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POV hallway table- very little interaction just the occasional passer-by 

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POV hallway table- very little interaction just the occasional passer-by 

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POV coffee table- hot cup of tea with no coaster 

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POV coffee table- hot cup of tea with no coaster 

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Kingston University uses your network username and password to login to Box. Continue to login to Box through your network.

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Table rating: very sturdy table, very strong and does not move

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Table rating: very sturdy table, very strong and does not move

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8/10
Feel free to leave comments rating the tables!

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Table rating: very flat and stable but rolls from side to side

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Table rating: very flat and stable but rolls from side to side

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4/10

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Table rating: bendy in the middle, moves side to side, overall not sturdy

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Table rating: bendy in the middle, moves side to side, overall not sturdy

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2/10

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How long it would take to walk the length of the longest table

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How long it would take to walk the length of the longest table

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Asking people on instagram alternative options for a table

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to lay your cards on the table

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'[something] off the table'

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the perfect sized table for 2- 60cm width per person is apparently the ideal amount of room 

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the perfect sized table for 2- 60cm width per person is apparently the ideal amount of room 

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(the background music is completely sarcastic guys)

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The world’s longest table, seated 7,000 people for Iftar

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The world’s longest table, seated 7,000 people for Iftar

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Length of the longest table compared to mount everest

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Length of the longest table compared to mount everest

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A table is a surface that allows human interaction between objects or people

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The length of the longest table compared to the tallest building

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The length of the longest table compared to the tallest building

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'under the table'

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The world’s tallest building, the longest table would be 3x this

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The world’s tallest building, the longest table would be 3x this

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Stills from a video where I rate alternatives for tables around the house

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Taking its name from the limbs and body components which Wolston has integrated collage-like, this standout side table is a feast for the senses. Using Wolston's freeform aluminum pieces, the table represents Wolston's maturation as an artisan and furniture maker. Conveying his strong narrative voice, Wolston's new furniture pieces employ freely illustrated aluminum pieces to present a tactile and compelling design statement. His exhibition, Lost in Paradise, debuted during New York Design Week 2018, and is an exclusive collection for The Future Perfect.

Technical Specifications

Production

Limited Edition

Edition

Limited Edition of 8.

Materials

Sand-casted and mirror polished aluminum.

Dimensions

Dia 18" x H 18.5"

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Taking its name from the limbs and body components which Wolston has integrated collage-like, this standout side table is a feast for the senses. Using Wolston's freeform aluminum pieces, the table represents Wolston's maturation as an artisan and furniture maker.

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Feel free to leave comments rating the tables

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An old table in my house, the paperwork from it

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An old table in my house, the paperwork from it

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Epic guide to tables. We list and explain every type of table for your home including living room tables, dining room tables and more.

This is the ultimate guide to finding the perfect new table for your home.

If you're shopping for your home and your eyes are glazing over at the sheer volume of tables available in both online and brick and mortar furniture stores, you're not alone.

Shopping to decorate your home can be stressful to begin with (you loved it in the store, but now it looks-different-in your living room or dining room), and struggling to understand the purpose and point of so many different table options can be the nail in the coffin.

So, let's get the most important things out of the way first: first, it's a mistake to assume that you need any table just because other people have one.

Likewise, it's a mistake to assume that a table should be purely decorative. For example, your mother-in-law might have a lovely home filled with tchotchkes you keep bumping into, but just because she insists your couch won't be right without an end table doesn't mean that's the gospel truth.

In fact, the best interior design doesn't just look nice; it makes the time you spend in your home nicer, as well.

It's easy to get confused about tables, however; apart from the kitchen's table obvious purpose, tables names like "console table" and "side table" are often just sort of thrown around willy nilly without much thought to function or style. We buy something Ikea calls an "accent table" because we think we need one and we dutifully move it from house to house.

Take heart! Your table confusion is at an end! There actually is a rhyme and reason to tables (even the strictly decorative ones), and we're breaking it down for you in today's comprehensive guide, helping you match form and function effortlessly.

While there are many types of tables, most tables have the same parts.

A. Types of Tables

We've already talked about how many different kinds of tables there are and what we want to stress here is that the name of the table doesn't matter-what's important is that the table suits you and your purposes. That said, you do have to shop, and understanding table nomenclature will be helpful. Let's break things down:

"Occasional" tables are small utility tables that combine beauty and function. There are nine main types:

1. Coffee Table

A coffee table is generally used in a living room or seating area and placed in front of the couch. You can place food on it, drinks, or use it to display coffee table books, plants, or small knick-knacks.

