A coffee table is a discreet piece of furniture that, despite its small size, plays a leading design role in the room. The choice of table depends on its purpose: whether they will put magazines on it or put their feet up, drink coffee or play board games. It is also worth taking into account the fact whether you have children and whether they like to draw at the table in the living room. Or maybe you want to surprise the guests of your home with originality? What is more important to you: functionality or beauty? Let's consider both options.
Round coffee tables in the interior
In fact, you can choose a coffee table that will perform two functions at once: aesthetics and functionality. But if your choice still gravitates towards beauty, then you can purchase a decorative or antique coffee table. Decorative tables include:
- Designer
- Vintage
- Antique
- Forged, rattan
- Classic
- With glass top
- Round white, black
- On wheels
- Display table
If, of all the qualities, functionality is more important to you, then you can choose a practical table made of solid wood or a transforming table.
Fashionable black and white coffee tables in high-tech style
Coffee table made of wood and glass in the living room-office
Wooden round transforming table
Size and types
Coffee tables vary in size.
- This can be a small table for lunch and breakfast. There are the most of them on sale. They usually have a round tabletop with four legs or one support. In essence, they are no different from a standard dining table, except for size.
- Display table. This type is represented by a glass tabletop with an internal shelf-stand where you can place all sorts of things, including souvenirs and beautiful figurines.
- Transformable table. All kinds of tables that can be adjusted in height and size. There are models that can be folded. This table is convenient for those who value practicality. You can dine on it at the same time, and fold it up and turn it into a pouf or banquette.
- Table stand. The name speaks for itself. According to custom, they are on one leg, like a gueridon table, used to stand under a vase, lamp, service or telephone.
- Matryoshka table. Based on the matryoshka principle, such tables are sold in sets from smallest to largest. Tables are arranged in a cascade or distributed throughout the room.
- Coffee table. This is a necessary piece of furniture on which it is convenient to read the press and lay out books. Often has drawers for newspapers and magazines.
- Side table. It is a small square tabletop, moved towards the sofa, in the shape of the letter “P”.
- Decorative table. This table is designed for admiring. In this case, modern materials, fresh ideas are used, as well as old furniture, which the designers have given new life to. The peculiarity of such tables is that they are not intended for books, coffee and magazines, but play an exclusively decorative role.
Classic wooden coffee table
Black and brown wooden coffee table
White coffee table
A classic look for a coffee table for those who love furniture without frills, but with taste. Can also be had with a glass top on a white leg. Has a number of advantages:
- White color is “friendly” with any other colors
- Has a convenient shape
- No design frills
Modern white coffee table
Round white coffee table
How to choose a coffee table
Already in the store, it is recommended to adhere to three basic rules:
- Price
- Dimensions
- Functionality
Depending on what is more important to you, you should start first. Price does not always reliably characterize quality. You can choose a classic coffee table made of wood or domestically produced rattan, and you can’t go wrong. The most expensive tables are those from Italian manufacturers, but among those made in China there are decent forged models, transforming tables, white round classic ones, as well as models in the loft style.
Contemporary coffee table made of wood and glass
In terms of functionality, coffee tables can be distinguished depending on the level of load and capacity. A truly functional table is one at which you can do more than just drink coffee. But if for someone it is more important that the table serves only as a decoration in the interior of the living room, then you can fork out for a designer model. But at the same time, do not forget about the design of the living room - the table should not differ from the overall style of the room, and also should not get lost in it.
Designer white coffee tables
The size of the coffee table is very important for the living room, it concerns the proportionality of the entire room with the purchased piece of furniture. It also matters where the table will stand and what shape it will be. If the living room is small, then it is better to choose oval and round tables. They will soften not only the overall structure of the room, but will also allow you to move around the living room without hindrance.
