Separating a Living Room

• In a larger living room, create a separate seating area with a round cocktail table flanked by lounge chairs. This allows for a space to have a more private conversation while others are watching a game or program on TV. Decorate the area to match your entertaining lifestyle. For example, paint a colorful game board on top of the table or attach cups to hold chips and cards if you enjoy hosting game nights. For a more formal setting, use a glass chess set or wooden checkers. Other options include placing a lamp on the table for a place to read the newspaper or do crafting projects in the evening while the rest of the family lounges on the couch watching movies.
  
  

Against a Wall

• Create a decorative and functional area in almost any room of your home by placing a cocktail table up against a wall. put one in your foyer, flanked by two wooden chairs, for a place to take shoes off when entering your home. Include a decorative basket on top for keys and mail. Other options include putting a cocktail table against the wall of your bedroom for a minibar in a guest bedroom, family room or game room. Include shelves on the wall for glasses and small bottles of liquor. Place an easy chair on either side complete a perfect setting for a nightcap.
  
  

In a Corner

• Even the smallest of rooms oftentimes have unused corners. Fill the wasted space by placing a cocktail table that fits there. Examples for decorating the cocktail table include hanging an old-fashioned swag lamp above it or antique oil lamp on it, and placing a rocking chair beside it for an antique look. Other options include installing a hanging wine bottle rack above it for bottles and glasses and swanking either side of the table with modern leather chairs for a contemporary setting. If chairs are not an option because of space constraints, alternative seating options include small benches or bean bags that are pushed under the table when not in use.
  
  

Dining Areas

• Smaller homes may lack the space for a formal dining area, as larger homes sometimes have formal dining rooms that go untouched. If either of these situations describe one of your decorating dilemmas, use cocktail tables to think outside of conventional solutions. Place a larger cocktail table and comfortable stuffed lounge chairs in your formal dining room instead of a traditional table and chairs. Place a smaller cocktail table under a window in your kitchen with a few stools around it to create an eating area in a smaller kitchen.