12 Pedestal Coffee Tables: Elevate Your Living Space

A Unique & Eye-Catching Table

Because of their eye-catching design, these tables make great accent pieces for living rooms. They offer many advantages in shape and function, making a room feel spacious and light. Pedestal tables usually have a broad top, a wide base, and a tall, narrow stem. These tables have existed in our living rooms in various forms for centuries.

History at the JFK International Airport

If you have read interior design blogs, you may have seen photos from the infamously well-designed 1962 TWA Flight Center reimagined as part of the TWA Hotel at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. If you go back and look at those photos today, you'll see that most of the tables were, in fact, pedestal tables spread throughout the common areas. These tables that became famous during the 1960s and 1970s were designed by Knoll furniture designer Eero Saarinen.

5 Reasons We Like the Pedestal Shape

This coffee table offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. Here are some key advantages of having this coffee table:

1. Space-Saving Design: These coffee tables feature a single central support, eliminating the need for multiple legs. This design allows for better space utilization, especially in smaller living areas where bulky furniture can cramp the space. The absence of legs also provides more legroom and makes it easier to move around the table.
2. Visual Appeal: The sleek and streamlined design of a coffee table creates a visually appealing focal point in the room. With its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, it adds a touch of elegance and modernity to any interior decor style. The absence of cluttered legs can contribute to an open and airy feel in the room.
3. Stability and Durability: The central support of these tables offers excellent strength and sturdiness. Unlike traditional coffee tables with multiple legs that can wobble or become uneven on uneven surfaces, these tables provide a solid and level surface for your drinks, books, or decor items. This stability ensures that your coffee table remains functional and reliable for daily use.
4. Versatility: You can find a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials, allowing for versatility in design and functionality. From round or square tops to different finishes and materials like wood, metal, or glass, you can find a coffee table that suits your style and complements your existing furniture. Additionally, the absence of legs allows for more flexibility in positioning the table, making it easier to fit into various room layouts.
5. Ease of Cleaning: With no legs or intricate designs, cleaning these tables is a breeze. The simple and smooth surface can be easily wiped down, and there are no nooks or crannies where dust or debris can accumulate. This makes maintenance and upkeep hassle-free, allowing you to keep your coffee table looking clean and polished.

Overall, they offer space-saving benefits, visual appeal, stability, versatility, and ease of cleaning. Whether you have a small living space or prefer a modern, streamlined look.

Ideas For Styling

Styling any table can be exciting, as it offers a versatile and visually appealing focal point in your living space. Here are some tips on how to style them:

• Keep it Simple: Out-of-the-box, these tables have a minimalist design; it's best to keep the styling clean and uncluttered. Opt for a few carefully chosen items rather than overwhelming the table with too many accessories.
• Balance Heights and Proportions: Create visual interest by varying the heights of the items you place on the table. Mix and match taller objects like vases or candleholders with shorter decorative pieces or books to achieve a balanced and dynamic composition.
• Play with Shapes: Consider the shape of the table when selecting decorative items. Round tables can be complemented with circular trays, vases, or books. In contrast, square or rectangular tables can be balanced with objects of similar shapes.
• Decorative Tray or Centerpiece: Place a decorative tray or a visually appealing centerpiece on the table to anchor the arrangement. This can be a vase with fresh flowers, a sculptural piece, or a collection of objects that reflect your style.
• Books and Magazines: Stack a few coffee table books or magazines that align with your interests or reflect the room's overall aesthetic. This adds a decorative element and allows guests to peruse them.
• Greenery and Natural Elements: Introduce a touch of nature by incorporating potted plants or a small terrarium. Adding greenery brings freshness and a sense of tranquility to the space.
• Personal Touches: Showcase a few items or cherished objects with sentimental value. These can include family photographs in stylish frames, travel souvenirs, or unique pieces that tell a story.
• Artwork or Mirrors: Hang a miniature painting or a mirror on the wall above the coffee table. This can serve as a backdrop and add depth to the overall arrangement.
• Lighting: Add a table lamp or a small accent light to create an ambiance and a warm evening glow.
• Edit and Adjust: Regularly edit and adjust the styling of your table to keep it fresh and visually appealing. Experiment with different arrangements and items until you achieve a look that resonates with your style.

Balance, simplicity, and visual interest are vital in table styling. By incorporating a mix of heights, shapes, textures, and personal touches, you can create a beautifully styled coffee table that enhances the overall aesthetic of your living space.

Yes, There's a History to These Tables

The origin of the pedestal table can be traced back to ancient times. The concept of using central support to hold up a tabletop instead of multiple legs has been employed by various civilizations throughout history. The design of a single central column provides stability and greater flexibility in terms of seating and legroom.

One of the earliest instances can be seen in ancient Egyptian and Roman furniture. These tables often featured cylindrical or columnar support, sometimes embellished with decorative carvings. They were typically made from stone, such as marble or wood.

During the Renaissance period, these tables experienced a resurgence in popularity. Classical Greco-Roman design influenced Renaissance artisans to create intricate tables using materials like walnut and oak. These tables often showcased ornate carvings and exquisite craftsmanship.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, tables evolved in design and construction. With advancements in woodworking techniques, furniture makers could create more refined and elaborate tables. The styles varied across different regions, reflecting the prevailing design trends of the time, such as Rococo, Neoclassical, and Victorian.

In the modern era, these tables have remained a popular choice in furniture design. They are celebrated for their sleek and minimalist aesthetics, making them well-suited for contemporary and modern interiors. Materials like glass, metal, and high-quality woods, such as walnut and oak, are often used to create tables that blend functionality with elegance.

Today, you can find various shapes and sizes, including round, square, and rectangular. They are used in multiple settings, from dining rooms to living spaces and offices. These tables' versatility and enduring appeal make them a timeless and classic choice in furniture design.

From ancient civilizations to modern design, the concept of the central pedestal support has stood the test of time, providing stability, elegance, and versatility in furniture design.

Conclusion

A pedestal coffee table offers numerous advantages, making it a worthwhile addition to your living space. Its sleek and minimalist design adds a touch of elegance and modernity to any interior decor style. The central pedestal support provides stability and durability, ensuring a solid and level surface for your coffee table activities. They also offer more legroom, allowing for more effortless movement around the table. With their versatility in size, shape, and materials, you can find a coffee table that suits your style and complements your existing furniture. Whether you're looking for a functional centerpiece or a statement piece, a table that delivers both style and functionality.