Dear Laurel, My Husband Hates Your Table Ideas!

Dear Laurel,

Now that our kids have finished up college and are mostly potty trained, my husband and I are finally updating our living room. I’ve tried showing him your blog, your Instagram, even that fantastic paint guide you wrote that made me weep with joy (yes, really and I can’t wait for the new update!). Then, last night, I showed him your blog post with the gorgeous vintage coffee and end tables, and he practically recoiled in horror.

 

He said: “ Hun, you’ve got to be joking. These old pieces remind me of my grandmother’s house!”

 

He wants something “modern,” which to him means something that came flat-packed and requires an Allen wrench.
I love your style — the elegance, the patina, the soul. But he’s not having it. In short, he made it quite clear that he hates your table ideas. Help!

Phyllis Coffee

 

***

 

Oh, Phyllis, What? Why the vitriol from DH?

 

I mean, did Grandma lock him up in a closet or something?

However, in all seriousness, I’ve heard this lament before about my table ideas and more!

But, here’s the thing. You don’t have to have a vintage coffee or end table, and your room can still have a fresh, eclectic, timeless look that both of you will love.

 

In fact, I love mixing classic contemporary furniture with more traditional pieces.

 

I began with the vintage furniture because there are many terrific pieces available on the market. And much is reasonably priced compared to what it would be if new.

The difficult is in keeping the coffee tables at 17″ or below.

End tables, unless they’re placed next to a Chesterfield or Tuxedo-style sofa with arms as high as the back, can have an end table from 27″ to 30″ high.

 

Before we get started, I have a question about using unmatched end tables.

 

Here’s my feeling about it.

I wouldn’t do it for the sake of doing it, because it sometimes appears a little piecemeal; however, it really depends on the room’s layout and other variables. One thing, though, if it’s two end or side tables, they should be the same height.

The only thing I’ve done is to have a desk or chest as an end table on one side of the sofa and a regular end table on the other side. You can do this in a bedroom as well.

 

Okay, I think you guys know what I like in terms of end and coffee tables.

 

But, can we find new timeless and classic pieces, with good design, proportions, and not hideously expensive?

The answer is YES!!!

However, it’s more difficult to find low-height coffee tables. I’m usually okay with 18″, but many in the marketplace are taller. If the table is made of glass, it might be okay, and it also depends on your other furniture and the size of the room to some extent.

 

Let’s first go over some of my favorite online sources and brands.

 

One thing to know is that there’s a tremendous amount of overlap.

 

Above is a Ming-style coffee table from the brand Villa & Home, and sold at numerous sources listed here.

One brand that I highly recommend is Woodbridge. Their furniture is well-made with beautiful finishes and classic styles. Really, everything from this brand is from good to fantastic.

You can find Woodbridge Furniture at:

 

Wayfair/Perigold

One King’s Lane (although it’s not one of their listed brands)

The Well Appointed House

Kathy Kuo

Mintwood Home

and Chairish. 

 

Yes, Chairish sells new furniture.

 

If you’re an interior designer, can you get Woodbridge direct for less money? Yes, again! They are one of my top sources for designers in Laurel’s Rolodex. 

Another brand that I discovered about a decade ago and ordered a bunch of tables and case pieces from is Phillips Scott. They can be found at Mintwood Home and The Well Appointed House.

The Well Appointed House also sells some of the gorgeous Chelsea Textiles pieces. They are the online source I’ve ever found that sells this cool line of furniture.

In addition, the Well Appointed House offers a variety of great-looking, very inexpensive tables.

Another brand I’ve long admired and used to order from frequently is Villa and House, formerly known as Bungalow 5. 

 

Villa & Home side table at Caitlin Wilson Designs

 

Of course, there are many other brands, but these are some of the standouts at fairly moderate prices.

 

Although “moderate” is a relative term. Most good-quality new furniture is quite expensive.

I debated separating the end tables and coffee tables; however, I think I’ll start by mixing them up. I’m trying not to burn myself out, so I may finish this up for tomorrow or the Sunday post. That is, if you’d like to see more new coffee and end tables. Or, we can move on to a different topic.

Please enjoy the widget below with some of my favorite end and coffee tables.

xo,

 

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