When tradition gets a lift, the oval end table

The most traditional of end tables is the oval end table. With its start and rise to popularity in Victorian England, the end table has traditionally been oval or rectangular. The oval fit well with the Victorian home furnishings both by physical design, the rounded edges and by concept, gathering friends for close conversation. The longest dimension of the oval was typically two-thirds the length of the sofa and allowed for a lady to entertain 4 or more for tea comfortably as end chairs and the sofa set alike could comfortably reach the table. The oval shape reinforced the concept for the end table overall which was to enhance the intimate gathering of people.

The oval end table is the same height as other end tables which is approximately the height of the sofa’s seat cushion. This is the perfect height for entertaining as it allows you to both place an arrangement and place the traditional elements of a tea.

Since few now serve tea on end tables, the oval end table has taken on a more important aesthetic element. The oval still provides the functional aspect of comfortably reaching each end of the main sofa and any chairs placed around it, and it comfortably draws together your living room visually. An oval is unobtrusive and subtle. Therefore an oval end table subtly draws together the various elements of your living room. You may have arm chairs and a sofa set or Captain Chairs and a pair of love seats, the oval end table will not compete with your larger furniture pieces.

An oval end table can now be found in a variety of materials beyond its traditional solid wood construction. If you have more contemporary décor you may opt for a glass table top on a metal base. The metal will give a harder edginess to the subtle nature of the oval shape. You can find oval end table bases in single pedestal, double pedestal and four leg arrangements. Single pedestal styles range from practical to ornate while double pedestal styles are typically more ornate. Four leg styles are more likely to have sweeping legs much like a single pedestal or very straight legs to provide the balance and stability you need in a end table. Marble and slate table tops are also very current design ideas for oval tables with bases and supporting legs of metal to carry the immense weight. Marble and slate tops are not recommended for households with young children as the table tops give a false sense of security for young fort builders who may actually break the top as the top is likely much thinner than expected and therefore prone to breakage.

Flip top sides are also very popular for oval end tables. The table edges fold up to provided a banked-edge rectangular end table and expands to its oval shape when the sides are let down.