What Is a Sofa Table?

On the Table

• Sofa tables have evolved over the years. Gone are the drop leaves, but most tables still have drawers. All are high enough to display decorative and functional items, such as lamps or flower vases, behind a couch without being obtrusive. The designs of sofa tables vary as much as their use. The tables are sleek with just the top shelf or storage workhorses with a sturdy tabletop and substantial center shelf. Add an antique sofa table to your eclectic living room, or add a sense of continuity by purchasing a table as a set with matching end tables and sometimes a matching coffee table.

Turn the Table

• It may be called the sofa table, but your sofa table no longer has to be your sofa's companion piece. Tuck a usable, but mismatched, sofa table behind the sofa as a stand for table lamps. Sofa tables are invaluable resources as room dividers for open living spaces and can create a seamless transition from one space, be it a hallway or dining room, to the living room area. Amplify the sofa table's usefulness by tucking floor poufs or small stools underneath to provide extra seating that's easily accessible when needed, or decorative storage bins for shoes or children's toys.