Types of coffee tables: shapes, materials, colors, recommendations for selection
- Coffee tables: purpose and classification
- How to place a coffee table in the interior
- Recommendations for choosing coffee tables
A coffee table is a universal piece of furniture that can be found in almost every apartment. It serves as a storage place for newspapers, magazines and various small items, decorates the interior, and, if necessary, turns into a place for a romantic dinner. Buying a coffee table is a special pleasure: there are many models in stores that differ in shape, color, and material. To choose a design that will ideally complement the style of your living space, you should familiarize yourself with the classification of coffee tables, tips on their selection and placement in the room.
Coffee tables: purpose and classification
According to historians, the birthplace of coffee tables is Europe, and they began to be produced in the 18th century. Ordinary people could not afford such furniture because of the high price: it decorated the houses of bankers, merchants, and aristocrats. Coffee tables of that time looked luxurious: marble and bronze were used to make the structures, and the tabletops were laid out with complex mosaics. Initially, representatives of the wealthy classes drank coffee at coffee tables, and over time they began to stack the morning newspapers on them - hence the name.
The first coffee tables that the European furniture industry began to produce were quite tall. But gradually their height began to decrease, and their length began to increase. Experts associate this evolution with the influence of the East - similar furniture was common in both Japan and the Ottoman Empire, known for its ancient coffee traditions. A modern coffee table is also a low design with small legs or a base, at which it is especially comfortable to read printed publications, drink tea or coffee, and view news on the Internet. But coffee tables are usually not used as a desk: they are too low for that.
A wide range of products allows them to be classified according to several criteria. Here are the types of modern coffee tables.
Design features
Depending on the design features, coffee tables are as follows:
- Classic. In the classic version, the coffee table looks like a low cabinet on fixed supports. A wide work surface allows you to store on the table many things that should be at hand: newspapers, phones, laptops, remote controls, drinks that people enjoy while watching TV. Under the countertop there is often a shelf, closed or open compartments.
- Serving. Distinctive features of the serving table are its small size and the presence of wheels. Using this design, you can quickly bring food and drinks from the kitchen, and remove the dishes after the feast. In addition to the table top, the serving table can be equipped with additional shelves, drawers, holders for bottles and napkins, and side edges that secure the contents.
- Lunch. The dining version of a coffee table is considered to be a small, durable table with a stable support, designed for eating in the living room. The design is not designed for a large number of guests, but two or three people can comfortably accommodate it.
- Put down. The special shape of the side table allows you to use it without getting up from the upholstered furniture. The body mounted on rollers is moved close to the seat, and the working surface is above it. Many models of side tables are equipped with additional compartments and drawers.
There are other designs of coffee tables. Transformable products fit even into the smallest space, and, if necessary, turn into a full-fledged work or dining space. Double tables with a pair of tabletops located at different levels also look interesting - such an original design element will transform any room.
Material
The most important criterion is the material from which the coffee table is made. Some of the most popular materials include:
- Marble and stone. Countertops are made from carefully crafted marble or stone (malachite, onyx) that look luxurious and last for decades. If your budget does not allow you to buy a coffee table made of natural stone, you can opt for its artificial imitation.
- Glass and mirror. Coffee tables with a glass or mirror surface beautifully refract light and visually unload the space, adding airiness to it. The supports for such products can be completely unusual materials: corals, driftwood. But before choosing such luxurious models, you must take into account that the surface will have to be wiped daily to remove dust and stains.
- MDF. Coffee tables made of MDF have several advantages: lightness, environmental friendliness, resistance to moisture. The possibility of fine processing makes it possible to produce shaped decorative elements from this material.
- Metal and stainless steel. Designs made from different types of metal are durable and strong, and they fit harmoniously into any modern style. True, due to the complexity of processing, metal models are expensive, and they have considerable weight.
Of course, you can focus on other materials. Lovers of noble forms and natural textures will surely love a coffee table made of natural wood. If you need inexpensive furniture for modern housing, you can give preference to a table made of laminated chipboard.
Shape
The choice of coffee table shapes is no less varied. The classic rectangular table is practical and comfortable; it is great for both decorating and zoning space. Products of regular square shape, suitable even for very small rooms, add harmony to the atmosphere. Oval coffee tables visually elongate the room and smooth out harsh interior touches. Round tables that do not have sharp corners are ideal for placement in children's rooms - they are usually placed closer to the center of the room.
Color
Particular importance when decorating the interior is given to the color scheme of the coffee table:
- Gold is the color of wealth and luxury. A golden coffee table will relieve even the most restrained room from visual monotony.
- Chrome – creates a mysterious glow. A chrome coffee table will perfectly complement an interior in cool colors, and in a warm interior it will become an interesting accent.
