The ‘top’ materials for coffee tables

It seems to you that it has always been there, because it is rare to find a living room without one. But no, the coffee table as we know it did not enter Spanish homes until the 1960s, with the arrival of television. Until then, in the houses that had side tables -the wealthier classes-, these pieces of more or less the height of the armrests, were placed around the seats, to leave drinks, books, sewing….

These chairs were usually arranged around the fireplace, but with the arrival of the television in the homes, the focal point of the decoration moved to the screen. Everything revolved around it, so the side table began to be placed in front of the sofa, a piece, by the way, which also became ubiquitous in order to have a place to sit comfortably to enjoy the programming.

In this way, it was possible to rest on the new coffee table the snacks and drinks that often accompanied the viewing. But of course, so that the furniture did not interfere with the view of the screen, it was necessary to shorten its legs, giving rise to the coffee table as we conceive it today.

The coffee table, a useful and versatile piece of furniture

Coffee tables are a practically essential piece in any living room, and they make furniture distribution easier; once we have decided where to place them, all we have to do is place the seats around them.

In addition, they are very useful, as they add extra comfort to the room. Thus, they allow us to have a place to leave everything we use daily in that area of the house, and many even have extra storage. Some are so large that we can even play board games on them, and some people even use them for dinner!

Also lately, especially in smaller homes, we are beginning to see how these pieces also function as side tables. It is not uncommon to find them next to the sofa, in front of a window, or even acting as a support for a potted plant or a collection of plants.

Coffee tables can go beyond their function and also serve as a small decorative gallery, as demonstrated by the term coffee table book -literally, ‘coffee table book’.

The concept refers to large-format volumes carefully bound and filled with spectacular images. So beautiful are they that their function as books is transcended by their aesthetics, becoming more like cultural objects designed to be placed on tables as entertainment for visitors and as an eye-catching decorative element.

The top materials and designs to make your coffee table the focus of all eyes.

Coffee tables are literally the center of the room, so why not make them also the focus of all eyes and strengthen our decoration with them? To achieve this, we must start by choosing a piece with an attractive design and top materials. Here are some ideas:

1. Strong, eye-catching shapes for your coffee table

If you need to give weight to the room, don’t hesitate: opt for a table with a simple but strong shape, such as Marius. Thanks to its square and textured wooden tabletop, combined with its black pyramidal base, it is strong and stable. Perfect for Scandifornian, Wabi-Sabi, Rustic and Shabby Chic interiors.

2. Lightness for small rooms

If you have a small living room or family room, opt for lightweight coffee tables like Markan. Its tubular steel frame looks remarkably light to the eye, and its terrazzo top adds an interesting graphic layer thanks to the trendy terrazzo pattern.

If you opt for its rounded version, Kumy, you will not only be adding a slightly more sophisticated nuance to the room: you will also be able to fit it into even smaller environments, where it is always a good idea to opt for furniture without corners to make it easier to pass through.

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3. Coffee tables made of warm and cozy materials

When it comes to adding warmth to a room, there’s nothing like opting for natural and textured raw materials. The Vigor side table has both thanks to its braided natural rattan top, one of the most fashionable materials this year:

Another good option to achieve a cozier living room is to get a Flanagan table, also made of natural rattan, in combination with wicker. In addition to its materials, its organic silhouette also reminds us of nature, one of the keys to the Eco-Friendly trend. It is permeating, with its beautiful and serene aesthetics and its ecological awareness, the most applauded interiors of recent times.

4. A coffee table with a ‘jewel’ touch

There are pieces that are a statement of intent and that, like the most beautiful gem, shine on their own. We are talking about jeweled furniture, those that exude style and opulence, without being tacky or excessive.

The Matilda table fits this description thanks to its brass-finished steel structure and white marble top, a combination that brings distinction and elegance to any interior. Its delicate shapes are inspired by the Art Deco style, which is now experiencing a vibrant renaissance.

Another table also with a tubular steel structure with a gold finish and marble top that can work to achieve the same wow effect in more minimalist or Mid-Century interiors is the Umbria, available with a white or green top.

The finishing touch: four looks to decorate your coffee table

We have already chosen the coffee table with the perfect material and design for our space. Now, it’s time to decorate it to round off its presence in our interior. Here are our suggestions!

1. Luxurious look

Porcelain vases, gilded pieces and books with outstanding bindings. If you’re looking to create a sense of luxury, opt for such props and arrange them neatly on your coffee table.

2. Arty Look

Are you passionate about art? Then, dare to turn your coffee table into a small gallery, displaying your most precious works. As in museums, it is important to leave air around each one, so that they can breathe and their importance can be appreciated in all its magnitude.

3. Boho Look 

A special and even extravagant piece, plants and some books make up the perfect decoration for a bohemian coffee table.

4. Relaxed Look

Neutral colors, flowers and candles are the must-haves for a coffee table with a relaxed look, ideal for embracing the hygge of Scandinavian-style interiors.

The coffee table, a piece that says a lot about our home.

The coffee table has much more decorative weight than we usually give it: opt for attractive designs and top materials, such as wood, steel, marble or terrazzo, to make it the focal point of your living room. And remember to pay attention to what you place on top of it to round off the style of your room!