A coffee table, which is also known by the name of cocktail table, is basically a specific style of low long table, normally leveled in height with rest of the sitting arrangements. It is normally kept in front of the sofa or lounge couches and is generally used to support the utensils containing beverages; so defines the name. Books and magazines, mainly coffee table books and other small items that might be used over a cup of coffee like coasters and such are also kept on the coffee table.
Coffee tables are considered to be an important piece of furniture that is used in the sitting room or the living room. While the traditional coffee tables tend to be short and rectangular in dimensions, newer designs and styles are emerging, along with enhanced useful functional features that can be used in the home decorating styles nowadays. They are actually available in various styles and prices that vary according to the choice of the user.
The first coffee tables, designed and called by this name, evolved in Europe, most probably in Britain, during the Victorian era. Before the 18th century, the tables that were being used in addition with the settle are the occasional tables, end tables, tea tables and centre tables. By the year 1780, the high-back settles were replaced by low height sofas, and thus came the need for a lower table. And this led to the development of the sofa tables, which were placed near the sofa to be used to put down the cup or the books.
It is also said that E.W.Godwin designed a table in 1868 and it was made in large number by William Watt, and it was the initial coffee table, though very low in height. Also, this idea was first introduced by the Ottoman Empire, that this furniture will be styled as low tables, based on the fact that garden tea tables were also of the same pattern. Also it should be noted that Anglo-Japanese style was quite popular in Britain during the late 19th century, and these might also have played a factor. During the late 19th century, it started becoming popular due to revivalism. So, it is quite easy to find Georgian or Louis XVI styled coffee tables but not anything before them.
This living room furniture comes in different styles, sizes and price ranges. Most manufacturers offer coffee tables for the two ends of the sofas or such. Most coffee tables are designed in such a manner that they go with all kind of home decorating styles, but some can be categorized into modern or traditional groups. They can be made from different kinds of material, ranging from wood to steel or glass or hard plastic as well.
While the purpose of the coffee table is to mainly have an area to place things while you are relaxing on the sofa, it is also decorated with shelves or drawers for storage purposes. Some manufacturers offer tables that come with the height-adjustment feature which allow it to be used for other purposes as well. So select a decent coffee table and make it an integral part of your living room furniture.
