40 Cool Coffee Tables

Lauren Weems
May 03, 2013

In the market for a new coffee table? Or just like to window shop online? The days of using a trunk filled with blankets or an Ikea $9.99 Lack table are behind us. Here are 40 unusual quirky tables that will definitely make you look.

1. Mixtape Coffee Table: The moment this table hit the interwebs, we had to write about it. It makes us think of all those angsty mixtapes in the early ’90s. (via Jeff Skierka)

2. Tables of Continents: We love the idea of planning cross-contintental adventures on this geographical table. (via Apartment Therapy)

3. Venus Coffee Table: This modern piece on wheels is great for display all your favorite coffee table knick knacks. (via IQ Matics)

4. Computer Board Table: Nerd alert! We love the glowing orb of this table. (via The News Is Broken)

5. Foosball Coffee Table: It’s a foosball (via Chicago Gaming)

6. Nar Coffee Table: This gorgeous table makes it easy to keep all those coffee table books and hardcover novels in order. (via The Maisonette)

7. Stacking Nesting Coffee Tables: How adorable is this stack? It’s definitely a more minimal take on the nesting table. (via Florian Krautli)

8. LED Pong Coffee Table: LED pong kind of sounds like our dream come true. (via Sparkfun)

9. Elipse Coffee Table: This is equal parts creepy and modern. (via Design Milk)

10. Pulp Coffee Table: We are totally digging the repurposed style of this table and chairs made from paper pulp. (via Odelia & Dan Design Studio)

11. Lego Coffee Table: You loved your Legos then, and you’ll love this Lego table now :) (via Not on the High Street)

12. Pine Coffee Table: This beautiful cross-section-inspired table is made of a whole bunch of pretty pieces of pine. (via Chic Tip)

13. Modern Fire Coffee Table: It’s a fire-breathing… table! (via Planika)

14. Bentley V8 Engine Coffee Table: Talk about repurposing – this table is made from a Bentley V8 engine. (via I Design Arch)

15. Vintage Snowshoe Coffee Table: This is the perfect table for a cozy cabin in the mountains. (via Black Forest Decor)

16. Nintendo Controller Coffee Table: You know this one is an instant winner in our book. (via Bohemian Workbench)

17. Tour Coffee Table: Even for the bike enthusiast, this might be a little too quirky. (via Made In Design)

18. Don Vino Wine Coffee Table: Love to have a rotation of bottles going whenever you’re lounging around? (via Chicone Cabinet Makers)

19. Surf Board Coffee Tables: Dude, did you see the wave I caught this morning? (via House Beautiful and Lunar Lounge)

20. Nintendo Logo Coffee Table: Another play on Nintendo, we’re into the idea of getting a bunch of block letter tables to spell out Brit + Co! (via Geeks with Wood)

21. Industrial Coffee Table: On the more industrial end of the spectrum, this looks like a drill, bionic spine, and corkscrew all in one. Can’t decide if it’s a little too dungeon-like for us. (via Intuitive Iron)

22. Tranquility Coffee Table: Ommmmmm… (via Ikea Hackers)

23. Vintage Bathtub Coffee Table: It’s a vintage bathtub and a garden! Love it. (via Garage Sale Gal)

24. Antler Coffee Tables: For a woodsy or mountain retreat, we love the rustic vibe of this antler coffee table. (via Thibaut and Daily Kos)

25. Vintage Planter Coffee Table: Another fun one for keeping plants around, this looks kind of like an upside down table with a piece of glass on top. (via BC Dry Goods)

26. Printer’s Type Tray Coffee Table: Love letterpress as much as we do? This is definitely getting bookmarked in our to-make file. (via Xenas Dad)

27. Volt Pot Planter Coffee Table: Part coffee table and part planter, the Volt Pot harnesses the power of dirt to charge your devices. (via In Habitat)

