COLUMN: Gail Mayhugh

DEAR GAIL: We have a very small family room. Along with a fireplace and sliding glass doors, we have a sofa, chair, ottoman and TV entertainment unit. There is not enough room for any of the coffee tables that we have found, and we could use tables for the extra chairs we pull into the room when guests come. What else can we use? -- Stan and Irene

DEAR STAN and IRENE: Every seating area needs a table that you and your guests may set drinks on without trying to balance them on your laps. If you entertain regularly, table space is a priority.

Every seat should have a convenient and properly sized table. For a three-seat sofa or sectional, a coffee table would serve the middle seats. Side tables will serve the end seats, occasional chair and extra chairs.

Along with room to place a drink and dessert plate, end tables need to have enough surface to accommodate a lamp and any accessories. They also need to be the correct height for the furniture pieces they are next to. A proper height is no more than three inches lower than the arm. They also should not be higher than the arm. This prevents drinks from spilling and saucers from tilting when leaning toward the low surface, or hitting the table when it is too high.

With your limited space, my first suggestion is to use nesting tables for either your coffee table or one of the side tables. I consider nesting tables one of the most versatile tables since they can be stacked when space is limited then separated when needed.

Using them as a coffee table is different and unique. They can be stacked as one or expanded, either stepping them down or placing the taller in the middle with one pulled out on each side. They would meet your need for a coffee table and fit into your limited space.

You mentioned an ottoman and this could also serve as coffee table space when entertaining. Purchase a sturdy serving tray a little smaller than the ottoman. The heavier the tray the better, as it needs to provide a stable base for drinks.

Since you do not have room for a standard-size coffee table, you can have a piece of glass cut any size. Then you are unlimited with what can be used for the base. Depending upon your theme, some things you can use are plaster columns, books, clay pots, urns, a steamer trunk or, for a modern look, glass blocks.

For an extra narrow table, shorten the legs of a sofa table. Most sofa or console tables range in size from 12 inches to 21 inches wide, which is narrower than coffee tables, which range from 24 inches to 42 inches. A wooden bench also is a good choice for a narrow, low table.

Another option is using two end tables as a coffee table. You can find a variety of them in smaller sizes and there is a trend for the coffee table to be at a taller height.

Although not as popular as years ago, decorative tray tables function wonderfully as end tables. They can be stored away until your guests arrive. The Internet and mail order catalogs will be your best source for them.

If you still can't find what you're looking for in the furniture stores, remember to check out the unfinished furniture stores. And, don't be afraid to build exactly what you want and finish it to match your décor.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave., Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

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