Posted on: May 29, 2008
Coffee Talk
Coffee tables support everything from drinks to tired feet, and they look good doing it
By Kate Sullivan
CTW Features
esigned for living rooms and sitting rooms, the coffee table sets the tone for friendly gatherings. A stage for props like beverages and reading materials, this functional piece can quickly become the star performer of the room. Here’s how to put the spotlight on the traditional cocktail table.
When choosing your sofa sidekick, it’s important to select a distinctive piece but not one that dictates the entire room. The living room needs to combine cool comfort with classic touches. Think about complimenting the décor, not offsetting the style.
When Julie Hasel of Scottsdale, Ariz., found herself in a coffee table conundrum, she weighed choices carefully. Originally wanting a piece that could double as an ottoman, she selected a rectangular table with drawers for storage. “I thought the ottoman option would be good for extra seating when entertaining but quickly realized I would have to find additional accessory pieces, like a sturdy tray for when I needed the table to be a table.”
When it comes to coffee table compatibility, convenience is key. For vice president of Rau Antiques of New Orleans Jim Cottrell, advising a customer means matching his or her needs to individual style. He asks, “Do you want your table to match your furniture identically or mix it up? How easily do you need to maneuver the piece around the room? How close to the sofa and chairs will the piece go?”
Selecting your table’s shape comes down to two main options. Going rectangular keeps tradition and allows for more surface and for more people to gather around. The oval option lends itself to fewer users. “Oval generally affords one person the comfort level,” says Cottrell. With either shape, the option for a glass top exists. Cottrell favors this type for its impressionable impact. “Glass tops add a nice dimension to the room, while diminishing the mass of the table.” Keep the surface area but draw the eye to other details. Cottrell’s ideal appeal? “Flowers float when placed atop a glass surfaced cocktail table.”
Cottrell shares, “The coffee table is a revelation of who you are without speaking. From the books, magazines and decorative pieces you place on this piece they tell a story.” And while the creation of this piece of furniture was founded in high-class teatime, for today’s modern day coffee table etiquette, it’s acceptable to admit to your foot fetish. “Part of the purpose today’s piece is solely to prop your feet.” So kick up your heels because this forward-thinking is worth putting on the table.
© CTW Features