28. Doll House Coffee Table: This coffee table doubles as a dollhouse, and manages to look totally modern at the same time. (via Qubis)

29. Chalkboard Paint Coffee Table: Our chalkboard cheese trays would look pretty darn cute perched atop this fun table. (via Kyle Not Really a Dude)

30. Planter Coffee Table: Seriously – it’s another coffee table that doubles as a planter! Folks really do love themselves some green. (via Ikea Hackers)

31. Strand Coffee Table: Made from a stranded from of laser cut steel, this piece makes us want to doodle. (via Arktura)

32. Rubik’s Cube Coffee Table: If only it was a functional Rubik’s Cube! (via Home Creat)

33. Vintage Water Ski Coffee Table: Planning your dream beach house? (via James Robinson Creations)

34. Mushroom Coffee Table: And yet another one we think Mario would love! (via Design Public)

35. Font Inspired Coffee Table: This would look right at home among our other favorite examples of typographical decor. (via Furnitur Site)

36. Swimming Pool Coffee Table: Wait, what!? It looks exactly like a swimming pool. Look for this in the home of Michael Phelps :) (via Be Interior Decorator)

37. Boat Coffee Table: Crafted from the room of a sailboat, this piece works great in a cozy nautical home. (via Nauticals of Marblehead)

38. Book Coffee Table: We think you could totally DIY this! via Tytie)

39. Aquarium Coffee Table: Yep, those fish are real. (via In Stash)

40. Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table: Last, how about a little whiskey with your table? (via Sterling Wine)

Bonus! Sumo Wrestler Coffee Table: Okay but for real, how weird is this? (via Inner Design)

What’s the most unusual coffee table you’ve ever seen? Talk to us in the comments below.

The 40 Most Beautiful Coffee Tables Ever

Can you imagine a world without coffee tables? Not only would we be missing out on the joy of resting a full cup of joe within arms reach, but we’d be down a majorly decorative element in our living rooms and dens. From ultra-modern and colorful to boldly basic, scroll on to see just how much flair a knee-tall table can add to your space with these 40 insanely beautiful coffee tables. Find one for every budget + style below.

Anthropologie Targua Inlay Coffee Table ($1,248)

Inlaid bone has been used to decorate furniture surfaces for centuries and we see why: it adds instant luxury to your space atop a cylindrical brass base.

Pottery Barn Folsom Rectangular Coffee Table ($799)

There's something to be said about the beauty of simplicity. This solid pine wood coffee table is elegant, casual, and practical all at the same time. Try it in your coastal decor.

Anthropologie Brass Starburst Round Coffee Table ($998)

Beaming rays of antique brass on a rosewood base turns this coffee table into a conversation piece.

UO Aria Coffee Table (was $599, on sale $419)

A wavy wood base with a tempered glass adds a creative flair to your living room.

WE Monti Lava Stone Coffee Table ($599)

We love that this organic coffee table, made of lava stone, can be used indoors or out.

CB2 Santoro White Quartz Coffee Table ($1,099)

This statement coffee table has a polished round of solid white quartz over three acacia wood legs. Its timeless look feels super high-end without a crazy price tag.

Rove Concepts Sienna Coffee Table ($1,200 member price, $1,713 retail)

Here's another example of basic but not boring. This pedestal coffee table's soft curves made from concrete anchor your room in refined minimalism.

Etsy Turqueta Coffee Table ($315)

The shipping on this beautiful handmade coffee table will run you about $200 (it's made in Spain) but it will be worth it. This versatile piece will go anywhere in your space, even as you grow out of it.

CB2 Bovisio Square Smoked Glass Coffee Table ($1,500)

This 70s-era coffee table designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini features a grey smoked glass top over tubular legs. CB2 reintroduced the classic design, made in Italy — just like the original.

Anthropologie Swirled Drum Reclaimed Coffee Table ($1,398)

Crafted from naturally fallen trees, the blond wood veneer of this drum coffee table is stunning and adds an organic vibe to your space.

