Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

A coffee table lift top Ashley Furniture option can be a practical choice for living rooms that need a surface for eating, working or hosting, but without a permanent dining table. This review looks at the Signature Design by Ashley Torlanta lift top coffee table, a square centerpiece with a 36-inch width, a solid wood frame and a mechanism that raises the top to near dining height. It suits buyers who want hidden storage, a neutral casual look and a table that handles everyday use. It is less suited to shoppers who need a glass or metal aesthetic, a very low-profile table, or a piece that will support heavy point loads on the lifted top. Everything here is drawn from manufacturer specifications and patterns that owners commonly describe, not from our own testing.

Signature Design by Ashley Torlanta Lift Top Coffee Table, 36" W Square Light Brown/Black Centerpiece, Casual Living Room Furniture, Solid Wood Frame, Birch Veneer, MDF Substrate & Steel

Signature Design by Ashley Torlanta Lift Top Coffee Table, 36" W Square Light Brown/Black Centerpiece, Casual Living Room Furniture, Solid Wood Frame, Birch Veneer, MDF Substrate & Steel

View on Amazon

Product Overview

The Signature Design by Ashley Torlanta is a lift top coffee table in the casual living room category. Ashley markets it as a centerpiece table with a light brown and black finish, a solid wood frame, birch veneer surfaces, and an MDF substrate with steel hardware. The 36-inch width places it in the mid-size range for a sofa-facing arrangement, and its square footprint works in rooms where a round table would waste corner space.

The defining feature is the lift top. Instead of a fixed surface, the top rises on a hinged mechanism so the tabletop reaches a height closer to a standard dining or work surface. This makes the table useful for laptops, meals on the sofa, card games and puzzles. Lift-top designs are a well-established category; if you are new to the format, our guide to Lift-Top Coffee Tables: A Guide to Styles and Uses explains how the various mechanisms differ and which activities each one supports.

Because the top lifts, most of the interior is accessible storage. Owners typically use this space for remotes, blankets, board games and charging cables. The design does not turn the table into a full cabinet, so think of it as moderate storage rather than deep storage.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists the attributes named in the product title and the general characteristics that the listing category implies. Confirm exact dimensions, weight capacity and assembly details on the live product page before buying, since manufacturers occasionally revise them.

Feature Specification
Brand / Line Signature Design by Ashley
Product name Torlanta Lift Top Coffee Table
Width 36 inches
Shape Square
Finish Light brown and black
Frame Solid wood
Surface materials Birch veneer, MDF substrate
Hardware Steel
Table type Lift top with storage
Style Casual living room
Intended use Centerpiece coffee table

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The lift top raises the surface for eating, laptop work and games without needing a separate table.
  • A solid wood frame paired with birch veneer gives a more substantial look than all-particleboard options in the same category.
  • The 36-inch square footprint fits a standard sofa-facing layout without overwhelming a mid-size room.
  • The light brown and black finish is neutral and blends with most casual and transitional color schemes.
  • Hidden interior storage keeps clutter off the visible surface.

Cons

  • Lift-top mechanisms add moving parts, so the hinge and support hardware need periodic checks for tightness.
  • MDF substrate is less moisture-resistant than solid wood throughout, so spills should be wiped promptly.
  • The storage area is adequate for everyday items but limited for bulky objects.
  • Finish and grain vary by lot, as is typical with wood-veneer furniture, so the piece may not match photos exactly.
  • Owners with very small rooms may find the 36-inch width and raised height visually heavy.

    • Performance Analysis

    Performance for a lift-top table depends on three things: how well the mechanism operates, how the top and frame handle daily loads, and how the storage area holds up. Manufacturer materials emphasize the solid wood frame and steel hardware, which suggests a structure intended for regular lifting and lowering rather than occasional use.

    Owners of lift-top tables in general tend to report that the mechanism feels smooth at first and that the main long-term concern is loosening of fasteners. Tightening hardware every few months and keeping the lifting path clear of cords or objects helps prevent this. Because the top sits on a hinged support, avoid leaning heavily on the raised surface or placing concentrated weight at the edges.

    For daily tasks, the raised height is comfortable for laptop use and casual meals, though it will not replace a proper dining chair setup for long meals. The birch veneer surface handles normal wear well when cared for, but hot dishes and sharp objects should be kept off it. The MDF core means that water left standing on the surface can swell edges over time, so coasters and prompt cleanup matter more here than on solid hardwood.

