Description of coffee tables
Manufacturers offer a wide variety of coffee tables. They differ in different dimensions, shape, design and overall design solution. Therefore, before purchasing, you should carefully study the varieties of these products and choose the most suitable option for yourself.
ATTENTION! In the traditional sense, a coffee table is a product at which it is comfortable to sit on a pouf. In this case, the seat from the floor should be located at a height of no more than 42 cm - this is the standard.
The following types of coffee tables are distinguished:
- Serving. This type of product has a removable tabletop, on which you can place food right in the kitchen and then bring it into the room. This is a kind of large tray.
- Transformer. Depending on the situation, it can be disassembled to suitable dimensions in width and height.
- Additional. This type of product has wheels and is used as an auxiliary element for serving a large lunch. It is convenient to transport food from the kitchen to the dining room.
- Decorative. This type primarily fulfills a specific design task, being one of the key elements of the interior.
Round or rectangular coffee table?
It's worth thinking about the shape of your coffee tables and which tabletop will suit best. However, the choice between round and rectangular models is usually limited primarily by your taste. Remember that the furniture you purchase should appeal primarily to ordinary users. However, there are situations where the traditional rectangular model wins.
It is best to choose it when your seating area is quite large and consists mainly of sofas or a corner. However, people looking for unique solutions for their interiors may choose a less typical solution.
Instead of thinking that it is better to choose a round or rectangular coffee table , you can lean towards a designer coffee table. Several pieces of furniture of different heights are sure to diversify the space and give you completely new possibilities. Sets of this type usually consist of several tables with rounded tops, but this is not the rule. You can easily find coffee tables in a rectangular version and even in unusual shapes, which will make the interior beautiful, and residents will receive completely new arrangement possibilities.
Width and depth
We select the height of the children's table and chair according to height. However, not only the height of the table matters. The width of the table and the depth of the working surface of the chair are important. The tabletop should be such a width that after placing the necessary accessories, there is at least 10 cm of space left for the child’s forearms.
The right workplace for a schoolchild, allowing the child to maintain good posture and vision
The depth should be such that when the child’s back touches the back of the chair, his legs do not touch the seat. In practice, this is at least 0.3 meters. And the optimal width of a chair is considered to be equal to 2/3 of the surface of the thigh.
The DEMI growing desk is suitable for primary and high school students
For writing and drawing, you should not lean forward more than 15°. It is impossible for the person sitting to touch the surface of the table with their chest - this is 100% evidence that the height is chosen incorrectly.
Correct and incorrect position when sitting a child at a workstation
For different types of activities, the tabletop must be tilted at a certain angle
Benefits and Features
The undeniable advantage of coffee tables over other similar furniture is its versatility. At such a table you can do completely different things. For example, you can have a romantic dinner, just have a snack, work at the computer, write, draw, and also store books, photographs, interesting souvenirs, a TV remote control and much more on it. Therefore, for many people, having such furniture in the living room is simply necessary.
It also differs from other interior items in its special maneuverability and, if desired, can be moved to another place. The coffee table should be harmoniously combined with the overall design of the room, and often it becomes its main highlight. Particularly popular are transformable products with complex design solutions. In normal times, such furniture can be used for storing things, and if necessary, it can easily be turned into a full-fledged workplace and moved to another room.
Rules for choosing height
The height of the coffee table should allow the owners of the house to relax comfortably in the living room. There is one simple requirement. The tabletop should not rise above the floor more than the seats of the sofas. It may be lower. This is completely acceptable.
If a coffee table is placed on the side of a sofa or chair, its legs may be higher than the seat. In this case, you can be guided by the height of the armrests. It will be convenient to place the cup on a table whose surface is level with the armrests of upholstered furniture.
Decorative item
It's like some kind of sculpture created for contemplation. This type usually includes masterpieces of famous designers. They are made from ultra-modern materials using the latest technologies. Such coffee tables can have the most incredible shape. These pieces of furniture are not intended for playing or dining, but only for admiring them.