Source: Wayfair

2. Accent Table

Accent table is a loose term used to cover a variety of table types, including end tables, coffee tables, and console tables. Don't be afraid to get creative! A trunk, an antique chair, or a shelf can all double as accent tables. Most are small accent tables.

Source: World Market

3. Console Table

Console tables are often used interchangeably with end tables (also known as sofa tables) because they are long, thin, and narrow, and fit nicely behind a sofa or in an entry way. If you need some extra dimension or just a place to toss your keys, a console table near the front door makes itself very useful.

Source: Pier 1

4. Side Table

As its name so aptly implies, a side table fits beside a sofa and provides a great place for a lamp or drink.

Source: Wayfair

A c-table gets its name from its unique c-shape, which allows it to swivel around over a bed, chair, or couch. You can use it for a drink or to hold your book or laptop.

Source: World Market

6. Drink Table

Drink tables are tiny and have just enough room for (you guessed it) a drink! They can be tall but are usually on the shorter side.

Source: World Market

As previously mentioned, an end table is practically the same thing as an accent table.

Source: Overstock

8. Bunching Table (a.k.a. stacking or nesting tables)

A bunching table can also be a type of coffee table or accent table; it merely refers to two or more tables that fit together or can be spread out. It's a great option for a space-challenged home.

Source: Wayfair

9. Drum Table

The drum table was created in the 1700s and is a heavy, circular table. Sometimes it's tall enough to pull up a chair to, and sometimes it has bookshelves or drawers and a tooled leather top. Today, the term sometimes simply refers to a substantial round table such as a stone coffee table.

Source: Wayfair

10. Foyer Tables

Another occasional table is what we call a foyer table which is a table for the foyer. Not all foyers have such a table, but they are a nice convenience. Most butt up to a wall, but you can place round or square tables in the center of large foyers.

Here's an example:

11. Ottoman Tables

A terrific multi-purpose table option is an ottoman that doubles as a table. You can buy some large ottomans with a flat top designed to also serve as a table. I guess this furniture concept developed as a result of people always putting their feet up on coffee tables.

Here's an example.

There are four main tables used for meals:

12. Dining Table

Dining tables typically sit upwards of six and are usually grand affairs. They can have extra leaves to add additional seating and are usually found strictly in dining rooms and are used irregularly.

Source: Overstock

13. Kitchen Table

You'll typically find kitchen tables in (ahem) kitchens! It's because they are workhorses, designed to be used daily by the family for meals, play, crafts, work, and more. Sometimes they are only large enough to seat two (though usually, in that case, they're known as bistro tables), but more often they sit four to six people. You can get a regular small dining table set or something with more of a space-saving feature such as corner breakfast nooks.

Source: Wayfair

14. Bedside Table (a.k.a. Nightstand)

Most bedrooms have at least one table, usually two in the form of a nightstand or bedside table flanking the bed. These almost necessary pieces of furniture make it helpful for placing items within arms-reach from the bed... items one may put down before sleeping or requiring upon waking such as glasses, a book, electronic devices and of course the dreaded alarm clock.

These tables can be actual tables, chests, small shelves or cabinets.

Most are small bedside tables, although larger bedrooms can accommodate large units.

Fortunately these are not expensive, although like all things for the home there are always luxury options.

Here's an example.

Source: Amazon

See all 30 types of bedside tables (aka nightstands) here.

15. Pub Table

Pub tables are tall and come with stools. They usually seat two to four people.

Source: Wayfair

16. Patio Table

Patio tables are designed to handle the elements on a deck, porch, or other outdoor space (though some must be wintered indoors if you live in a harsh climate). Today's patio furniture isn't limited to ugly white plastic, however, and often looks nice enough for indoor use!

See 15 Different Types of Picnic Tables for more patio tables

Source: Lowes

There are three main types of tables that are used specifically for work.

17. Work Table

Work tables are highly utilitarian (though not necessarily unattractive) and are usually built with a specific job in mind: woodworking, art, gardening, or other. They come in a very wide variety of sizes and finishes, depending on whether you decide to use them standing up, sitting down, inside, or outside.

