What is a Coffee Table in British English?
A coffee table, also known as a low table, is an essential feature of many British living rooms. This small table typically sits in the center of the room and acts as a place to rest a cup of tea or coffee, stack books and magazines, and serve as a display surface for decorative items.
In British English, coffee tables are more commonly referred to as “low tables.” This term is used to help differentiate coffee tables from other tables found in the home. Low tables are designed to be low to the ground and are generally around two to three feet in height.
Types of Low Tables
Low tables come in numerous different shapes, sizes and materials. The type of low table you choose will depend on your personal style as well as how much space you have in your home.
Some popular styles of low tables include:
- Wooden Tables: Wooden low tables are a traditional choice in Britain. They come in a variety of woods, including oak, pine and mahogany, and can be stained or painted to match your existing furniture.
- Glass Tables: Glass low tables are ideal for tiny spaces and smaller living rooms. This sleek style can refract light and draw the eye towards the center of a room.
- Metal Tables: Metal tables come in a range of modern and vintage styles. Tin, brass, copper and stainless steel are just some of the metals used to craft these tables.
The Benefits of Owning a Low Table
Owning a low table in your living room offers a number of benefits. Here are some of the best reasons to invest in a low table:
- A low table provides a surface on which to set down drinks and snacks while enjoying a movie or television show.
- Low tables can act as decorative platforms on which to separately display collections such as books, magazines, clocks, vases and sculptures.
- They can help define a seating area and provide a end point for a seating arrangement. In larger rooms, a low table serves to break up the space and make it feel more intimate.
No matter what style or material you choose, a low table is a great addition to any British living room. Whether you’re hosting guests or just enjoying a night in alone, a low table is a great way to provide functionality and style.
