A coffee table by any other name....

Look outside of the box when it comes to a coffee table. I once had a client, for whom I found a fabulous antique trunk that they liked very much. I suggested that they use it for a coffee table, and they felt like they couldn't, because it was too high.

I am here today to tell you that there is no right or wrong height on a "coffee table." Sure- with an end table, you want it to fall at a natural level next to the arm of your furniture- not too high, not too low. But coffee tables are different. They can be higher than "normal" they can be narrower than "normal." They should have a good scale relationship with your furniture- but don't think that just because most furniture manufacturers make them around 18 inches high, that that is "right" and other sizes are "wrong." It's just not so. I was once antiquing with my brother-in-law and we found a fabulous "sugaring sled" (a sled that was used to move large buckets of maple syrup on the snow). It is a perfect coffee table, and compliments his Vermont heritage. I once found an antique bench from a monastery. Long and thin, yes- but still- another perfect coffee table. I love the interest that comes to a room when you are able to beautifully combine the old with the new. It is such a timeless design when done well.

It's Saturday!! Go garage sale-ing, go to flee markets, go antiquing. Have fun! And e-mail me and show me what you find! (Karl- if you ever read my blog- e-mail me a picture of your sled!)

This photo is from Coastal Living, June 2008, Designer: Patrick Sutton.