The furniture in your restaurant, bar, ship, cafe or whatever you'd like to call it helps to create a world into which you welcome your guests--this includes your choice of cocktail tables. Cocktail tables, in many places, are the first items of furniture guests to your establishment see, or there in the more private alcoves where your guests go to have some privacy or enjoy more intimate conversations. Or, they're in the areas where your guests gather to cheer for their favorite team. You get the idea: the furniture, the art, the paint, the rugs and everything you choose helps to create the overall feel of the place.

The first step of deciding what feel you wish to have in your place helps to dictate what you will choose as far as the decoration and furniture you will have in your establishment. As this article deals with cocktail tables types and styles, it is this singular aspect upon which will be focused. Below you will find information that will help you choose that one important piece of furniture for your establishment: the cocktail table.

1. Go intimate with your cocktail tables.

2. Choose style with your cocktail tables.

3. Make a statement with your cocktail tables.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the intimate side of cocktail tables types and styles

If you are trying to create an intimate setting where quiet conversations can take place, going with small, low cocktail tables can be just the right touch. These tables can help create the illusion of small, intimate spaces because of the lack of height, which can help your guests relax.

I recommend: Restaurant Seating Direct has a selection of reasonable priced tables that fall into the more intimate end of the cocktail tables styles and types. Revolution Lifestyle also has a fine selection of cocktail tables.

Pick cocktail tables with style and panache

Perhaps you wish to create a more stylish and formal setting in your establishment. Choose cocktail tables with style and elegance. This cocktail table types and styles category could be marked by longer or more delicate legs, darker finishes or a more intricate design.

I recommend: King Linen has cocktail tables that are in the Queen Anne style. These tables have curving legs and brass hardware, and come in various sizes. Tables, Bases & Tops is another source for stylish cocktail tables.

Choose bold styles with your cocktail tables

Make a statement with your cocktail table. Be wild, be creative, have fun. It's your establishment--why not think a little on the edge? You can do this with wild designs, cocktail tables made by local artists or cocktail tables that are like sculptures. You get the drift: these cocktail types and styles are fun.

I recommend: Musician's Friend has a wild Kiss cocktail table. Custom Made has a selection of custom cocktail tables. Mason Antler Design is a fine example of the making-a-statement cocktail table.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cocktail tables don't have to be boring or plain. If you prefer to have one or many specially made for your establishment, contact local furniture makers.

If you are trying to find cocktail tables for your business, you know the number of choices can be overwhelming. Cocktail tables come in all shapes and sizes, and selecting the right style is key to creating the unique atmosphere that you want for your establishment.

Before you begin the process of finding a cocktail tables directory, cocktail tables list or even cocktail tables information, formulate a budget. Then ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does my budget allow me to purchase new cocktail tables?

2. Would I prefer to save money by purchasing used cocktail tables?

3. Can I get away with renting cocktail tables?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase new cocktail tables

If you have the budget to purchase new cocktail tables for your business, you are in luck. With so many choices available, chances are you'll be able to find the right cocktail tables to create exactly the atmosphere you want.

I recommend: RestaurantFurnitureSupplier.com sells a wide variety of wood and metal cocktail tables that are specially made for heavy commercial use. Pub Table Showroom is a cocktail tables provider that stocks a number of cocktail tables and bistro tables, along with other furniture.

Buy used cocktail tables

If you are not looking for a large number of matching cocktail tables, you may want to consider purchasing used cocktail tables. The savings can be substantial. Just be sure to verify the condition of the items before you buy.

I recommend: FurnitureTrader.com offers a wide variety of cocktail tables from sellers across the country. Some of the prices are firm, but others are negotiable. Utah Used Furniture has cocktail tables and other types of used furniture for sale. The company's furniture comes from rental companies, and its inventory is cleaned, inspected and detailed before it is sold.

Find cocktail tables to rent

Renting cocktail tables can be a great option if you need a lot of tables quickly but don't have the capital to make a large purchase. Cocktail table rental also works for seasonal businesses or businesses that only need the tables for a special event or a short period of time.

I recommend: Designer8* Event Furniture Rental maintains a stock of traditional and modern cocktail tables for rent. From the website, select "cocktail tables" on the drop-down list to view the company's inventory. If you are looking for something more basic, DifferRentals rents several sizes of standard cocktail tables. The company is based in Norwood, Massachusetts, and specializes in rentals for parties and events.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you purchase or rent any cocktail tables, be sure that they are easy to clean and sturdy. You should also avoid any tables that have sharp edges or other hazards that could injure customers or snag their clothing.