One of the multifunctional items in the interior of any living room is a properly selected coffee table. On its surface it is convenient to have lunch, draw, work, and also store various useful things. Not only its further use, but also the overall image of the room depends on the choice of its height.
What should you consider when choosing a coffee table?
Size, material, and style are three things to consider when choosing the perfect coffee table. The table should not be too large so as not to interfere with movement around the living room and not block access to its individual parts, nor too small - in this case it can, for example, “get lost” among the massive furniture for the living room. What material the ideal coffee table should be made from depends on what material and style the other furniture in the living room is made from.
Typically, manufacturers offer to buy a coffee table complete with living room furniture, but if this is not possible, the material should be selected so that it matches other furniture. The same rule applies to the style of the table - if the living room is dominated by furniture with rounded edges, an oval or round table is ideal. For corner furniture, a square or rectangular coffee table is best.
Standard sizes of coffee tables
The width and length of such products vary over a very wide range and are determined by the shape and functional features of the models.
Height
The main characteristic when choosing this piece of furniture is height. However, according to GOST, the height of the supporting product is selected taking into account the planned load and there are no special restrictions in this regard. The famous designer Le Corbusier believes that the standard height for such a product should be from 40 to 50 cm. If the height of the structure is more than 70 cm, then it can already be classified as a dining room item, because behind it you can already sit on chairs and armchairs. At the coffee table, sit comfortably on a small pouf or armchair. However, in most cases this rule does not apply.
REFERENCE! There are very low models of coffee tables, about 10-15 cm, and there are also those that can easily be transformed into full-fledged dining tables.
Width
Among the many models on the market, there are both large-sized products in width and length, and very small ones that can only fit a cup of coffee. Traditionally it was believed that the width of the surface determines the height of the product. Until recently, wide surfaces were used only for low models. Accordingly, the higher the furniture legs, the narrower the tabletop should be.
Length
The average parameters of a tabletop in the shape of a rectangle are 120x60 cm. But these parameters are not fixed. The most practical is considered to be a square shape of 80x80 cm. Round tables can be either small, up to 30 cm in diameter, or large, up to 120 cm.
How to decide the height of a coffee table
Tips for choosing a product:
- In accordance with state product standards, the height of the structure must be determined based on the expected load on the surface when used for its intended purpose.
- Le Corbusier's classification says that the main condition when choosing the height of a table is the ease of using it while sitting in a chair.
- Modern designers claim that a piece of furniture in relation to a sofa should not be higher than the seat next to which it is located. The product can only have a lower height.
- Another condition is that the parameters must be proportional, that is, the larger the tabletop, the lower the support.
Additional functions
Mirror
: Just like wall mirrors, mirrored coffee tables create the illusion of more space. If you want to create a more lively environment, a mirrored coffee table is definitely the way to go.
Table with tray:
A coffee table with a tray is ideal for serving snacks or drinks. Its tabletop consists of one or more removable trays.
Lifting top:
this type of coffee table has a movable top that can be raised from cocktail table height to dining table height. When not in use, the tabletop can be lowered back to coffee table height.
Table on wheels:
To protect your floor from scratches, consider a coffee table with wheels on legs for easy movement.
Dimensions
In the classic version, the height of the coffee table also depends on the width of the tabletop. This standard is now also used extremely rarely. Previously, when creating such furniture, the rule was that a wide tabletop would suit low furniture models. The higher the legs of the table, the narrower its upper part should be.
However, today designers are developing a variety of options for the furniture presented. This takes into account the general style of the room, the purpose of the table, as well as its appearance. There are tall and fairly long types of furniture, and vice versa.
When choosing the dimensions of a coffee table, you should consider its functionality and which sofa or chair it will stand next to. The choice of product height also depends on the functional qualities of the type of furniture presented.
