The Timeless Appeal of the Coffee Table

In the early 1900’s F.Stuart Foote, founder of the American Imperial Furniture company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, claimed to have invented the coffee table whilst helping his wife prepare for a party. He simply lowered the legs of an existing dining table to make a centerpiece from which coffee could be served. However, Foote’s claim to this invention is disputed by many and in fact, the humble coffee table is likely to have emerged from a much more complex set of historical and social circumstances. Here at Kassavello, we love to understand the story behind each of the pieces in our collection – from their historical roots through to innovative methods of craftsmanship that enable the creation of exquisite pieces.

Tea tables are known to have been in existence since the 1720s – typically a tall and usually round piece of furniture, they were used to host social gatherings in the home, not only to serve tea, which had become a popular import from the far east, but also cocktails. By contrast, the first coffee tables were much lower – at around 45cm in height. Professional interior designers working during the 1900s seized upon this new form as its low height made it perfect for enhancing a small space, suiting both upper and middle-class homes where coffee had dethroned tea as the social drink of choice.

– A Kelly Wearstler Living Room project

For a balanced proportion, a coffee table should be approximately two-thirds of the length of your sofa. Fitting the bill perfectly for sitting areas of different sizes is the sublime Ray coffee table which can be used individually or coupled with the smaller Ray side table to enhance a more substantial space. The three delicate rays create an exquisite design feature to the tabletop and offer a wealth of creative possibilities through customization with a range of marbles, metals, and woods. This unique silhouette offers a perfect complement to a modern space. Shown here in a light bronze structure with a Nero Marquina and marron vita marble tops respectively.

Just as they did over 100 years ago, a striking coffee table can still create a strong focal point within a living space. The asymmetrical design of the Eileen coffee table combines intrigue with practicality deliberately designed to create movement and ‘peak a boo’ moments as the piece is circled. Our exclusive smooth lacquer finish adds ambience and flair befitting any social space.

The Ipanema Coffee table features a lacquered top with a natural limed Oak with gradient effect base and beautiful light bronze details. This sophisticated design piece is the perfect addition to your living space. Expertly crafted using the finest materials this coffee table is part of the IPANEMA collection, inspired by the beautiful movement of the waves over the sand.

The lowlands of Scotland are called the Lallans and represent the integration and blending of many Scotch dialects. Taking inspiration from this principle the Lallan center table combines four different materials and finishes with harmonious precision, using an exquisite asymmetrical design to create a unique focal point in any living space.

As with Kassavello’s whole portfolio of furniture, the Lallan can be reinterpreted to any specification, using different materials and finishes. We recently completed a beautiful Lallan table for a very special client in Kuwait using a variety of stone, RAL, and brass finish creating a showstopping piece for their family living room.

You may also like to read about: “The Art of Entertaining”

Revisiting the Brazilian design and popular music from this culture, Bossa collection was born. A composition that includes a set of two coffee tables and one side table. Bossa square coffee table features a high gloss mahogany solid wood combined with natural cane and glass at the top.

On the other side, the Bossa rectangular coffee table features a structure in natural oak.

To view more stunning coffee tables by wonderful Portuguese designers, take a look through our website.  And don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.  We would be delighted to hear from you.