The coffee table is a large and prescient object, which tends to dominate the nature of the living room or den that it is placed into. Acting almost like the spine of the space a coffee table, also known as a cocktail table, will both set the standard for the flow of movement through the room, as well as the nature of interactions within it. In the following we will discuss a number of intriguing options you have for this prominent piece, as well as ways to explore your own creativity with this versatile items.

First and most obvious, the coffee table is a platform that can be used to display a variety of things. Statues, candles, and other decorative arrangements can all act as the centerpiece for these tables, making it act more like a pedestal than a functional surface. However you need to be careful, because adding too many items to the surface of these pieces can result in the room taking on a close and cluttered feeling which can make the entire space feel a little claustrophobic.

The most common things to find on these pieces are books, works or art or literature, and magazines. Often a variety of reading materials will be spread across the surface, waiting for people to peruse their insightful insides. This has a dual purpose. Not only does it add an inherent recreational function to the room, but it also provides you with a place to display your inner personality in a very subtle way. The type of reading material you choose will demonstrate how your mind works, and where your intellectual leanings lie, so choose carefully.

A table cloth can also be used to dress up a coffee table. Traditionally used on dining or buffet tables to protect them from spills, a colorful cloth can be used to quickly splash attractive hues across the surface of these pieces. This can be done in a flat base color, which will allow you to coordinate it with other decorative pieces, or you can use a pattern and let the tablecloth set the tone for the entire room.

A coffee table is an important piece in your living room or den. Aside from being functional, it also tends to define the nature of the space. Decorating it with a cloth or various decorative items can allow you to enhance the effects of this piece, using it as a decorative pedestal to show off your style.