The Small Mid-Century Kidney Bean Coffee Table
While the kidney bean shape is an icon of mid-century design, finding a coffee table that scales perfectly for smaller living rooms, apartments, or compact seating areas can be an incredible challenge. I designed this small coffee table to act as a functional centerpiece, anchoring your seating area with classic retro proportions without overwhelming your floor plan. It is sleek, low-profile, and brings that unmistakable organic energy right to the center of your room.
To give you the perfect fit for your space, I offer this table in two distinct shape profiles. Whether you prefer a soft, sweeping silhouette or a slightly bolder, more structured look, you can choose the exact geometry that complements your style.
Choose Your Shape: Version 1 vs. Version 2
Version 1: The Fluid Silhouette
This is the classic, sweeping interpretation of the kidney bean form. It features a deeper, more pronounced scoop and an incredibly fluid, unbroken, continuous curve. It is the perfect choice if you want soft, organic lines that mimic the seamless flow of authentic vintage retro design.
Version 2: The Structured Silhouette
Version 2 offers a slightly broader footprint with a tighter, more architectural profile. It is a little more angular and defined than the ultra-curved Version 1, giving it a slightly more modern, mid-century atomic vibe. Version 2 behaves almost like a scaled-down, more compact version of my medium coffee table, providing extra surface area while maintaining a small-space footprint.
Choose Your Material: Plywood or Solid Hardwood
I offer this table in two distinct, high-grade material styles depending on the aesthetic of your collection. Both options feature quality walnut with absolutely no stains, dyes, or synthetic plastic glossy clear-coats to chip, scratch, or cloud over time. Because wood is a natural product, your custom piece will feature its own unique, beautiful grain signature.
1. Architectural Walnut Plywood
Constructed from high-grade, architectural-quality walnut veneer plywood. With this option, I intentionally leave the layered plywood edge entirely exposed. Charles and Ray Eames famously championed honest materials, turning structural plywood edges into an iconic design feature rather than something to hide. It is a raw, authentic tribute to mid-century industrial design.
2. Solid Walnut Hardwood
This version is built entirely from quality solid walnut hardwood. Because it is solid wood, the natural grain runs continuously over the top and down through the steep edge bevel. It is a traditional build meant for those who want the clean look of solid hardwood, with the added benefit that solid hardwood stands up to daily abuse a little better and can usually be sanded down and refinished should something awful happen to it years down the road.
Crafted by Hand, One at a Time
- The Beveled Edge: The underside features a thin straight section at the very top edge before angling sharply away from the top, giving the coffee table surface a light, floating appearance.
- The Tapered Legs: Supported by three solid walnut legs, turned by hand in my shop, and splayed out at a classic mid-century angle using quality mounting hardware. The legs come with mounting bolts pre-installed, so assembly is effortless: you simply screw the legs into the brackets until they sit tight and flush against the mounting plate.
- The 5-Coat Finish: I meticulously hand-apply five separate coats of quality oil and wax. It is a time-consuming process, but it yields a tactile matte sheen. It is not plasticky or dull—it simply lets the natural, rich glow of the walnut breathe. Every table includes a straightforward care guide (no harsh chemicals or spray furniture polish—just a damp cloth and water).
Dimensions & Specifications
Version 1 (Fluid Silhouette)
- Length: 35 7/8″ (at the longest points)
- Width: 17 5/16″ (at the widest point)
- The Scoop: 9 1/2″ wide at the center curve
- The Skinny Side: 8 1/2″ wide at the narrowest point
- Height: 16″ tall
Version 2 (Structured Silhouette)
- Length: 37 3/8″ (at the longest points)
- Width: 19 3/4″ (at the widest point)
- The Scoop: 12 7/16″ wide at the center curve
- The Skinny Side: 10 1/16″ wide at the narrowest point
- Height: 16″ tall
Made to Order For You
Every single piece is built from scratch by me in my workshop. Because this is an authentic, handmade process, your table will take 3 to 4 weeks to craft (though it could be sooner if I am currently running a batch—feel free to message me for a real-time schedule update).
When it arrives, it will be stamped, signed, and numbered on the underside as a true registry of its craftsmanship.
Dennis –
My new coffee table looks great! Will be purchasing more from Steve.
Ted Prothero –
I can’t say enough good things about how helpful, thoughtful, and professional the whole process was, I had some questions that were answered promptly during the ordering process, and the final product is amazing. I appreciate the extra work put into making sure I got exactly what I was looking for. Will definitely pass Steve’s name to anyone looking for tables.
Pamela –
I would give more than five stars if I could because the table is beautiful! It’s more than just a coffee table, it’s a work of art that I’m lucky enough to now own. This is a quality piece that was worth more than the money spent. Great seller! Thanks for the beautiful coffee table!! ????????
Steve –
Beautiful handmade table. Even better than anticipated. Carefully packaged. Would definitely order from this craftsman again.