    Who Should Buy This Product?

    This table fits households that want a coffee table that doubles as a temporary dining or work surface, especially in apartments or smaller living rooms where a separate table would take up floor space. It also suits buyers who prefer a warm wood-tone look and want hidden storage without a bulky cabinet silhouette.

    You should skip this table if you want a glass top, a very low profile, or a piece that will carry heavy items on the raised surface regularly. Buyers who need deep storage for large items, or who want a fully solid-wood top with no veneer, may be better served by a solid wood option. Our roundup of Solid Wooden Coffee Table Picks: 7 Best Options for Living Rooms (2026) covers those alternatives in more depth.

    Buying Guide

    Before committing to any lift-top coffee table, measure your room and sofa. A 36-inch square table works well in front of a sofa roughly 84 inches long, but leave enough clearance so the top can lift without hitting the seat or a nearby wall. Check the lifted height against the chair and sofa heights you plan to use it with.

    Look at the mechanism description. Some lift tops use a simple friction or spring design, while others rely on more complex hardware. Confirm the weight capacity listed by the manufacturer for both the closed and lifted positions, and avoid exceeding it.

    Consider the storage. If you need to hide bulky remotes, game consoles or large books, measure the interior opening and compare it to the items you plan to store. Finally, check the finish in person if possible, since veneer grain and color vary between production runs.

    If the Torlanta does not match your needs, two well-known alternatives are worth comparing:

    • Alaterre Furniture Pomona Lift Top Wood Coffee Table, Rustic Brown, 42″: a larger rustic industrial design with metal legs and a lift top, suited to rooms that can accommodate a wider footprint.
      Alaterre FurnitureRustic Industrial Modern Farmhouse Lift Top Living Room Table with Storage and Metal Legs Pomona Lift Top Wood Coffee Table, Rustic Brown, 42”

      Alaterre FurnitureRustic Industrial Modern Farmhouse Lift Top Living Room Table with Storage and Metal Legs Pomona Lift Top Wood Coffee Table, Rustic Brown, 42”

      View on Amazon

      View on Amazon

    For more options across price tiers, see 9 Best Lift Top Coffee Tables (2026): Top Picks for Every Budget and 5 Best Coffee Tables with Storage and Lift Top for Living Rooms (2026).

    FAQ

    Is the coffee table lift top Ashley Furniture model good for eating meals?

    The raised top is intended for casual use such as eating, laptop work and games. It is a reasonable option for everyday meals, but it is not a substitute for a full dining table with chairs for long sessions or formal occasions.

    Does the lift top have a weight limit?

    Manufacturers typically publish a maximum weight for the lifted top. Check the product page or included instructions for the exact figure, and avoid placing concentrated loads on the edges.

    Is the table made of solid wood?

    The frame is described as solid wood, while the surfaces use birch veneer over an MDF substrate. This is a common construction for wood-look furniture at this level, and it offers good stability when kept dry.

    How much storage space is inside?

    The interior provides everyday storage for remotes, blankets and small items. It is not designed for large objects, so measure before buying if you have bulky items in mind.

    How do I keep the lift mechanism working well?

    Check and tighten hardware periodically, keep the lifting path clear, and avoid forcing the top beyond its normal range. If the mechanism feels stiff or noisy, consult the assembly guide or a furniture repair professional rather than applying force.

    Will it fit in a small living room?

    At 36 inches wide, it fits many mid-size living rooms. In very small spaces, measure the clearance needed for the top to lift and the walking paths around the sofa before deciding.

    Does the finish match the photos?

    Wood-veneer finishes vary slightly from one production run to another. If color matching matters for your décor, ask the retailer about the specific finish and look at samples where possible.

    Final Verdict

    Who gets the most from this table

    The Signature Design by Ashley Torlanta lift top coffee table is a practical, neutral centerpiece for living rooms that need a flexible surface for everyday meals, work and hosting. Its solid wood frame, birch veneer finish and hidden storage make it a sensible choice for mid-size spaces. Buyers who need a glass top, very deep storage, or a surface built for heavy loads on the raised position should look elsewhere. Check the current specifications and return policy on the live listing before you buy: View on Amazon.

    Claire Whitaker

    About Claire Whitaker

    Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our living-room tables guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.