In the design world we often find useful multi-purpose pieces of furniture that fit into every context that aren’t given proper recognition. In a discreet way they create harmony in the environment, filling those physical or perceptual gaps that can spoil a perfectly good design.
The coffee table is one of those pieces: we often take it for granted, but it’s fundamental and useful in many places. It’s the ultimate connecting element between sofa, armchairs and poufs, and offers a useful supporting surface.
The doctor’s waiting room, the hotel’s lounge and welcome area, the executive office, the office’s reception and the home’s living room: it’ s hard to imagine these places without this small and practical piece of furniture where people meet, work and socialise.
So: what makes it so special?
The functionality is obvious: coffee tables allow you to place objects on them effortlessly, without having to move from the sofa or the seat on which you are relaxing. It can be a drink, a magazine or – when in the office – even your laptop, thanks to integrated sockets that guarantee connection and operability.
The most important task of this piece of furniture, however, is to entertain and make whoever enters the space feel confortable, regardless of the context. It’s a welcoming element that invites you to relax and wait in comfort, or that promotes conversation in a more informal and convivial manner.
Creative corporate spaces with the right coffee table
Nowadays office furniture prerogatives and requirements have changed. They have to cater for increasingly creative and sophisticated corporate spaces, and also (and above all) consider human relationships.
When designing a modern designer office, even the details tell a story about the company, its culture and its values. This is where the accessories and the designer’s eye come into play.
The choice of materials, the right colour palettes, art pieces and small furnishings are essential to create a cohesive and original environment. The coffee table falls into this category, thanks to its sophisticated and imaginative design, which is recognisable at first glance.
Creativity is not only a design factor: with coffee tables you can reconfigure spaces as needed, giving new life to lounges and receptions that welcome visitors and digital nomads. The workplace is a dynamic space!
How to choose the right coffee table
The unwritten “rules” that guide people in choosing a home coffee table can also be useful in the office context.
To promote ergonomics, the coffee table should be placed at least 35cm away from the seat, but not further away than 60cm. This metric is useful in assessing the size of the furniture when designing the floor plan.
The dimensions of the tables have increased in relation to some years ago, and often tables can be placed in side by side compositions, in order to form real islands. Once the size range has been defined, the style and material can be identified.
As an alternative to the coffee table, it’s possible to choose poufs or ottomans with different functions, either for support or as a seat. The options are endless: the important thing is to always have in mind the result you want to achieve.
The extra touch are the coffee table books, often left in view so that the guest can flick through them and admire them: there is always an opportunity to whet your curiosity!
