Hello AT, We bought this nice black Copenhagen coffee table for our living room from Room and Board, but it just does not seem right for the space. Too big. Too black. And just plain too rectangular. We are planning to return it, and are looking for a new table "solution" for the room that will add interest and provide a convenient places for feet or drinks to rest...
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As a first step, we are thinking of moving the Indonesian wedding chest currently behind arm of chaise and replacing it with a glass or clear acrylic console, perhaps the "peekaboo console" from CB2.
But then what table or tables for the rest of the space? We need
something at far end or in front of sectional, and something by the arm chair. I like the idea of a couple cubes or other shapes that can be moved around, although do not have specific ideas.
I also like the idea of a round coffee table (large "tulip top" from west elm or large "classic" from room and board), but combined with what by the chair? Finally, small round tables have caught my eye ("unicycle glass" from CB2, "edit 20" from room and board and small "tulip table" from west elm). These would echo the Saarinen dining table in adjoining room. But if one of these is by the chair, what to put by the couch?
What would you recommend? Can you give me specific recommendations?
Many thanks,
Claudia
Dear Claudia,
You're quite right that your present coffee table doesn't work. It's too blocky and "dies" in the space, providing no visual flow. What you need is a table that is light, airy (to offset the heavy forms of the seating) and something that will give you some contrast.
Many tables could do this, but two that come to mind are:
Parsons table with Travertine top from Crate and Barrel
Congo Side Table from Crate and Barrel for right beside the armchair
Anyone else??
My favorite "go to" coffee table is the Barcelona.
If both "arms" of your sofa are the same length, I'd suggest a square table. And glass would let more of the rug show.
But I also think styling could save that coffee table. Get a lighter wood, painted wood, or metal tray on top of that sucker before you send it back. Break up the dark expanse.
Plus, it looks like your style is slightly more worldly/traditional than a big super modern dark piece.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
Also like this one, from Crate & Barrel, for your room:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=950&f=24426
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
I suggest a round table. Try Room and Board and DWR.
view madchaka's profile
I also just completed a job where I used a ceramic garden seat as a side table by a "floating chair" and it looks great. It was one of the metallic glazed ones from Treillage in NYC.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
How about a little kilim ottoman as a side table on the wooden floor
http://www.kilimfurniturecompany.com/
combined with sleek acrylic (for example from muji) on the rug?
http://www.muji.eu//pages/online.asp?V=1&Sec=2&Sub=10&PID=128
view ag's profile
If you are returning to Room and Board, you should check out their "create your own" section. You can buy something nearly identical to the one Maxwell is suggesting and are able to choose the top you want, travertine, french limestone, quartz, wood or glass. This might let you customize it for the space and you will only have to deal with one company. The custom tables take a bit longer depending on the top you purchase. I recently bought the french limestone and it took about a month to arrive.
view designerny's profile
I know it's a risky proximity to cliche, but I think something like the Noguchi table would be awfully nice for that space. A high quality reproduction, not a cheap knockoff, with the base in natural wood instead of black.
Beyond that, I think the table you have is workable. To my eyes, the issue isn't that the table is "too black," it's that your walls are too white. You might take a cue from the mohair upholstery of your side chair or the fabulous stone fireplace and paint your walls in a subtly earthy tone. Such an act would go a long way towards tying everything together and creating some much needed atmosphere. Along with that, get a couple of side tables and lamps--that room needs some more intimate lighting.
view Bruised's profile
I feel like a round coffee table too.
view bombie's profile
i vote for a round table too -- there is an awful lot of "square" going on in the space. just about everything is angular: the room, the furniture, pillows, fireplace, rug. i feel the need for some curves...
view Kat1's profile
I would get the Noguchi table in walnut. It's expensive but very beautiful.
http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=0236
view bryan.nyc's profile
Definitely a round table
To pull all your colors together and bring some light into the middle of the room, how about a round hammered copper table?
http://www.gidesigns.net/garden-decor/customer/product.php?productid=877&cat=8&page=1
You could also just buy the table top and place it over a more appropriate base.
view sui generis's profile
I don't think you need anything where the Indonesian table is, definitely a small round side table by the "floating chair" would be great though - these are easy and cheap to get, and the garden stool is certainly a good idea.
I don't see a super-modern look on top of that persian rug - something more funky and tribal would be better. How about the copper C&B coffee table shown on the site a few days ago? If you really do want something light and glass, a Plattner table might give the room an interesting 70s vibe.
view eeeck's profile
Personally, I think a grouping of 2-3 small round or square side tables would give some fluidity to the space. The sofa and armchair are large and blocky, so it would be nice to see other items of a lesser scale.
view Fingernail's profile
Thanks for all the really helpful input. Your suggestions are right on.
I am leaning toward a round coffee table, in glass or copper.
