From the late 19th century onwards, many coffee tables were subsequently made in earlier styles due to the popularity of revivalism, so it is quite possible to find Louis XVI style coffee tables or Georgian style coffee tables, but there seems to be no evidence of a table actually made as a coffee table before this time.
Full Answer
When did the coffee table become so popular?
In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
What are the different types of antique coffee tables?
The range of distinct antique coffee tables — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of antique coffee tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century.
Is this the oldest coffee table in Europe?
According to the listing in Victorian Furniture by R.W. Symonds & B.B. Whineray and also in The Country Life Book of English Furniture by Edward T. Joy, a table designed by E. W. Godwin in 1868 and made in large numbers by William Watt, and Collinson and Lock, is a coffee table. If this is correct it may be one of the earliest made in Europe.
Where do coffee tables come from?
In Europe, the first tables specifically designed as and called coffee tables, appear to have been made in Britain during the late Victorian era .
What was coffee table before coffee?
tea tableIt is speculated that the name tea table was changed to coffee table because coffee became more popular than tea.
When was the first coffee table?
A business called Imperial Furniture claims to have invented the modern coffee tables as of 1920, by accidentally slicing the legs off a table and the resulting table inspired the President at the time.
What was the original purpose of the coffee table?
Stuart Foote, founder of the American Imperial Furniture company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, claimed to have invented the coffee table whilst helping his wife prepare for a party. He simply lowered the legs of an existing dining table to make a centerpiece from which coffee could be served.
Why is it a coffee table not a tea table?
As tea was cheaper, stay-at-home women started hosting dos around the “tea table”. In the 19th century, coffee dethroned tea as America's favourite beverage —LatAm exporters had partnered with savvy local grocers. Later, coffee companies were exhorting employers to introduce “coffee breaks” for workers.
What is another name for coffee table?
coffee tablerefectory table,tea table.
What is the difference between a tea table and a coffee table?
The main distinction between a tea table and a coffee table is that a coffee table is a small, rectangular table placed in front of a living room sofa. On the other hand, a tea table is a high, round table that is commonly positioned near a sofa or tables and chairs to serve visitors with a tea-drinking set.
What is a drink table called?
A coaster, drink coaster, beverage coaster, or beermat is an item used to rest drinks upon. Coasters protect the surface of a table or any other surface where the user might place a drink.
What is a tea height table?
Higher than a coffee table but lower than a dining table, the tea-height table may sound formal but is ideal for entertaining guests buffet style or just for cocktails and appetizers. At a height of 25”-26” and 5”-6” of knee space, the tea-height table works beautifully as a second seating group in a living room.
What is the difference between cocktail and coffee table?
Coffee tables are almost always round or oval-shaped. Cocktail tables are typically square or rectangular. It's often implied that cocktail tables are more elegant while coffee tables are more informal and casual.
What do you call a low table?
Coffee Table. This piece, also called a cocktail table is a long low table with four legs that is placed in front of a sofa. It is used to hold glasses, books, magazines or sometimes feet.
What is a tea table?
Definition of tea table. : a table used or spread for tea specifically : a small table for serving afternoon tea.
Who invented the coffee table book?
David BrowerDavid Brower is sometimes credited with inventing the modern coffee table book. While serving as executive director of the Sierra Club, he had the idea for a series of books that combined nature photography and writings on nature, with, as he put it, "a page size big enough to carry a given image's dynamic.
What is a drink table called?
A coaster, drink coaster, beverage coaster, or beermat is an item used to rest drinks upon. Coasters protect the surface of a table or any other surface where the user might place a drink.
What do you call a low table?
Coffee Table. This piece, also called a cocktail table is a long low table with four legs that is placed in front of a sofa. It is used to hold glasses, books, magazines or sometimes feet.
What is a tea table?
Definition of tea table. : a table used or spread for tea specifically : a small table for serving afternoon tea.
How to Identify Real Antique Coffee Table?
It’s somewhat challenging to find out the real antiques from an overwhelming number of designs. There are many reproductions in the market with some new tables to possess old-school appeal.
When did coffee tables come into existence?
However, the term ‘coffee table’ came into the picture in the early Victorian period. But the creation as well as its usage happened a lot earlier. Passionate European interior designers settled for tea tables since the early 17 th century.
Can you put a coffee table in front of a sofa?
