The ABCs of tables
There are many types of tables to suit different spaces. The challenge is understanding their sizes, dimensions, uses, and terminologies. Whether you’re working with an interior designer or choosing on your own, it helps to know what you’re selecting.
Here are some common table terms in interior design, along with my favorite tables to match.
CONSOLE TABLE
A console table is usually placed against a wall by an entranceway, foyer, or an empty wall. It typically has four legs, though some versions have two legs with bracket support, or are cantilevered without any legs at all.
This is usually sexy, can define the look of the space, and goes well with an artwork or a mirror. Nowadays, consoles have also become more functional, especially when designed with storage underneath, often used for shoes when placed near the main door.
SIDE TABLE
A side table is typically placed beside a chair, sofa, or any available corner of a space. For me, it can be an accent piece. The finish can be more dramatic and bold compared to other tables since it’s more versatile. Side tables are often movable, doubling as a snack table, laptop stand, and more. They come in various shapes and forms: round, square, pedestal-style, or with legs.
COFFEE TABLE
Coffee tables are functional pieces used in the living room, surrounded by lounge chairs and sofas. This is where books and decorative pieces are displayed, and often become the center of interaction, where charcuterie trays are set during cocktail parties.
The bigger the coffee table, the greater the interaction it encourages, though of course it must be proportionate to the size of the living room and the surrounding furniture.
Coffee tables can be round, oval, octagonal, square, even organic. I especially love designs with storage underneath. My coffee tables are always filled with books that are constantly in use.
NESTING TABLE
Nesting tables consist of two or more tables in graduated sizes. I love using these since I can place different objects on each table with varying heights and no matter what, they look good. They’re stackable, movable, space-saving, and versatile. Nesting tables can be made in a variety of finishes such as stone, glass, metal, wood, and more.
DINING TABLE
Everyone has a dining table in their home. This serves as a work table as well.
BUFFET TABLE/SIDEBOARD/CREDENZA
Three terms for one kind of furniture piece–the only real difference is height when it comes to a credenza, which is typically shorter. In less technical terms, all three serve similar purposes, though credenza is more commonly used in corporate interiors.
Buffet tables, meanwhile, are great for homes, since these are used for parties. They also provide storage for flatware and tableware and are usually placed near the dining area. I recommend choosing a buffet table that looks distinct from your dining table to give the room a more interesting look. Some table lamps can give it some drama.
END TABLE
End tables are placed at the left or right side of the sofa or both. They serve the same purpose as side tables or nesting tables.
DRINK TABLE
These tables are a bit more sophisticated than usual because they’re allowed to be! These are meant to hold your favorite cocktail. The height should sit comfortably across your lounge chair or sofa.
PEDESTAL TABLE
This table shows the size of a space–normally situated in the middle of an entrance for a grand approach. It has a single pedestal leg and usually more ornate, has a decorative top, and can fearlessly stand out in a room. This is the table seen in a hotel lobby that has a grand floral arrangement on top except that it’s used for a home.
BEDSIDE TABLE/NIGHTSTAND
The most underrated table is actually one of the most important: the bedside table. It should have storage, the right height to match your bed and mattress, and a spacious surface for all your knickknacks. Ideally, it could even include a drawer with a fingerprint-lock vault for everyday jewelry. Sometimes, lighting controls are also integrated into this furniture.
VANITY TABLE
This table is designed for bedrooms, bathrooms, or walk-in closets, with a dedicated space for make-up and personal grooming. It comes with a big mirror with good artificial lighting, drawers, and other types of storage. It’s best to integrate power outlets into the table or drawers for easy use of hair dryers and curlers. I normally place these tables where the windows are for better make up lighting.
GAME TABLES
Game tables in residences usually include mahjong tables, billiard tables, ping pong tables, and card tables–maybe, poker tables can be counted as well. These come in a wide variety of specifications.
For card tables, I prefer the leather kind, while for mahjong, I like them more stylized. Billiard tables are quite standard, though they can also come in pure glass or acrylic. I like my card and billiard tables customized in leather by Prizmic and Brill, a local company specializing in leather furniture for export. They even made a whole elevator car interior for me in leather–but I’ll save that story for another write-up.
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
