There are many different shapes and sizes for Chinese tables. However, we can divide
them into five main styles: square tables, round tables, long tables, short tables
and side tables with drawers. 

For square tables, we have got 4 people tables and 8 people tables. Round tables
allow more people to sit together. It also means "reunion" in Chinese. Altar tables
are the most common long tables. They are usually long and narrow and used to be
placed against the back wall and carried offerings to the gods and ancestors. Before
Tang and Song dynasties, people sat on the ground at home, so tables were very
short at that time. 

Though standard tables were gradually developed, the short table styles were also
reserved. In North China, winter is cold and people set up Kang, a large heated
platform made from brick or unbaked clay. It plays the role of beds and is usually
much larger than beds. They are not only for sleeping, but for meals and many
other activities. 

These kinds of short tables can be used as coffee tables at home today. Side tables
with drawers are usually standard height tables. They can be used as office tables,
studying tables, meal tables, ladies' desk or dressing tables and bedside tables.