Not to mention, coffee tables in front of a sectional or sofa set remain the most common practice. You should take a good look at the sectional/sofa designs to support a particular table size. A square or corner sectional should go with a square or round coffee table.
What is a coffee table?
A coffee table is a low table designed to be placed in a sitting area for convenient support of beverages, remote controls, magazines, books (especially large, illustrated coffee table books ), decorative objects, and other small items. Most coffee tables are made of wood (though faux wood tables are increasingly common) or glass and metal, ...
Where were coffee tables first built?
Coffee tables were thought to initially be constructed in Renaissance England.
Who designed the Victorian coffee table?
Symonds & B. B. Whineray and also in The Country Life Book of English Furniture by Edward T. Joy, a table designed by E. W. Godwin in 1868 and made in large numbers by William Watt, and Collinson and Lock, is a coffee table.
What was the style of coffee table in the 19th century?
Coffee tables in the 19th century were scarce, so few true examples remain. Genuine pieces were expensive, so expect solid hardwoods, such as mahogany and rosewood, and hand carved details. High end examples may feature marble tops and genuine gilding with Rococo styling. Original wood finishes are usually dark and crackled. Victorian design fell out of favor in a few decades and many pieces were discarded. Copies of varying quality emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as interest in Victorian design made a comeback and homeowners needed appropriate furniture to fill their Queen Annes and Painted Ladies.
What were the lower tables called?
Wealthy travelers brought home ottomans, overstuffed seating and low tables used for tea and coffee drinking. The lower tables -- soon called coffee tables -- were perfectly complementary to the overstuffed sofas and chairs that would become popular as family life and entertaining became more casual after about 1900.
What is a low coffee table?
The low coffee table is the modern, relaxed successor to the historic tea table. Interest in oriental culture and design in the late 19th century brought new forms of furniture to England and America. Wealthy travelers brought home ottomans, overstuffed seating and low tables used for tea and coffee drinking.
What is a 1940s mahogany?
These pieces are often called "1940s mahogany" because of the near universal use of mahogany veneers.
What are the elements of mid century modern?
While Mid-Century Modern has its roots in earlier decades, it really made its mark in the 1950s and 1960s. Look for new materials, such as metal, plastic and glass, as big design elements. Geometric shapes and fanciful lines of all sorts come into play. Table legs are often minimal to emphasize horizontal lines. The Danish introduced warm-toned teak pieces with simple lines. Many will have glass or ceramic inserts on the tops. Even well cared for pieces show their age. Chrome surfaces may be pitted and wood finishes will be worn where they are most touched. The bottoms of steel feet will be worn and perhaps a little rusty.
When did coffee tables first appear?
Though the coffee table has been around longer than anyone living can remember, the truth is that it only made its appearance around the turn of the 20th century. If you're looking to buy a coffee table, or are just curious about your own, ...
When did arts and crafts become popular?
The Arts and Crafts style became all the rage in the late 1980s and 1990s, so copies abound. Quality, new, shop-made pieces will be labeled. Most newer, factory pieces are of poorer quality. These are lightweight and often made with thin veneers.
What is a Louis XV coffee table?
A stunning antique French coffee table having a Louis XV form with an entire walnut frame carved in ribbon design with stunning diamond pattern finely carved into the apron, on taper...
What is an Art Deco side table?
An Art Deco vintage side table or occasional table or coffee table, which was designed in the style of Josef Frank, c. 1925 Austria. While the base was made out of solid walnut , the...
What is a Danish coffee table made of?
Danish coffee table made of walnut with lacquer manufactured by a Danish master cabinetmaker, circa 1920. The triangular and organically sharped table have a wood slate magazine shel...
What is a 1920s mahogany wood bed?
1920s mahogany wood bed/table from Vietnam. This bed with carved legs was used by traditional families to sleep and lounge. Great to use as a coffee table with books and accessories ...
What wood is used for a coattail table?
Elegant gallery edge coffee or coattail table with mahogany and inlays of kings and tulip wood. The legs and feet with gilt bronze mounts with a lower shelf.
What is Hildo Krop?
Hildo Krop, Dutch modernist 'Amsterdam School' occasional table, Netherlands 1920s Rare Dutch modernist piece from the early 1920s in mahogany It caries elements of the expressiv ...
What is a Louis XV style bench?
A French Louis XV style painted bench or daybed with richly carved apron and zebra style leather cushion circa 1920. If you remove the cushion it would make an interesting coffee table.