@BeverlyFLADeziner: No, I'm not assuming the back has a finish. If you are referring to the cable being visible, or the approach to route it under the sofa would not work, there are two options: Align the table so that the "backless" back is up against the side of the sofa. So, flip it 90deg compared to the image of a sample sofa and this table posted earlier. The cable can be stuck along the curved edge of the table on the back, so that it is not visible. This way, it gets down to the floor along a surface that people cannot see as opposed to dangling through the hollow portion of the table.

Hi. I don't think either are trending. I believe it's more a matter of taste and lifestyle. Glass tops are a bit more high maintenance as you see smudges much more easily.

Pendants seem like a better geometric fit.

These are called wooden pellet or pallet. You can order them online . Scrap dealers around manufacturing logistics industrial areas usually sell these as well.