What Is Sofa Table?

A sofa table is a long, narrow, tall table that backs up to a sofa. Originating in the late 1700s, it was a staple piece of furniture used in most affluent homes and was placed behind the sofa to maximize floor space. Made of heavy wood, it was constructed with drop-leaf extensions on both ends and drawers in the middle to allow for multifunctional use; it was often used for writing, eating and to hold lantern lamps and candlesticks. Today, the sofa table still has diverse uses, but it is no longer held to rigid placement within the dcor. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

In today's eclectic home dcor, function is defined by the user's intent. Twenty-first century dcor defines the sofa table as an elective accessory to the home furnishings, not as a staple piece of furniture. It's typically used as a place to display decorator items such as pictures, flowers and decorating accessories. Like its ancestor, it's still used to accommodate lamps, but rarely used as a dining table. It often functions as a console table in the entryway or foyer with a large mirror hung above it. Depending upon the type, style and individual needs, it may be used as decorative storage.

Types

There are two basic types of sofa tables: closed design, which has drawers on both top and bottom for extra storage, and open design, a simple table with four legs and a top. From these two designs, the individual styles evolve.

Styles

Sofa tables are divided into three style designs. Traditional designs are usually made of wood, presenting clean simple lines that will complement any traditional dcor. Contemporary sofa tables are made of metals, glass, chrome, concrete, iron or a combination of materials, and casual tables are painted or stained wood, often referred to as chic country.

Size

There is no absolute size for a sofa table, but most are typically 48 to 60 inches in length, 32 to 36 inches in height, and 18 to 20 inches deep. When used behind the sofa, the table should be no more than five inches below the back of the sofa, and it should cover at least half the length.

Cost

Like any piece of furniture, the price depends upon the quality. Finely crafted wood from upscale furniture manufacturers can be costly, up to $1,000 or more; typically, however, the majority of sofa tables are affordable and cost in the $100 to $300 range.

Considerations

Evaluate your space before you add a sofa table. Look at your overall design, decide which style and type would best fit your dcor, and determine what function you want it to serve. Once you have these answers, you'll know which table to select.