Source: Lowes

18. Conference Table

Similar to a dining table, a conference table is very large and often very grand. Unlike a dining table, a conference table often has plugs and ports for laptops and phones.

Source: Overstock

19. Computer Table

A computer table is designed specifically for use with a computer. Typically it has holes in the back for cords to travel and a keyboard drawer. Sometimes it also has a shelf designed to hold a printer.

Source: Wayfair

20. Game Tables

There are four main types of game tables specifically used for fun and games.

a. Pool Table

A pool table is used for pocket billiards. It has a solid frame, a total of six pocket on its sides and a play field that can be made out of either polyester or woolen cloth. Pool tables come in different sizes, styles and finish. The size ranges from a mini to a large scale while the style depends on where you would be placing it. On the other hand, the finish relies on the materials used. Some of these are wood, slate and plastic.

b. Ping Pong Table

If you're into sports but you're not the typical outdoor person, then the ping pong or table tennis game will definitely satisfy your crave for an indoor activity. A ping pong table is divided into two parts with a net. It usually has a dark, matte finish for the ball to be able to bounce effectively.

c. Foosball Table

Foosball is a football-inspired, table-top game usually seen on arcades and play rooms. Foosball tables come in different styles, some have a luxury finish while other have the classic and standard form. The balls can be made out of wood, plastic metal or even marble, depending on your preference.

d. Card Table

Card game is one of the best and most entertaining indoor family activities. Card tables differ from its size, style and the main material used. Some are made of wood while others are made of metal. Some have standard features while others can be slided and folded.

B. Table Shapes

Once you've thought through some Rounded tables are great for small spaces, where you need to fit as many people as possible around for a meal or discussion, or you need to get a drink table into a tight space next to the couch.

They also make said discussions much more equitable, and possible thanks to there being no clear head of the table. Legend has it that King Arthur created his famous round table when his knights argued about who was most important and deserved the "highest" seating.

Plus, since each member of the table can make direct eye contact with every other member without leaning out of his or her seat, it's much easier to have dynamic, exciting conversations, even with a large group of people. See how we've talked you into a roundish table whether you're in a small space or a large space? We love round tables!

They're also just pleasing to the eye, especially if your existing space has lots of hard lines (such as walls and high ceilings). An oval or circle table (or even just a roundish table) adds an organic fluidity to your space and is also something of a surprise, as round tables were very difficult to create until recently, and are therefore not common shapes for antique or traditional furniture.

Source: World Market

25. Square or Rectangle

Undeniably the most common shape for any kind of table, you can't go wrong with four sides and four corners! Rectangular tables are often better fits for long, narrow places and in fact, can make themselves smaller than round tables and yet still cover a lot of ground. Whether you're hosting a holiday meal for a crowd or fitting a work table into an unused closet, rectangles can fit the bill perfectly.

Source: Overstock

Semi-circles, hexagons, octagons, diamonds, oh my! There's nothing to say that you do not have to go with a traditional shape for a table; in fact, the more unique, the better. It probably won't be a surprise to you, however, to know that an unconventional shape will be harder to track down. You'll have better luck here with smaller tables like end tables than you will tracking down, say, an octagon dining table, but don't let us stop you.

Source: Wayfair

C. Most Popular Styles Today

We don't have time here for an exhaustive lecture on the history of furniture, but we can give you a brief overview, so when your friends compliment you on how "mid-century modern" your living room looks now, you can reply intelligently.

27. Industrial

Industrial design makes use of materials common around the turn-of-the-century, notably exposed brick, distressed wood in natural stains, and exposed steel or other metal. This can be a really eye-catching design style and even if you live in an apartment and can't reveal exposed beams or put up an exposed brick wall, an industrial table made from metal and wood can be a great way to add your own personal spin to your home.

Industrial tables, especially, can be real works of art, with some seemingly composed of extant factory machines (even if they're just replicas).

You don't have to stick to replicas, either: "antiquing" usually implies dainty things your grandmother would love, but today it includes finding beautiful industrial pieces that have weathered time and have the patina to prove it.

Source: World Market

28. Farmhouse

HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines undoubtedly put farmhouse style on the map thanks to JoJo's sophisticated take (and noticeable lack of cute roosters in the decor) and ubiquitous shiplap. Today, the style is characterized by heavy, weathered wood and a return to craftsman details, such as over-the-door transoms and intricate molding. You'll usually find big, white farmhouse sinks and aesthetic nods to the French and Italian countryside's in lavender, greenery, and sometimes even stucco.

