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How do I Choose the Best Carved Coffee Table?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

Carved coffee tables are usually made of wood, but can also be made of materials like ivory or stone. Sometimes only one component of the table is carved, such as the base. When choosing a carved coffee table, some important considerations are the quality of the material and the artistry of the design. A carved coffee table can be made in any shape, but some designs will be better suited to some rooms than others. While furniture is often a matter of personal preference, a carved coffee table can in some respects be valued objectively.

The first thing to consider when choosing a carved coffee table is the material being used. There are different types of wood that can be carved, some of finer quality than others. Mahogany, for instance, is usually considered a high quality wood. In some areas, a certain type of wood may be more available than others. Different woods can also be used for different effects, some providing a lighter feeling than others.

Mahogany is considered a high-quality wood for a coffee table.
Mahogany is considered a high-quality wood for a coffee table.

Other materials can create fairly unique tables but are more unusual. A stone table, for instance, may look better in an outdoor setup. Ivory tables are subject to a number of moral problems that relate to the way in which ivory is harvested, but can be extremely beautiful. When purchasing an ivory coffee table, you may wish to look into antiques.

Craftsmanship is also a major consideration when choosing a carved coffee table. While a manufactured table with the appearance of being carved may still be beautiful, a table carved by an artist or woodworker can be a one-of-a-kind piece. Moreover, the detail available on tables made as art makes these tables centerpieces in any room.

Carved coffee table designs are highly varied. In some designs, the base is carved, while others include a carved surface that is protected in some way. When the base or legs are carved, the top of the table is often transparent in order to display the artistry of the bottom of the table.

Choosing a coffee table that is carved is also subject to the same rules as choosing a normal coffee table. For example, the table should fit with the overall design of the room and be spatially appropriate. It should also be practical because guests often use even expensive-looking furniture. Even though many people might consider the best carved coffee table to be the most expensive or most beautiful table, sometimes a less expensive or fine table is a better fit for a room. Your own priorities have a large effect on which table is best.

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    • Mahogany is considered a high-quality wood for a coffee table.
      By: vadim yerofeyev
      Mahogany is considered a high-quality wood for a coffee table.