Why is it called a coffee table?

Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Who invented the coffee table?

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.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables .The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa , and its depth will match the seating . These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables , but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?

The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.

How much does a coffee table cost?

On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

When did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

1979 Coffee Table

Small Cocktail Tables

Vintage 70s

Brass Flower Table

Glass And Copper Tables

Trunk Tables

Willy Ballez

Table Plexiglas

French Modernist Table

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Mid-century design travertine coffee table, 1970’s

$1,472

Jean Claude Dresse Mosaic Coffee Table in Brass

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass and lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s Enchanting coffee

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Jean Claude Dresse Mosaic Coffee Table in Brass

$94,500

Vintage Travertine Coffee Table By Peter Draenert, Netherlands 1970s

Located in Nashville, TN

Vintage Travertine Coffee Table By Peter Draenert, Netherlands 1970s. Solid travertine

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Travertine Coffee Table By Peter Draenert, Netherlands 1970s

$10,500

Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman for Directional midcentury coffee table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table

$6,495 / set

Illuminated Cicada / Beetle Sculpture as Coffee Table

By Henri Fernandez

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Illuminated Cicada sculpture with agate wings as coffee table by Henri Fernandez. Measurements

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Illuminated Cicada / Beetle Sculpture as Coffee Table

$9,375 Sale Price

25% Off

Large coffee table set by Maison Charles, 1970s

By Maison Charles

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Large coffee table set by Maison Charles consisting of 4 nesting tables in brass and chrome with

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Large coffee table set by Maison Charles, 1970s

$2,078 / set

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Coffee Table, Denmark, 1970s

Located in Antwerp, BE

This solid oak coffee table features clean lines and a minimalist design typical of Scandinavian

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Coffee Table, Denmark, 1970s

$2,900

Italian Raffia Brass Greek Key Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Italian coffee table with raffia wrapped wood top and Greek key corner bracketed brass parsons base

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Raffia Brass Greek Key Coffee Table

$4,500

Monumental Solid Brass Coffee Table, circa 1970

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Awesome and sturdy rectangular coffee table, solid brass base and glass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Monumental Solid Brass Coffee Table, circa 1970

$5,938

Antique coffee table by Jean Claude MAHEY

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful and elegant coffee table, the color is much nicer in person, it is like a ivory color

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique coffee table by Jean Claude MAHEY

$5,800

Magnussen Ponte Mactan stone coffee table Belgium 1970

By Magnussen Furniture

Located in Etten-Leur, NL

Beautiful sculptural round coffee table designed and manufactured by Magnussen Ponte, Belgium 1970

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Magnussen Ponte Mactan stone coffee table Belgium 1970

$1,306

Percival Lafer Folding Rosewood Coffee Table, 1970s

By Percival Lafer

Located in Culver City, CA

This coffee table is fabulous! Designed by Percival Lafer a Brazilian furniture designer known for

Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Percival Lafer Folding Rosewood Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,320 Sale Price

20% Off

Space Age Chrome Wire Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Space age era coffee table with a chromed metal wire base and a round smoked glass top. 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s German Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Space Age Chrome Wire Coffee Table, 1970s

$890

Italian Black Marquina Marble, Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

Located in New York, NY

The wavy split coffee table is the eptiomy of dynamic Italian design of it’s times. Marquina is a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Black Marquina Marble, Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$3,970

Solid Brass Coffee Table of the 1970s

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This solid brass coffee table is a nice example of luxury 1970s design. The sand cast brass feet

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Solid Brass Coffee Table of the 1970s

$1,484

Hollywood Regency Brass and Glass Coffee Tables

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Amazing Hollywood Regency P.E Guerin Style coffee tables made up of glass top and solid brass legs

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Hollywood Regency Brass and Glass Coffee Tables

$3,040 Sale Price

20% Off

Pair of "Brutalist" Coffee Tables, France, 1970

Located in Paris, FR

Pair of coffee or end tables made of solid steel, cut and stretched, patinated in bronze color

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Pair of "Brutalist" Coffee Tables, France, 1970

$5,700 / set

Burl Coffee Table Style of Willy Rizzo

By Willy Rizzo

Located in New York, NY

Burl coffee table style of Willy Rizzo with a metal insert to the center and floating on a metal

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Burl Coffee Table Style of Willy Rizzo

$7,600

Midcentury Laminate Burlwood and Glass Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Midcentury Laminate Burlwood and Glass Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 44 wide x 44

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Laminate, Burl

Midcentury Laminate Burlwood and Glass Coffee Table

$2,595 / set

Italian Designer, Coffee Table, Mahogany, Glass, Italy, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A mahogany and glass coffee table likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. Overall

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Mahogany

Italian Designer, Coffee Table, Mahogany, Glass, Italy, 1970s

$4,800

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/ Side Table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/ Side Table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/ Side Table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

$3,919

Mixed Tropical Hardwood Coffee Table, Brazil, 1970s

Located in Den Haag, NL

Mixed tropical hardwood coffee table, Brazil, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mixed Tropical Hardwood Coffee Table, Brazil, 1970s

$3,533

Taupe Tessellated Fossil Stone Pedestal Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Tessellated fossil stone coffee table with radiused edges and recessed pedestal base. Made in the

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Taupe Tessellated Fossil Stone Pedestal Coffee Table

$3,600 Sale Price

20% Off

Marble 2 Piece Coffee Table, 1970s Italy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

combine to create a full square coffee table. One of the two tables slightly taller and the other being

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Marble 2 Piece Coffee Table, 1970s Italy

$9,800

Golden Brass Vintage Coffee Table, Italy, 1950s

Located in Roma, IT

Golden vintage coffee table is a piece of original design furniture realized in the 1950s by

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Golden Brass Vintage Coffee Table, Italy, 1950s

$926 Sale Price

35% Off

Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Lucite Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful vintage modern coffee table boasts an unusual sculpted Lucite base. A large

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Lucite Coffee Table

$1,600

Vintage Midcentury Faux Bamboo Baker Coffee Table

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Pasadena, TX

Vintage midcentury faux bamboo baker coffee table. 1970s. Hollywood Regency Chin Hua style

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Midcentury Faux Bamboo Baker Coffee Table

$1,760 Sale Price

20% Off

François Monnet French 1970 Midcentury Coffee Table

By François Monnet

Located in Miami, FL

François Monnet French 1970 midcentury coffee table, steel and glass.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

François Monnet French 1970 Midcentury Coffee Table

$2,980

Table Coffe Curved Steel Francois Monnet , 1970s

By François Monnet

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Coffee table curved steel Francois Monnet , 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Table Coffe Curved Steel Francois Monnet , 1970s

$2,078 Sale Price

50% Off

Arthur Court Cast Aluminum Antler Coffee Table, 1970

By Arthur Court

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Court Cast Aluminum Antler Coffee/Cocktail Table, 1970’s. Original in great condition

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Arthur Court Cast Aluminum Antler Coffee Table, 1970

$2,800

Mastercraft Style Coffee Table Brass Glass 1970s

By Mastercraft

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Coffee Table 1970s Approximate Measurements in Inches With Glass: 16" high x 40" wide x 40" deep Base

Category

Vintage 1970s Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Mastercraft Style Coffee Table Brass Glass 1970s

$1,036 Sale Price

20% Off

Coffee Table In Cherry Wood With Four Faux Mobile Poufs, Italy 1970 s

Located in Hellouw, NL

Coffee table in cherry wood with four faux mobile poufs. The Italian seventies feeling really

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cherry, Faux Leather

Coffee Table In Cherry Wood With Four Faux Mobile Poufs, Italy 1970 s

$5,018 / set

Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Dark Resin

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jean Claude Dresse, large coffee table, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, late 1970s This eccentric