Farmhouse tables are often centerpieces for this decor as well as stunning pieces of work, and antique trunks and dressers often double as accent tables.

Source: Pier 1

29. Shabby Chic

Shabby chic is similar to farmhouse but differs in the lightness of woods used and often in the inherent femininity or "flea market chic" sense of style. Brought to popularity by Rachel Ashwell in the 1980's, the style features pleasantly old and slightly mismatched furniture, usually in some variation of white or very soft colors. Faux patinas are usually given to wood furniture, making this an easy style to replicate for DIY'ers.

Shabby chic tables are often refinished in some shade of white, ecru, or pastel, and are usually combined with flea market finds to give it some old world charm, and it's not uncommon to find shabby chic coffee tables made out of recycled pallets.

Source: Overstock

30. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern refers to furniture created in the mid-1900s. It's extremely popular today and for good reason: its natural, clean lines and use of organic and engineered ingredients are beautiful, comfortable, and very versatile. Mid-century modern pieces include iconic designs such as the tulip table, with its futuristic swoops and classic white color, the Eames Lounge Chair, knocked off constantly and even featured in sitcoms like Frasier, and the Womb Chair, also designed by Eero Saarinen because "more than ever before, we need to relax."

Outside of the classic tulip table (also called the Saarinen table), mid-century modern tables are characterized by their low profiles and honey-stained natural wood, often engineered plywood. You can find pieces that are uber modern and pieces that are more gently modern and casual.

Source: Wayfair

31. Scandinavian

This one is similar to mid-century modern in that it utilizes clean lines and veers toward minimalism, however, true Scandinavian style makes use of white and light colors and rarely uses carpet or especially plush textiles, favoring clean, light-colored wood floors in shades of white or grey. White walls are ubiquitous, though some Scandinavian designers will utilize very modern, geometric color patterns in bedding, curtains, or wall art.

What sets Scandinavian furniture apart is how useable it is. Usually slim yet elegant, tables are often made from engineered wood or metal and stained or paint in very light colors. Ikea was at least partially responsible for bringing the style to the United States and sells its furniture in ready-to-assemble boxes.

Source: Overstock

D. Table Assembly Options

Now that you've got a great idea of your future table in mind, you need to find it. You have a few options:

We mentioned earlier that antiquing has come a long way in the last decade or two, and it bears repeating. You can find some really stunning one-of-a-kind pieces in antique furniture stores and warehouses if you know where to look!

You can start by shopping with a friend who is knowledgeable about antiques (you don't want to accidentally pay way too much for something), or you can begin to frequent local establishments. Get to know the owners and what periods they tend to carry, and let them know what you're looking for. You can also troll sites like ebay.com, though shipping can sometimes be cost prohibitive.

Speaking of cost, antiques can, of course, be quite expensive. One way to save money is by looking for smaller pieces. You might choose to purchase a modern kitchen table, for example, and purchase several fairly inexpensive side tables to add age and dimension to your decor without breaking the bank.

This video has some great tips for finding antique furniture:

We love watching Joanna Gaines design custom furniture pieces with her local craftsman, but the Fixer Uppers star isn't the only one who can do that-you can find a custom furniture maker, too! One of the best ways to do this is to start with family and friends. A simple Facebook post can often help you find a friend of a friend who specializes in creating exactly what you're looking for.

The internet is also a great tool, especially if the potential craftsman has a website that shares reviews. Make sure however you're working with can provide very clear plans before you move forward. You also want very clear expectations about when the project will be completed (and how much it will cost) in writing.

34. Big Box Self-Assembled

When our grandparents wanted new furniture, they visited the local furniture shop and haggled with a salesperson, or they hired somebody to make a piece. Furniture shopping looks dramatically different today!

Thanks to Ikea, huge retailers like Target, Walmart, Overstock, and Wayfair now offer self-assembled furniture. Cost-wise, it's at the other end of the spectrum from custom furniture or antique, and certainly less unique (how many people have that particular end table by their couch?) however it's extremely affordable and a much smaller commitment, which means you don't have to wait to decorate your interior until you've moved into a "forever home."

