Table ?

[newt]

Why are small tables generally referred to as Coffee tables. It suggests they are designed for only one purpose, which is clearly not the case. Its no big deal but it slightly bugs me.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Only a guess, but would it have anything to do with coffee houses? I believe that when coffee started to be imported to London, coffee houses sprang up everywhere and people used to conduct business in them. Maybe they used to have small tables where two or three people could sit, drink coffee and conduct their business.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I made some occasional tables, but now I can’t work out when I can use them.

Pete

 

[ByronBlack]

there seems be to a ton of different names for these tables, i've been doing a little research lately, and they can come in under as any of the following:

coffee table
occasional table
hall table
telephone table
book table
sofa table
console table
side table

and my favourite: dwarf table. I have a mental image of a dwarf sitting atop a small table.

 

[newt]

Paul you could be right. Its a bit like the use of the word Hoover to describe any make of vacuum cleaner. By the way they intend to operate on my spine next Friday

 

[newt]

But it never seems to be a Tea table, and many folk take tea.

 

[Paul Chapman]

By the way they intend to operate on my spine next Friday

Good luck with that, Pete - I hope it all goes well. I'll be thinking of you.

We must get together when you've got it over and done with.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[DomValente]

A little of subject, but as I was researching Edawrd LLoyds Coffe house(LLoyds of London) I found this tidbit.

The first coffeehouse opens in England. Coffeehouses are called "penny universities" (a penny is charged for admission and a cup of coffee). Edward Lloyd's coffeehouse opens in 1688. It eventually becomes Lloyd's of London, the world's best known insurance company. The word “TIPS” is coined in an English coffee house: A sign reading “To Insure Prompt Service” (TIPS) was place by a cup. Those desiring prompt service and better seating threw a coin into a tin.


Dom