Optimal height
As you know, when choosing a coffee table, a person first of all pays attention to its height. A few centuries ago, the architect Corbusier created a number of standards for tables of various types. In his opinion, 70 centimeters is the optimal height for a dining table, sitting at which a person will not hunch over and experience discomfort. He classified tables below this mark as coffee tables. Magazine models can have different heights, but usually they are no less than 45 and no more than 65 centimeters.
Low models (45-50 centimeters high) are great for reading books and magazines, as well as for conducting conversations with guests. Taller models usually serve as flower stands or photo frames.
Note!. When choosing the height of a coffee table, you also need to pay attention to ensuring that its height is not greater than the level of the upholstered furniture in the room. Otherwise, the room will look unattractive and unaesthetic.
Coffee table as an important design element
When choosing this finishing element, it is important to pay close attention to its external features, looking for solutions that will preserve the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the furniture. Wooden tables seem to be the most versatile and suit living rooms decorated in many styles.
However, in modern, minimalist or industrial, a more successful solution would be a modern coffee table, but at the same time simple, made, for example, of glass, metal or marble. Multifunctional or eclectic solutions are also welcome, such as tables made from several seemingly incompatible types of materials.
PC placement
Comfortable, proper computer desk for studying and playing
Computer desk for a senior student
More than 60% of families in the country have at least 1 PC. 50% of the proposals for desks are products that provide for the placement of a monitor and a system unit. This solution looks convenient and saves space, but you should not choose a universal product.
How to choose the right one?
The choice of a particular model of such a piece of furniture is influenced by many factors.
Material
Wood is often used to make tables - a natural and durable material that is easy to match in color with the rest of the furniture in the living room. However, wooden models should not be placed in the sun or near a radiator , as they may dry out or fade. The most budget option is considered to be furniture with veneer veneer, while chipboard or MDF is used inside.
Glass models with beautiful legs that are visible through the transparent tabletop look original and stylish. However, on such surfaces, fingerprints and marks remain even from water, so the glass table will need to be wiped all the time. In addition, glass is a rather fragile material that requires careful handling.
Stone models have their own original and unique color, for which they are highly valued. Such specimens are considered the most durable and durable, but constantly moving them from place to place is quite difficult. Not everyone will like the cold that comes from the stone, and spilled wine or coffee can leave a stain.
Leather tables are suitable for a richly furnished living room. It is better to purchase such items in a set with other leather furniture to avoid difficulties with color selection.
Such interior items require special care, and a mug of tea should be placed on a special hot stand.
In addition to standard materials, non-traditional cork or porcelain, ceramics or palm fiber and even paper are also used to create this type of furniture.
Functionality
The role of the purchased table for the living room also influences the choice of model. If you plan to constantly move this piece of furniture from place to place, then it would be advisable to purchase a model on wheels.
When the table is used in accordance with its name - for storing magazines, books and other small items, you should pay attention to models with shelves or drawers. This will allow you to avoid cluttering the countertop and at the same time place the necessary things at hand.
If the piece of furniture will later be used for drawing by a child or as a footrest, then you should not choose tall models. When the table is located between armchairs or a sofa and an armchair, its height should not exceed the height of the armrest of the upholstered furniture.
When there is a light carpet in the living room, or there are other easily soiled interior items in the room, you can choose a coffee table model with raised edges. This solution will help avoid trouble from spilled coffee or a glass of wine, and will also help keep the children’s room clean after lunch. For such purposes, serving models with a removable tabletop will be convenient.
When choosing a table for the living room, you should pay attention to whether its legs will damage the floor covering. Old wood or rusty iron can ruin carpet or expensive hardwood floors, but soft-tipped feet are suitable for any floor.
Style
This selection parameter plays a very important role. After all, a table can not only harmoniously complement the design of the room, but also become its main accent.
For a classic interior, you should choose solid models made of solid wood, which have a strict geometric shape and are devoid of elaborate details. The presence of such a piece of furniture sets the mood for business and serious conversations.
