Surface

A surface is a type of buy mode object that has appeared throughout The Sims series. It is primarily used to carry small objects like decorations, books, computers and food that normally cannot be placed on the ground. Sims tend to only be able to use objects on a surface if there is a chair next to it.

In general, surfaces are divided into five categories: counters, tables, end tables, coffee tables and desks, though not all games use the same category names. Counters are required for meals that require preparation. Island counters and dining tables can be used as eating surfaces if a stool or chair is located next to it. Desks can be used for doing homework and for placing computers, although Sims will also use them as eating surfaces if there aren't any other surfaces available. Sims will typically use end tables for placing unpaid bills, newspapers, and magazines on, and may use coffee tables if there are no suitable end tables nearby.