Before we think about coffee tables let us consider the reason they came to be. Coffee!! Just as I said the magic word I can actually feel its flavor and its taste! Coffee! Such a common custom today! It seems almost unbelievable that in the 16th century women were not allowed to drink it in a coffeehouse!
What makes coffee so special? Of course it’s caffeine, a stimulant for the central nervous system, increasing of energy and mental alertness.
Facts about coffee tables
Coffee has a long interesting history! Its origin is supposed to be in the Ethiopian region named Kaffa! From the Arabs, in the 15th century, it was spread to Egypt and Turkey (in 1511 in Istanbul the first coffeehouse was opened). At the beginning it was prohibited by the church, but in the 17th century Pope Clement VIII gave it’s approval. By then coffee had already arrived in the States and grew rapidly as a favorite American beverage, especially after tea had become unfashionable due to the Boston Tea Party.
The notion of coffee tables was introduced during the Ottoman Empire. The Turks used to drink their coffee around these tables, which were placed in gardens or special rooms! Once the first coffeehouses appeared, they helped increasing the popularity of this type of table. The classical ones were long, low tables made of wood, with beautiful designs (they were manually painted or sculptured)!
Modern coffee tables
Today the modern coffee table comes in different shapes (round, oval, rectangular); can be low or high; have cabinets for storage, are made of glass, wood, metal; are multi functional (support magazines, books, newspapers, remote controls etc) and are usually placed near an armchair or a sofa!
There are so many types of coffee table that one has a hard time choosing! There is the China style (the tables are very short because at the beginning the Chinese sat on the ground around it).
Mosaic coffee tables
Then we have mosaic coffee tables. This is a low table and it’s top has a mosaic pattern. The art of mosaic comes from Islamic countries. The tops of the tables are decorated using tiles, ceramics, glass or stones. Usually, the mosaic representations, having an Islamic influence are mainly mathematical and geometrical. Mosaic coffee tables can be expensive when the mosaic is hand made.
Add style to your home: buy a contemporary coffee table
We can also talk about contemporary coffee tables. They are not only functional, but very pleasing to the eye. Having an excellent combination of modern and classical elements, they are very much in demand because they give character and a note of style to any room.
Glass coffee tables
One of the most modern and elegant coffee table is the one made of glass (or more frequently the one that has a combination of a glass top and a metal/wood body). The thought of a glass coffee table may raise the question of its fragility. But you shouldn't worry about it, because the glass is treated at special temperature and is strong enough to be used as a table top.
We do live in a hurry and a “coffee to go” seems an easy solution when you feel tired and want to increase your energy level. But when you invite your friends to your house over a cup a coffee, a nicely designed table will help create a nice atmosphere.
No matter what type of coffee table you choose, enjoy your coffee!
