Coffee Table Model Number vs SKU: What to Check

What is a model number?

Model numbers are a manufacturer's own system for identifying a specific product. A single coffee table design may have a model number that includes letters and digits, often followed by a dash and a shorter color or finish code. For example, the same table might come in walnut and oak finishes, and each finish gets its own model number so the factory and support teams know exactly which parts and surface materials were used.

On a product listing, the model number is usually listed under "Model", "Model No.", or "Item Model Number". It is assigned by the maker and is consistent across every retailer that sells that table. That consistency is what makes it useful for warranty claims and part orders.

What is a SKU?

A SKU, or stock-keeping unit, is a code created by each retailer to track inventory. Unlike a model number, a SKU is not standardized. The same coffee table can have a different SKU at different stores, even though the model number is identical. Retailers use SKUs for their own stocking and point-of-sale systems, and they may incorporate the retailer's own codes for warehouse location, color, or packaging.

The following table summarizes the key differences between the two identifiers.

Where to find model numbers and SKUs

Both numbers appear in the product listing, usually in the specifications or details section. On the physical table, look for a label on the underside of the top, the back panel, inside a drawer, or on the side of the base. Some tables also have a paper label on the packaging. If you bought online, the order confirmation and invoice usually list both the model number and the SKU.

Common locations for the label include:

• Underside of the table top near the center
• Back edge of a lower shelf or a leg panel
• Inside a drawer, printed on the drawer side or bottom
• On the fabric or wood tag attached to the frame
• On the box or crate if you still have it

Why model numbers matter for warranties and parts

When you file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will ask for the model number to confirm which product you own and to determine coverage. Without the model number, you may have to photograph the table and send it for manual identification, which slows down the process. The same applies to replacement parts. If you need a new drawer slide, hinge, or leveling foot, the model number lets the support team look up the exact part that fits. The SKU is not enough because it only tells the retailer what they stock, not what the maker specifies for that design.

For tables with moving parts, such as lift-top mechanisms or wooden slides, part numbers are often printed on the component itself. Cross-referencing that part number with the table model number ensures you order the correct replacement. If you cannot find the model number, search the listing for the maker's contact information and be ready to send dimensions and photos. Reading the full specifications can also help you identify which components are likely to be standardized.

A clear model number also simplifies warranty verification and makes it easier to source replacement parts when a drawer slide breaks or a leg gets damaged.

Checking recalls with your model number

Model numbers are also the key to checking safety recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains a searchable recall database that includes furniture. If a coffee table is recalled for tip-over, paint, or other hazards, the recall notice lists the model numbers affected. Entering your table's model number into the search at the CPSC recalls page tells you whether your table is among them. It is a quick check that takes less than a minute.

Anchoring is another area where the model matters. The Anchor It campaign recommends anchoring furniture with drawers, doors, and shelves to prevent tip-overs. Your table's model number can help you find the correct anchoring hardware or instructions specific to that design, especially if the base has unusual geometry. For any table with storage compartments, reviewing the storage types guide can also inform which anchoring points are available.

Keeping a record for future reference

Write down the model number and SKU, and photograph the label. Store that photo with your receipt. If you need to make a warranty claim, order a part, or check a recall, you have the information ready. For composite wood products, the TSCA Title VI label is another identifier that can be linked to the model number if you have questions about formaldehyde emissions. The model number helps the manufacturer confirm which product you own, so keep them together. The EPA's formaldehyde standards require such labeling on many composite wood products, and your table's model number can be cross-referenced with that label.

In addition to the model number, record the production date if it appears on the label. Some replacement parts are produced in batches, and the date can help the maker find the correct version. Performing a quick arrival inspection right after delivery is a good time to photograph all labels and note the production date.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is the model number the same as the SKU?

No. The model number is assigned by the manufacturer and is the same across all sellers. The SKU is created by each retailer and varies from one store to another.

Where is the model number on a coffee table?

Usually on a label on the underside of the top, inside a drawer, or on the back panel. If the label is not visible, check the product listing's specifications or your order confirmation.

Can I order replacement parts using only the SKU?

Not reliably. The SKU is for inventory tracking. The manufacturer needs the model number to find the correct part for your specific table design.

What if my table doesn't have a model number?

Contact the manufacturer with photos and dimensions. Many makers have a support page that can help identify the model, or they may assign a service number from the photos.

How do I check if my coffee table is recalled?

Go to the CPSC recall search and enter the model number. The CPSC recall page lists affected models by their model numbers, so a quick search will tell you if your table is included.

Does anchoring require the model number?

Not always, but if the table has unusual dimensions or storage, the model number helps you find the correct anchoring kit or instructions. The Anchor It campaign provides general guidance, but a model-specific check is safer.