subject: All About Coffee Tables [print this page] What's in a coffee table? What's in a coffee table?
If you've always perceived coffee tables as just another piece of furniture, think again!
Coffee tables are functionally important design elements that dramatically accentuate the appeal of your living room.
Imagine yourself alone in your house, comfortably enjoying your favourite movie seated on a sofa with a cup of tea in your hand and suddenly the door bell rings. What do you do? Yes, you will need a coffee table to rest your cup. This unnecessary question within this article was just to help you realize the importance of coffee tables. See, it's no longer unimportant now.
In the following paragraphs we will talk about who started the trend of using coffee tables and the factors that you should consider when selecting a coffee table for your home or workplace.
History of Coffee Tables
As drinking coffee became a trend around Battle of Vienna in 1683, a need for a table to place cups between sips became evident. However, the first wooden coffee tables were specifically designed in Europe around the late Victorian era. Prior to this, occasional end tables, centre tables, and tea tables were used and could be placed against the back of the sofa to put down a book or a cup. Later, the need for a table that could directly be placed in front of the sofa arose and led to the development of the present form of coffee tables.
Types of Coffee Tables
Apart from being one of the most functionally important furniture items, coffee tables are also available in different shapes, sizes, colours, and materials, making them a definitive design element. Coffee tables can be categorized on the basis of material, shapes, table-top types, colours, finish, and price.
Materials that coffee tables are made from varies from Aluminium, Bamboo, Cedar, Cherry, Chrome, Faux Leather, Foam, Glass, Granite, Iron, Laminate, Leather, Marble, MDF, Metal, Oak, Rattan, Resin, Wicker, Steel, Stone, Teak, Upholstered, Wood and Wrought Iron.
Shapes of the coffee tables can vary from Curved, Diamond Cut-out, Free Form, Octagonal, Oval, Rectangular, Round, Square to other unique and artistic styles.
Table-top types too vary from the ones that allow height of the table to be adjusted to the flip tops varying in styles and materials. Also, table-tops that allow storage are a good option to hide-away the unnecessary clutter.
Colours and finishes are available with plenty to select from depending on individual preferences, budgets and tastes.
Next, we see which factors we may need to consider when buying a coffee table.
How to buy a Coffee Table?
When buying a coffee table for your room you will need to:
- Evaluate your purpose: Do you want to decorate your room or are you looking for a utility table that allows you to hide all the unnecessary clutter and store things. Keeping the focus clear will help you find the table to match your needs.
- Identify your style: Your living room reflects your personality, so pick a table that matches your style.
- Determine the theme and space of your room: Your table can either take away all attention from your room or can compliment its elegance. Selecting just the right style and size of table that matches the theme of your room, will help dress up your room perfectly. Coffee tables that are bulky are ideal for larger spaces where they help fill up the space. However, it is wise to opt for a smaller yet trendier table for rooms with a limited seating area.
- Focus on the usage: Always keep in mind who will be using this table and how. If you have children, it is always better to opt for sturdier designs and materials.
- Check if your selection fits within your budget!
With these guidelines and details, picking a coffee table will never be a problem.
