Copper has definitely made a splash in modern interior design in the past few years, with the versatile metal making appearances in everything from elegant light fixtures to spacious kitchen sinks to shiny cookware. The striking color of copper can instantly add warmth to your home without clashing with any of your current decor, making it an ideal choice for gorgeous coffee tables or kitchen tables, too. In fact, the element itself contains natural properties that makes it the perfect candidate for tabletop surfaces in any home, along with a number of other perks. Here are what we consider to be the top 5 benefits of copper tabletops and why you should consider investing in a copper tabletop next time you redecorate:
8. Durability
Copper Does Not Breakdown Over Time
If you are looking for a tabletop that will last a lifetime then one made from copper is an ideal choice. The reason for this is that copper is an incredibly hard-wearing and durable substance that never breaks down or corrodes over time. Of course that makes a copper tabletop an excellent investment because, unlike one made from wood, glass, or plastic you can expect it to last generations and still look amazing.
Copper Verdigris
Instead of corroding copper goes through a process known as verdigris. The effect of verdigris is an attractive green patina, which is often created deliberately for decorative effect. However, there is little need to worry about this process happening for a table you keep indoors in your kitchen or dining room. This is because for verdigris to occur copper must be exposed to a considerable amount of weather and salt (acidic) water, conditions unlikely to occur inside!
The Verdigris Protects Its Surface
Verdigris otherwise known as copper patina has an additional benefit when it comes to creating table tops. Indeed, it is this patina that can help protect the copper if it is exposed to harsh conditions preventing it from breaking down or losing its properties. In essence, when you invest in a copper table top you have built-in protection. This is because should it ever meet harsh conditions or elements, you can be safe in the knowledge that it will retain all its properties and full value.
7. On Trend
Choosing a tabletop display with warm brown metallic shades of copper is also beneficial because there is a huge trend for copper-colored items in interior design right now. Indeed, over the last few years, we have seen the metallic glint of copper sneak into a variety of indoor spaces from kitchens, to bathrooms, and even lounges. It's hardly surprising either, as accessorizing with copper items can instantly lift a room and add warmth and an inviting feeling that is hard to beat.
Rustic Style
Copper table tops can be used in a range of styles in interior design as well. With one of the most popular of these is the rural and rustic style that is so popular in kitchens right now. Use your copper tabletop as a focal feature and then accessorize with hanging copper kettles, and pots and pans for fabulous texture and intrigue.
Industrial Style
In addition to its association with a rustic style, copper is also inextricably linked to the very popular industrial design trend that you can see on the front of interior design magazines right now. This is because due to its excellent durability, copper was used for many industrial applications in the rapidly changing landscape of Victorian Britain in the 19th century.
To achieve the updates and somewhat slicker industrial trend in your own home, start with a dark but neutral base such as gray or black on your kitchen walls and cabinets, and then add pops of copper in the form of door handles, tabletops, and taps and light fittings.
Feeling inspired? Up the style stakes and use our 3-D configurator to help you plan out your perfect table design to the finish and texture you want, as well as the size and length.
6. Formable
Copper, a metal with the chemical symbol Cu, is the most malleable metal after Tin. Indeed, the atomic properties of copper mean it is very workable as it is both malleable and ductile. Malleability refers to copper’s ability to deform under compression or be formed into a shape without breaking. However, when copper is described as ductile it means that it can easily be stretched without damage, which is of course essential if you are looking to shape it into a durable and useful table top.
The reason that copper is both so malleable and ductile is its atomic structure and how this reacts to the application of heat. When heat is applied to copper sheets in the forming process it rearranges the atoms in a more regular pattern. Metals like copper with this more regular pattern are ideal for uses such as table tops because they have fewer spots where there are weak connections between the atoms (areas known as boundaries). This is because metals tend to shatter and break at these boundaries. Metals with fewer boundaries mean a more easily workable metal that can be worked without the risk of breaking.
Of course, this makes copper the ideal choice for a tabletop because it is much easier to work with and create the desired result. This high level of malleability means it can be easily bent and shaped over a high-quality wooden base to create a beautifully fully customizable table that meets your specifications.
5. Naturally Antimicrobial
According to Michael G. Schmidt, PhD, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, some types of copper can “kill off microbes even more effectively than stainless steel.” Schmidt even says that copper should be used more often in hospital settings, as it can effectively kill methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA), other staph bacteria, adenoviruses, all types of the flu virus, and even fungus. Furthermore, the U.S. EPA found that copper can kill 99.9% of potentially harmful bacteria within just 2 hours. If a copper tabletop is used in the kitchen as an alternative to stainless steel, it could easily prevent food-borne illnesses and provide a cleaner overall environment in your home.
4. Contains Antioxidant Properties
Plenty of research studies have proven that copper contains antioxidant properties that may decrease the production of free radicals, which are known to damage cells and cause diseases such as cancer. In one study conducted in January of this year, scientists found that using copper nanoparticles in mice can treat tumors and, most importantly, prevent tumors from coming back. “As far as I’m aware, this is the first time that metal oxides [have been used] to efficiently fight cancer cells with long lasting immune effects in live models,” said Professor Stefaan Soenen, one of the leading experts in the study. Although this process has not yet been tested in humans, it’s a promising sign that copper has powerful properties that can ward off illnesses and disease.
3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Copper is a natural element, so it doesn’t require a potentially wasteful manufacturing process, and it can last for decades without decreasing in strength or quality. Copper is also completely recyclable, making it one of the top choices for people who are committed to “going green” in their daily lives.
The tabletops created by talented CopperSmith experts actually use recycled copper for their beautiful hand-hammered tables. After hammering the material down to the perfect size, the copper is wrapped snugly around a strong plywood base to prevent any warping of its shape. CopperSmith even uses eco-sustainable packaging when they ship their copper table tops in order to do everything they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
2. Easy to Clean
Copper countertops and tabletops are surprisingly easy to clean and maintain. You can simply wipe down your tabletops with a soft cloth to restore shininess. All you need to clean off residue is some warm water, a cloth or sponge, and a mild soap. Every once in a while, waxing or oiling your raw copper surfaces will ensure that they stay beautifully vibrant for the long term. If you choose a sealant for your copper table, occasional beeswax or butcher’s wax treatments are recommended.
1. Beautifully Unique Appearance
Copper is considered to be a “living surface,” as its appearance will develop and change over time. Unsealed copper countertops oxidize as they age, so they will blossom into unique patinas with rich shades of red, brown, and green that will perfectly complement a rustic kitchen or living room. If you want a tabletop that’s just as special as your home, selecting a professionally hand-crafted copper table is an excellent choice. You can choose from a variety of finishes, textures, and patinas from CopperSmith. You also can receive 6 free samples to see how the material will look and feel in your living space. Browse our selections or give us a call with any questions!