The Rise of the “Coffee Table”
The concept of the “Coffee Table” is a relatively modern one. It is thought to have originated in Victorian England as a piece of furniture placed in front of the sofa—usually low enough to allow everyone in the room to rest their coffee or tea cups when conversing.
Origins of the Name
The term “Coffee Table” is thought to have been derived from the act of placing cups of tea or coffee on the table. While the term is relatively modern, the concept of having a low table in front of a sofa has been around for centuries, usually with the primary function of being an occasional table – a multi purpose surface for various types of items.
The 21st Century Coffee Table
The modern Coffee Table is more than just a place to rest your cup. It is also a place to show off a collection of books, magazines, and other decorative items. It can be used as a site for games, television dinners, and even a place to show off pictures of your family or friends. It has become an important piece of furniture when decorating the living room, providing both style and function.
Why is a Coffee Table Still Called a Coffee Table?
The reason why a piece of furniture like this is still known as a “Coffee Table” is because it still retains the same basic concept of its Victorian ancestor. Despite its varied uses and abundant functionality, the Coffee Table can still be used to place cups of coffee or tea, and is thus still called by its original name.
Summary
- The concept of the “Coffee Table” is a relatively modern one. It is thought to have originated in Victorian England as a piece of furniture placed in front of the sofa.
- The term “Coffee Table” is thought to have been derived from the act of placing cups of tea or coffee on the table.
- The modern Coffee Table is more than just a place to rest your cup. It is also a place to show off a collection of books, magazines, and other decorative items.
- The reason why a piece of furniture like this is still known as a “Coffee Table” is because it still retains the same basic concept of its Victorian ancestor.
The Coffee Table remains one of the most important pieces of furniture in the living room, and the name persists due to its multi-functional uses and its historical origins.
