Epoxy Resin vs. Traditional Wood Coffee Tables: What’s Right for Your Home?

A coffee table is not only a place for mugs and magazines—it's the focal point of your living room. It unites the room, gives it character, and can express your own taste more than you realize. Over the last few years, epoxy resin coffee tables have been gaining popularity among interior enthusiasts all around Australia due to their striking appearance and bespoke look.

But how do they stack up against good old-fashioned timber tables? Let’s look at the pros, cons, and which one might fit your home best.

Material Comparison: Epoxy Resin vs. Traditional Wood

Epoxy Resin Tables:

Epoxy resin is a liquid polymer that sets to a glass-like, glossy surface. It's frequently poured over wood planks, pigments of color, or other substances to make bold, artistic designs. The resin utilized is long-lasting, water-resistant, and can be fully opaque or highly transparent based on the creative vision.

Wooden Coffee Tables:

Classic wooden tables are constructed with solid or engineered wood. Wood choices are oak, walnut, teak, mahogany, and acacia. Each timber variety contributes its own grain, texture, and colour tone to the table—literally. Unlike resin, which is mass-produced, wood is naturally variable with species, age, and treatment.

Style and Visual Appeal

Resin tables are a great choice if you’re into artistic, bold, or one-of-a-kind designs. Many people love how they look like a blend of sculpture and furniture. You’ll often find "river tables" with flowing colours or even real flowers or stones embedded inside the resin.

Wooden tables, on the other hand, carry a kind of timeless beauty. They work well in both modern and classic interiors and tend to age gracefully. Even their little imperfections—like knots and grains—add character.

Suitability for Home Styles: Matching Table to Décor

Choosing the right coffee table also means thinking about your home’s interior design style.

Resin Coffee Tables Are Great For: Modern and contemporary spaces: Their sleek finish and vibrant designs make a bold statement.

• Industrial lofts: Pair well with metal and concrete finishes.

• Art-centric homes: When you want your furniture to double as sculpture.

Traditional Wood Tables Work Best In: Rustic or farmhouse styles: Perfect match with organic textures and neutral tones.

• Scandinavian interiors: Simple, functional, and warm.

• Classic or traditional décor: Adds a sense of history and grounded elegance.

If you're working with top furniture retailers in Melbourne, they often carry curated collections to match these varying styles—so don’t hesitate to ask for guidance based on your aesthetic vision.

Pros & Cons of Resin or Wood?

Epoxy Coffee Tables 

Pros

• Aesthetic Versatility

Epoxy coffee tables stand out for their creative flexibility. You can craft designs like river tables, abstract patterns, or geometric layouts using colored resins combined with materials such as wood, metal, or stones. Each piece can be personalized to complement your décor, ensuring it’s a unique work of art.

• Durability & Practicality

The epoxy surface is impressively resilient—resistant to scratches, spills, and heat, and often maintains its clarity even under direct sunlight if using UV-resistant resin. Its robustness makes it ideal for high-use areas.

• Eco-Friendly Options

Many craftspeople use reclaimed or live-edge wood complemented by low-VOC resin, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing waste.

• Low Maintenance

Thanks to its non-porous, glossy finish, epoxy tables are easy to clean—simple wiping is usually all that’s needed. They resist staining and maintain their shine over time without special treatments.

• Affordable Luxury & Longevity

While they look luxurious, epoxy coffee tables are often more accessible than other custom-made furniture. Their enduring quality also makes them a smart long-term investment.

• Unique, Statement Pieces

Each epoxy table is one-of-a-kind. From embedded details to personalized colors or finishes, these pieces act as conversational centerpieces in any room.

• Style Versatility

Whether your décor is modern, rustic, industrial, or eclectic, there’s an epoxy coffee table to match. Their adaptability to different styles is a key benefit.

• Wear Resistance

These tables withstand regular use—offering impact resistance and retaining a shiny finish over time, even in busy households.

Cons

• High Cost

Custom epoxy coffee tables often come with a premium price due to labor-intensive craftsmanship and the price of materials, especially for individualized designs.