Modernist living rooms can be decorated with round tables that combine several materials, such as wood and glass. Openwork legs can be a stylish addition.
For a room furnished with the latest technology, you should choose sophisticated and weightless models with a transparent tabletop and a thin metal frame. The shape of such a table should not be complicated.
If, when arranging the living room, the choice fell on one of the ethnic styles, then the furniture should be selected to match. Thus, a coffee table in ethnic style is made from natural materials. It can be untreated wood, bamboo or fabric. Bright and catchy decor in the form of a mosaic of stones or shells is welcome.
For the French Provence style, deliberately aged models made of painted wood, legs with a pattern carved on them and soft pastel colors are suitable.
Massive metal structures or models made of untreated wood are suitable for a brutal and uncouth loft. Sometimes it may seem that such a piece of furniture belongs outside, but that’s the beauty of a loft.
Having decided on the basic parameters of the future piece of furniture, you can safely go shopping.
You shouldn’t skimp on your purchase and choose cheap options from little-known companies. It is better to purchase products from popular furniture factories that have proven themselves over many years of existence.
Assortment of coffee tables and their recommended parameters
A coffee table is not just for books and newspapers! Armed with this slogan, furniture manufacturers vied with each other to produce the most original models, which are not always similar to their “ancestor”. Today, future owners are offered:
- Serving models, ideal for a light buffet in the living room in front of the TV (Karelia and Premiere). The removable table top is filled with food, after which it is easily transported into the room and installed on a base with legs. The height of such a table may be slightly higher than that of the classic table model, but not so much as to qualify as a dining table.
- Transformable table. Here the creative imagination of the designers contrived and came up with an original solution. When assembled, the furniture is modest and unnoticeable, but when unfolded, it acquires all the characteristics of a regular dining table, including height.
- Round tables (Siberia) are decorative models that rarely claim any useful functions. They can be used under vases with flowers or other aesthetic details. The height of such models is usually similar to the standard sofa seat height or slightly lower.
- Computer tables (Evita and Quadro models can be used in this capacity) are designed for working on mobile PCs in the comfort of a sofa. The height of such a table is calculated from the point of view of ergonomics and human comfort. It is important not to miss the choice, otherwise your back will remind you of such inattention every time after just a few minutes of work.
Thus, the choice of a coffee table of the required height is at your discretion. Take your time, think through all the options for its operation so that the model is not only useful, but also convenient to use.
Beautiful examples in the interior
A completely transparent table on wheels will not seem massive even in the cramped room. Thanks to its unusual shape, it has two levels, which allows you to place more things on it.
A model for the living room with an imitation of a burning flame will help maintain the atmosphere of comfort and warmth. In addition, in the absence of main lighting, such a table can create a romantic and slightly mysterious atmosphere.
A real decoration of the living room will be a vintage table with a solid wood base and a transparent tabletop, through which you can see ornate metal patterns.
True connoisseurs of the classics will love the low and long table with carved legs. Massive furniture made of valuable wood will add respectability to the room.
To learn how to make a coffee table with height adjustment, see the following video.
Wooden
Coffee and coffee tables made of wood have always been and will be a classic option. For a spacious, bright living room, a product made of solid wood or a sophisticated white color is suitable. An innovation in the design was its height, which is slightly smaller than the usual pieces of furniture of this category. Despite the visual massiveness, the space does not seem overloaded.
“Raw” wooden boards are a good material for a table decorating a Scandinavian-style living room
Coffee tables made from natural wood trunks are gaining popularity. That is, a piece of nature is in your apartment and helps create eco-design. Since the diameter of the trunk is often small, an ensemble of several items looks harmonious. Only when choosing such a model should you take into account that small sizes are combined with large weight. Therefore, for ease of use, choose items with wheels.
Compact table made of tempered glass with figured geometric legs
Tables with a mirror-glossy finish, imitating a solid cut of a tree trunk
First of all, think about why you need such a piece of furniture , or what your room is missing, and then choose a table that would solve these problems.
