Every den or living room, whether in a city home or mountain cabin, needs the perfect coffee table to complete the room. Coffee tables serve a number of purposes in the home--they can be used to display books and pieces of art or as a spot to set a drink or prop up your feet. In today's often fast-paced world, many people also use the coffee table as a "dining" table while they catch a quick bite in front of the television. They also create a great spot to set up a board game or card game. . .poker night, anyone?

Log Fits Any Decor

Log coffee tables are showing up in homes across the country, from a loft in New York City or a farm house in Iowa to a cabin in the Rockies. You don't have to be surrounded by trees and mountains outside the home to create rustic décor indoors. Even if you are not interested in decorating your entire home around a rustic theme, log coffee tables can still be worked into the décor. Furniture built from logs, including coffee tables, can be added as accent pieces in a room designed around a different style.

The type of log used in crafting your coffee table is dependent upon the look you are trying to achieve. For a very rustic look, select tables made with skip-peeled logs which have some bark left on the wood. Looking for a clean, symmetrical log coffee table? Your best bet is turned lodge pole because the logs are fully-stripped and cut into uniform sizes before the table is constructed. Aspen logs are also popular for coffee tables because they have a smooth finish but retain the natural knots and knobs.

The top of a log coffee table can be left bare or protected with a piece of custom glass. Custom glass can protect the wood from scratches, stains and rings left from beverage glasses. If you choose to go the natural route, it is recommended that you still protect the wood with coasters or felt pieces.