The coffee table, also known as, the most casual piece of furniture used in our family rooms. Or was once known to be the formal piece of furniture, never to be used, but only for looks, in our " once upon a time" living rooms, that have become nonexistent.
The coffee table is used as the main hub in our family rooms. It is what anchors the rest of our furniture around it. The coffee table collects just about everything, from stacks of books and magazines, to all sorts of remotes and remote items. It has even allowed a resting spot for our weary legs and feet, even though we were taught to never put our feet on the coffee table. I'm sure we have all heard the famous line, told by our dear mothers, "Get your feet off the table"! Sometimes, the coffee table is used where we gather around on the floor for dinner, whether a home-cooked meal, or for take-out dinners. The central part of the family room, other than the furniture, is the coffee table.
Have you ever wondered about the history and origin of the coffee table? Or, maybe it's just me who is curious. It is literally obvious why we would call it a coffee table. Of course, by the name of it, while sipping our beverage, we have a place to set our drinks down as we are lounging on the sofa or chair, conversing with one another, or with guests.
Before I get to the creative part of a coffee table, I would like to share with you a brief history of why and where the coffee table originated from.
The history of the coffee table begins in London, when the first coffee house opened back in the 1600's. After the popularity of the coffee houses had begun, more houses were opened throughout Europe. When patrons socially gathered, the table offered a place for setting their hot beverages onto. However, the "coffee table" was first known as a "tea table". The heighth of the tea tables were 27" high, compared to 19" high in today's coffee tables. It was not until later in years that tea tables were changed to coffee tables, due to the popularity of coffee over tea.
Now in today's use of the coffee table, it is also referred to as a cocktail table. So whatever we are calling out tables, whether we are in our "gathering rooms" or "family rooms", the coffee table still holds the anchor to our sofa and surrounding furniture, that brings the room together.
Moving on to the creative part of the coffee table, which has to do with many practical functionalities. Such as, providing extra seating space, using the table for playing an assortment of games, or hosting a classic fondue or appetizer party, while everyone is gathered on the floor around the table.
Another creative design idea is using the coffee table as your vignette. Display your collections of memorable objects, or important pieces you have, front and centered on the table. Showcasing your one-of-a-kind decor finds. These are ways for you to tell your story about your vignette.
Stacking books on the table gives a designing touch. They can be an assortment or particular types of books. I prefer to use books about design, because this is where I find my inspiration in decorating styles. When stacking your books on the table, stagger them at different heights to use as risers. This can be used for displaying decorative objects, such as architectural items, vases, or baskets. Big bowls and baskets can be used as functional decor for storage. Because, you can use them to store all of the remotes and miscellaneous things that accumulate on the table. This gives the table an organized stylish look.
And last, but not least, there is a certain particular style of book that is completely designed for the coffee table. This is known as the "coffee table book". A large oversized hardback book purly displayed on the table for providing entertainment. These books offer an enjoyment of picturesque photos, historical photography, and/or political and cultural history. These books are meant to draw attention, also to be conversation starters amongst family members and guests.
Just remember, there are so many design ideas for your coffee table that you can create. I hope the brief history and design ideas I've shared will bring inspirational creations to the coffee tables of your home. I'm sharing one more thing about the table. I found this quote by Georgia Toffolo, a British TV personality, who pretty much sums up the use of the coffee table:
" I think the coffee table is one of the most important things. It's where everything happens".
Hope everyone is doing well
Bless you, and with thanks
Laurie Walker
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