Unique cocktail tables ( or coffee tables for most) often will be the first case good item we need to source or design- mostly because  spaces we design for living, whether casual or formal, will involve conversation. A critical component to civilized society despite the evidence to the contrary lately. To me conversation is only enhanced by a glass of wine! Or, for my teetotaler friends, a cup of good rich coffee.

Did you know that cocktail tables…

began with no reference at all to coffee but rather evolved from higher tea tables?   They eventually were replaced by tea trolleys. Sometime around the early 20’s the tea trolley gave way to the lower coffee table. Some credit a company called Imperial Furniture with increasing demand of the lower height tables and since around this time coffee was beginning to replace tea, it all makes sense.  As it goes, the lower table was more conducive to sitting in front of the sofa and setting down your coffee cup. After Prohibition ended, a new use for the lower tables came about and thus the cocktail table moniker was coined. ( how did they live without wine??) So the coffee table as we know it really is a newbie to the furniture world. Who knew?

What I loved! Not your momma’s table!

Some of my faves found on the High Point Market Design Blogger’s Tour where honestly the most interesting I saw in my 5 days at market. Liz is probably waiting right now by the phone to order one for you!  Which cocktail table is your favorite? 

Sexy marble topped table from Green Apple Home Find them here
Also from Green Apple Home– gorgeous table “pyrite”

From Universal furniture. I love the detailing here. Covered in a performance fabric no less! Learn more here
Metal and veneers. I have a penchant for magazines so always like the shelf underneath! This is simple in style but like the angled support for a new t

This is just beautiful in person. Also from Bernhardt, the candide. Learn more here.
Also a beautiful style from Bernhardt. Perfect for our coastal luxe post coming up! Bleached rustic figured walnut top.  Tarnished Nickel finish with  asymmetrical  tubular steel leg
The Artic from Bernhardt. Introduced last market and now available. Acrylic and steel.

Brass and distressed wood. Still a power combo.
Gray wood and glass…recycled. Love!

Satin walnut with acrylic. A stunner. Find more info here
High gloss white lacquer finish with white agate painted glass insert top and Polished brass finish stainless steel supports. This is one I just love!

From Michael Berman for Theodore Alexander! LOVE. Figured Volakas Marble Top Gilt Open Brushstroke Base. More info here

And by the way Michael Berman was ADORABLE. One of my all time favorite designers and lord that man knows his way around furniture. I was a tad miffed we only had a short time with him!

 

 I wanted to take him home.

Nesting Cocktail Tables Oak Solids & Quartered Oak Veneer
Sandalwood Finish
More asymmetrical lines!  Antiqued Open Grain Parquetry Top.
Offset Acrylic Panel Legs .Antique Brass Fittings. Shown in Limestone Finish. Heavily Distressed Surface. This gets TOP STYLE POINTS!

Lots more to love in color like this Fulton cocktail ottoman! Fabric by Design Legacy by Kelly Oneal
Also from Highland House. Honey bunch bunching tables in white oak and FUN colors! Find them here.

And if worried about the budget, what a surprise to find a few gems at Coaster Furniture in their  Scott Living Collection! 

Metal and glass. A great combo for simple style.
Wood and black drum base. I like this because is 22 inches high….slightly higher than normal and sometimes this is really needed

More this week on coastal luxe style! Until then,

Sponsored by Esteem Media and the various vendors associated with the tour. All opinions are my own.