Coffee table

Coffee table is a type of low table designed to be placed in a living room, in front of a sofa, to support beverages, magazines, books, decorative objects, and other small items to be used while sitting. Coffee tables are often found in the sitting room or living room and are a central piece in many home decor schemes.

History

The coffee table, as we know it today, has its origins in the Victorian era. During the 19th century, tea tables were common in British homes, but as coffee became more popular, the need for a specific table for coffee drinking arose. The term "coffee table" became popular in the 20th century.

Design and Use

Coffee tables are typically low to the ground, usually the same height as the cushions on the sofa, with a surface large enough to support items such as cups, plates, or magazines. They are often rectangular, but can also be round, square, or abstract shapes. Some coffee tables have additional features such as storage space or built-in trays for added functionality.

Coffee tables are not only functional but also play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of a room. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic, and come in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern.

Variations

There are many variations of coffee tables, including ottoman coffee tables, which are upholstered and can be used as a seat, and lift-top coffee tables, which have a top that can be raised to a higher position for eating or working. Other variations include storage coffee tables, which have drawers or shelves for storing items, and nesting coffee tables, which are a set of two or more tables of different sizes that can be stacked together.

See Also

• Side table
• End table
• Console table
• Dining table