Rounded Edges: The Coffee Table Detail That Makes All the Difference

Rounded edges make a coffee table safer, easier to move around and gentler on the eye, and it is a detail you notice every time you walk past, reach across or brush against the table. In this article, we look at where the curved look comes from and why it has become part of everyday modern design. We explain the safety case for homes with toddlers, older relatives and energetic pets, and the space case for narrow terraces where walkways are tight. We describe the main kinds of curve, from radiused corners and pill shapes to ovals, rounds and bullnose edges, and the materials that show them off best, including stone, solid wood, high gloss and upholstery. You will also find advice on balancing curves with straight lines, carrying the detail into dining and bedroom furniture, and the key checks to make before buying, from the radius itself to finish quality and stability....