When it comes to furniture, there are a lot of confusing and conflicting terms that many people aren’t familiar with. This is especially true with occasional tables. So what exactly is an occasional table? Unlike a kitchen or dining table, an occasional table is one that you use only occasionally. Think of it as a piece you use when you’re lounging about or when company comes over. This includes end tables, cocktail tables, coffee tables, accent tables, sofa tables, and console tables. Let’s talk about two of them, the coffee table vs. the cocktail table. In casual conversation these terms that have been used interchangeable for a long time. But alas, there is a new type of table taking on the use of the term cocktail table because it holds exactly one cocktail.
Photo by Crate and Barrel
For a long time both of the items "cocktail table" and “coffee table” have been used to mean a low tables meant for use in the living room or den. Usually in front of a couch (or sofa, or davenport, or loveseat or one of the 20 other various terms we use to mean sofa). They are useful for filling out a room, displaying decor or accessories, and entertaining guests. As the words “coffee” and “cocktail” suggest, they are the perfect place to set a beverage. Most are between 16” and 21” in height and should be chosen based on the height of your sofa. Manufacturers craft both types of tables from a wide range of materials; from hardwoods, to metal, wicker or glass. Also I we will find ourselves using the term coffee table in this case and the term cocktail table will now mean an entirely different type of table.
Photo by Ballard Design
The cocktail table has recently been reinvented by furniture manufacturers the world over as a small, heavy based table with a small stem and single dinner plate sized top designed to hold a single cocktail. It is often placed directly adjacent to soft seating as shown here. I am in absolute love with the cocktail table and hope they catch on as they add such whimsy and delight to a sitting room.
Photo by Crate and Barrel