Coffee Tables ... the centrepieces of domestic civilisation ...
By Stewart Dawes
I have a friend that used to ride his coffee table down the stairs like a sled when things got "fun" at his house. Little did we realise at the time, back in our early 20s when "anything goes" was the motto and usually did, that he was enacting a deeply European instinct, for indeed throughout Europe, many coffee tables are designed as sleighs - they come in doubly handy during a snowstorm whether staying in or venturing out. But what of our humble living room companion, the wooden version of man's best friend? How precious are they to your average coffee drinker? Are they to a caffeine addict what French clocks are to Paul Keating, a fetishised domestic object, worthy of a pet-name ... "Rosebud" perchance? At least briefly indulge my dream that this article is the beginning of what might yet become a coffee table book about coffee tables, to quote Kramer (pictured) on Live with Regis & Kathie Lee.
Semantically Speaking ...
A coffee table, also called a cocktail table, is a style of long, low table which is designed to be placed in front of a sofa, to support beverages (hence the name), magazines, feet, books (especially coffee table books), and other small items to be used while sitting, such as beverage coasters. Coffee tables are usually found in the living room or sitting room. They are available in many different variations and prices vary from style to style. Coffee tables may also incorporate cabinets for storage.
Blame the English, for once ...
In Europe, the first tables specifically designed as and called coffee tables, appear to have been made in Britain during the late Victorian era. Can you believe it, the British leading the way on a culinary creation? 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. Other sources, however, list it only as 'table' so this can be stated categorically. Far from being a low table, this table was about twenty-seven inches high.
Later coffee tables were designed as low tables and this idea may have come from the Ottoman Empire, based on the tables in use in tea gardens. However, as the Anglo-Japanese style was popular in Britain throughout the 1870s and 1880s and low tables were common in Japan, this seems to be an equally likely source for the concept of a long low table.
Choosing a Coffee Table
Coffee tables may not be the most expensive furniture in your home or office, but they definitely can make an impression in your living room or lobby. The room can benefit from a coffee table because it could enhance a room’s theme and save space with its “extendable” spaces or double storage with hidden drawers.
A coffee table reflects the owner’s taste in décor. Choice of coffee table will reflect a coffee table will depend on a room’s theme, budget, size, shape and materials. While some people can make their own tables to fit their needs and tastes, others have no time or skills to make their own furniture.
For this reason, you need to identify the types of coffee tables available in the market. The first thing you need to consider is materials as tables are made in wood, glass, metal, aluminium, plastic and other materials too. Check out your living room or office lobby and determine what kinds of materials will be perfect for the theme of your room.
For traditional settings, wooden and glass tables can add elegance to the room, while modern themes can add style from coffee tables made of aluminium, metal, plastic, glass or a combination of these materials.
The size of the table will depend on the space available in your room. For an office lobby, a rectangular table will give visitors a place to put down their things, while a circular table can hold magazines and books. The shape of your coffee table depends on your taste. However, be aware that some shapes could add depth to the room, while others can give the room a more spacious look.
The most important factor in choosing the table for your living room is functionality and flexibility. Some tables are designed to save space by adding extra storages or giving you the option of relocating the tables with a set of casters or wheels. Others ‘nest’ in to one another to save space when not in use.
Regardless of the type of coffee table you choose, you should never clutter up the table because it will only look untidy. The idea of coffee tables is to organize your living room in style and function – so choose wisely.
Where to Buy a Coffee Table in Sydney
Habitat Furniture have an excellent website which showcases nearly all their products including a stack of coffee tables - check out www.habitatfurniture.com.au or you can call them on (02) 9558 4811 or visit them anytime Monday to Sunday 36-38 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park, cnr Crinan Street - see map.
Coffee Table SEO
Coffee Tables Sydney
Coffee Tables Hurstville
Coffee Tables Parramatta
Best Cafes Near Habitat Furniture
Café On Strand
2 The Strand, Croydon
Under new ownership from July 2010 and what a great cafe this is rapidly becoming - they tick all the boxes so well. Great coffee Campos always made to perfection 68 degrees ground fresh to order - and silky velvety milk. The food is of bistro style always good served in an unpretentious atmosphere, fast friendly table service (thank god) no numbers on sticks here set in a old butcher shop which dates back to 1918. All in all a great cafe - fully licensed, great wine list, bistro or cafe it's fair, clean, friendly and fresh. Well done guys we love it.
