Many people think that coffee tables started life in the 1920's but they go back a lot further than that. They were very common in the Ottoman Empire - usually found in tea gardens. Coffee houses first became popular in the 1600's. The first one in London was opened in 1652 and Boston's first was in 1670.
They enjoyed a resurgence of popularity after the first world war - but not as a stand-alone item. Suites of matching furniture were the most popular and the coffee table was simply one item in the set. However, this humble table has broken free and now stands on its own merits.
How To Choose A Coffee Table That's Right For You
The first thing to consider is what other furniture you have in the living room.
If you prefer a traditional style, there are plenty of tables to choose from. You may decide on a wooden one to coordinate with existing wood furniture. Another traditional look is a glass table top sitting in a brass or gilded base. Upholstered ottomans are extremely popular now as they can act as a coffee table or a low seat to pull near to the fire.
People often enjoy creating their own traditional style table from reclaimed materials such as a beautiful wrought iron gate, an old wooden front door, or old wooden floor boards.
If you prefer a modern look, you'll be spoilt for choice. Cubes made from wood, leather, metal, or plexiglass are very popular now. Other materials like stone and ceramics can look very chic and sophisticated. Or you could choose a design classic like the Noguchi Coffee Table.
Tips On Choosing A Coffee Table
1. To get an appropriate size, allow at least 15 inches between the sofa and the coffee table.
2. When in doubt, it's better to have one that's too big rather than too small.
3. Coffee tables are usually a standard 16 inches high but some modern ones can be as low as 11 inches.
4. Are people likely to put their feet up on it? If they are, a wooden or upholstered one will be more suitable than a glass top or a delicate surface like a walnut veneer.
5. If your living room is small, a glass topped coffee table allows the light through and won't 'close in' the space as much as a solid one. If you have a particularly beautiful carpet, a glass topped table will help to show it off.
6. If your sofa has skirted covers, a 'leggy' coffee table looks great.
7. If your sofa has legs, go for a 'block' table. In these last two examples, opposites enhance each other.
8. The table should ideally be the same height as the seat of the sofa.
9. One beautiful item looks stunning on a coffee table. This could be a vase of flowers, a beautiful glass bowl, a wooden bowl filled with pebbles or a stack of witty coffee table books.
10. Don't overcrowd the table or you'll have nowhere to put your coffee! To easily keep it clutter-free, put a decorative basket or trunk underneath the coffee table for a quick clear-up. You can sort through it and put the stuff away later!
You have made the decision to revamp the look of your living room. So, you painted the walls, changed up the moldings in the room, and even bought new furniture. When you purchased that furniture, did you get a new coffee table? If, not, then you are missing one of the most important pieces to the decorating puzzle when it comes to that space.
How so, well it is because a coffee table kind of completes the look and the feel of the space. Tying everything together in one lovely, cohesive unit. Without one, you space might feel a little empty, not to mention the fact that your guests, family, and friends will be left scratching their heads as to where to set down their beverages if one isn't in place.
So, as you can see, a coffee table is one important furnishing and what's great about them is that they come in a wide variety of designs and styles, making it a breeze for you to find exactly the right one for your newly revamped space. For example, if your new space is all about clean lines, then one that features a modern design would be the perfect option for you. Or, maybe you decided the vintage look is the way that you want to go. Well, for you a great option would be one that has an antique type appearance. In addition to the modern and antique options, there are many, many more to choose from including those that have a traditional feel, some that have an abstract vibe, and there are even transitional options that combine styles.
The reason why there are so many style options when it comes to a coffee table is because it can be crafted from a wide variety of items, which can then be finished off if different eye-catching ways. Like, you can get a modern looking one that is crafted from wood and has a deep black finish. Or, the one that is on the antique side might be crafted from a combination of glass and metal, featuring a glass table top and an intricately scrolling metal base finished in a lovely antique pewter color. Some of the other material and finishing options include a combination of wood and stone, just stone, and even a combination of wood, stone, and glass while some of the finishes out there are cherry or oak for the wood, brushed steel for the metal, and clear or tinted for the glass.
To find the most perfect coffee table for your living space, just turn to the internet and all the online stores. You can browse through all their choices in no time at all and when you do happen upon something you like, it generally is at the best prices possible.
In the end, if you are changing up the look of your living room, make sure that a coffee table is on your list of things to buy. It ties the look of your space together, creating a cohesive area that will be sure to please.
Both Rebecca Prescott & Jesse Akre are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rebecca Prescott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Yoga Practice and Woman Menopause. If you'd like to transform an , check out this article. For more coffee articles, check out the. Rebecca Prescott's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Jesse Akre has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cooking Tips, Gardening and Dog Beds. Author Jesse Akre is the owner of several niche sites specializing in offering online consumers with valuable product information when decorating and furnishing their homes, like a living room or outdoor deck area. Today, he shares important buying advice. Jesse Akre's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.