Perigold Magari Kompei Coffee Table ($570)

Who says you need to go round or rectangle? This geometric coffee table shows off the natural warmth of the wood-grain base, topped with a dramatic midnight gray color.

Homary Lift-Top Coffee Table Set with Storage + Ottomans ($760)

This affordable modern coffee table comes with its own ottomans (that stow away underneath) and storage unit, perfect for your small-space needs!

Article Skane Coffee Table ($449)

This indoor-outdoor coffee table may look minimal and light but it's actually made of powder-coated metal. We love the idea of a colorful coffee table too.

Pottery Barn Terry Round Coffee Table ($759)

The cuffed neck and conical base of this solid, kiln-dried wood coffee table stands out as one of a kind.

Article Kera Coffee Table ($699)

Covered in ceramic tiles, this blocky piece is durable, splash-resistant (so you can use outdoors), and quietly demands attention.

Modern Drum Coffee Table In Sintered Stone ($499)

A stone tabletop with a beaded edge adds interesting details that keep this gorgeous coffee table from getting overlooked.

The Novogratz Voler Coffee Table ($106)

We love that you can score a Scandi-style piece like this (made from engineered wood in light oak finish) at an amazing price.

Modern Clear Acrylic Coffee Table ($225)

This transparent acrylic coffee table opens up your space while looking classic and modern. It's perfect for small spaces and works outdoors too.

Triangle Coffee Table, Walnut ($472)

This Noguchi-style coffee table is a design classic, available in walnut and natural finish.

WE Sintra Coffee Table ($349-$748)

Add an edge to your cozy living room with a metal frame in a bronze finish. This set of coffee tables is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory too.

WE Graphic Stripes Coffee Table ($1,449)

We never met a stripe we didn't like, paired with antique brass legs and we're in love.

Etsy Colorful Unlimited Design Coffee Table ($226)

These multi-functional tables come in a bunch of fun colors and can be a round coffee table, a long coffee table, or shelving in one. Take your pick!

Zeke Round Brushed Oatmeal Coffee Table ($400)

Seek a sleek coffee table for your modern decor? These legs posts curve around the table for a clean, minimal but cool design effect. We also like these rounded edge for family-friendly decor. Also available in oval.

Schoolhouse Andy Coffee Table ($849)

This round Saarinen-inspired table has an earthy, satin finish in two woody options on a cast aluminum base.

WE Solstice Coffee Table ($599-$799)

This bestseller is made with raffia over engineered FSC-certified wood (so it has a unique texture) in a water-based whitewash finish. We envision little dinner parties around it.

Blu Dot Circula Small Coffee Table ($895)

For when you want a pop of color in your living room, this sophisticatedly simply table does the trick and comes in a slew of stunning colors.

Hay Tray Coffee Table ($295)

Perfect for hosting, this bestselling coffee table has a removable tray top.

UO Inet Coffee Table ($499)

Looks like a contemporary art piece to us, you? This glass top is easy to clean and perfect for small spaces too.

Grovehill Round Coffee Table by Everly Quinn ($1,050)

This coffee table echoes an era gone by but feels totally modern too. Love the blue hue.

Japandi Round Wood Coffee Table with Rattan Base ($440)

Score an extra shelf for all your coffee table books.

Wendall Coffee Table (was $499, on sale $299)

This eclectic-modern piece features a circular glass top with colorful curved legs.

Juliette Coffee Table ($599)

This circular coffee table has a lift-up top where you can store blankets, books, remotes and more.

Sonali Oval Coffee Table ($1,498)

This sculptural design is functional art and will make a room standout.

Crispin Coffee Table ($499)

A little bit rustic with a whole lot of chic, this tripod table gives your decor a woodsy yet contemporary edge.

Carlo Coffee Table ($800)

This coffee table is a modern take on the farmhouse-inspired style with a leaf-like inlaid chevron pattern.

All Modern Xavier Coffee Table ($610)

This industrial-inspired coffee table has a wooden top on a steel asymmetrical base. So cool.

Derel Coffee Table ($640)

This slate coffee table is super durable with a feminine vibe.

Mid-Century Modern Mini Swing Coffee Table ($112)

Magazine lovers will enjoy the handy storage pocket on this sleek swing coffee table, which is made of environmentally friendly rubber wood. The price is pretty lovable too.

Heavan Coffee Table ($112)

Add just a touch of gold to your small space with this sweet piece.

LAZZO Rattan Coffee Table ($88)

Coffee tables with storage are perfect for clearing clutter instantly. This one has great style and an amazing price!

Check us out on Pinterest for more home favorites, plus decor hacks to upgrade your home!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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15 Stunning Zillow Houses For Sale That Only Chuck And Blair Could Afford

I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning — and insanely expensive — Zillow houses for sale right now.

Beach Houses

Image via Zillow

East Hampton Beach Cottage

Cost: $44,500,000

The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!

Image via Zillow

Destin Beach House Destination

Cost: $4,100,000​

Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? 😉​

Image via Zillow

Marvelous Marco Island Getaway

Cost: $5,450,000

I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is — I promise it won't disappoint!

Image via Zillow

Laguna Beach Beauty

Cost: $21,500,000

Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 — a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?

Image via Zillow

California Dream House

Cost: $55,000,000

Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)

Image via Zillow

At Home In The Hamptons

Cost: $79,995,000

Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.

Image via Zillow

Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage

Cost: $9,950,000

In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.

Condos & Townhouses

Image via Zillow

Gorgeous Georgetown Condo

Cost: $5,495,000

DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...😭), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.

Image via Zillow

Upper East Side Excellence

Cost: $65,000,000

Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!

Image via Zillow

Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,950,000

Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!

Image via Zillow

Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,995,000

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.

Mountain And Lake Houses

Image via Zillow

Charming Wyoming Ranch House

Cost: $8,199,000

It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.

Image via Zillow

Cozy North Carolina Castle

​Cost: $7,500,000

Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. 😉​

Image via Zillow

Sante Fe Getaway

Cost: $3,375,000

The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!

Image via Zillow

Lovely Michigan Lake House

Cost: $3,649,000

The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!

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Header image via Zillow

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The Best Home Decor Shows To Binge This Weekend

Home decor shows run the gamut from practical and inspiring to aspirational to downright dramatic...especially when you include reality + real estate in the mix (and oh we did). These oh-so-binge-able shows inevitably have tears (mostly of joy), humor (intentional or otherwise), and really incredible design. Whatever your flavor — tiny spaces, rental revamps, or multi-million-dollar megahomes around the world — there's a show for you. Just about every streaming channel has jumped on the home decor craze so there are *a lot* of shows to sift through. Here are our 20+ favorite home decor shows to watch — and you probably can't just watch one. Soak up the inspiration to apply to your own space, or just sit back, relax and watch the creativity (and drama) unfold.

Dream Home Makeover

Netflix

Shea and Syd McGee never disappoint with their signature designs that mix classic with contemporary while still feeling cozy and elegant all at once. Here, they're building dream homes for people in a way that definitely tugs at the heart. From $20K to $2M projects, you’ll get practical inspo around lighting, designing a small space, selecting paint colors, and can even shop the show via Studio McGee favorites. You’ll catch a glimpse inside their lives and work too. It's a wholesome favorite with really great design takeaways.

Get Organized With The Home Edit

Netflix

If you covet super-organized, color-coded closets and drawers and celebrity homes, then this one is a treat. Pro home organizers Clea and Joanna help celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Khloé Kardashian clear the clutter to create spaces that feel zen all over. Plus, they work with real families and other groups in need, adding a more relatable element to their work.

