It might surprise you to know that this now indispensable piece of home furniture originated in 17th-century Europe and was initially used for serving tea.
Small and portable, it featured a tall base and round, foldable top which could be set up as a service station for either seated or standing guests.
During the 18th century, the "tea table" then took the form of a trolley which could be wheeled out when needed, making it even more versatile than before.
The introduction of coffee in Britain led to the opening of institutions that catered specifically for this revered drink, allowing academics to gather for their daily brew. And, as influential patrons complained that there was no place to set their cups while reading their journals, proprietors commissioned tables to cater for this purpose.
The earlier editions looked nothing like the coffee tables we know and love today. In fact, first found in the homes of the wealthy, they were commonly decorated with gold vine trims and massive claw legs. But as having a cup of joe became popular in the homes of the masses, designs shifted once again to accommodate function over form.
It is thought that, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, tables were constructed taller to accommodate a higher seat. However, as Japanese styles became popular in Europe in the late 1800s, lower, longer tables began to make their mark.
The Art Deco movement gave rise to coffee tables that were sleek, metallic and geometric, with profiles barely wide enough to serve a purpose. But after the war, designers focused on a more practical approach, configuring them to accommodate everything from accessories to plates.
With the birth of the television in the 1950s, these popular household items became even lower so as not to obstruct one's view of the screen. And, as furniture makers became even more experimental, materials like glass, acrylics, ceramics and steel were introduced.
Now, with the production of modular sofas and classic designs in full swing, coffee tables are built to accommodate our busy lifestyles. Generally standing between 40 - 46 cm high, they are built to accommodate a plethora of functions from housing your remotes and drinks to serving as a work or eating surface.