A low table that is long in shape and generally placed in the living room in front of a couch or other sitting area is known as a coffee table, or cocktail table.
These are clearly functional just as their name suggests in being a good place to put beverages, though they are also quite popular for holding books and magazines.
In fact, there are books that are designed simply to adorn these particular tables, to be a conversation piece for visitors to the home.
They are designed to be inviting, as well as functional.
A coffee table may or may not include storage space or drawers.
The surface area can be used for storage, and many times people will stack items underneath the table for easy access.
These can be designed out of wood, metal, or any other material that one could think of.
The main defining characteristic is the shape and size, which is low for easy access when people are sitting down next to the table.
Different adornments can include stencils or other patterns.
Sometimes people will use shelving paper or wallpaper on the table to give it a nice finish.
Other touches often given to a coffee table can include a good layer of paint to match its surroundings, or varnish to give it a shiny finish.
They can be coated with vinyl or other plastic materials to prevent damage to the table if beverages spill.
Another solution to that problem is the use of coasters, which is quite common.
Of course, more old fashioned models don't have such options, and as such are more delicate and care should be taken if actually using beverages around them or on them.
The older ones are generally called cocktail tables in antique shops.
The switch in name from cocktail to coffee says something about the differences in entertaining styles over the years.
Overall, a coffee table gives a nice finishing touch to any living room or den.
Anywhere where there is a sofa, a good accompanying furniture piece is this small but extremely convenient table.
For ultimate relaxation, choose one with plenty of surface area to accommodate both the table books and mugs that will fit so well into the living room scheme.
The best conveniences come from combining a place to sit with a place to rest your items, and that is the ultimate function of this fortunate piece of furniture.