coffee table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coffee table" is correct and commonly used in written English.
Example: "My living room was furnished with a plush sofa, two cozy armchairs, and a beautiful wooden coffee table in the center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He eyeballs the coffee table.

The Guardian - Film

The coffee table is groaning.

The New York Times - Style

What books are on your coffee table?

The New York Times - Books

DEBORAH BERKE needs a coffee table.

The New York Times

P. S. Keys on the coffee table".

The New Yorker

It now sits on her coffee table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That's coffee table-album bingo, right there.

The Guardian - Music

It is called a coffee-table book.

The New York Times

It's not a coffee-table book.

The New York Times

Between the typewriter and coffee-table erotica.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Both series became coffee-table books).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "coffee table", specify its material (wood, glass, metal) and style (modern, antique, rustic) to provide a more vivid image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "coffee table" as a metaphor for something superficial or unimportant. While "coffee table books" are sometimes considered decorative rather than substantive, the term "coffee table" itself should primarily refer to the physical object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coffee table" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, designating a common household object. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it directly names a type of furniture typically found in living rooms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "coffee table" is a common noun phrase used to describe a long, low table typically placed in front of seating in a living room. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is primarily descriptive, with a neutral register. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, as indicated by Ludwig Examples. When writing, specify its material and style to enrich the description. Alternative phrases include "cocktail table" and "center table".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cocktail table

Synonym for "coffee table", often used interchangeably.

living room table

Broader term referring to any table in a living room, including a "coffee table".

center table

Describes a table placed in the center of a room, similar to the typical placement of a "coffee table".

low table

Refers to the height of the table, a key characteristic of a "coffee table".

occasional table

A general term for tables used for various purposes, including holding drinks and magazines like a "coffee table".

parlor table

Refers to a table in a parlor or sitting room, functioning similarly to a "coffee table".

side table

A small table placed beside a chair or sofa, sometimes used in place of a "coffee table".

end table

A table placed at the end of a sofa, serving a similar purpose to a "coffee table".

console table

A long, narrow table often placed against a wall, which could serve a similar function as a display surface.

accent table

A decorative table used to enhance a room's aesthetic, similar to how a "coffee table" can contribute to a living room's decor.

FAQs

How do I use "coffee table" in a sentence?

You can use "coffee table" to describe a piece of furniture typically found in a living room. For example, "She placed the remote control on the coffee table."

What are some synonyms for "coffee table"?

Alternatives to "coffee table" include "cocktail table", "center table", or simply "low table", depending on the specific context.

Is "coffee table" one word or two?

"Coffee table" is correctly written as two separate words.

What is the purpose of a "coffee table"?

A "coffee table" is typically used for placing drinks, books, decorative items, and other small objects in a living room or seating area. It serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose.