You might know the difference between coffee table and cocktail table, but how about tea table? They seem similar to each other. In fact, they work remarkably in different situations. Let’s figure out the differences of them and pick up the right one for your home.
- Coffee table is evolved from the tea table and tends to be rectangular shape (when comparing with cocktail table, it is considered as generally round, so the shape is uncertain). It stands in front of the sofa. It originally serves for holding the coffee table books and people tend to bring them on the coffee table even though do not really read it.
- A tea table tends to be round and high, and placed on the side of sofa to serve the guests. Some tea table sets come with chairs, which would stand inside or outdoor as chatting table sets. Browse the following chart to spot the comparison of these tables.
Comparison Between Coffee Table and Tea Table
| Coffee Table | Tea Table | |
| Shape | mostly rectangular, square; some are oval | mostly circular |
| Dimension | generally 12 to 24 inches tall | 25 to 26 inches tall |
| Placement | in front of sofa, between sofa and TV stand | beside the sofa’s arm, or anywhere if coming with its own chairs |
| Function | Put coffee or other drinks | Hold tea sets, snacks or more |
| History | More modernized; started from 18th century. | Originated from 16th and 17th century |
| Price | Often more expensive than tea table | rather cheaper |
Why do you need a coffee table?
You may need a coffee table when:
- The space is narrow so a relatively space-saving table for standard table is appropriate.
- You’d like a fashionable piece for the modern interior area.
- Your family members prefer a rectangular or square shaped table.
- The empty space between sofa and TV stand needs a aesthetic piece to fulfill and add your personality.
Why do you need a tea table?
In most cases, the tea table can substitute for the coffee table but you can pick up a tea table as:
- Finding an versatile alternative to dining table to serve beverages.
- Looking for a tall table for enjoying tea time with friends.
- Fitting for your classic and vintage home style, or old-school lifestyle.
- Preferring a round tea table for your living room.
Which Table Should I Choose?
Nowadays, when you search coffee table or tea table, the search results will show you the similar results. Thus sometimes, you just pick up the right table based on your needs and preferences.
Pick with the Shapes of Coffee Tables/Tea Tables
【Durable】Sintered stone tabletop, wood veneer MDF body, and gold-plated stainless steel base provide stable construction and ensure durability.
【Spacious Storage】2 solid wood drawers provide large storage capacity.
【Modern】The stone patterns and golden pedestal add modernity to the indoors.
Explore the new coffee table designed by Italian Designers on Povison:
【Safe corners】The rectangular table striking a smooth and round silhouette protects against any bumps and injuries.
【Plenty of storage space】Four drawers and two open compartments.
【Easy to match】The wood and white color combination fits well for modern, MCM, new Chinese or Japanese style.
【Elegant Design】Featured with trapezoid design, or called drum shaped table, anyway, it is full of modernity and elegance.
【Pair to most colors】The white color with marble patterns can pair with any style of vase, decorative items, dinnerware and more.
【Stable】The integrated design and marble material ensure stability and provide 280 lbs weight capacity.
【Easy to clean】Wipe the stains up with wet soft cloth as soon as possible.
Pick with the Materials of Coffee Tables/Tea Tables
【Long Lifespan】The premium wood veneer, solid wood drawers and MDF body is eco-friendly and durable.
【Minimalist Style】Without special shape and decorative pattern, the wood patterns bring outdoors inside to get close to the nature.
【Easy to Clean】Also easily clean as the stone table. Wipe with a damp cloth.
【Live with Simplicity】No other complicated design and color combo of the glass top, it can suite for your “back to basic” lifestyle.
【Convenient to clean】The smooth glass tabletop can be cleaned up with ease and tapered legs leave space for dust absorption by the cleaning robot.
【Modern & MCM Choice】The glass tabletop with wooden drawers makes can make it perfect for mid century, contemporary and even futuristic style.
【Unique Design】The diamond-shaped table with marble patterns on the surface creates chic artistic sense to spaces.
【Timeless】Irregular shape of the table can range from vintage to modern and even futuristic home style.
【Large Weight Capacity】The faux marble material ensures 800 lbs weight bearing.
【Lifting Top Design】Here comes a versatile piece due to the lifting mechanism. The lift-top table is great for reading and writing or to provide extra space for holding items.
【Hidden Storage Space】The drawer and hidden compartment under the lifting top can keep your books, media gadgets organized.
【Space-Saving】The lower table can be nested under the higher table to save space in the small living room.
【Easy to Maintain】Sintered stone tabletop is resistant to heat, stain, and scratch. Thus it is perfect for placing hot tea or coffee.
Whether you opt for a coffee table or tea table, consider your space and home style before purchasing. Check how to pick up a living room table now.