35. Furniture Store

Somewhere between custom furniture and Ikea is your local or online furniture store. Characterized by nation-wide giants like Rooms to Go, these stores vary in quality but tend to be a bit sturdier than what you might find at Target. Again, you'll find these pieces are not as unique, but they're much more affordable, and you often have the advantage of viewing reviews from other customers.

36. DIY or Restoration

Search Pinterest for DIY table instructions, and you'll find everything ranging from "I need to be a primary craftsman to pull this off" to "this will literally take a few minutes." Want to make a minimalist coffee table by screwing metal pin legs onto a slab of wood? There's a plan for that. Want to make a plant stand from poured concrete and painted dowel legs? Pinterest has you covered. Want to construct an industrial-style kitchen table from metal pipe? Yep!

You don't have to start from scratch: Pinterest is also full of tutorials helping people refinish old furniture. Occasional tables are great places to start practicing.

DIY has obvious limitations: tutorials often make things seem way simpler than they really are and you inevitably spend more than you planned on. However, the opportunity to make some truly unique with your own two hands is pretty appealing!

37. Pre-loved

Another great option for finding tables for your home is to shop Craigslist, Offer Up, or Facebook Marketplace. Often, you can get a great deal on furniture that people are unloading because of an upcoming move or other life change. Sometimes the furniture needs to be restored, but sometimes it's great as is.

When you start shopping, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the options and possibilities, which is why we recommend knowing exactly what you want first, before you even start your shopping.

And of course, always be safe. Keep an eye out for scams and make sure you're not meeting anybody with lots of cash on you in a dark, unlit parking lot.

E. Table Materials

Once you start shopping for your console, conference, or dining table, you'll notice immediately how many different options there are for materials. We're sharing the most common below to help you get a feel for what will work best for you.

38. Wood Veneer

Hands down the most popular choice for tables today, wood veneer is an extremely thin panel of wood (usually less than 3mm thick) that has been glued onto core panels (usually another, cheaper wood or particle board). When done well with high quality veneer, you can't even tell.

Veneer is nothing new. Ancient Egyptians even used rare and beautiful wood veneers over cheaper materials to create furniture and sarcophagi.

Wood veneer is sometimes confused with laminate, but it's completely different; since it is actual wood, it can be sanded down and re-stained (though this should be done very carefully). It's typically lighter than solid wood furniture and more affordable, making it a great choice for most people looking for a larger table (such as a kitchen, dining, or conference table).

Source: Wayfair

39. Laminate

Laminate is a man-made product that looks like wood but isn't. It's usually made of plastic that has been printed to look like wood. It's typically a very affordable alternative to higher-end wood tables, but laminate that's not high end can look very cheap very quickly. It also tends to have very poor resale value and not be as high quality. That said, there was a lot of laminate used during the 60s, and some of the better-made pieces have survived to this day.

Sitting water is laminate's nemesis. While sprays of water or liquid can be wiped down, if water sits it can soak through and cause the MDF or particle board underneath to expand. It also can't usually be repainted or refinished, so if you're looking for a table that you will want to refinish at some point, don't choose a laminate table!

Source: Overstock

Marble is stunning! Because it hearkens back to Greek statues and Roman emperors, it's a great choice to add drama or classic beauty to a room. It is not, however, a great choice if you need something that's heavy duty. While marble tables come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and finished edges, it scratches and etches easily and is one of the most high-maintenance options for a table top.

You need to make sure to use coasters consistently (so, for example, if you're using a marble drink table you'll have to be religious about placing out coasters for your guests!) and clean it using only approved cleaners. Some marble also needs to be sealed regularly. You can get marble refinished by a professional, something to keep in mind if you're looking for an antique or pre-used marble table.

This video shows a brilliant tip for lifting wine glass stains off marble:

Source: Wayfair

41. Solid Wood

Solid wood is a fantastic choice if you want a table that's durable and will stand the test of time. Usually not light, solid wood furniture can be sanded and re-stained or repainted, which adds long term value to the table you're buying (especially if you're someone who likes to mix things up a lot!).

Wood varies in softness, grain, and color, depending on the type of tree and the quality of the wood. Oak, for example, is often used for furniture because of its relative hardness and semi-affordability. Pine is often much more affordable but is also quite a bit softer than oak. Premium woods from South America and Asia can also be used and provide some impressive distinction in your home!