The Nate & Jeremiah Home Project

HGTV

There's a lot of mental stress that goes into renovating a home. Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent help families who are struggling to let go of the things that no longer serve them and renovate their property into a stunning space. There are charming couple spats, lots of joyful reveal tears, and a whole lotta love. If you want more, Nate & Jeremiah By Design over on Amazon Prime features more money-pit transformations.

Stay Here

Netflix

From a Brooklyn Brownstone to a Seattle boat house to a Malibu beach house, designer Genevieve Gorder (of Trading Spaces fame) and real estate guru Peter Lorimer show homeowners how to transform their short-term rentals into the most breathtaking stays. And they're delightful to boot...sign us up!

Fixer Upper

Magnolia Network | HBO Max

This oldie-but-goodie still holds up in so many ways. Our favorite fix-it couple renovate sad, dilapidated homes with the intention of revitalizing neighborhoods in their central Texas area. Chip covers the construction and Joanna does beautiful design work, inspiring so many to bring in her modern farmhouse vibe into their own homes. You can catch this on HBOMax and Discovery+.

Restored By the Fords

HGTV

We love Leanne Ford's amazing design eye — unique and elevated, but cozy and unfussy, too. Somehow, Leanne even manages to make a white room totally not boring. She and her brother Steve, who manages all of the carpentry, renovate Pittsburgh homes that have some quirk, but lots of potential. Be prepared to be inspired! Can't get enough? Stream their follow-up show: Home Again With The Fords for more swoon-worthy renovations on Discovery+.

Inspired Interiors

Magnolia Network

Sarah Sherman Samuel has a genius way of making neutrals creative and interesting and totally on trend. Inspired by Bauhaus, she works with unique shapes and textures that help to create a space that is elegant eye candy at every turn.

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Netflix

Travelers, pack your bags! This show will not only inspire you with creative home decor, but you'll want to book your next vacation at these stunning spaces...and YOU CAN. Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Luis D. Ortiz share bucket-list vacation properties for every budget with home decor tips along the way — a win-win!

Property Brothers Forever Home

HBOMax

If you're a fan of Jonathan and Drew Scott from the Emmy-nominated series Property Brothers (or heck, even Jonathan's stylish S.O. Zooey Deschanel), then this reno binge is for you. Using 3D graphics, they share their transformations to help families score their dream home. Walls will be torn down and bro comedy will ensue.

Amazing Interiors

Netflix

From a backyard roller coasters to an indoor aquariums to a Barbie-style pink palace (yes!), this show gives it all for the big dreamers of decor. This is outside-the-box design, and you're going to love it.

Christina On The Coast

HGTV

Follow Flip or Flop star Christina as she helps families transform their snooze-y properties into cool, beachy, SoCal-style dreamscapes. This docu-series goes beyond decor, following Christina's life with now-husband Ant Anstead (Wheeler Dealers) and their own home renovation, too.

Flip or Flop

Amazon

While you're at it, Christina's original show Flip or Flop with ex-husband Tarek El Moussa is worth a binge, with 10 seasons of house-flipping drama. The staging provides major inspo, and it's just fun to watch the dump-to-dream home transformations.

Reno My Rental

Discovery+

Ready to revamp your rental?Design Star: Next Gen winner Carmeon Hamilton of Memphis gives all the budget-friendly home decor tips for creating a colorful, well-designed space without breaking your rental contract. We love the practical advice here, and the small space design tips feel totally doable.

Queer Eye

Netflix

These fab five know how to transform a home, a closet, a kitchen and more to give their guests a new lease on life. Keep the tissues handy, though — this quintent can def bring on the tears. Check out their international series too: Queer Eye Japanand Queer Eye Germany.

Tiny House Nation

Netflix

If you're into tiny homes, or simply in awe of the inventive people who choose to live in them, this show is for you. Check out these hyper-customized homes and get tips for small-space living that are also small on your environmental footprint.

