Coffee table talk

Forced to live in submission bedside the larger personalities of sofas and chairs, as well as their attendant pillows and throws; the humble coffee table was born to serve. A product of post WWI, the coffee table (even its name speaks of servitude) was often part of - but never starring in - a housewife's dream package, consisting of a suite of furniture chosen from the Sears or Eatons catalogue. Rarely designed for its own style-potential, this hardworking occasional table has finally become a star in its own right. However, consideration of style, scale, shape, and functionality make choosing this living room staple a challenging task.

Coffee Table Rules

Before you choose a coffee table you will want to consider the style of adjacent furnishings. A traditional room or traditional sofa is well-suited to; you guessed it, a traditional coffee table, probably rectangular or possibly oval. The coffee table may be made of wood, to coordinate with other wood furnishings, or feature a glass table top surrounded by brass, bronze, or a gilded frame. An upholstered ottoman, often tufted, is another excellent choice for traditional rooms and has the advantage of serving two functions; acting as seating as well as table-top. Although there is no such thing as an antique coffee table, one might be fashioned from antique elements such as a wrought iron gate, carved front door, or old wood boards. When it comes to choosing contemporary or modern coffee tables, the options are plentiful. A pair or quartet of cubes or cylinders made of wood, leather, Plexiglas, or metal might be called into service. Other materials such as stone, ceramics, woven raffia, shagreen, and nylon can be formed into virtually any shape. An amoeba shaped table like the classic Noguchi manages to look as modern today as it did in 1949 when it was introduced. A rolling coffee table can double as an end table or bar cart.

If you have a traditional room is it possible to choose a contemporary coffee table? Yes, absolutely. In fact, by virtue of contrast - drawing attention to something different - you can enliven a room that is strictly traditional with a more vibrant, modern coffee table. Conversely, a thoroughly modern room may benefit from the inclusion of a more traditional coffee table. Regardless of style, these guidelines can assist you in making an informed choice:

• To determine the appropriate size, allow a minimum of 15" between edge of sofa and coffee table.
• When in doubt, its better to choose a coffee table that is "too large" rather than "too small".
• Determine your needs before selecting a coffee table. For instance, will you be eating at the table? If so, a tea-height table (about 25" tall) will be more comfortable than a standard 16" design (modern coffee tables can be as low as 11"). Will children or grownups prop their feet on the table? Then an upholstered table or wood table is more suitable than a glass table or one that is delicate.
• A glass coffee table allows light to travel through a space and won't obscure a beautiful carpet beneath.
• A "leggy" coffee table looks great against a skirted sofa or chairs.
• A "block" table works best against a sofa or chairs with legs.
• The table should be ideally the same height as the seat adjacent sofa or chairs.

Styling the coffee table

Beyond choosing the type of coffee table, there is an issue of styling involved as well. For example, do you allow the coffee table to stand solely on its own merits or do you use it as a surface on which to create interesting displays or vignettes? The choice is yours, but these styling tips will give you some direction:

• Select a decorative object (or collection) to reign supreme on this important tabletop. A vase of flowers, a blown glass bowl, a wooden trough filled with candles or sand or a witty collection of coffee table books.
• As with any vignette a mix of textures and shapes increases interest. For example, you might combine a gleaming set of paperweights with more rustic, wooden candlesticks. The contrast makes it interesting.
• A coffee table provides the ideal surface for a display of color in monochromatic or neutral interiors. A vase of pink roses, a blue glass bowl, or a collection of paperweights can enliven all-one-color schemes.
• Invite guests to touch and feel items displayed on a coffee table. A stack of books begs for attention, as does a bowl of seashells or buttons. Witty tabletops games are also a great choice.
• By elevating some objects (either on a stack of books or dedicated pedestal) you'll create a more dynamic display.
• Don't overcrowd the tabletop or you'll have nowhere to place a drink. Exception: an abundance of coffee table books displayed horizontally is always smart, provided you supply coasters so book jackets don't get wet.
• If you like a clutter free surface, keep a leather trunk or basket beside the coffee table to contain the detritus of everyday living.

For more coffee table inspiration pick up The Coffee Table Coffee Table Book by Alexander Payne and James Zemaitis from Black Dog Publishing, London and New York. If the cheeky writing and historic overview doesn't thrill, you can be confident it will look great on your coffee table.

Sources

Joan Eiley and Associates
326 Davenport Road
Toronto, ON
M5R 1K6
416-968-0778