Furniture Glossary: Tables

This piece, also called a cocktail table is a long low table with four legs that is placed in front of a sofa. It is used to hold glasses, books, magazines or sometimes feet. There are almost as many varieties of coffee table shapes and sizes as there are feet. Coffee tables can also have a cabinet under the top for storage.

Longer and higher than a typical variety, these tables are generally used against a wall or behind a sofa. They feature a longer flat surface and narrower legs.

Like its name suggests, this furniture piece is used primarily for eating. It is comprised of a long, wide flat surface supported by four legs. The height (waist level) is ideal for eating or reading and writing. Most dining tables do not have drawers but certain styles may have shallow ones at the shorter ends. Some dining tables have removable "leaves" that can be added to the table so that more people can sit around the space. Dining tables can be made of wood, glass, plastic, metal, or really any sold material. Image courtesy of Troy Beasley.

Used interchangeably, an end of side table is a small, low table typically placed on either (or both) ends of a sofa. They may hold lamps for reading or serve as a place to set drinks down on coasters. Image courtesy of RMSer nydesignguy.