Functional and aesthetically pleasing, coffee tables as well as end tables are essential pieces for every living room. What should you prioritize when choosing between such a coffee table vs end table? Which do you think would be visually appealing in your home?
While coffee tables and end tables may share a similar aesthetic and function, they are distinct pieces of furniture. Size and height distinguish a coffee table from an end table. The former is larger and lower which is around the length of the couch’s seat, while the latter is higher and stands at about the length of the couch’s arms.
As we go along with this post, we will try to figure out the things that make the coffee table and the end table unique from each other.
What is a Coffee Table?
Coffee tables are long, low tables used for displaying decorative items or serving food and drinks. This is the clearest and shortest expression of the concept that can be relied upon to convey its meaning.
In front of couches and armchairs is where you should place a coffee table. They are made to seem natural among the rest of your decor. Stylish coffee tables should serve multiple purposes. With the addition of a coffee table to your living area, you will find it much easier to unwind. While relaxing on the couch, you can put down your food or drink without getting up.
Facts You Should Learn About Coffee Tables
These tables are the main point of many living rooms and are available in a wide range of shapes to accommodate different needs. They are short, standing at a height not much higher than the average living room sofa or couch. Their name alludes to the fact that they are the perfect height for holding beverages like coffee while serving guests.
Some models may even include concealed shelving units at floor level to hide clutter. They come in a variety of sizes and forms, but the most common ones are circles and rectangles, respectively. A round coffee table is a terrific choice for any room, whether you’re decorating a living room, a family room, or even a den.
The smaller components of a three-piece coffee table set can also serve as end tables to further highlight the elegance of your seating arrangement. A coffee table can be as simple or elaborate as you choose, in any number of different historical periods and design eras.
What is an End Table?
End tables tend to muddy the waters when discussing a home décor overhaul, as do coffee tables, which perform the same role and appear very similar. Though distinct, the two can complement one another nicely in the right settings.
In contrast to coffee tables, which are typically placed in front of a sofa, end tables are typically placed on each side of the sofa, thus the alternate name “side tables”. They can also be placed behind the sofa. They’re not the same length as the couch’s seat, but rather their arms.
This is so that you can see the person across from you without being obstructed by an end table. You can still use them for resting your drink, setting down a lamp, displaying decorative items, or whatever else you need them for.
What Differentiates the End Table?
Are you familiar with the sight of a loveseat or couch accompanied by two stools that serve as end tables? So, you’re familiar with an end table, right? These tables are the ideal finishing touch for any room. They are like the icing on the cake; wherever they are placed, they bring the room to life and complement whatever furniture is already there.
While they may be placed at the back of a couch or chair, these table designs nonetheless manage to be both practical and attractive. If you put a small table at each end of a couch, you can utilize it for a variety of purposes. They are often small in stature and have a limited surface area.
As a table, they bring food and drink within easy reach of a couch or sofa. A scented candle, coffee tray, glass of juice, magazine, electronics, and TV remotes all find a home there.
Comparing Coffee Table vs End Table
You can do a lot more with end tables than coffee tables. They’re both, however, excellent beverage holders. However, you should never visit a home without at least one coffee table or end table in the main house. In order to furnish a room attractively and effectively, it is crucial to understand the roles played by various pieces of furniture, such as end tables and coffee tables.
✔ Coffee Table vs End Table Designs
It’s crucial to get coffee and end tables that fit well with the design of your living area. Find a table design that harmonizes with the rest of your furnishings.
Different Styles of Coffee Table
Coffee tables are a focal point in the family room or living room, so it’s important to find one that goes with the existing decor. Remember that it is difficult to make a bad decision in this situation.
Your coffee table deserves your full attention if you care about aesthetics, as you clearly do if you’ve made it this far. A random table from the store will not do. Don’t forget to consider how well it blends in with the current aesthetic. Thinking about the house architecture wherein you place the coffee table is an essential factor to consider.
Some examples of widely adopted patterns are as follows:
✸Cottage Style
Cottage or country getaway, these coffee table styles are at home in either. In general, cottages have a down-to-earth, unassuming, and humble vibe.
