It is the age of the high top cocktail table! Imagine a table that encourages you to gather and fosters conversation by providing a comfortable place to park your drink and snack and also allows you to move freely and mingle! This is the special power of the modern cocktail table.
From Tea Time to Cocktails: A History and Celebration of the Cocktail Table
The cocktail table, a seemingly simple piece of furniture, holds a surprisingly rich history and a versatile role in our social spaces and also our homes. More than just a surface for drinks, it's a gathering point, a design statement, and a reflection of evolving social customs. From its humble beginnings as a tea table to its current status as a design icon, the cocktail table has played a significant role in our social lives and is now becoming an exciting piece in home décor. With its versatile design, it can adapt to various styles and functions and is a perfect fit with our more active and engaged lifestyle. As we continue to evolve our social customs and living spaces, the cocktail table is becoming an essential design element in corporate spaces and homes alike. The timeless icon of a great social event is seeing a design revolution into our daily lives!
A Humble Beginning: The Tea Table Gets A New Look
The cocktail table's lineage can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries with the emergence of tea tables. These smaller, often round tables, were designed specifically for serving tea and were typically placed in drawing rooms or parlors. They were elegant and refined, reflecting the social rituals surrounding tea consumption. These early tables laid the groundwork for the future cocktail table, emphasizing the importance of a designated space for social gatherings and refreshments. As the goals and style of social gatherings have changed, the tables have gained in both height and stature!
Prohibition and the Rise of the Cocktail Culture
The true catalyst for the home cocktail table's rise to prominence was the Prohibition era in the United States. With the ban on alcohol, social gatherings shifted from public bars to private homes. This created a need for a convenient surface for serving drinks and snacks during these clandestine gatherings. Furniture designers responded by creating surfaces often inspired by existing tea table designs, but with a more modern and functional aesthetic. These tables became known as "cocktail tables," reflecting the growing popularity of cocktail culture. The post-Prohibition era saw the cocktail table start to establish itself as a staple in American homes. As cocktail culture flourished, so did the design and functionality of these tables. They became larger, more elaborate. The Art Deco influence was evident in many designs, featuring geometric shapes, sleek lines, and luxurious finishes. The mid-20th century witnessed the cocktail table truly come into its own. Designers like Florence Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames created iconic pieces that are still celebrated today. These tables often served as the centerpiece of the living room, reflecting the modern and sophisticated tastes of the time. They were no longer just functional but also artistic statements, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the space.
The modern styling of the cocktail table parallels the values of Colorado Design. In an environment where movement and an active lifestyle are prized, a cocktail table encourages comfortable motion and social circulation. They help break up and ground expansive areas and make them feel more intimate and welcoming. They create conversation and connection hubs, as people gravitate to them.
The Cocktail Table as Art
Today, the cocktail table is transcending its functional purpose and becoming a canvas for artistic expression. Designers can push the boundaries of shapes, and styles, creating cocktail tables that are as much sculptures as they are furniture. Solid wood surfaces can offer a variety of stunning styles, from organic, free-form shapes to minimalist, geometric designs. By using natural materials for the surface, whether modern, classy or edgy, the warmth and biophilic benefits of choosing a natural product are maintained. With CS Woods’ handcrafted details and the widest selection of Rocky Mountain kiln dry wood in the region, the possibilities are endless.
Styles and Applications: A Versatile Piece
While traditionally placed in the living room, the cocktail table has found its way into other spaces as well. Smaller versions can be used as bedside tables, while taller, narrower versions can serve as console tables in hallways or entryways. They can even be used in home offices or libraries as a surface for displaying books or decorative objects.
CS Woods can help you choosing the Right Cocktail Table:
Visit us at the open warehouse to design your perfect cocktail table! Our team or your designer can walk you through the process!
Size and Shape: Choose a size and shape that complements the scale of your room and furniture. Consider the traffic flow and ensure there is enough space to move around the table comfortably.
Material: Select the right wood for your design that aligns with your style and lifestyle. We will find a solid wood surface that reflects your personal taste.
Functionality: Consider how you will be using the table. If you plan to use it for dining or working, you may want a larger table!
Finish: We will help you consider durability, maintenance requirements, and the overall aesthetic of your space! CS Woods offers a variety of finishes that are tough with high water/alcohol resistance. We use six coats of sustainable, natural and earth-friendly polymerized tung oil and Uralkyd resin and sand polish. It offers years of maintenance free protection and is refinishable.
The buzzy atmosphere of a modern social event, whether it is in a private home or in a business or cultural environment, is enhanced by the freedom of movement afforded by the hightop cocktail table. Current scientific findings support the aesthetic of standing, being active and always in motion as a big contributor to a healthy and happy life. Adding the biophilic benefits of the fractal energy of natural solid hardwood just makes sense when you are planning a space that will bring out the best in people and create a fun and energizing event. CS Woods helps bring celebrations to life and offers unlimited customizing options to your cocktail table design.