In my naivety, I thought a coffee table was a place for putting down a cup/mug/glass - preferably on a coaster.
It might also have the newspaper/magazines/Radio Times and box of chocolates or even a 'coffee table' book. Ours is glass topped and has a shelf underneath with loads of clutter numerous childrens games, the village magazine and a box of tissues.
I saw an article yesterday showing how to 'style' a coffee table - is yours styled? Or like ours?
Lack of public toilets in towns.