Materials:
When you add a shadow box coffee table to your living space, you're immediately creating a conversation piece that's both functional and unique. There's a variety of ways to make a shadow box coffee table with one of the most popular designs showcasing a metal or stainless steel box frame with a tempered glass tabletop. Suzanne Kasler suggests opting for a mixed media style coffee table with a glass tabletop that sits on a black iron frame with a manufactured wood lower shelf if you want something versatile and modern. There may also be stone shelving or tabletops as well. Depending on the design, there will likely be metal hardware and hinges.
Design:
Shadow box coffee tables are most often square or rectangular in shape in order to showcase their bold and boxy forms. Virginia Tupker recommends finding a shadow box coffee table that sits on four legs with metal connecting bars to add further stability as well as to define the distinct shadow box frame. Shadow box coffee tables are usually designed with a lower storage shelf that you can see through a clear tempered glass tabletop. The lower shelf can be used to display anything from your favorite coffee table books to intricate glassware. There are also some shadow box coffee table designs that feature a hinged lift top with a clear glass inlay and shelving or even multi-compartment storage underneath.
Size:
For those with adequate space, a shadow box coffee table that's mid-size and measures 40 inches in length by 20 inches wide and approximately 18 inches high will fit nicely in most modern living rooms. Interior designer Thom Filicia suggests thinking about overall weight capacity when choosing what to display on your shadow box coffee table because depending on the materials, some tables can hold just 20 to 30 pounds. If you have oversized sofas and armchairs that need something grander to fully accommodate the space, a larger size such as 55 inches by 22 inches provides loads of storage space and ample room for entertaining. There are smaller options available as well that are more square in shape and measure approximately 25 inches in both length and width.
Additional features:
For those who are worried about how to display their antique miniature toy collection, a shadow box coffee table that features a hinged lift top and shelving with storage compartments provides both a space for display and safekeeping. You'll also come across many shadow box coffee tables with lower shelves that work well to store anything from books to marble coasters. Courtney McLeod recommends a shadow box coffee table equipped with pull-out drawers on soft-close hinges to help stow away everyday clutter. And for those with busy families, there are lots of designs available featuring stain, water, and rust-resistant materials which helps when trying to keep up with daily messes.