✸Industrial Style
It is important for this type of table to convey an emotional response to the component being measured. The best examples of industrial coffee tables have a hewn, raw appearance and are made from a combination of metal and wood. A coffee table with an industrial look complements the more relaxed decor.
✸Mid-Century Modern Style
An excellent example of a well-liked classic style, this table has been around for quite some time. Design elements from that era, the ’50s, and ’60s are heavily utilized. They have simple designs that stand out thanks to their bentwood and sleek lines.
✸Parson Style
Another example of a timeless style. The four legs are also thick and flush with the ground. In the 1930s, Ray Parsons designed a coffee table that has endured in style to this day.
✸Modern and Contemporary Style
Every coffee table style made since the end of the 19th century is considered modern. It should not be mistaken for a modern coffee table, which typically refers to trendy furniture. The latter tend to have bare, minimalist interiors with bright, eye-catching decorations.
Various End Tables Design
It’s been established that coffee tables and end tables vary greatly in terms of aesthetics. Time may be required to locate an appropriate end table or group of end tables. When the dust settles and the final touches have been added to your home, you’ll be glad you put in the effort.
For a variety of end table designs and styles that have received great marks from customers, see the following side-by-side comparison:
✸Drum Style
End tables in the shape of a drum are both contemporary and durable. They are notoriously dense and sturdy. As their shape is cylindrical, this makes sense. Drum end tables are a great choice if you’re trying to make the most out of a limited amount of floor space. While metal and wood are common materials for these tables, that doesn’t imply they have to be bulky or boring.
✸C Style
The C-shaped end table is a contemporary addition to the furniture category. Their style is easy on the eyes yet highly original. Cantilevered legs are a common feature of C-shaped end tables. The most frequent material for this end table style is metal, but wood is also a popular option. Its distinctive C-shaped legs and top are the inspiration for the name.
✸Nesting Style
Although there is a wide range of sizes and styles available, most nesting tables are either rectangular or square in outline. The reason behind this is that these tables are made to be stacked efficiently and with minimal effort.
✸Tray-Top Style
The origin of tray-top end tables may be traced back to the 1950s, but modern examples are far far from their dated, plastic-looking forebears. They have taken on a more contemporary, fashionable feel in recent years, making them worthy of serious consideration as a fixed fixture in your living room.
✸Floating Style
When viewed from the perspective of making efficient use of available space, floating end tables might be considered an inventive design choice. This is due to the fact that they do not actually take up very much room on the floor.
✸Trunk Style
An end table made from a trunk is something you might find if you scout out flea markets and garage sales often. There aren’t many alternative designs for end tables that can match their old-world elegance and sophistication.
✔ Coffee Table and End Table Shape
When looking for accent tables, it’s also crucial to consider the coffee table’s or end table’s shape. The form and size you choose should correspond to the available area. It can be any shape that works with the rest of your decor.
The most important thing to think about when deciding on a shape is whether or not it will fit in the area beside or in front of your couch. In addition to their varied surface materials, coffee and end tables come in a wide variety of shapes.
- Cuboidal
- Freeform
- Hexagon
- Kidney
- Novelty
- Octagon
- Oval
- Rectangle
- Round
- Square
- Triangle
- Wedge
✔ Size of Coffee Table vs End Table
To begin with, the space required for an end table is far less than that of a coffee table. Because of its diminutive stature, an end table’s top is typically quite small. The size and form of a coffee table are different from those of an end table.
Height Comparison
Differences in height are the most obvious characteristic of coffee or end tables.
Coffee tables are typically much lower to the ground than their end table counterparts. Most coffee tables are designed to be much smaller than a sofa. A coffee table should be between one and two inches lower in height than the seat of your couch. Therefore, the common coffee table height is between 16 and 18 inches.
However, end tables are typically built to be several inches taller than side tables. The ideal height for a couch end table is 1 to 2 inches higher than the sofa arm. If the width of your sofa arm is 20 inches, you’ll need an end table that’s at least 22 inches in length. Depending on the length of the sofa arm, end tables are typically between 20 and 30 inches in height.
✔ Coffee Tables and End Tables Material
The primary consideration should be the table’s substance, whether a coffee table or an end table. Your accent table’s price and the way it fits into the room’s design will depend on the material it’s made of. The glass top of the coffee table will not attract as much attention as a dark wood one placed in the middle of the room.
