Generally speaking, a "sofa table" is a tall, narrow table used behind a sofa to hold lamps or decorative objects. A "coffee table" is any table used in front of the sofa, ostensibly as a place to set your coffee cup. That being said, any number of variations can be used: "cocktail tables" are really just coffee tables used for cocktails, and "end tables" are just small sofa tables, moved to the ends of the sofa. There are no rules for these things, but do remember to keep your lamps and decorations in proportion to the tables that hold them - by no means should any table be overloaded or unbalanced. Also remember to keep 18-20" between the sofa and any table(s) in front of it, to avoid banging your legs. Keep all electrical cords tangle-free and out of traffic. And don't be afraid to think outside the norm for tables: chests, dressers, trunks, baskets, cradles, even file cabinets can all be made useful around and in front of seating. Or maybe you don't need a table at all...
The standard length of a coffee table can vary. This is because the length of a coffee table usually coincides with the length of the sofa it will be used with. The coffee table should be one-half to two-thirds the length of the sofa.
Sofa tables are usually smaller and made of plastic while coffee tables are usually wood. Coffee tables are better quality and are supposed to be eaten on.
A sofa table is designed to be placed in front of, or next to a sofa, while a console table, is designed to be placed up against a wall, say for instance, in a hallway.
As long as your family can walk through it.
The standard coffee table length is actually one-half to two-thirds the length of the sofa it will rest before.
A few alternatives for a coffee table would be an end-table that is normally at the side of a sofa or chair. A TV tray could also be used to place a drink on while the coffee table is unavailable.
For the most part the sofa table is tawords the top of the sofa. However, it also depends on what you want. If you don't want too much showing over the sofa, get one that is a little lower that is mid sofa(gets harder if you have a short sofa).
Decorative yet comfortable chairs and a couch, along with an end table, coffee table, and sofa table.
It's between the table and the couch/sofa.
A living room set typically comes with five pieces -- a sofa, loveseat or chair, coffee table, and two end tables. The set you purchase depends on how much space you have and how much seating you need.
Yes! It is very European, actually. Coffee tables, particularly in France, are normally 20-24 inches high.
Some furniture names include sofa, chair, table, bed, shelf, dresser, and desk.