Selling Sunset

Nextflix

If you love a little reality show-style drama mixed in with your home decor inspo, Selling Sunset delivers. Peek inside luxe homes with their opulent decor while dishing on the elite (and cutthroat) agents in this hot Los Angeles market.

Rock the Block

Discovery+

With just weeks to complete their limited budget project, HGTV designers battle it out to renovate four homes on the same block with their own signature styles. What does the winner get at the end of the competition? A street named in their honor. This one is a fun romp that's less drama and more good old-fashioned fun.

International House Hunters

Amazon

Sure, this is another real estate show, but we can't help but gush over the interiors of these international homes. There's always some quirk or unique perspective to takeaway, and hey! A girl can always dream that one day she'll live abroad, too!

Million Dollar Decorators

Amazon

Leave it to Bravo to mix money, style, and major drama with our love for home decor in this binge-worthy show that follows high-end interior designers in Los Angeles.

Trading Spaces

Philo

This reboot of the TLC hit asks two sets of neighbors to swap houses while designers revamp their space within 48 hours (with just a $1,000 budget!). The catch? The homeowner has zero say on who the designer is and what they can do with their space. There are some wins and losses, but it's fun to watch both at the end of the day. Also available on Hulu.

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Shonda Rhimes Is Still Sad This “Princess Diaries 2” Scene Got Cut

Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!

While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second — and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!

Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."

Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly — and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."

"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."

After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 — and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.

What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista

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The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked

‘Tis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isn’t a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).

Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we don’t necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. That’s where walking sandals come in!

Sandalsneed to be comfy if we’re gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits – from casual to more dressed-up.

The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.

Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.

“I’ve worn my Tevas to the ground,” she says. “The inch height boost is appreciated as someone who’s 5-feet 2-inches and they’re incredibly sturdy and cushiony.”

Practicality: 5/5

Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.

“They’ve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmer’s market, and grabbing coffee.”

Although they’re super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of “constant use” from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.

Style: 5/5

The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but they’re still stylish for today’s age. The 1 ¼-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.

They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.

One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.

Chacos Z Sandals

Comfort: 4/5

The classic Chacos Z Sandals – once you actually break them in – are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.

To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (that’s me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but it’s not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.

Practicality: 4/5

Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, they’re durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they don’t slip a single bit.

“They work so well as water shoes,” Meredith says. “I’ll wear them on long lake days and I don’t ever have to take them off, even when I’m out of the water.”

The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip™ layer on the bottom that has a “good amount” of tread, according to Meredith.

The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.

“I definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,” she says. “It can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the straps again.”

Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, they’re not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (she’s had her Chacos for 6 years) that they’re “walkable for a day, but I wouldn’t hike in them.”

Style: 4/5

The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so they’re obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.

Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you don’t have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!

Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasn’t noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years she’s worn them!

OluKai ‘Aka Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, they’re not even quite flip flops, either. They’re like flip flops, but elevated, really.

The ‘Aka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.

Practicality: 4/5

“For a pool day, these are absolutely practical,” Meredith says.

These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesn’t soak up water, but rather, repels it.

This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.

As far as the actual walking, there’s not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but don’t feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.

Style: 5/5

The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Ahh, Birks. They’re so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.

“The cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,” according to Meredith.

On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so you’re not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.

Practicality: 3/5

These walking sandals aren’t quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.

“I'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmer’s market,” she says. “Maybe I just haven’t broken them in enough yet, though.”

Their flat sole doesn’t have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface that’s not an inside floor or pavement.

Style: 4/5

These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. They’ve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.

These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.

Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.

Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though she’s toyed with different levels of tightness, they just don’t fit Meredith’s feet right.

The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.

Practicality: 2/5

Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith can’t really endorse these walking sandals’ practicality.

“They’re super cute, but I just can’t have them on all day,” she says. “I wish they fit me better than they do.”

Style: 5/5

While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.

As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.

The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.

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