Post Café Marrickville
274a Marrickville Road, Marrickville
Ph: 02 9572 9339
http://postcafe.com.au
"We don't serve customers, we serve friends".' Great with groups, or kids, or groups with kids! Post Café always gives off a nice vibe, with their friendly service and satisfying food. Combined with their spacious surrounds and sunny outlook, and their recent expansion further into the mall, the positives add up to probably the best place in Marrickville for a mid-week coffee. And my colleague, being a bloodthirsty carnivore, loves their lamb's fry - loaded with enough iron to last you two weeks.
Varga Bar
10 Wilson Street, Newtown
Ph: 02 9517 1932
I have to admit I didn’t think there’d be any more hidden gems in Newtown, but I don’t mind being proven wrong! Varga is physically not much more than a hole in the wall just off King Street – but in all other respects they are much more! Serving modern Australian, I’d suggest trying the breakfast burrito.
Sweet Belem
35C New Canterbury Rd, Petersham
Ph: 02 9572 6685
Sweet Belem almost makes me cry with happiness each time I go there – and I’m a local! Being the king of Portuguese custard tarts is just the beginning for Sweet Belem. While they make the most delicious Portuguese cakes they also make many other mouth-watering treats, which people come from all across Sydney for. Even gluten-free options are to die for – just try any of their flourless creations!
Bitton Gourmet Café & Grocer
36-37a Copeland Street, Alexandria
You probably already know of their gourmet jams (strawberry and vanilla – oh yeah!). And if you’ve been in Alexandria for more than ten minutes you probably know about their café and grocer too! Bitton is an institution in Alexandria and it’s no secret why, as David Bitton says, “Cafe food shouldn't be boring or quickly thrown together. It should be of the same high quality as a five star restaurant. You should want to linger over a perfect, leisurely breakfast on a Sunday morning”. And we do! Roasted Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese Salad with Croutons and Bitton Dressing, anyone?
Perama Greek Restaurant
88 Audley St, Petersham
www.perama.com.au
David Tsirekas takes the Greek classics to another level. Our recommendations are: Slow braised shoulder lean lamb with oregano, olive oil, wine and garlic, then char grilled with a lemon, olive oil baste and served with baked oregano lemon potatoes and string beans. Braised calamari stuffed with jasmine rice, currant, flaked almonds, mint, prawns. Served with tomato, honey,cinnamon sauce and steamed greens. Cabbage leaf rolls with a duck and water chestnut spiced rice filling. Served with barley and a lemongrass avgolemono. To finish? It has to be the amazing olive oil ice-cream.
Habitat Furniture Links:
1. Article on Freshmag for Furniture Stores Shops Sydney Inner West Canterbury Hurlstone Park Dulwich Hill Marrickville Newtown Earlwood Australia
2. Habitat Furniture website for Baby Change Tables
3. Habitat Furniture website for Bedroom Furniture
4. Habitat Furniture website for Beds
5. Habitat Furniture website for Bedside Chests & Tables
6. Habitat Furniture website for CD/DVD Towers
7. Habitat Furniture website for Chests of Drawers
8. Habitat Furniture website for Coffee Tables
9. Habitat Furniture website for Desks
10. Habitat Furniture for Dining Chairs
11. Habitat Furniture for Dining Tables
12. Habitat Furniture for Dressers
13. Habitat Furniture for Entertainment Units
14. Habitat Furniture for Filing Cabinets
15. Habitat Furniture for Hall Tables
16. Habitat Furniture for Pantries
17. Habitat Furniture for Study Desks
18. Habitat Furniture for Toyboxes
19. Habitat Furniture for Wardrobes
20. Habitat Furniture for Wine Racks
22. Childrens Furniture Sydney
23. Childrens Bookcases Sydney
24. Childrens Study Desks Sydney
Most Searched Terms: Coffee Tables for sale Sydney Inner West, Where to buy coffee table in Dulwich Hill, Canterbury Furniture Stores, Australian-made furniture Shops Sydney Inner West, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Marrickville, Newtown, Earlwood, Australia, Parramatta, Best Furniture Stores in Sydney, Furniture Shops, Timber Furniture Outlets, Furniture Warehouses, Buy Bookcases, Wine Racks, Dining Tables, Desks, Beds, Chests of Drawers, Filing Cabinets, Sofas, Chairs, Wardrobes, Bookshelves, Entertainment Units, TV Units, Computer Desks, CD Towers, Side Tables, Coffee Tables, Occasional Tables, Parramatta, Penrith, Bondi, Coogee, Manly, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Sydney CBD, Ultimo, Broadway.
Article by SEOtherapy, specialising in SEO in Australia & social media managers in Sydney.
