Lift Top Coffee Table Guide: Benefits, Types & Ireland Stores

You walk into an Irish living room and there it is — a coffee table that lifts its top like a hatchback. It’s a clever piece of furniture that works as a table, a storage bin, and sometimes even a desk. This guide walks through the key options available in Ireland, from Wayfair sets to EZ Living’s compact designs, and helps you choose the right one without the guesswork.

Top retailers: Wayfair, Jysk, EZ Living Furniture, Michael Murphy · Most common material: Wood (oak, mango wood, engineered wood) · Typical features: Lift-top mechanism, hidden storage, soft-close · Common styles: Rectangular, oval, with storage drawers · Average price range (Ireland): €200–€500

What is a lift top coffee table?

A lift top coffee table is a piece of living room furniture with a hinged top that raises up and tilts toward you, exposing a hidden compartment underneath. The mechanism is typically spring-assisted or gas-lift for smooth operation. Available in rectangular, oval, and square designs, these tables are built to serve dual purposes.

How does the lift mechanism work?

• Gas-lift mechanisms use compressed gas to raise the top — they operate quietly and smoothly (Wayfair (product engineering)).
• Spring mechanisms are more basic and tend to be noisier (YouTube comparison (user review channel)).
• Some models have a locking system that holds the top at the raised angle.

The pattern: gas-lift models cost a bit more but deliver a better experience — something to weigh if you plan to use the lift function daily.

What are the common shapes and sizes?

• Rectangular tables most common, lengths from 100 cm to 120 cm.
• Oval tables soften the look and save space in narrow rooms (EZ Living Furniture (Irish furniture retailer)).
• Square tables are less common but work in compact seating arrangements.

The trade-off: an oval shape gives you more floor flexibility, but the rectangular table offers more usable surface area.

What are the benefits of a lift top coffee table?

Is it good for small spaces?

Yes. The hidden storage underneath the lift top is perfect for remotes, magazines, and blankets. The raised surface also lets you eat or use a laptop without bending forward (EZ Living Furniture (retailer description)).

Can it replace a desk?

Many models, such as the Ezra from EZ Living, adjust in height from 48 cm to 62 cm — close to a standard desk height (EZ Living Furniture (specs)). The Wayfair lift-top sets raise 5.5 inches, enough for a laptop. However, the storage underneath is reportedly ‘fairly minimal’ according to a YouTube comparison, so don’t expect to stash a full blanket wardrobe inside (YouTube comparison (user review)).

Where to buy a lift top coffee table in Ireland?

Is IKEA a good option?

IKEA offers lift top models like the BRUSALI and NORDEN. They are affordable and follow Scandinavian design. But you must assemble them yourself, and the particle board construction may not hold up to heavy daily lifting (Wayfair (material comparisons)).

What Irish retailers stock them?

Top retailers include Wayfair.ie (Irish online store) with free shipping, Jysk, EZ Living Furniture, and Michael Murphy. Prices and availability vary; check local stockists for delivery options. The EZ Living Ezra table is priced at €79.80 initial payment with 4 interest-free monthly payments of €79.80 (EZ Living Furniture (pricing)). Wayfair sets often include a TV stand, lift-top coffee table, and two end tables (Wayfair (set configuration)).

The implication: if you want a complete living room package, Wayfair’s sets give you more pieces for your euro. If you need just a single, compact table, EZ Living’s Ezra is a strong contender for price and height adjustability.

How to choose the best lift top coffee table?

What size should I choose?

Measure your seating area first. A table that’s too long (over 120 cm) can overwhelm a small Dublin flat. Short tables (under 90 cm) are ideal for alcoves. Typical length is 100–120 cm (Wayfair (dimension guidance)).

Which material is most durable?

Solid oak or mango wood tables are sturdy and can be sanded and refinished if scratched. Engineered wood (like P2-grade) is affordable but less robust under heavy weight (Wayfair (material grades)). Some models support up to 200 lbs (Wayfair (weight capacity)).

Should I get one with storage?

The storage capacity varies. Some have a single hidden compartment under the lift top; others add drawers or shelves. The Rolanstar table reportedly holds 166 lbs with P2 wood and metal frame (Wayfair (Rolanstar specs)). If you need to store large items like blankets, look for models with open cubbies or side drawers rather than relying solely on the lift-top space.

What types of lift top coffee tables are available?

What is an oval lift top coffee table?

Oval tables have soft edges and a smaller visual footprint. They work well in corners or narrow rooms. The Michael Murphy Ellis table, for example, is crafted from mango wood with a wire-brush finish (EZ Living Furniture (style reference)).

Are there wood lift top coffee tables?

Yes — solid oak, mango wood, and finished MDF are common. A wood finish gives a warm natural look and allows for refinishing if scratched. The Jysk DAUGBJERG model uses a light wood veneer (Jysk product description via EZ Living reference).

What about IKEA models?

IKEA’s BRUSALI and NORDEN offer minimalistic designs at a lower price point. They are engineered wood with laminate finishes — easy to clean but not as durable as solid wood. Assembly is required (Wayfair (construction comparison)).

Five types, one pattern: the choice between solid wood and engineered wood is the biggest durability trade-off. Solid wood costs more but lasts decades; engineered wood is cheaper but may show wear in a few years.

Now, let’s put the options side by side.

Three retailers, three approaches: Wayfair offers bundles, EZ Living focuses on height-adjustable single pieces, and IKEA provides budget flat-packs.

Highlights: The EZ Living Ezra is unique with its height adjustability — it can go from coffee table to near-desk height. The Wayfair set gives you more pieces for the money, and the BRUSALI is the lightest on the wallet but the heaviest on assembly time.

Specs tell only half the story.

What’s clear and what’s not

What shoppers say

“The lift-top function allows you to lift the tabletop towards you, so you can sit in your sofa and eat or use a laptop without having to bend forward.”

— Jysk product description, DAUGBJERG model (Jysk via EZ Living reference)

“Offering ultimate flexibility while relaxing or dining, this coffee table with its grey finish is a must-have.”

— EZ Living Furniture, Axis grey model (EZ Living Furniture)

“Crafted from mango wood, brings a touch of retro-inspired charm to any living space with its clever wire-brush finish.”

— Michael Murphy, Ellis coffee table (Michael Murphy via EZ Living reference)

The pattern: every retailer emphasises flexibility and comfort. None of them mention mechanism durability. That’s your homework — ask about the gas-lift warranty before you buy.

For Irish buyers, the choice boils down to three paths: the budget-conscious IKEA route, the height-adjustable single piece from EZ Living, or the full living room set from Wayfair. The clear winner for anyone who works from home occasionally is the EZ Living Ezra — its adjustable height (48 to 62 cm) bridges the gap between coffee table and desk better than any fixed-lift model.

For those seeking practical options, coffee tables with storage from IKEA offer a range of lift-top designs that combine hidden storage with adjustable surfaces.

Frequently asked questions