Cocktail tables, also sometimes called coffee tables, are essential for many businesses in the hospitality industry, particularly nightclubs and hotels. The type of cocktail table you should buy, however, is a matter of personal taste. While high standing cocktail tables may belong more in the nightclub scene, other styles, such as ottoman and trunk styles, fit in nicely with hotel décor. Learning these terms is an important part of determining which cocktail tables are right for your business. Start out with the following terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

High standing cocktail tables

High standing cocktail tables stand taller than most other cocktail tables. They are tall enough that people can comfortably use them to place their drinks while standing. High standing cocktail tables are most often seen in a nightclub setting.

I recommend: Designer8* rents cocktail tables for special events. To see high standing cocktail table choices, select "cocktail tables" from the drop down menu.

Contemporary cocktail tables

Contemporary cocktail tables have a modern look. They often incorporate glass to give a smooth design. Many people prefer this style.

I recommend: See many examples of contemporary cocktail tables at ComCore21.

Antique cocktail table

Technically, a real antique cocktail table should be over one hundred years old. However, for those that prefer the antique look, some companies are creating reproductions that look like the real thing, but come with a much smaller price tag.

I recommend: If you like the antique look, check out the antique cocktail table at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Shabby chic

Shabby chic is a very popular design style. It takes older furniture, particularly pieces that are well-worn, and uses them in a contemporary fashion. The look has become so popular that some companies now intentionally make new pieces look worn. A shabby chic cocktail table would look good in many hotels as part of an overall design theme.

I recommend: Learn more about shabby chic design from the Shabby Rose Cottage. See a picture of a shabby chic cocktail table at A Bit of Paris.

Trunk cocktail table

A trunk cocktail table has the appearance of a trunk, but can also hold drinks. Truck cocktail tables can also be used for storage, so they are ideal for small spaces.

I recommend: See examples of a trunk cocktail table at Everything Furniture.

Ottoman cocktail table

An ottoman cocktail table doubles as an ottoman. Depending on their mood, guests can either use the table to place drinks or take a rest by placing their feet on it.

I recommend: Bassett shows a handsome ottoman cocktail table.

Cocktail tables aren’t just for bars and restaurants anymore. They are a great alternative to more traditional coffee tables to put books and magazines on in your reception area or lobby. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality, nice-looking cocktail table. There are many types and styles available, and you are sure to find one that complements your existing office decor and, most importantly, your office budget.

When you’re looking into cocktail table pricing and costs, you should first decide which style of cocktail table would best fit the look of your office. Here are some options:

1. “Look into” glass cocktail tables for a clean, modern-looking office.

2. Decide on a wooden cocktail table for a more traditional, budget-friendly option.

3. Choose a stone-topped cocktail table for a natural look.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy glass cocktail tables and make a smart choice for your office

Glass cocktail tables are some of the most reasonably priced types out there. The price depends on whether you get a table made completely out of glass or just one with a glass top. Whichever style you choose, glass cocktail tables are sure to add a stylish touch to your office decor.

I recommend: Glasstopsdirect.com has a large selection of glass cocktail tables for around $100 to $225, depending on the size of the table you order. Check out One Way Furniture for a unique glass cocktail table that will run you about $550.

Consider budget-friendly wooden cocktail tables if you seek reasonably priced office furniture

One type of cocktail table that will fit just about every office budget and decor are wooden cocktail tables. Because of the many different types of woods and table sizes available, there is something for everyone.

I recommend: The wooden cocktail tables at Everything Furniture are worth looking into. They start at about $85 and go all the way up to around $1000. If you’re in the market for high-end wooden cocktail tables, then Home Portfolio is the place to look. Their tables start at around $250 and go all the way up to about $12,000.

Think about stone cocktail tables to add a unique, natural feel to your office decor

One type of cocktail table with prices starting out a little higher is a stone cocktail table. Stone tables are more difficult to make, and many are handmade. However, there are only so many kinds of stones, making the number of styles available very limited. This leads to a fairly small range of prices.

I recommend: There are many unique stone cocktail tables to choose from at PebbleZ. They range in price from around $300 to about $500. CoffeeTable Showroom has high-end stone-top cocktail tables from about $700 to around $1000.