- Black is a color that goes well with various textures and shades. If you place a coffee table with a black glossy surface in a small room, it will look a little larger.
- Brown and walnut - these shades give the space a noble look and bring warmth to it.
- Cherry. This color, similar to the shade of mahogany, looks very elegant - it is no coincidence that it is used in the production of exclusive coffee tables.
- Silver. A silver coffee table is a self-sufficient decorative element that will create a special ambience in the room.
So the color of the table can be any, the main thing is to start from the general color palette when selecting it.
Design solutions
The assortment of coffee tables includes completely unique models that have every right to become the main detail of the interior. For example, such designs include coffee tables with forged elements. This masterpiece of the furniture industry usually consists of a glass tabletop enclosed in a frame of metal ornament. The finished look of the coffee table is given by elegant forged legs.
You can add elegance to the product using the decoupage technique. Its essence consists in gluing various decorative elements to the surface: pictures, photographs, pieces of leather or textiles. To extend the life of a coffee table, several layers of varnish are applied to the coating.
Coffee tables with soft upholstery that look like poufs also look great. If the soft coffee table is strong enough, it can be temporarily turned into a footrest or a comfortable seat.
Those who want to add Hollywood chic to their decor should consider purchasing a coffee table with a mirror top. The main thing is to choose a suitable place for it so that unpleasant optical illusions do not arise when reflected.
How to place a coffee table in the interior
The choice of location for a coffee table is influenced by the dimensions and layout of the apartment, the purpose of the room and even the type of artificial lighting - the last point is especially important if the coffee table is equipped with a glass or mirror top. Here are examples of the location of the structure in different rooms:- Living room. In living rooms, coffee tables are usually placed in the seating area, opposite a sofa or a pair of armchairs. The main thing is that the design does not interfere with family members walking freely around the room.
- Bedroom. In the bedroom, a coffee table can serve as a bedside table. There is another option - to place it at the foot of the bed instead of a banquette. Of course, coffee tables are not intended for storing bedding and clothes, but before going to bed, you can put a book, glasses, and cosmetics for night care on the table.
- Children's room. In a cozy children's room, a coffee table will also not be superfluous. On such low furniture, a child can sculpt, sculpt, draw, read fairy tales and comics, and develop fine motor skills. A place near a crib or in a play area is suitable for installing a coffee table. If the room is very small, a good choice would be a folding coffee table that can be put away at night.
- Office. In the office, a coffee table will come in handy if the owner of the room holds private conversations there or does not have time for a full lunch in the kitchen. You can place a coffee table in the center of the office, and the best addition to it would be a comfortable chair or banquette.
- Hallway. In the hallway, a coffee table placed by the front door can easily replace a cabinet or chest of drawers. This solution is especially relevant if the owners do not need a spacious storage system in a given area.
- Balcony. On balconies and loggias that cannot boast a large area, a coffee table is an indispensable piece of furniture. For ease of use, it is advisable to choose a folding model made of moisture-resistant material. By installing such a table, you can have breakfast with a view of nature, read in the fresh air or apply makeup, because good lighting plays an important role in creating beauty.
In the kitchen, a coffee table can successfully replace a dining group. By adding poufs or soft floor pillows to the composition, you will be able to create an original interior in a Chinese or Arabic style.
Recommendations for choosing coffee tables
Having confirmed the need to purchase a coffee table, it’s time to start selecting the appropriate model. Here are some useful tips to help you make a good choice:
- First of all, you should think about why you need a coffee table in your apartment. If it will carry mainly a decorative load, you can give preference to an oval or round table with a mirror or marble surface. If the owners like to receive guests, an elegant serving table will be a good helper. A pair of twin coffee tables will help you implement an original design project, which will look harmonious both side by side and in different corners of the room. There are also unusual models on sale, such as a coffee table with an aquarium or a bar.
- The convenience of a coffee table is largely determined by its height. The standard height of coffee tables varies from 30 to 50 cm, and people who prefer oriental style in the interior should pay attention to models with a height of 15-20 cm.
- Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to the quality of processing of the coffee table: uniform coloring of the tabletop, absence of sharp edges.
- Lovers of multifunctional things will appreciate the capabilities of a transforming coffee table. It can be used both for its intended purpose and for sitting or storing household utensils.
- For owners who love to experiment with their decor, a compact table that can be easily moved to another place will suit them. People who are more conservative in such matters can opt for a massive coffee table with shelves and drawers.
The catalog of the Garda Decor online store presents designer coffee tables that will take their rightful place even in the most sophisticated interior. Each model is made of premium materials: metal, marble, stone, tempered glass. The elegance of the decor is also impressive: a miniature piece of furniture will turn the room into an art object and become a source of pride for the owners. If you need help, Garda Decor managers will be happy to select a coffee table that will perfectly complement the decor.
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