffee tables require less day-to-day cleaning, but lower-quality woods can stain or absorb liquids. Investing in a high-quality finish or sealed wood can significantly reduce maintenance.

If effortless cleaning is the goal, glass works well. If low-frequency cleaning matters more, wood may be the better choice.

5. Which One Is More Stylish?

Your design style heavily influences which material feels right. Wood coffee tables offer a warm, timeless charm, especially in spaces with natural textures, earth tones, or rustic elements. Distressed or natural finishes enhance this cozy appeal.

Glass coffee tables create a modern, crisp, minimalist vibe. They work beautifully with contemporary furniture and prevent the room from feeling too visually heavy. A glass top also allows rugs and flooring to shine through without interruption.

Michelle adds that a glass table seamlessly integrates with existing decor: “Glass is a neutral material, making it easy to incorporate into a room that already features wood or other textures.”

The question is whether you want your table to feel bold and warm or sleek and airy.

6. Can Wood and Glass Work Together?

Absolutely. Wood and glass can complement each other beautifully when intentionally paired. A glass top with a wooden base is one of the most popular hybrid designs, offering elegance, stability, and contrast.

Mixing materials adds depth and visual interest to a room, especially if it already features multiple finishes. Since glass is neutral, it integrates easily into a room dominated by wood, metal, or fabric textures.

If you cannot decide between the two, combining them is a great way to achieve balance.

To learn more about Mixing and Matching Furniture, take a look at this article.

Glass vs Wooden Tables: Pros and Cons Summary

Below is a quick comparison of the key differences discussed above.

Glass vs Wooden Dining Tables

These design principles extend beyond coffee tables. Many of the same considerations apply to dining tables, though some differences emerge.

Most notably, glass dining tables rarely offer leaf extensions. Michelle explains that the manufacturing process for glass extensions is complex and costly, which limits availability. Wooden dining tables, by contrast, offer far more versatility in size and extension features.

Wood also comes in numerous colours and finishes, making it easier to match existing decor. Glass primarily comes in clear or frosted variations, sometimes with a subtle green undertone depending on the type of glass and quality.

Both materials can be beautiful in a dining room, but wood tends to offer more functional and stylistic options.

What's Next?

Now that you have a better understanding of glass and wood coffee tables, as well as dining tables, you’re ready to start shopping for your living room and dining room! With that being said, why not shop at La-Z-Boy?

Visit us at a local Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston La-Z-Boy location to view our selection in person and take a sit test. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Additionally, consider taking advantage of our interior design services and working with an interior designer to see how our coffee tables could fit in your home.

If you’re interested in learning more about our home decor options at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this comprehensive home decor guide.

Related Articles:

Glass Round Dining Tables

Problems with Wooden Furniture