Most people think that reception tables can be replaced by any type of conventional coffee table designed for home use. Consider the difference of the types of people using reception tables vs. those using a small table in the home. Reception tables must have round corners and edges, as small children are likely to be milling about them. Of course, adults are not immune to injury as well, so any reception table must be sized and set at a certain height so as not to create tripping accidents. For this reason the far older almost Victorian style of the center table makes a good model for reception table design.