I think we hacked through this topic before...
I can't remember the thread though. I have decided that a good coffee/cocktail table is about the most horrific item to purchase that a modernist can imagine. I have been looking for literally *years* and still have not found 'the one'. It always seems to me that they are too something. Short, tall, decorated, stylized, disfunctional...blahblahblah, ad nauseum. Right now I am using a round one I bought on closeout at Target for $37USD. It's a white melamine covered disk supported on a wooden tripod that connects in the center. I immediately painted out the whitewashed finish to a nice matt charcoal. It was one of their guest designer collection items. Can't remember the guy's name... Thomas something. It's not really my style but it's simple and functional and it'll do for now. Although I wish it had a second shelf or a drawer. We've decided to go with a cowhide rug in the living room. Once we have that in place I'll go shopping for the right glass coffee table to work with it. I've considered the iconic Noguchi table as it should be nice with the cowhide. A George Nakashima piece would be heavenly as well. Heck, I may just design something myself and work with my Dad to produce it. Has anyone ever bought one of these things they REALLY love?
I have a 5' Nelson bench,...
I have a 5' Nelson bench, and I love it aesthetically. It's a bitch to use though. It causes wobbly coasters and when I play cards in the living room they always fall through the slats. This was one of the first pieces I saved for and bought and I didn't consider function at all. However, i just can't ever seem to find the one that satisfies both my aesthetic and functional requirements.
Someone has suggested putting glass on top. That just seems like it would ruin it's airy persona.I would love something with a glass top and bottom shelf, or two tier that uses a laminate on top. A drawer would be awesome too. Nothing seems to fit, though.
I thought about using a one level two bay Eames storage unit before with a wooden back, two drawer on one side and open on the other. That seems like it might appear strange though, I have never seen it done. A one bay completely open might be cool too. Thoughts?
Olive........
Hi Olive,
Did your Target coffee table look the one in this link?
http://www.accurato.com/catalog/gueridon_bas_coffee_table_by_jean_prouve...
right now
I'm using a 36-inch square glass-top table I got on clearance online from DWR - for $160, if you can believe that. (The accompanying side table was just $70).
I wish the coffee table had a shelf or a drawer, because I don't have a whole lot of storage in my living room.
I do have a preference for glass or metal (e.g., cafe tables) table tops, because of their durability. I don't like using coasters or placemats, and I plop my feet/legs on both the coffee table and dining table (after dinner is done and dining table is cleared, I recline my dining chair back on its two hind legs and rest feet on dining table while finishing off the rest of the wine - I know, not very classy image).
You rarely ever see a coffee...
You rarely ever see a coffee table with a drawer. With how many people own TVs in the living room it seems like it would be a given that someone would design one to hold remotes, TV guides, DVDs etc.
As for durable tops, I like the Saarinen tulip, the Nelson swag, Noguchi, Barcelona, etc. Still no extra shelf or storage ... and I still like the Nelson benches aesthetic better....
I loooooooooove the Nelson bench
It's my favorite piece ever. I have one 5' natural top but I never considered using it as a coffee table for exactly the reasons you mention, whitespike. I have it in my bedroom with a small IKEA Noguchi-style lamp and a glass vase on it. Basically, I just look at it. The cats like to play slap and tickle through the slats at each other so at least someone here gets some use out of it.
Ikea
Ikea has a nice coffee table - the Magiker line. It is simple, has a glass top and a space beneath for remotes, magazines, coffeetable books. I believe it comes in a square configuration as well as a rectangle so you've got some versatility.
Personally I'm prone to setting stuff on anything with a flat surface, so I prefer just a single surface coffee table. That way I have no option of filling the bottom of it. The remote and the coasters sit conspicuously on the corner - they are there to be used, after all.
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I'm in love with...
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I'm in love with the-
Tavolo Con Ruote Mobile Coffee Table http://www.retromodern.com/item_detail.asp?2490.
I've lusted for one for years. When I first discoved it, I was too poor to acquire one. My wife agreed at one time in the past that I could get one, but now that we're working on a child, she has, understandable, raised concern that a toddler could bang his/her head on thew low, sharp glass corners. Besides, the living room in our new home is long and narrow. We've opted for no coffee table at all.
The Tavolo table has actually become a bit of an inspiration for my career. Now that I cannot have one at home, I'm striving to get a job where I have an office large enough to have a lounge area that I can purchase one of these for my office.
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But for your needs, the Tavolo wouldn't do, because you want some shelf space built into that table... but nothing that will leave rings, like a drinking glass on wood... In that case, I have something that may work for you:
The C&C Coffee Table is somewhat similar, likely inspired by, the Tavolo table, but has a shelf, and rounded edged. This may be something that could meet your needs.-
C&C Tavolino Coffee Table with Castors http://www.retromodern.com/item_detail.asp?7717.
Best of luck in your search!
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http://www.retromodern.com/item_detail.asp?7717.
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