• Environmental Concerns

Although low-VOC resins exist, traditional epoxy is still a petroleum-derived, non-biodegradable material. Its production and disposal raise environmental and health concerns.

• Prone to Scratches

Despite their durability, epoxy surfaces—especially high-gloss finishes—can accumulate scratches and micro-abrasions over time, which are difficult to repair.

• Heat Sensitivity

Direct exposure to hot items can cause discoloration or surface damage, and extreme temperature shifts may even lead to cracks.

• Health & Safety Risks

The curing process may emit harmful fumes, and some products can continue off-gassing afterward. These factors might pose risks, especially in enclosed spaces.

• Yellowing Over Time

Epoxy resin can yellow when exposed to sunlight—even with UV inhibitors—which can affect the table’s appearance over time. Reversing this is often not possible.

• Weight & Mobility Challenges

These tables tend to be heavy, making them cumbersome to move and potentially problematic for flooring if not handled carefully.

• Trend-Driven Appeal

Designs may become dated as styles shift. Over time, epoxy tables may lose their aesthetic appeal compared to timeless solid wood pieces.

Wooden Coffee Tables

Pros: 

• Timeless Aesthetic

Wood never goes out of style. Whether you prefer rustic charm, modern minimalism, or classic elegance, there’s a wooden coffee table to suit every interior style.

• Natural Warmth

Wood adds warmth and texture to a room that synthetic materials often can’t match. The grains, knots, and natural imperfections give it a unique, inviting look.

• Durability

Hardwoods like oak, teak, or walnut are incredibly long-lasting. A well-made wooden coffee table can easily last decades, even with everyday use.

• Sustainable Options

When sourced responsibly (e.g., FSC-certified wood or reclaimed timber), wooden furniture can be an environmentally conscious choice.

• Customisability

Wood is easy to work with, allowing for custom sizes, finishes, and designs. You can sand, stain, or repaint it to refresh the look as your style evolves.

• Repairable

Unlike resin or glass, wood can often be repaired. Dents can be filled, scratches buffed out, and surfaces refinished—extending the life of the table.

• Wide Variety

From light pine to rich mahogany, wood comes in a range of colours, densities, and price points, giving you flexibility based on your taste and budget.

Cons:

• Sensitive to Moisture

Wood can warp, crack, or stain when exposed to water or high humidity. Spills must be cleaned quickly, and coasters are often essential.

• Requires Maintenance

To keep wood looking its best, regular dusting, polishing, or oiling is recommended—especially for untreated or natural finishes.

• Susceptible to Scratches

Wooden surfaces can scratch more easily than resin or metal. This is especially true for softer woods like pine or cedar.

• Prone to Fading

Direct sunlight over time can fade or discolour wooden surfaces, especially if the table is placed near a window.

• Weight

Solid wood furniture can be heavy and harder to move. While this adds to its sturdiness, it might be a drawback for renters or those who rearrange furniture often.

• Cost of Quality

While you can find affordable wooden tables, high-quality hardwood options can be expensive—especially if handcrafted or custom-built.

• Pest Risk (If Not Treated)

Improperly treated wood can be susceptible to termites or wood-boring insects—though this is rarely an issue with quality, sealed furniture.

Ultimately, the best coffee table for your home comes down to your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget.

• Choose a resin coffee table if you want a bold, artistic statement piece that’s low-maintenance and contemporary.

• Go for a traditional wooden table if you prefer timeless beauty, natural materials, and a piece that tells a story with age.

And remember: it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about how the table fits into your life. If you prefer something that’s a bit more carefree to maintain, resin might be more up your alley. But if you enjoy pieces that evolve over time, timber has a story to tell.

Whether you're updating your living space or furnishing a new home, take your time to explore both options. Visit showrooms, feel the textures, and imagine the table in your space. Coffee tables aren’t just furniture—they’re functional art.

Looking for epoxy resin coffee tables in Australia?

Start browsing collections from top furniture retailers in Melbourne and see which piece speaks to your style.