I like those round nesting tables...plenty of space for your stuff and toddler friendly with the round edges...and you can pull one away for toddler use only when necessary. Don't worry that the room they are shown in doesn't quite match your style...you will accessorize the room with your style. Also, I don't think it matters that all the woods "match"...I think it gives the room more texture and interest. I unwittingly bought an end table, coffee table and tv stand all in espresso and it is too matchy and boring. I like your choices.

We made our 30x60 coffee table. We went to a stone yard and found a granite remnant with great color for our room. The yard fabricated the edges, rounded. We mounted the table on a dolly. You can't really see the dolly. The granite is very heavy so it stays put. We can easily push the table where ever it is needed. I don't remember the exact cost, but 300 something rings a bell. We already owned the dolly.

I love the round coffee tables too and think that would be the perfect choice for toddlers -- we've had sharp edged square tables in the past and it hasn't worked well. We now have an oval shaped coffee table and a lot less bumps and bruises.

How about the coffee table that coordinates with the shelving unit?

Hm, my kids would have taken it on a ride....

hmm looks like the round nesting coffee tables got the most votes. thanks! i am leaning towards that too. now to find an affordable one. anyone know where to get these? i linked to the one i found that looks similar to the inspiration pic, but it is $2k, yikes!

sixtyohno, that sounds like a beautiful coffee table, especially if it matches the granite from your kitchen! sadly, DH is limiting the "custom" pieces i can do now (because i did too many customizations to things during our house build, on which he had to help me, lol)

beverly, i considered the matching coffee table to the shelving unit, but like nosoccermom, i do think my twin toddlers would be pushing each other around the room in it!

Here is a link that might be useful: nesting round coffee table

Check this one and scroll down on the page to see more.

Here is a link that might be useful: tables

yayagal, thanks for the link. i do like that one. the metal would work well with my bookshelf too. i am hoping to find a three table set (i have twin toddlers, so one baby table for each of them), but if not, this two table set would work well.

gardenpea, thanks! yes, i saw that one, but it was just a tad too traditional feeling for us since the rest of our stuff is more contemporary/industrial.

i wonder if i can find the one in the inspiration pic. i like the clean lines of it. i will try to ask around on houzz.