The Many Uses of Tables

Tables are functional furniture; they are meant to be used. You might place a table next to the couch and display a sculpture on it, but the table is really there so that you have a place to set your book and coffee cup. Modern tables have simple, uncluttered lines. With no ornamentation to distract you, the quality of the piece and attention to detail are obvious. In a contemporary room, tables can take center stage with unusual shapes, bright colors or unusual details, or they can nearly disappear. Tables fall into three functional categories: eating tables, work tables and accent tables.

Eating Tables

Eating is a social function that communicates nurture and care. The table is central to social eating. You may set a formal table for several friends and associates, or it may be a tiny bistro table for you and your honey. The table you choose communicates more than your style. A beautiful polished wood table speaks of formality and substance. It looks solid and rich. On the other hand, a glass-topped table tells about your attention to detail (every fingerprint shows, and room details that are usually hidden show through), which says you care about the people and things in your life. An avant garde, brightly colored plastic table communicates that you are not conventional and that you like to have fun. These beautiful tables are rarely hidden under a tablecloth, but when necessary you can change the character of your dining area—the message you send—with a table covering. For instance, you might prefer an amoeba-shaped, citrus green table most of the time. If you need a more formal setting, you can cover it with a beautiful cloth and add flowers and candles. There is a recent trend in contemporary rooms toward higher tables, tables that are bar or counter height. Sometimes you see even taller tables that are standing height. Large tables should be conventional height. The taller the table is, the smaller it should be. Bar height tables usually seat two to four, and standing tables have room for one or two people to have coffee and a roll before hurrying out the door.

Work Tables

Desks are a type of table, and tables make good desks. Work tables should be clean and functional, and the table you choose depends on what it will be used for. A kitchen table that is used for cooking might be made of wood or easy-to-clean acrylic. A computer table will hide wires and cables. Work tables are chosen for function, not for what they communicate

Accent Tables

Accent tables are usually lower than eating or working tables, but not always. They're generally the right height to hold a lamp for task lighting. Accent tables are usually positioned so that they "catch" something. For instance, an end table is positioned so that there is a place to put a book or cup while you're sitting. A bedside table might hold a lamp and book for in-bed reading. A small table in the entry way might be the place to put your keys. Like dining tables, accent tables can add substance to the room, or they can disappear. You can have fun with these tables; fanciful end tables are just as useful and plain ones. There are many different modern table designs. When you're choosing one or more for your room, think first of function. Make sure the table will do what you need it to. Then choose a table that fits your decorating style and your personal style.