Care for solid wood furniture is generally very simple: clean up spills immediately and use an approved cleaner. You may choose to wax or seal your wood furniture periodically.

Source: Overstock

Often used in industrial pieces (and sometimes modern pieces), metal can add great lines and depth of vision to your furniture, making your table a centerpiece. Unless you're using something like copper, metal is usually very sturdy and largely impervious to damage. It is very heavy, however, so if you think you'll be doing a lot of moving, you might want to stick to small metal accent tables.

Also, metal should be sealed or painted to prevent rust, especially if you live in a very humid client.

Source: Wayfair

Glass is fairly low-maintenance though it will have to be cleaned frequently to avoid smears, smudges, and other marks. It also needs to be handled carefully as it can break and since it has sharp edges, it's not a great choice for a space that needs to accommodate children. However, it can be both traditional and modern and add a very light touch to a room. If you don't necessarily want the table itself to be the focal point of your decor, glass is a great option!

Source: Overstock

Other Materials

You're certainly not limited to wood veneer, laminate, solid wood, metal, marble, or glass; you can find tables made from acrylic, polymer, ceramic, granite, engineered wood, and so many others. This is what makes tables so fun and unique! The form is simple, so the materials used can be creative and dazzling.

Source: Wayfair

F. Table Height

After the shape of the table, height is probably the most important decision you'll make and we really can't understate how much of a difference it will make in how functional your table will be. Too short, you'll be frustrated and find yourself stooping. Too high, and you'll also find your table unusable.

Table heights vary from tall to very, very low (think coffee tables). Tall or counter-top tables can be used with stools or are designed to be used while standing while shorter occasional tables should match the furniture they're paired with.

For example, if you're choosing an end table to sit next to your sofa, it should be at the height of your sofa's arms, or slightly shorter. A coffee table should be the height of your sofa's seat, but other decorative tables not near your sofa can be taller.

As a general rule of thumb, let the size of the room be your guide: taller, larger furniture should fill a taller, larger room while smaller furniture should fill a smaller room.

You should also let your own height be your guide. Just like a tall person needs a couch or easy chair he or she is comfortable on, a tall person might prefer taller furniture, while a shorter person might not like having to climb up onto a stool to sit at a counter-top kitchen table. Let your own needs and your own house be your guide.

G. Brief History of Tables

A table is essentially a flat surface that stands on some kind of support. It's an incredibly useful piece of furniture, which explains why there are so many of them: there's a table for everyone and everything.

Tables are also inherently tied to culture. If you visited, Japan, for example, and your Japanese host offered you a meal, you probably wouldn't plop down on a chair and pull up to a dining table the way you might in the United States. Instead, you'd sit on a mat or pillow at a table roughly the height of a coffee table, called a chabudai.

Tables also have historical context. Before the 1700s, most European homes didn't have much furniture; even the homes of the wealthiest families were limited to one large table (and no couches!). By the end of the century, however, the use and creation of small "occasional" tables ballooned. The sofa table, for example, was designed to host tea or be a great place to write a letter. We do neither today, but we liked the shape of this tall, skinny table, and have kept it in modern day living rooms, though now it usually holds lamps, plants, or decor.

H. Table Functions

1. Aesthetics

Yes, they're decorative, but they're decorative in a purposeful way: tables might help balance out a room or fill an empty corner, or they might help to elevate a piece of artwork, statue, or plant to add vertical dimension to a room. Tables can also be a work of art unto themselves.

2. Functional

They're also eminently useful: tables with drawers or shelves beneath hold things like napkins, unused silverware, writing or craft tools, and so much more. Even if they don't have built-in storage space, the flat part of the table is ideal for most kinds of work (artwork, for example) and (our favorite) tables hold our food and drink like a champ.

3. Questions to Ask Yourself About Form

Ultimately, when you're considering buying any piece of furniture (and especially a table) don't go to a store and look for something that catches your eye. First, take note of your home space. What's missing? What do you need from a decorative standpoint? Think about your aesthetic: do you prefer modern decor with stark materials and minimalist lines? Do you love traditional furniture that's plush and paired with traditionally stained wood? Are you more boho chic, and want to mix a variety of design periods for a look that's warm and homey?

4. Questions to Ask Yourself About Function

Now, think through how you use your room and existing furniture. Are your friends always awkwardly holding drinks when they stop by because there isn't a place to put them in your living room? Would your hallway stand to use a place to toss your keys, so you stop losing them? Does your living room get dark in one corner and could it use a lamp at sofa-height?

