The rhythm of interior design in 2025 has shifted. We’re seeing a clear departure from stark minimalism and an embrace of deeper, more sensory-led spaces. It’s not maximalist in the traditional sense—there’s no clutter or chaos—but rather a thoughtful celebration of texture, tone, and material. The kinds of spaces that feel slower, grounded, and tactile. Where the materials speak louder than any color palette ever could.
At the heart of this movement is a return to nature, not just in form, but in substance. Stone, wood, glass, metal: the materials that shape our everyday objects are now shaping how a home feels. And in no area is this more apparent than in the furniture we live around, with modern style coffee tables becoming one of the most quietly transformative elements in any living space. Their form, texture, and finish set the tone for everything that surrounds them.
One of the most prominent materials this year is stone—particularly the richly veined, highly expressive varieties like marble, travertine, and quartzite. Where previous trends leaned heavily on white Carrara with a polished finish, 2025 is favoring warmer undertones and honed surfaces that feel soft to the eye and hand. A marble coffee table now acts as both anchor and artwork, its unique swirls and striations adding depth without needing any added decor. These pieces are not only sculptural but incredibly grounding, and their presence in a room brings a sense of permanence.
Alongside stone, wood has taken a turn toward deeper, more natural finishes. Oak, walnut, and ash are being treated with stains that enhance their grain rather than obscure it. Modern style coffee tables crafted from these woods bring a grounded elegance to living spaces, with silhouettes that highlight the raw beauty of the material rather than hiding it.There’s a move away from engineered, manufactured surfaces toward timbers that retain their character—even their imperfections. The result is furniture that feels closer to the forest than the factory floor. A walnut coffee table, for instance, not only complements richer upholstery but also allows a space to feel more rooted. Designers are choosing these tones deliberately, building palettes that reflect a slower, more intimate pace of living.
Texture itself has become central to the language of interior design this year. Walls are no longer left smooth and sterile—they’re being dressed in limewash, hand-troweled plaster, or acoustic panelling that doubles as art. And while boucle has cooled off, other tactile materials like velvet and raw linen have taken its place. In furnishings, soft upholstery is paired with solid, structured forms. The contrast creates tension in the best way. A velvet lounge beside a modern style coffee table made of travertine or glass doesn’t clash—it elevates. This kind of pairing reflects a growing appreciation for juxtaposition, for allowing different materials to complement and challenge each other within the same visual conversation.
Architectural detailing has also made its way into furniture design, most notably in the return of fluted forms. Once reserved for neoclassical columns, fluting now appears on cabinet fronts, kitchen islands, and yes, coffee tables. These softly ribbed surfaces catch the light and bring a layer of sophistication that feels hand-finished. Rather than acting as embellishment, fluting in 2025 is used sparingly and thoughtfully, adding rhythm and depth without overwhelming the eye. Better Homes & Gardens recently highlighted this trend, noting how retailers and designers alike are responding to the demand for sculptural, textural touches in everyday furniture
In parallel, metals have moved in a warmer direction. Brass and bronze are still here—but less polished, more lived-in. Rather than being sealed and mirror-shiny, they’re being left to oxidize, creating subtle patinas that tell a story over time. These finishes are showing up on table legs, decorative trays, and lighting fixtures, introducing a quiet glow that pairs especially well with natural materials like stone and wood. The appeal lies in their imperfection; the way they change slightly every day. It’s a far cry from the slick, impersonal chrome of the past.
Then there’s glass. Often overlooked, glass furniture is gaining new respect for its ability to bring clarity and contrast to material-heavy rooms.
Altogether, these material trends reflect a broader cultural mood—one of re-connection and tactility. It’s not about layering for the sake of layering, but about choosing materials that feel good, wear well, and age beautifully. At the center of it all, the coffee table becomes a focal point—not just for the room, but for how we live in it. Whether made of stone, wood, or glass, it sets the tone, quite literally, for everything else.
