We approach the coffee table category with trepidation: passions run high when it comes to the "drinks table." We've narrowed this post to simple wood coffee tables, midcentury classics mixed with a few contemporary interpretations.

Below: Ligna Coffee Table from Belgium with solid oak top and stainless-steel frame; $2,150 from Lekker Home.

Below: The classic and unassailable Eames Molded Plywood Coffee Table. $799 from DWR; available in ash, ebony, natural cherry, or walnut.

Below: We love the Terence Conran–designed Roller Coffee Table with solid oak top and rubber wheels; $2,250 at Conran.

Below: Solid maple Nelson Bench from Room & Board; available in three lengths, starting at $699 for the 48-inch size.

Below: The Cubic Coffee Table Rectangle of oak veneer with a steel base is $750 at Design Within Reach.

Below: Hans Wegner ch008 Low Table available in ash, oak, or walnut and in several sizes; prices start at $1,640 at Hive Modern.

Below: The Stockholm Coffee Table features a sleek mid-century profile; $199 at Ikea.

Below: The Tiago Coffee Table from Crate and Barrel. Bamboo top with black steel frame for $299.

Below: The soigné Atlantico 010 Coffee table by De La Espada is $1,095 at Bluehouse.

Below: Perfection does exist in this life: in the form of theCT01 Basso coffee tablefrom German-based e15, one of our favorite furniture purveyors. Cut through the red tape and contact our friends at 14Feet for ordering and shipping information.