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43 Types of Tables for Your Home (2021 Buying Guide)

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Epic guide to tables. We list and explain every type of table for your home including living room tables, dining room tables and more. This is the ultimate guide to finding the perfect new table for your home.

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Furniture is often overlooked as a mundane feature of the home. But its resonance in our lives is much more profound, writes author Ian Sansom.

Furniture contains numerous traces of what we are and who we are and who we think we are.

Cupboards, for example, contain our past - as well as our regrets and secrets. Keys which fit no locks, pieces of paper with obsolete phone numbers and pin numbers written on them, stray playing cards, inexplicable plastic things and old French francs. Why we keep any of this stuff I do not know, except as something to hand on to our own children, to keep in cupboards of their own - our endless inheritance of waste.

Our wardrobes, meanwhile, suggest who we might have become, and where we might have gone. In 1908 E Nesbit published a story in Blackie's Children's Annual, titled The Aunt and Amabel. In the story, a young girl, Amabel, is punished by her aunt for cutting off the heads of flowers in the greenhouse. Furious, the aunt confines poor Amabel to the spare bedroom, where she discovers a book of railway timetables which list a destination called Whereyouwanttogoto.

"This was odd," writes Nesbit, "but the name of the station from which it started was still more extraordinary, for it was not Euston or Cannon Street or Marylebone. The name of the station was Bigwardrobeinspareroom." And so Amabel embarks on her adventure.

In 1948 CS Lewis wrote to a friend that he was attempting to write a children's book "in the tradition of E Nesbit". The children's book he wrote was, of course, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, published in 1950, and one of the Nesbit traditions he borrowed was the magic wardrobe. Lewis uses his wardrobe to enter an entirely different realm - his destination is the Celestial City.

Like wardrobes, beds act as transports for the imagination also. Writers in particular love to work on the horizontal. Milton's Paradise Lost was mostly written in bed. As was much of Winston Churchill's history of World War Two. Truman Capote claimed that he couldn't think properly unless he was lying down. He liked to start his day in bed with coffee and then move on to mint tea, to sherry and finally to martinis - his bed was a bar.

Furniture also has an emblematic and symbolic function - think of Van Gogh's famous paintings of two chairs, Gauguin's chair and his own, which vividly represent what he imagined to be the difference between him and his friend. Gauguin's chair is a dark brown-red, with generous curved arm-rests, its seat loaded with books and with a candle set upon it, erect and flickering - an image of warmth, wealth, contentment, learning, potency and power. Van Gogh's chair, on the other hand, is yellow, plain and rickety - it looks very much as though it has been made by someone who could do with a little more practice on their mortise and tenon joints. It is a simple man's chair - a poor man, but an honest man.

All furniture communicates meaning - it's unavoidable. It's what things do. A bed speaks of our inner lives, of the body and the soul. Our cupboards and cabinets imply secrets. Wardrobes suggest our dreams of other worlds. And tables invite company.

There are perhaps more kinds of tables than there are of any other type of furniture - kitchen tables, coffee tables, refectory tables, drafting tables, billiard tables, chess tables, table-tennis tables, communion tables, dressing tables, operating tables, library tables, bedside tables, night tables, and side- and end- and sofa tables.

There are innumerable uses for all these tables, but just one thing that unites them, apart from the obvious fact that they all have flat, horizontal surfaces - they are all gathering places, for both people and things. It is significant that the table is at the centre of religious practices - in Judaism, in the home, in Christianity, at the altar - and our language of course is replete with metaphors using tables as proverbial meeting places and negotiating platforms. We put a deal on the table. We drink someone under the table - and then we turn the tables on them. The table is the place where we interact with others - with family, friends, colleagues, rivals - and enemies.

The value of a table, like all pieces of furniture, lies in its history. We might make it, but furniture in turn makes us. It shapes us, defines us, and determines our everyday lives.

Novelist and academic Ian Sansom's week-long series of The Essay: Furniture: A Personal History of Movable Objects runs from Monday 7 April - Friday 11 April at 22.45 BST on BBC Radio 3.

Is there a piece of furniture which holds particular meaning for you?

Send a picture and tell the story behind the furniture using instructions below.