Before purchasing a table, mark the area it will occupy in the room with tape so you have an idea of its size and how it interacts with surrounding furniture. If you have a very spacious room and a fairly large coffee table, you can visually reduce the size of the table by placing ottoman benches on either side, as demonstrated in this photo. When the room is busy, they can always be pulled back to allow guests to move freely around the room, but in everyday life, such seats serve as a great visual link between the sofa on one side and the armchairs on the other. Don't limit yourself to one ottoman - get two.
If the room has two sofas or other large pieces of upholstered furniture, a large coffee table may seem like a smart solution. However, you might also consider purchasing two identical coffee tables. They will distract attention from large, bulky sofas and allow you to freely look around the room.
Classic solutions
One of the classic sizes of a coffee table is 122 x 60 cm, so it's worth keeping this in mind if you're planning how to arrange your furniture. A large coffee table is usually twice as large.
A coffee table with raised sides or a slight recess on the edge is a great choice if you frequently spill coffee or if your children often use it as a dining table. They are also suitable if you often entertain guests and do not want to worry about wine stains on the carpet.
The coffee table should be no lower and no higher than the upholstered furniture standing around it. The average table height is 45 cm (although, again, this depends on the height of other furniture). If you choose a table with high sides, make sure that the edges of the table sides are not higher than the edges of the upholstered furniture standing around - otherwise you risk constantly bumping a glass/cup/glass of drinks onto the sides when trying to place them on the table. The whole point of a coffee table is to put drinks on it, not to pour them on it.
The classic dimensions of a coffee table are 120x60x45 cm, but these are not always the most ideal dimensions for your interior. Don't be afraid to experiment!
If you don't want your coffee table to be the center of attention, you might want to choose one with a glass top and a finish that matches the rest of the furniture in the room, like the example pictured. This way, attention will be distributed equally between all parts of the interior, and will not linger on one thing.
Glass tables with a metal base are another way to create the impression of an open, free space. This table is great if you have a beautiful rug and you don't want to hide it from view. At the same time, be prepared for the fact that the glass table will have to be wiped frequently.
Remember that any glass surfaces (unless they are framed) have a greenish tint when cut. You can order a table made of special glass that does not have this feature - but it will cost more.
On the other hand, maybe you want your room to feel cozier (and need some storage space). Place baskets, suitcases, drawers under a regular coffee table - this way you can fill the empty space.
Solid countertops usually have sharp right angles. If you have small children or if the room is small, make room around the table so that you can move freely without bumping into sharp corners.
If you have an upholstered table
If you have an upholstered table, choose bright upholstery that will attract your guests to sit around the table. Place a tray on the table so that you can put books and other things on it (and to soften the overly bright colors of the upholstery, like in this photo).
Think carefully about the choice of upholstery, given that the table can be used as a footrest. Specialty upholstery for outdoor furniture can be quite durable and stain-resistant. Try not to use linen or fabric with a high viscose content as upholstery .
To make sure you choose the right upholstery, take a sample of the upholstery from the store and test it at home to see how it handles dirt, wine stains, coffee stains, and anything else you think your coffee table might deal with.
Let the upholstered ottoman stand about 45 cm from the sofa and/or armchairs so that when sitting you can easily change positions without touching the table.
If you're looking to purchase a tufted ottoman table, pay attention to the recesses in the upholstery, especially if you plan to use the table as a dining table. If crumbs get into the grooves, it will be difficult to clean them out.
Round and vintage tables
Round coffee tables provide more freedom of movement around the room, especially if there is a lot of upholstered furniture around, as in the example in the photo. If you can't reach the coffee table from anywhere, make sure there are other serving surfaces in the room.
A vintage coffee table will bring a piece of history into the interior - and create your own. Make sure that the table is in good working order and that all fasteners are securely fastened. If you need to restore a table, ask the seller what material it is made of - this will help you with your work.
