Cocktail Table vs Coffee Table
Do you know the difference between a cocktail table and a coffee table? If you don’t, you’re in luck– most of the experts also can’t seem to agree. However, these interior design furniture staples are still present in almost every home, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on the cocktail vs coffee table debate, along with some inspiration to style your home with a functional focus.
All About Tables
There are many tables in interior design – collectively, we call them occasional tables. They include coffee tables, cocktail tables, end tables, console tables – the list goes on. Tables play an interesting role in the interior design of our homes because they are both functional and aesthetic. They’re serving a purpose in providing space for home accessories or drinks, but they’re also large enough to take into consideration the aesthetics of the piece we’re buying.
Unlike dining tables or kitchen tables, occasional tables are, as the name suggests, used less often. They’re not designed to seat you and your guests for a full meal, but they can hold drinks and snacks, and living room necessities. They’re perfect for entertaining and lounging, and they’re a necessity for low sofas. But what sets these tables apart? And how has modern design evolved, looking at the tables on offer?
Cocktail Tables vs Coffee Tables
Before we begin our deep dive, it’s important to remember that we care a lot less about what something is named than what it looks like in our space. Don’t be afraid to put your coffee mug on that cocktail table, or vice versa. Interior design furniture has had a vast history, spanning hundreds of years and fast-moving trends over the last century. Home design trends are constantly evolving and amalgamating between countries and cultures.
The History
How far back can we trace the modern coffee and cocktail tables? Most records place coffee tables as becoming popular from the end of the 19th century, with peaks in the 1920s and 1930s. With this, we see a shift from more formal dining in reception rooms to casual dining and lounging, particularly over tea and coffee. This “daytime” seating arrangement brought table heights down, in line with sofa and armchair heights, facilitating conversation. The more casual approach to entertaining took off after the First World War, and continues to this day. In modern times, we use coffee and cocktail tables in the same way. We’ll enjoy a drink with friends or family, without the full dining table between us.
In contrast, cocktail tables were made to bring a sense of luxury to bars and speakeasies. Like with coffee tables, they wanted to create a casual atmosphere while still appearing upscale. With these lower tables, drinks and hors d’oeuvres could be served with ease without turning a bar into a restaurant.
The Structure
While the primary debate between cocktail and coffee tables is the one of their names, interior design furniture specialists do generally agree on one defining principle: the shape. Cocktail tables are more often square or rectangular, and coffee tables are round or more oval. Where this distinction comes from is unclear, and in the modern context, not so relevant.
From a design standpoint, softer edges and rounded corners could have contributed to the welcoming and cozy atmosphere of a sitting room or parlor. It follows that sharper lines and corners seen in traditional cocktail tables would have been cohesive with the speakeasy design style of the time – ideal for seating several to a table.
The Function
The beauty of both cocktail and coffee tables is that they serve the same function: they’re interior design furniture pieces made for sofas, have functional storage on top, and are just the right height for drinks and remotes. Depending on the style you choose, some occasional tables also come with drawers or extra storage, perfect for extra coasters or winter throws. Primarily, the function offered by these tables comes down to storage and height. These are low tables – generally sitting between 16 and 21 inches tall.
Making Modern Interior Design Choices
At the end of the day, you should buy the table that will suit your home’s decor style best. Whether it’s technically for coffee or cocktails doesn’t make a difference if the table’s design is cohesive with your style. Additionally, interior designers have been playing with form and function for decades. At the forefront of design and inspiration is the practice of using things the way they weren’t intended: who says that a home accessory sculpture can’t be used as a vase?
Embrace your creativity when creating your space. By using some pieces unconventionally, you create a home that feels more unique and inspired. You create a space that feels artistic and personal, making the distinction between a stock image and a home. The most important part of choosing an occasional table, outside of your design style, is choosing one that’s the correct height. Playing with levels is key in interior design, but these surfaces need to be easily reachable from your sofa for comfort. Depending on your sofa height, this could be anywhere in that 16 to 21 inch range.
In terms of cohesive design, choose a table that has a similar wood finish, features your room’s neutral tones, or has accents that match in material or color to other elements of your room design. Don’t forget to curate some home accessories to avoid that empty table top look– anything from books to candles to small sculptures work excellently. Handcrafted coasters help protect surfaces from drip stains and damage, while adding style and an aesthetic touch to your table’s setting.
Occasional Tables in Boca Raton
At Designers Mark, we know how to style a living room with creativity and an eye for design. Whether it’s a coffee table or a cocktail table, we care about matching pieces that fit your needs and personal interior design style.
Visit our showroom in Boca Raton and see some of the market’s leading designs up close, and be inspired to bring life and function to your home.