Design And Your New Coffee Table

Design and your new coffee table. Many of our homes have the "standard" coffee table, often one that  was purchased many years previous with function and price being the leading criteria. As our homes and needs change  to accomadate to family and living circumstances, the coffee table may have not.

Look at how you use the space where the coffee table is being placed. Is it a formal living area, family room,  entertainment room or a table just for show purposes. Will it hold ornaments or be functioning as to what its name implies, for coffee cups to rest apon? Have knowledge of  your space and measurements. When purchasing a coffee table, consider size, shape, height and width. Coffee tables were first introduced in the year 1780 in Great Britain. During those years in Britain drinking tea was a fashionable trend. Hence a place to rest your cup. Over the years the emphasis of the coffee table has changed from a practical nessesity to a peice of art.

There are untold options available when it comes to choosing your table.
First ask yourself what is my style? Contempory, traditional, country, vintage or antique. Once you have choosen your style and purchased your table consider the other furniture in your room. You maybe starting from the beginning and buying all new peices, why not start with the coffee table and design the sofa, carpets etc around the table, especially if the table is quite unique in design and shape. If this is not the case look at your exsisting furniture and your options. Remeber an elclectic mix of old and new can be very effective. A polished concrete floor with antique turned wooden legs looks stunning. Not everything has to match. However try to level your coffee table with the height of your sofa, good design means good function as well as being pleasing on the eye. The standard size of a coffee table is 16 inches in height and the modern ones can be low as 11 inches.

Try and think outside the square with your coffe table, a vintage suit case isn't just that, it can look very effective as a coffe table. Also if space is at a premuim think of ways where by your table doubles as storage space.

Depending on your style will determine what you put on top to decorate your coffee table. Remember "less is more" can often be the case. And from a practical point easier to clean!!!  A simple vase on its own or with fresh flowers are always a safe option. Depending on if little hands will be touching, treasured trinkets etc can add interest. Magazines and  beautiful books  will always add character to a minimal room, as well as giving an indication of what the owners interest are. 
Be brave in your choices, make your own design statements.

SOurce : article base