Gene –
Steve’s craftsmanship is excellent! The look and build of the table Steve made for us alone is more than enough to justify a 5-Star review. But the icing on the cake was just how easy Steve is to work with and the fantastic customer service he delivers. Thank you, Steve, for making our day!
vparadiz1 –
Beautiful designs and quality! Perfect as a set of two (kidney and guitar pick) for our tricky living room. They are easy to move around and look fantastic solo or near each other as a set.
vparadiz1 –
Beautiful craftsmanship and attention to design! These tables integrate into our space seamlessly.
Rebecca –
Great quality and looks beautiful. Easy to assemble as well.
Ramon –
Perfect size and style for our home office – well made and easy to assemble
Carole –
Lovely table. Perfectly made to specific requests. Communication with Steve was professional, friendly and prompt. Our satisfaction is complete. Thank you, Steve!
Denise –
So absolutely thrilled with the quality of this table! The woodworking is beautiful and it was so well wrapped for shipping. It’s absolutely perfect! I’m so thrilled, I’m going to order an end table. Steve is a true craftsman and was very helpful in my decision process on whether to go with the veneer or solid wood. I went with solid wood and I’m really pleased with my decision. This piece will last me for a lifetime.
jenjen10987 –
I can’t say enough good things about this coffee table! I recently purchased a small condo with a very small living room. I bought a mid-century modern sofa and chair. I needed a coffee table to tie it all together. This small coffee table is absolutely perfect for the space, goes really well with my furniture, and it looks amazing!
Corey –
Beautiful product. Very pleased! Excellent build quality and attention to detail. Would purchase more from this builder
craigdfrancis –
We really love this table. It is fantastic quality and excellent craftsmanship. The walnut is really beautiful. Great coffee table.
lfitz –
Beautiful coffee table! Gorgeous walnut with just the finish, grace & attention-to-detail I craved.
Susan –
This table is absolutely beautifully made! Thank you for the care you took in creating it and shipping it!
Ernie –
I love my new coffee table. Thank you!
Allison –
Love this coffee table! It fits perfectly in our small living room. Steve was very responsive throughout the process and included care instructions with a touch of humor. Always feels nice to have handmade items from real people in your home!
Leota –
Steve did an amazing job, we are so in love with our table! Steve was SO helpful and willing to work with us! Thank you Steve for your hard work.
badcat66 –
Such a beautiful table!! So well made and the perfect size and style!! It also came with hilarious instructions and a beautiful little thank you card that made my day. Little things mean a lot, especially right now, and i just so appreciate this seller.
Robert –
Steve is amazing! From start to finish, the entire process is probably one of the best I’ve ever had with someone that I’ve had to deal with for a transaction for goods, and services! Now let’s get to this gorgeous piece of 100% walnut! I had a LOT of questions about the table in general, and Steve got back to me so quickly! I requested a customization, and Steve willingly worked with me, and I’m very pleased with the end result to say the least! I’m already planning to order another piece for Steve to make for me, and I’m CERTAIN it will be every bit as fantastic as this beautiful hunk of REAL hardwood! I can’t say enough, honestly!
Danielle –
The table is just what I envisioned. It is the perfect addition to my living area. Fantastic shape and lovely finish.
Thank you!
Olive –
This is a lovely piece. The artist offered to make me a slightly larger coffee table for the same price as the small table because the original order was not processed properly. I like the table, but please be advised that the measurements should be stated “..the longest points on a diagonal..” rather than simply longest points. The table is a boomerang shape and most people would not realize that he has measured not from true length, but diagonally, which leaves you with a much smaller table than anticipated. The scale from table to sofa is not at all what i had in mind, and this is disappointing. Other than this, the table itself is lovely.
slatcher –
Love it! And I appreciate the care instructions for the wood, thanks
Hayley –
Received my table in a timely fashion, it’s super cute and well made, totally in love with it. I ordered this because vintage ones are priced far beyond this handmade jem.
cassini –
LOVE my table – it’s so beautiful! The whole process was great from beginning to end.
Nugs2011 –
Beautiful craftsmanship – very happy!!
Sunila –
I love the table, it looks beautiful and stable. It goes well with my modern setup. Thank you Steve for putting your heart into making this table. Its a unique piece and beautifully designed-Sunila
Tara –
Purchased this table and two other small tables. I absolutely love them! They are all perfect and exactly what I wanted. Steve was great and updated their status along the way. If you are looking for stylish mid century modern tables and buy anything else you will regret it. These are worth it!
Jm –
Steve is a wonderful Craftsman that is professional and nice! He exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From communication, right down to shipping.
Thank you!!
Benjamin –
Steve was able to make a custom sized table for my small space and it is BEAUTIFUL. Great craftsmanship and attention to detail. Also, is sturdy and adds a perfect mid-century modern look to any living room! I love it!