You wouldn’t judge a book by its cover, so don’t judge coffee tables by their name. Coffee tables obviously make a great place to set your coffee or beverage but as one of the most versatile pieces of your home decor, don't pigeonhole them into that single use. Here are five interesting ways to utilize your coffee table that will freshen up your decor and make you think about your coffee table as a powerhouse piece of furniture in any room.

1. Coffee Table as a TV Stand

Not interested in mounting your TV but still need a place to set it? Repurposing your coffee table as a TV stand is a no-brainer solution. Maybe you don’t have the space to invest in a new grand entertainment center, but you still want a traditional decor look for your media devices. Give new life to your solid wood coffee table, placed against a wall, by making it the pillar for your late-night binge sessions. Farmhouse decor is all anyone can moo about lately so why not take your shabby chic occasional table and pair it with your TV for a modern meets timeless look!

2. Coffee Table Storage

Who doesn’t need extra storage in their home? Easily stow away extra blankets, board games and even your children’s toys with a trunk coffee table. A stylish trunk will work well with a variety of decor styles from vintage farmhouse to modern industrial. Trunks, being naturally eclectic, also make great conversation pieces whether heirloom or recently purchased. Most trunks have a single open-top lid, but more and more styles feature lift tabletops and multiple storage sections for all your needs. Don’t stow it away in the corner! Feature your trunk coffee table as the main occasional table in your room. Go ahead, easily pull out a cozy blanket, prop up your feet and enjoy all the versatility that a trunk coffee table delivers.

3. Create a Captivating Coffee Table Display

What better place to show off the finishing touches of your decor than by placing them in an artful display on your coffee table. Glass coffee tables are the best for displaying decor and accessories as they won't overpower, since they don’t take the visualize space that solid wood structures do. For a traditional look, stick to classic tabletop decor options such as a bouquet of your favorite flowers in an heirloom vase or a wonderful display of pillar candles in your favorite scent. Push the boundaries and go all out trendy by incorporating a single piece of stunning and provocative sculpture. You’ll be sure to have your friends and family chatting about your stunning displays in no time. Decor can be swapped out to tune into the seasons or your moods, making your coffee table the ultimate in-home art gallery.

4. Indoor Picnic

This is a great one if you have children or simply want to have a quaint and cozy gathering with friends. By turning your coffee table into a makeshift picnic table, you can bring all the fun of dining outside without the hassle of bugs or inclement weather. Lay out your prettiest china, tasty treats and a suitable beverage and host a mini tea party with the kiddos right there in your living room. Lay out a few throw pillows for added comfort while seated on the floor. If your audience is 21+, why not get fancy and have a wine and cheese night. Assemble delicious cuts of cheese artisan crackers and crack open a bottle, or two, and enjoy a night of laughter gathered around your beloved coffee table

5. Coffee Table Catch-all

Another great use for your coffee table is a place to get some work done. Not everyone has the room for a private office nor the need to work in seclusion. A lift-top coffee table gives you a mini-office feel, bringing your computer to a comfortable working height, right in the comfort of your living room! Too much work and not enough play? Call up your friends and family, break out a classic board-game or two and turn your coffee table into game central.

Coffee tables certainly aren’t getting the admiration that they deserve but we’re here to change that! These tables may not have the instant pull and magnitude of the sofa or the TV, but they certainly serve a grand purpose in your living room whether you know it or not. Your coffee table already makes for the perfect place to set your beverage but it doesn’t have to stop there. Nab one of the unique ideas above and utilize your coffee table in a fresh and exciting way, or purchase a new piece to incorporate seamlessly into your home decor and design.