Golden coffee table
If the room is spacious, then you can safely purchase a coffee table of any shape: from rectangular to round and tall. Regarding height, it’s a matter of everyone’s taste, but it’s worth noting right away that models are sold from 15 centimeters in height. There are also many folding models on sale, unusual shapes made of solid wood, and loft-style folding tables on wheels, the height of which can be easily adjusted.
Metal tables
Metal has always been considered a difficult material to process and therefore structures made from it are an order of magnitude more expensive.
This also applies to coffee tables. They are heavy and difficult to move, but at the same time they are considered the most durable, because they do not lend themselves to any form of deformation.
Cons: expensive, heavy weight. Pros: originality, strength, durability.
Rattan coffee table
Not only metal models on wheels in the loft style, but also recently very popular rattan tables claim originality. There are several advantages at once:
- Ease
- Cheapness
- Uniqueness
- Strength
- Novelty
Black rattan coffee table
Despite the fact that most often they have a round shape, their unusual appearance amazes many connoisseurs. They can be small black, with a tabletop made of glass and wood, metal and even folding. They are convenient in the country, the wicker structure fits perfectly into the interior of a country gazebo.
Rattan coffee table with glass top
How to choose texture and color
The color and material of the table affects the atmosphere it creates. Wood and materials that imitate natural ones create a feeling of warmth. Their natural texture and natural color complement natural interiors with a lot of greenery. The color of the wood in different shades makes the room lighter and more comfortable.
Light colors fit well into minimalist and modern interiors. They add laconicism and elegance.
Pastel colors and natural textures create coziness
Watch a video on how to make a wicker coffee table from a simple stool:
Tables in bright colors or bold designs attract attention and become the main decoration of the room. It is better to dilute them with calm, monochromatic interiors, so that the eye has something to catch on to.
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The bulb table is a model that cannot go unnoticed
Table on wheels
A table on wheels will be convenient not only for a country house, but also for an apartment. You can always move it without difficulty if it is cluttered with magazines, and you can also use it in different areas of the room, and for different purposes. Of course, more often these are metal, forged or rattan models, but there are also products made of glass or wood.
Wooden coffee table on wheels
Simple coffee table on wheels
Types of coffee tables by design features
Coffee tables perform not only a practical function, but also an aesthetic one. Therefore, there are a huge number of models depending on design features, materials of manufacture, color, size and texture.
An important selection parameter will be the design features, so we’ll start by considering them.
Table with top
A classic version of a coffee table with legs and one horizontal work surface. Suitable for those who are going to use it as a stand for a cup of coffee or decoration. It will add lightness and elegance to the interior due to the thin lines of the legs and table top.
A simple coffee table is good because it doesn’t overload the interior.
Table with shelf
A table with a shelf can be used to store small items - decorative elements, books, jewelry. Will appeal to those who value functionality.
Don’t be afraid that the table will look bulky if there is only one shelf and the same size as the tabletop
Transformer
The good thing about a transforming table is that you can change its size and configuration thanks to the built-in mechanisms.
Transformable furniture is a fashionable trend in interior design, and coffee tables are no exception.
This model fits well in small rooms and is suitable for entertaining guests. At a party, you can unfold it, put drinks and snacks there, and when it’s all over, just fold it up and put it against the wall. This way the coffee table will not just take up space, but also be useful.
One leg table
A coffee table on one leg is one of the most stylish and neat options. The tabletop is attached to one leg, which is located in the center, but can also be on the side, which does not affect stability in any way.
Previously, such tables were used as candlesticks, but now they serve rather a decorative, design function. This table fits well into an interior that doesn’t have much space but lacks interesting accents. You can decorate it with flowers, photo frames or candles.
On a note! In unusual designer models, the leg itself is already an accent in the interior.
The shape and size of the table leg is limited only by the designers' imagination
Contrary to fears, the table on 1 leg is very stable
Modular coffee table
Modular tables are especially popular now. They look interesting and attract increased attention due to their non-standard design. The set consists of several tables of the same design, but of different sizes and shapes, as if connected into a single whole. Usually one table is higher, and the second and subsequent ones are under it and can be easily moved out if necessary.
