We Have Always Had Tables, But Now They Play a Larger Role

When I walk around the shop, I often see customers pausing at a small side table, even if they came to look at a sofa. This is a pattern I have noticed in recent years. While tables previously had one clear function – a dining table for eating, a coffee table for cups – the picture today is more nuanced. Tables are no longer just practical; they have also become a central element in defining spaces and creating atmosphere in the home. We use them to express ourselves, to gather things, and to support a more flexible lifestyle. A table can therefore be a place to eat breakfast, a small desk for the computer, or a spot for books and a cup of tea. For me, interior design is about creating spaces that work for those who live in them. And here, tables play a significant role. I see that many people today need furniture that can do more than one thing. The home is often an office, a relaxation zone, and a social gathering point. Take, for example, a side table. While it used to be a discreet accessory, it is now a piece of furniture that can be moved around as needed. A small table like Normann Copenhagen's Lift Side Table is a good example of this flexibility. It can stand by the sofa, by the armchair, or function as a small bedside table. It is about having a surface readily available that can hold what you need, without taking up too much space. The choice of material and expression for your tables is crucial for the atmosphere you create. I have a fondness for durable materials that age gracefully. Solid wood like oak or ash provides warmth and weight. A solid wood table, such as Aakjaer Furniture's No.25, has a robustness and a tactile quality that only becomes more beautiful over time. It is a table that can last for generations and bears the marks of life. Linoleum is another material I often recommend. It is durable, easy to maintain, and has a matte, soft surface that is pleasant to touch and work on. It dampens sound and is resistant to scratches. Metal and glass give a lighter, more industrial look, which can fit well into a minimalist interior. Also, consider how the material interacts with your other furniture. A coffee table like Skak Coffee Table from Hübsch, with its graphic expression, can provide a nice contrast to soft textiles in the sofa. The different types of tables each have their purpose, but the boundaries have become more fluid. A coffee table is no longer just a place for coffee cups. It can be a storage unit, a display piece for books and art, or a place where children can draw. Normann Copenhagen's Grow Table, with its storage function under the tabletop, is a good example of a coffee table that holds more than it immediately appears to. In the bedroom, bedside tables are indispensable. Here, they typically need to accommodate a lamp, a book, and perhaps a phone. Tables like Kabino Bedside Table or Rib Bedside Table from Normann Copenhagen show how a bedside table can add both storage and aesthetics to the bedroom. They are designed to be functional in a limited space. Even large dining tables can today function as workstations during the day before gathering the family in the evening. This places demands on both the durability of the surface and the table's aesthetics, so it fits into multiple functions. Many of the tables we have from Bruunmunch and FRAMA are designed with precisely this versatility in mind. When choosing new tables, their size and placement are crucial for the room's flow. I often see people choose tables that are too small, especially coffee tables, in relation to the size of the sofa. A coffee table should ideally be a size that invites you to reach for your coffee without difficulty, but without blocking walkways. As a rule of thumb, there should be about 40-50 cm between the sofa and the coffee table. For side tables and bedside tables, it is about finding a height that matches the furniture they stand next to. A bedside table should ideally be roughly level with the mattress, so it is easy to reach things. When it comes to placing your tables, think about how they can create zones. A small table can define a reading nook, while a larger table can bring an area together. Many modern tables are designed to be easy to move around, allowing you to adjust your interior as needed. My advice is to consider what the table needs to do for you in everyday life, and what materials you like to live with. A table is not just a table; it is a part of your life, and it needs to be able to withstand it. Simon Concept and Creative Direction