Coffee Tables Unveiled: A Concise History

 Do you have a coffee table at home? Even if you don’t, you might have come across one in the cafes you visit or offices. Are you aware of the history of coffee tables? If not, here is a brief description of the history of coffee tables.

The history of coffee tables

The history of coffee tables can be traced back to the late 18th century. During the Victorian era, tables were used by people to keep their beverages on. Most people drank tea during that time, so people usually kept their teacups on the tables. It was considered more than a fashion statement and less than purposeful furniture. The increasing trend led to a surplus demand for the tables. The tea tables of the Victorian era were a little taller than our present-day coffee tables. But with time, as couches and settees became popular, shorter coffee tables were made to suit the people sitting. The primary use of these tables was to keep beverages on. But then people started keeping them at the ends of sofas to use them as a stand to keep books and candles. The history of coffee tables was hence set in motion with the creation of a wooden coffee table in Britain. Once more, these were typically higher than modern coffee tables. The almost floor-level Japanese tables and the ottoman-style tables prevalent in tea gardens may have influenced the low height. Therefore, coffee tables are a comparatively recent invention. The coffee table evolved as materials became more readily available, mass production increased, and prices decreased. Wooden furniture production gradually became industrialized as a consequence of the Industrial Age. The restoration of hand-crafted furniture, especially in the unique style of the craftsman, was a goal of the British Arts and Crafts movement. A number of styles appeared in the Art Nouveau era, which developed from the Movement of Arts and Crafts. In this time period, coffee tables didn't have a lot of the fancy details that Victorians liked. Instead, they focused on natural shapes and clean, simple lines.

Victorian furniture

Now that we have discussed the history of coffee tables, we might look a little deeper into Victorian furniture styles. If you come across a coffee table claimed as a piece from the Victorian era, how would you know if it is a genuine piece? Of course, you would need the help of an expert. But with a few tips, you can identify poorly made fake items quickly. The Victorian period was between the 1830s and 1900s. A lot of styles were produced and imitated in this era. Ornate furniture with dark colours and smooth finishes marks the period.

• Its appearance is one of the basic details to know about Victorian furniture. Even though the furniture has a formal touch to its design, it does have some detailing. If you consider tables, their legs and side edges would have carving and other curved detailing.

• Upholstery: The upholstery of Victorian furniture included plump seats with lots of cushions and fabric. They usually came in darker shades, and they used horse or camel hair in the making of the fabrics. Even though the fabric is stiff, it isn't coarse either. Velvet, tapestry, and plush fabric were also common during this time.

• Ornamentation: The furniture comes with motifs of leaves and floral designs. Sometimes, animal motifs are also found. The Gothic forms of style also create a sharp contrast to the foliage designs. Knowing where the furniture you use comes from and its history is quite empowering. If you are looking to buy antique coffee tables, learning about the history of coffee tables would be a lot more helpful.