Even the classic version of a modular table looks interesting and stylish
Such models are convenient to use for almost any purpose - 2-3 tabletops can be combined into one composition or separated if gatherings are expected in a large company.
On wheels
A coffee table on wheels is suitable for those who value mobility. Such models can be equipped with drawers and shelves for storing small things you need at hand. This is a good option for those who plan to move the table around the house a lot.
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A classic model of a table on wheels for those who value, first of all, practicality
For example, the Lefard serving table can be used for appetizers at parties or for serving breakfast. It is convenient to transport it from the kitchen to the living room and back.
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Tables on wheels are not only convenient, but also beautiful.
Folding table
The folding table is easy to disassemble and assemble; you can move it outside and onto the balcony, or fold it if necessary to save room space. The main thing in such models is functionality, but you can also find options with an interesting design.
Sometimes designers offer very unusual designs.
Folding models are easy to transport and use in small spaces. They are also suitable for summer cottages or away trips.
Folding tables are simply ideal for frequent transfers from place to place
Chest table
Perhaps the most unusual option is a chest table. This model will fit especially well into a vintage-style interior. At the base of the table there is a real chest that can be used for storage. The top or lid acts as a table top. This table creates a sense of fundamentality due to the solid base and materials - leather or textiles.
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The chest table is a practical two-in-one design
Forged models
Forged furniture is considered elite among other models of coffee tables. In the interior it looks rich and sophisticated; models are both classic and non-standard, complementing the interior in the loft style and others. Along with solid or rattan furniture, forged small tables can look cozy and light in the interior. The tabletop is often made of a material other than metal; less often it is metal, more often it is white, black, wood or glass. The material and method of forging greatly influences the cost. But truly unusual models of such furniture can be purchased from handmade specialists.
Light wrought iron coffee table
Brown wrought iron coffee table
Transformers
Separately, we can say about a special type of coffee tables - transformers. In an amazing and simple way, they turn into poufs or large tables for all guests. You can take them with you to the dacha or on long hikes. The popularity of transforming tables encouraged designers to make them foldable, of any materials and shapes.
Stylish transformable coffee table
Round white transformable coffee table
Transformers in service
Recently, for small apartments, designers have come up with multifunctional transformable coffee tables for the living room.
This solution allows you to turn an ordinary beautiful coffee table into a full-fledged dining area or workplace in one move.
This reduces clutter in usable space. Another plus is the presence of wheels on the base. This will solve a bunch of other problems associated with its movement.
Design tips
- If you don’t know how to incorporate a coffee table into the interior of a room, then you should think about its purpose.
- The easiest way to cope with the design task is a wooden table, since it does not require any special strict stylistic conditions. It can fit into a black high-tech room or an “untidy” loft, as well as a multi-colored living room in the pop art style.
- Any table will look most advantageous in the living room if you choose pillows on the sofa in the same color as the table.
- It is worth considering not only the color of the furniture, but also the material from which it is made. It’s good if the coffee table is harmonious in this regard. If the room has a cabinet with black glass doors, it is obvious that a small black table with a glass top will fit perfectly.
Unusual glass coffee table
What is a coffee table and why is it needed?
Coffee tables are often confused with coffee tables or tea tables, but this is not surprising. Indeed, in fact, there is no clear division between these types. The only difference is in the purpose. But on the other hand, no one forbids you to put a cup of coffee on the coffee table or put newspapers on the coffee table.
But there are still some features.
On a note! The main difference between coffee tables is that they are always higher than the seat of a sofa or armchairs.
Another difference between coffee tables is that in most cases they have a fairly wide tabletop.
Coffee tables with a wide tabletop will accommodate everything you need for coffee or tea drinking
The design features are determined by its intended purpose - it should be convenient for the user to arrange dishes, take a cup of coffee and stir sugar.
