Coffee tables or what we now call cocktail tables, began in the Victorian era in Britain. These tables were a convenience for serving as they were low tables placed in front of furniture to support beverages and other small items. Low tables were also used in Japan during the Ottoman Empire and were referred to as tea tables. Coffee tables can be made in any style, old or new, and are still an important piece of furniture in our homes today.
The table shown here is in three parts, one large piece and two smaller ones. This is the Portofino table by Gregorius Pineo and is a great serving piece due to the flexibility of size.
See below for more examples of cocktail tables.