Many different materials can be used to create a coffee table and an end table such as the following:
- Concrete
- Fabric
- Faux Leather
- Faux Marble
- Glass
- Laminate
- Leather
- Manufactured Wood
- Marble
- Metal
- Mirror
- Plastic
- Stone
- Tile
- Wicker and Rattan
- Wood
✔ Each Table’s Purpose
There are numerous functional distinctions between coffee and end tables. Multifunctional pieces of furniture include things like coffee tables. In addition to improving the room’s aesthetics, it serves a number of practical functions. You can also use coffee tables as extra storage space.
Additionally, the top of a coffee table is an ideal spot for guests to place their beverages and snacks. Use it to display your prized possessions or to host a large event. Some coffee tables may also hold a number of stools, allowing for even more seating.
Conversely, the end table is just a miniature couch table. Primarily, it serves to make the living room look fuller. A lamp, a vase of flowers, or a small library of books are common items to display on an end table’s top. As such, their primary function is purely ornamental.
✔ Price Difference
Even if the price difference between coffee tables and end tables might be substantial depending on the style and construction, it’s indeed safe to conclude that the former will cost you more. As was said before, coffee tables are distinguished by their size and aesthetic appeal.
The value of all these extras is reflected in the asking price. If you want a coffee table that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, you may expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $500.
End tables are typically less expensive than coffee tables because they are both smaller and less eye-catching. A high-quality end table will only set you back a fifth of the cost of a coffee table. Good quality end tables may be had for under $100.
The Best Way to Pick a Table for Your Room
Both the location of the table and its intended purpose are crucial factors. Having a few of these tables in your outdoor space can be useful even if you don’t plan on using them much. No matter your outdoor or indoor style, a table lamp, side table, coffee table, or bedside is always a safe bet.
Should You Combine Your Coffee and End Tables?
Whether or not you get an end table to complement your coffee table is a personal preference. There are situations where a collection of mismatched tables works wonderfully. On the other hand, a mishmash of tables can signal a serious flaw in the layout.
Even so, here is some excellent advice on how to blend disparate styles tastefully:
- Put cherry and oak together, or use the same wood but in a different stain, if you’re going with wooden tables. In case you opt for metal, put bronze and silver together, or gold and copper together.
- Mix and match unusual shapes; for example, if you have a spherical coffee table, you may go with square end tables. Alternatively, pair a square end table with a round coffee table.
- Experiment with other materials; a wooden coffee table and metal end tables are not your only options. There’s no rule saying your coffee table and end tables have to be the same material.
The ability to successfully mix and match furnishings is a learned skill for interior designers. Ultimately, go with what appeals to your sense of style. Those in need of motivation will find what they’re looking for here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does using end tables as coffee tables work?
Because of this trend, furniture makers are increasingly producing multi-functional pieces including cocktail tables, side tables, and end tables. These little tables are perfect for setting down a drink or snack, but they are also portable and easy to store away when not in use.
Q: Do you use the term “side table” interchangeably with “coffee table?”
The tabletops of side tables are normally round or square, and they can be purchased singly or in pairs to border a sofa. It is perfect to decorate your side tables. A coffee table is often shorter in height than a sofa’s accompanying side table.
Q: How does a coffee table serve any purpose?
Typically placed in a living room, a coffee table serves as a surface for drinks, television remotes, magazines, books (especially large, graphical coffee table novels), and decorative pieces.
Q: Should sofas always have end tables?
End tables can enrich a living area or family room. Keep in mind the end table’s intended purpose, but also consider its aesthetic value and how it will reflect your sense of style when making your final selection.
Summing Up
A table is an essential addition to any living area or den. Guests won’t have to risk breaking their fragile glassware by setting it down on the floor but rather on a nearby table or counter. While a coffee table is a must for many households, an end table may not be.
It’s possible that you might get away with just one of these tables in your living room and yet achieve a stylish and practical design. A coffee table is typically placed in front of a sofa, loveseat, or group of chairs, whereas an end table is typically placed next to the arms of a chair or sofa. Each kind of table can be made in a wide range of sizes and styles from a wide range of materials. Just make sure the dimensions of the tables above are appropriate for your sofa before making a purchase.
