The Search for Unique Antique Coffee Tables
Why Do People Love Antique Coffee Tables?
People who are aware of their history tread on the path of life with certainty and preparedness for the future. We have reverence for the past and the culture and tradition that prevailed within its limits. The artistic creations produced by these classical cultures are highly regarded by many because of their beauty and characteristics.
They have surpassed ephemeral trends and production limitations and they have emerged in today’s time as unrivaled and timeless art pieces. Some of them provide utilitarian functions while others are appreciated for their decorative purposes. There are also a few of these art forms that serve both functions and one of them is grouped into furniture designs. Furniture pieces have been around to provide convenience for people as early as the Egyptian period and their decorative appeal continue to be developed and enhanced until today. One evident example of this phenomenon is the welcome presence of antique coffee tables in our contemporary living rooms. Their outstanding features and superb craftsmanship make them successful representations of the historical periods from when they were first created.
Coffee tables are an indispensable fixture in the homes of many people. There are coffee tables that have storage spaces integrated in their designs, as well as several layered parts for the display of ornamental home objects such as figurines, magazines, vases, etc. They also serve as an integral part of the design of the living room because of its central location in the interior. Most people are drawn to the eye-catching design of the coffee table and it often becomes a subject of conversation when entertaining guests. It is wonderful if you find the perfect coffee table for your living room set or lounge furniture set especially if it has an interesting appeal. Antique coffee tables possess both the functional and aesthetic characteristics that you need for such a significant piece of furniture. Most of the pieces are beautifully made with elaborate carvings and incredible overall style. They were made decades or centuries ago, and over time may have adorned some of the most grand and elegant salons, boudoir and parlors of beautiful, classical homes. Time and history have made them exquisite and valued works of art of today.
Antique wood coffee tables
Wood was indeed the primary material used for furniture making centuries ago and that is why there is an abundance of antique coffee tables made of all kinds of wood. The rich and durable solid woods that were often used were mahogany, oak, rosewood, pine and walnut. Some of them were finished using solid paint but the majority of these coffee tables showed off the natural grains of the wood material because the makers considered the raw and beautiful characteristics of the wood. The French coffee table designs that dated as early the 14th century have very elaborate and intricate detailing. For the rectangular-shaped tables, stretchers were employed for stability and also as an added detail to the legs of the tables. The rounded ones had circular bases for some while others made use of three separate legs with carved ball and claw feet. The legs were treated with carvings, turnings, flutings, inlays and other complicated designs that made them appear well-crafted and carefully designed. The skilled furniture makers and designers of that time where commissioned by royals to design the furniture pieces for their palaces and religious churches and basilicas, so the designs had to be grand and auspicious.
Antique metal coffee tables
Combinations of materials in the manufacture of antique coffee tables are quite remarkable. Metal coffee tables, with a hint of wood detail, and natural stone tops are very interesting designs. A brass coffee table with an expensive white marble top is an outstanding piece of furniture. It exudes elegance and sophistication that is well-suited for equally exquisite armchairs and sofas. For a contemporary living room, this coffee table design will also adapt well because metal and marble are timeless materials. Even with thin, curved feminine legs, they will be a great choice for a chic and classy living room set. Another metallic material that was used for antique coffee tables is wrought iron. The thin and malleable wrought iron makes it an excellent candidate for twisting and bending, thus coffee table designs that were produced using this particular material tended to be detailed with swirling curves that showed the S-form as often as possible.
Chinese antique coffee tables
The oriental styles in furniture pieces have always been unique and distinguishable with their own trademark designs. It is no different with their coffee tables. The antique coffee tables designed centuries ago are identifiable because of the exquisite inlays and lacquer work designs on them. They are finished in the most vivid hues of red and orange. Black coffee tables are also quite common but the details in them are far from being ordinary. These coffee tables are usually low in height compared to their western counterparts. Some of the simpler designs had a distinct monkey’s paw motif on their legs and they were made with fretwork and repetitive geometrical carvings that are somewhat busy details, but are characteristically oriental or Chinese.
Antique trunk coffee tables
The designs of antique trunk tables are very interesting. They are fascinating as coffee tables because they have the appearance of a valuable treasure chest and when situated in the middle of living room, that can be quite a captivating design. You would be drawn to the mystery of what’s within the old rustic container or simply be enthralled by the history of its survival though the centuries. They are functional pieces of furniture because you can store anything within them from magazines, books, toys and other little ornaments and trinkets that are just scattered around the living room. They can be the convenient temporary trash bin for all the mess in the home if you happen to have an unexpected visitor. Some of the antique trunk tables are made of unpolished wood with exposed hardware that consists of bolts, nuts and hinges. They are carved with simple, utilitarian horizontal and vertical lines but others have a more feminine treatment with curved and floral designs. The rare ones made of leather and wood with exposed nail heads as their decorative touch is very quaint and resemble a traveling suitcase that were fashionable during the 19th century and even until today. There are also designs which have real drawers which make them easier to manage as a storage space since you wouldn’t have to take the lid off in order to get the things inside.
Art Deco Antique Coffee Tables
It is wonderful to own a unique coffee table with a distinct eclectic design that can stand out as an accent piece in your living room. Antique Art Deco coffee tables have an identifiable look that can be compared to no other. Their most distinguishable feature is the glossy finished wood marquetry detail. The clear finish shows the exquisite patterns and the natural shade of the solid wood material. The shapes of the Art Deco coffee tables are as diverse as their styles. They have their unique design of round and rectangular shapes but they also have polygonal ones that challenge the artistry of superb and one-of-a-kind designs.
Category: old collectibles, second hand furniture
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