Something else to think about is how the table will sit on the floor or carpet and whether it will damage them. Splintered wooden legs or rusty metal backing can damage or stain your flooring. Often the bottoms of tables sold at second-hand stores are left unrestored. Please pay attention to this before purchasing.
Sculptural wooden coffee tables have a special personality and can add the warmth of natural motifs to the interior of a room with a lot of soft furnishings. A special water-repellent coating and, of course, coasters for dishes will help protect the surface of the table from damage.
Sometimes a table with a non-standard height or width is exactly what your interior is missing. In the case shown here, the very low table creates a clear horizontal plane in the foreground, setting off the long horizontal line of the credenza cabinet in the background. A higher table would have prevented Credenza from being seen in the background and would have conflicted with her. Different heights of furniture pieces make the interior more interesting.
Table height, norm for different types of products, recommendations for counting
How to choose the right table height for adults and children
The dimensions of the furniture are determined by the design, specifics and conditions of use. Tables have the greatest variety of options.
After all, this is a universal piece of furniture that can perform various functions. The optimal height of the table is determined by its purpose and operating characteristics.
It is difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to use a copy that does not meet its characteristics. What criteria influence the dimensions, what are the design and operational features of different types of tables - you should definitely find out about this before purchasing furniture.
Functionality
The height of the coffee table should also be determined by its functionality. This furniture can be not only a decorative element of the interior. You can store various things in it. For this purpose, the table can have hidden or open shelves.
If you need a lot of such compartments, the table can be quite high. In this case, it should not be installed in front of the sofa. Such a table would look more appropriate on the side of upholstered furniture.
There are various design options for such interior elements. If the owners use a table instead of an ottoman and place their feet on it, it can have a soft covering. However, the height of such a product should be lower than sitting on the sofa. The comfort and overall appearance of the living room interior depend on the correct choice of dimensions of this furniture.
Having considered how the height of a coffee table is determined, everyone can choose the appropriate option for their living room. Such furniture will harmoniously fit into the overall interior of the room and can also perform many additional functions. Modern production offers a large number of options when choosing a coffee table for your home or apartment.
Standards for kitchen tables
Regulatory documents regulate the dimensions of furniture items. The main one is GOST 13025.3-85. In accordance with its provisions, the minimum distance from the floor to the bottom plane of the tabletop is set at 0.61 m; accordingly, to its top, the size of the distances varies from 0.72 to 0.78 meters.
The unit of reference is usually taken to be the average height of a person - 1.65 meters. This is what causes the inconvenience that sometimes arises when the table turns out to be low or, on the contrary, extremely high, since everyone’s height is different.
Discomfort is expressed in the inconvenience of using cutlery correctly and fully if the tabletop is located too high. If the table is not high and it is impossible to take a comfortable position, since you have to bend over and slouch, then by the end of the meal you will be left with a feeling of fatigue and aching in the spine.
Transformable tables
It happens that the standard height is not suitable: it is uncomfortable to sit, you have to slouch or hold your hands too high. Do not neglect these factors; ultimately, they will certainly affect your health. What to do? There is a solution - these are transformable tables.
Despite their high price (from 20 to 40 thousand rubles), this is the only correct option for people of non-standard physique . As a rule, transformers are of excellent quality and have a long service life. They can be used not only with chairs, but also with a low sofa (like a coffee table).
Most models fit modern minimalist styles : with criss-cross metal legs and tabletops made of MDF, glass, ceramic or stone. But there are also classics. The height is changed using a gas lift mechanism, which sets the tabletop to any height within a given range.
Here are just a few models of folding transformers:
- B2416 - round, made of white ceramics, diameter 1050 (690) mm, height - from 425 to 760 mm;
- Prato Lux - rectangular, made of veneer, length - 1050 (1900) mm, width - 730 mm, height - from 340 to 750 mm;
As you can see, the height difference reaches 470 mm.