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The hidden meaning within your furniture

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Furniture is often overlooked as a mundane feature of the home. But its resonance in our lives is much more profound, writes author Ian Sansom. Furniture contains numerous traces of what we are and who we are and who we think we are. Cupboards, for example, contain our past - as well as our regrets and secrets.

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Waldorf News

By Sarah Cornelius

Picture a first grader. Boundless energy, constantly moving, full of questions and ideas.

Now picture a regular First Grade classroom. Neat First-Grader-sized desks lined up in rows, still and containing.

What happens when you plop the First graders into these strict desks? Energy comes out in fidgets, wiggles, or slouching. They can, at times, have a hard time focusing. They can't wait for the moment the teacher tells them to push their desks to the back of the room to make space for Circle. What if there were a way to match the composition of the classroom with the development of the child to maximize their learning? Meet the Moveable Classroom.

Thought up some 30 years ago in Scandinavia, the "bewegliche Klassenzimmer", or moveable/mobile/floating classroom, has taken German Waldorf schools by storm; nearly 1 in 3 have implemented the innovative model. And this year (this article was written in 2014) The Waldorf School of Philadelphia joins the few American Waldorf schools which have adopted the moveable classroom, and it will pioneer this new learning environment.

The greatest strength of the moveable classroom is that it encourages in young students' qualities that traditional classrooms suppress: movement, expression, and flexibility.

The building blocks of a moveable classroom are comfortable cushions and multipurpose benches, tall and wide enough to be used as tables or benches and light enough to be arranged and rearranged according to the lesson. One of the most exciting features is that the benches become balance beams when flipped over.

The possibilities are endless, especially when you think of the powerful imaginations of the minds that can move them around possess. Check out how some classes have arranged their benches and cushions for all the great learning, playing, moving, soaring, creating, climbing, and munching that takes place in a Waldorf classroom!

As exciting and diverse as the possibilities for the classroom may be, all the fun First graders will be having while moving around will actually help them learn and focus. Since the turn of the century, there has been a flood of research by neuroscientists that explore the link between movement and learning, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. On a fundamental level, the connection makes sense. Moving around increases blood flow which draws more oxygen into the brain. The more oxygen in the brain, the better it functions.

In his book, Teaching with the Brain in Mind, Eric Jensen highlights some of the scientifically proven benefits that movement offers education. The premise for much of this research is that the cerebellum, the part of the brain that processes movement, has pathways leading to the areas of the brain that process memory, attention, and spatial perception. And the same way that movement grows strong muscles, it has actually been proven to grow the brain!

Neurogenesis, the creation of neurons, has been directly linked to movement by neuroscientist Henriette van Praag in her 1999 study. The brain grows more when the body is moving.

NPR's More Active Play Equals Better Thinking Skills For Kids concurs that movement is good for brain development. "If you consider the anthropology of humankind, we were designed to move," Charles Hillman, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign tells Shots. His study, published September 2014 in Pediatrics, shows 7- to 9-year-old children who run around and play like, well, children, for at least 70 minutes a day show improved thinking skills, particularly in multitasking, compared to children who aren't as active.

In addition to the wonderful effects of integrating movement more smoothly and consistently in the classroom, the backless benches will encourage better postural control in the children. Studies show that the ability to control posture lessens the amount of energy the brain expends on straining to sit upright and allows for more energy to be spent on executive functions. What are executive functions? According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, they are the skills used for planning, organizing, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and managing time and space.
This article was written by Sarah Cornelius, a graduate of The Waldorf School of Philadelphia. She is a Truman scholar at Penn and studies political science and education policy.
View this article in it's original format, with tons of live links throughout the text at phillywaldorf.com.

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By Sarah Cornelius Picture a first grader. Boundless energy, constantly moving, full of questions and ideas. Now picture a regular First Grade classroom. Neat First-Grader-sized desks lined up in rows, still and containing. What happens when you plop the First graders into these strict desks? Energy comes out in fidgets, wiggles, or slouching.

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1) what are the politics of a table? how does it’s shape change its meaning
2) how has the use of tables evolved over time
3) how is it documented
4) how has the style of tables evolved over time
5) why does it exist?
6) what purpose does a table serve
7) what did the earliest table look like?
8) is it in a museum?
9) who invented the table
10) what year was the table invented
11) what alternatives are there to tables?

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'[something] on the table'