If you're looking for a way to define your space, create a transition, set up effective task lighting or add a decorative element to a plain seating area, cheap sofa tables can help. One of the beauties of this type of table is that it can often be inexpensive without looking skimpy or insubstantial.
Using Cheap Sofa Tables
A sofa table is a taller table situated behind a couch or sofa. Because it's behind the couch, it can be the perfect spot to place a tall flower arrangement or a lamp with a unique shade that looks dramatic. From the front of the couch, elements on the table stand alone, so the drama isn't impacted by the outline of the table itself. This is a great treatment for a sofa table set against a wall with the couch in front.
In a large room where the sofa defines a conversational seating arrangement, like a table and a couple of chairs, the sofa table can be very visible and works as a transitional piece. It isn't unusual to see a sofa table separating the living area from the dining area, for instance. With this kind of setup, the table can appear almost architectural, and often architectural or unusual elements, like two tall pottery pieces supporting a glass top, can be used to great effect.
Sofa tables are very flexible pieces of furniture and can be so loosely interpreted that you can use your imagination when choosing one for your space. Just make sure the table you choose or make is tall enough to reach almost to the top of the couch back.
Sofa Table Styles
When you think of a sofa table, the Queen Anne style with graceful legs and an open look probably comes to mind. Sofa tables are available in many other popular styles too, though:
- Country
- Mission
- Shaker
- Contemporary
- Retro
One nice thing about keeping the styling of the table simple is that you can let the decorative pieces on top take center stage. If you have an interesting collection of items, or even one spectacular piece like a glass sculpture or table clock, a sofa table is a great place to display your treasures.
Tips for Finding Cheap Sofa Tables
When you're in the market for an inexpensive sofa table, these tips will help:
- In spring and fall, furniture retailers rotate their stock to make room for the latest designs. This is a great time to invest in new furniture pieces.
- If you're looking for a bargain, try knocked down furniture from manufacturers like Ikeathat sell items boxed with limited assembly required.
- If you plan on placing a sofa table between the wall and the back of the sofa, appearance probably won't be much of an issue. You might be able to make a sofa table with a minimum of fuss by purchasing pre-turned legs and a wood top cut to order from your local home improvement store.
- If you have other elements to use as a base, like a large trunk, plaster plinths or even floor standing candleholders, you can buy an acrylic or glass top and convert the whole thing into a sofa table.
Other Uses for Inexpensive Sofa Tables
Cheap sofa tables can come in handy in hallways or as a dressing table in a narrow bedroom too. The additional elevation makes them functional and versatile, as well as stylish.
