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Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.
Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.
Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.
Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
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Shop for Coffee Tables and Cocktail Tables on 1stDibs
Emergence Collection Oval or Round Coffee Table by Aaron Saxton
Located in South Charleston, WV
The Emergence collection released January 2026 by Aaron Saxton, designed and built in the USA. As shown 54x36x15 3/8" tall with ovals available up to 84" in length and 47" in depth a...
Category
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Cherry, Ebony, Mahogany, Oak, Teak, Walnut
Unique 54-inch Oval Walnut Coffee Table by Aaron Saxton
Located in South Charleston, WV
Coffee Table 36x54x16" tall. This model is the prototype and was produced for a series we are releasing this year and is a photo model piece; a singular example of its kind. Taking ...
Category
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
Set Bold Blend Coffee Table Large + Medium + Small
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Bold Coffee Table Blend Large offers a harmonious balance between wood and marble, with wooden legs combined with an elegant marble top that is available in a range of marble opt...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Travertine
$14,594 / item
Special Oval Rosewood Coffee Table
Located in South Charleston, WV
Coffee Table 36x54x15 3/8" tall. This model is the prototype and was produced for a series we are releasing this year (Emergence Collection) and is a photo model piece and is a singu...
Category
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rosewood
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Oval Coffee Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century Louis XVI-style oval form coffee table with the design features of bouillotte tables–the type made for playing the popular card game–given a very chic update i...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Brutalist Pierre Chapo Style Railroad Table with slab legs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist railroad table showcasing the distinctive style of renowned French designer Pierre Chapo. Constructed from golden-toned solid wood, the piece ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Oak