Glass would be nice because it would "disappear" more on the rug. But copper would pick up warm tones of fireplace. Here are my two top choices:
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product.do?method=get&id=850586&coll=377603&cat=110
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=5100&f=25768
By the chair, I am thinking of an "urn" shape as Maxwell suggested. I like both of these options.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=982&f=21612
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=4042852&cat=7522775
Reactions welcome! Any other good round coffee table choices?
I still like the idea of a console where the indonesian table is, especially as a place to put the much needed lamp. Not sure if others have thoughts on what works with other choices. Perhaps a parsons with travertine top?
Thanks, Claudia
view Claudia's profile
I love the Noguchi which can be found at Room and Board or DWR, however, does anyone know any place else sells a cheaper version of it with the look?
Thanks.
view giggleuma's profile
Claudia didn't ask, but I think the rug needs to be rotated 180 degrees. Then it will better define the space for the seating area. Try it. I think you will like it.
view Team Decor's profile
I like the glass top idea (I'm in the market for one myself), but if you decide against that, my immediate reaction when I saw the photo was that you need a coffee table in a wood tone close to that of the Indonesian chest. Only in a more modern design - or not, either could work.
Love both the urn side tables you found, btw.
view Mella DP's profile
If that rug is a given, then I'd hope for some more acknowledgement of the elements in it so it seems more integrated into the room; at the moment, it seems more out of place than the coffee table.
That said, I othewise love how the seating pieces speak to the fireplace. I'd prefer a rug like that grey one of that very 1950's House Tour they posted today had, with that abstracted rounded-cornered rectangle (semi-stone?) pattern.
That might not fight so hard against that coffee table.
view Curtis's profile
For beautiful small side tables, try Eboniste:
http://www.eboniste.com/store/products/tables.html
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
I'm not feeling the round for the main coffee table. While there are lots of rectangular shapes, they are mostly soft-edged with a healthy dose of the organic. I'd stay in that vein, perhaps with the Nassau line from Williams-Sonoma Home:
http://www.wshome.com/products/p498/index.cfm?pkey=cfurocc
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
am i the only one that thinks leather ottoman here?
http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1145023&navCount=2
view melissaw's profile
Round definitely. We have the same type couch (except in tufted leather) with a mid-century side chair and we just bought this for a coffee table (in white):
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODp048&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNCOF&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNCOF
view cweingar's profile
i love these for a side table:
http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.484184.1062178.1211709.page
view vertigo's profile
I love the idea of a very simple glass table so you can enjoy the lovely rug through. But I don't care for the wooden shelf you have the plant on behind the white sofa. That just doesn't seem to fit into the rest of the room.
view Charlotte's profile
WOW, those eboniste tables are exquisite p(2)! and the nassau table is also a great suggestion....but I do like that round sanskrit table too. i too think the current table could work with the right staging...plus add some colorful art to that wall!!!! what a beautiful space....I wish I had this "problem".
view polkadot's profile
I don't agree that the table doesn't or can't work in the space. Sometimes we focus on single piece rather than looking at the room as a whole. I took the liberty of doing a quick photoshop suggestion for the room.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13199402@N05/1359243524/
1) larger rug to help frame the seating area/zone.
2) A new mantel over the fireplace to emphasize the horizontal lines of the room.
3) Framed artwork over the sofa.
view rwd's profile
How about a Platner (you know the nickel-covered wire spokes, glass top and gorgeous sexy shapes)? It would not fight with what is there already - the oriental rug and white walls. A Noguchi works, too.
view Bo Placebo's profile
Oddly, my first thought for your coffee table was Noguchi, and I'm not usually a fan of that table. Here's what grabbed me -- you really need something curvy (as almost everyone agrees), and you also need a piece that links the formal, squared shapes of your upholstered furniture and the rustic/ethnic look of the rug, fireplace, and ornaments. The Noguchi table, being both sleek/formal and organic/curvy (with a base that's essentially a stylized version of driftwood, if you look at the shape), occupies that important middle ground. Plus it doesn't distract from your gorgeous rug.
view wende in phoenix's profile
fyi, the "march3rd" post is a spammer. So subtract one vote for "round." ;)
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
I have a very similar sectional as you do, with a walnut base and legs but mine is more caramel in color. I have the Noguchi table and I also have the Eames Eiffel Rocker in white. The table and rocker help lighten the room since the couch is large and feels heavy. We have a cream shag rug.
I'd definitely recommend the Noguchi table, but anything with glass on top would look great. The Platner is an excellent suggestion and something we were considering.
view reef's profile
I'm late to this thread but I've had a bad experience with Eboniste and would warn against using them. 6 weeks and no contact whatsoever about shipping dates or even if my order is still being processed. I've never encountered such poor (nonexistent?) customer service. Such a shame because they have a great selection.
Bungalow5's has great coffee tables. Apartment48 in NYC carries them.
view LGN's profile