Hello World! Welcome Friends! You’re sitting on your couch, feet up on the coffee table, when you wonder where this ubiquitous piece of furniture came from… You probably take your coffee table for granted, but it has a fascinating backstory. Long before TV trays entered the scene, people were figuring out where to set their snacks and drinks when relaxing in the living room. The coffee table evolved from European aristocracy to postwar suburban living rooms to become a staple of modern life. But its origins are anything but humble. This everyday furniture has connections to royalty, class struggles, social changes, and even geopolitics. So next time you rest your feet on that convenient table, think about its surprising history – it’s so much more than a simple platform for your TV remote.
From Ottoman Trays to Victorian Parlor Tables
The earliest known coffee tables date back to the late Ottoman Empire when low tables were used to serve coffee to guests on trays. These eventually evolved into small tables in Western Europe in the 17th century. By the Victorian era, coffee tables became fixtures in parlors and living rooms.
The Rise of Parlor Culture
In the 19th century, socializing in the parlor became popular in upper and middle-class homes. Parlors were used for hosting guests, entertaining, and leisure activities like reading, sewing, or board games, with coffee tables providing a convenient surface. Historian Dr. Penelope Corfield said, “Coffee tables were vital for the development of parlor culture.”
The Influence of Travel
As travel became more common, Europeans were exposed to Eastern design influences. This inspired a passion for “Orientalism” in home decor. Low tables, cushions, and other accents inspired by Turkey, Egypt, and Asia were seen as fashionable. Tables with Middle Eastern-inspired geometric fretwork, mother-of-pearl inlay, and brass accents became popular.
By the mid-19th century, coffee tables had become standard furniture for entertaining and leisure in middle-class parlors and living rooms. From their origins as Ottoman serving trays to their heyday in Victorian parlors, they’ve endured for centuries as the centerpiece for leisure and hospitality in Western homes.
Coffee Table Design Through the Decades
Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s)
In the post-war era, the low-slung, mid-century modern style came into vogue. Tables featured sleek, tapered legs and natural wood tops, like teak or rosewood. Designers of the time embraced new materials and an informal, relaxed aesthetic.
Rustic (1970s)
The 70s saw a rise in rustic design using natural, unfinished wood with rugged, handcrafted charm. In this era tables were often made from tree stumps, logs, or rough-hewn planks for a cozy cabin feel. This style is enjoying a major revival today.
Industrial (1980s-1990s)
The industrial look incorporated salvaged factory materials like metal, brick, and concrete. In the industrial phase, tables comprised pipes, gears, springs, and metal mesh. These edgy, utilitarian pieces matched the grunge fashion scene.
Eclectic Mix (2000s-today)
In recent decades, strict rules have given way to creative freedom. Tables come in all styles, sizes, and materials as people curate looks that reflect their unique tastes. An eclectic mix of rustic wood, mid-century teak, and quirky accent pieces are arranged together for a stylish yet uncontrived vibe.
Coffee Table Materials: The Pros and Cons
Glass
Glass tables are sleek and modern. They reflect light to open up small spaces, and their transparency makes a room seem more spacious. However, glass requires frequent cleaning and can easily show scratches or stains; therefore, it may not be the most durable or child-friendly option.
Wood
Wood coffee tables, such as oak, teak, or pine, have a warm, natural look while remaining durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. However, they require regular maintenance, from dusting and polishing to protecting the surface from water damage or heat. Please note wood tones can also darken over time with exposure to sunlight.
Metal
Stainless steel or wrought iron coffee tables have an industrial vibe that works well in contemporary spaces. Metal is extremely durable, heat-resistant, and low-maintenance. However, it can show fingerprints, scratches, and water spots and may not be the coziest surface for resting your feet. Metal tables can also be quite heavy, depending on the build and construction, decreasing their mobility.
Stone
Granite, marble, or slate tables are natural, high-end options that make a statement. Stone is heat-resistant, scratch-proof, and waterproof but requires sealing to prevent stains and can be damaged by acidic substances like wine. It’s also quite porous, so spills should be wiped up immediately. Stone tables tend to be heavier and may not be ideal if you move frequently or have mobility issues.
Choosing the Right Coffee Table: A Guide With Styling Tips
When shopping for a coffee table, consider the size and shape that will work best in your current setup. A rectangular table is a classic, versatile choice that fits well with most sofas and lounge chairs. For a small space, go with a round or oval table, taking up less visual space and providing a space-efficient option.
Size Matters
Measure your available space and determine how much you have for a coffee table. As a general rule, leave at least 18 inches between the table and surrounding furniture so people can comfortably walk around it. For a smaller interior, opt for a table under 36 inches in diameter. A medium-sized table of 42 to 48 inches suits most living rooms, and if you have the space, pick a statement piece that’s 50 inches or broader.
Extra Storage
If your living room lacks storage space, choose a table with built-in drawers or shelves underneath. Some come equipped with a larger singular shelf, while others have multiple drawers of varying sizes, allowing storage for everything from remotes and coasters to books, blankets, and board games. To improve mobility, look for a table with castor wheels that can be rolled out when needed.
Table Decor
Once you have the table in place, style it to complete the look and hygienic practices is must. A tray is ideal for corralling remotes, candles, and other smaller items. Fill a decorative bowl or vase with fresh flowers, greenery, stones, or decorative orbs. Stack a combination of coffee table books, magazines, and photo albums. Or, place a lamp on one end of the table to provide ambient lighting. You could even add decorative touches like a bowl of potpourri, a candle holder, or a small decorative clock.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the humble coffee table has a fascinating history. From its origins as a practical piece to its rise in popularity as a decorative accent in the living room, the coffee table has come a long way. Who knew that something we take for granted today was once a status symbol affordable only to the wealthy? Next time you prop your feet up or set down a drink, take a moment to remember the insights DeCasa Collections provided here and appreciate the backstory of this furniture piece. Coffee tables may seem commonplace now, but their journey to our living rooms was anything but ordinary.
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