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Dark Resin

$32,000

Mid-Century Coffee Table by Alain Delon

By Alain Delon, Maison Jansen

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Beautiful coffee table in lacquer and brass designed by Alain Delon, possibly for Maison Jansen, in

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Coffee Table by Alain Delon

$2,957

Monumental Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Mt Kisco, NY

A monumental Charles Hollis Jones Lucite, chrome, and glass coffee table. The glass sits atop four

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Monumental Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

$2,000

Smoked Mirror Coffee Table Attributed to Frigerio

By Frigerio

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Coffee table attributed to Frigerio. The table has a brass structure that holds a smoked mirror top

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Smoked Mirror Coffee Table Attributed to Frigerio

$5,344

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning vintage modern maple coffee table features a rectangular top with splayed and tapered

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Coffee Table

$2,300

Mid-century Coffee Table with Brass Base

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This simple yet decorative midcentury coffee table features a wonderful brass base with a wood

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Coffee Table with Brass Base

$800

Hollywood Regency Oversized Faux Bamboo Coffee Table

Located in Miami, FL

Hollywood Regency wonderful faux bamboo chrome and bronze coffee table. F-607-335

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Chrome

Hollywood Regency Oversized Faux Bamboo Coffee Table

$2,520

1970 s Sculptural Lotus Blossom Coffee Table Base

Located in Alhambra, CA

Stunning coffee table base depicting a lotus blossom with sculptural elements, finished in gold

Category

Vintage 1970s Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1970 s Sculptural Lotus Blossom Coffee Table Base

$700

Pair of Willy Rizzo Style Coffee Tables

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Miami, FL

A superb pair of coffee tables in the style of Willy Rizzo.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Willy Rizzo Style Coffee Tables

$4,800 / set

Italian Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A marble and wood coffee table likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1970s

$4,400

Mid-Century Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Lovely Italian coffee table of the 70's, handcrafted out of travertine. A round plate on a very

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,482

Coffee table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, 1970

By Guy Lefevre, Maison Jansen

Located in MONTESSON, FR

This coffee table was designed by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen. The structure is in brass and the

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, 1970

$2,494

Post Modern Fiam Italia Curved Glass Coffee Table

By FIAM, Angelo Cortesi

Located in Chicago, IL

manufacturer in the world. Waterfall edges on this 1/2” thick tempered glass coffee table. See our listings for

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Post Modern Fiam Italia Curved Glass Coffee Table

$1,736 Sale Price

20% Off

1960s Fully Restored Danish Teak Coffe Table with Tiled Table Top.

Located in Knebel, DK

1960s fully restored Danish teak coffe table with tiled table top.

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

1960s Fully Restored Danish Teak Coffe Table with Tiled Table Top.

$1,484

Coffee Table with Lucite "Zig-Zag" Base

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Highland, IN

A delightful and dramatic design, this coffee table has a thick glass top cleverly supported and

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Coffee Table with Lucite "Zig-Zag" Base

$2,800

Stainless Steel Tables by Joe D Urso for Knoll Coffee Tables or End Tables

By Joe D Urso, Knoll

Located in Atlanta, GA

, circa 1970s. They are a versatile size and can be used as coffee tables, end or side tables, or

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Tables by Joe D Urso for Knoll Coffee Tables or End Tables

$15,550 / set

Italian Marble Oval Coffee Table, 1970 s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Extraordinary Italian coffee table handcrafted out of marble, 1970's. The oval top and base are

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Oval Coffee Table, 1970 s

$3,432

Slate Top Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful vintage modern coffee table features a decorative slate top with etched floral

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Chrome

Slate Top Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

$2,000

Louis XlV Metal Glass Coffee Cocktail Table

Located in Lake Worth, FL

estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Midcentury Louis XlV Style Cast Metal Coffee Table Coloration

Category

Vintage 1970s Louis XIV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Louis XlV Metal Glass Coffee Cocktail Table

$1,996 Sale Price

20% Off

Italian Travertine Marble Brass Cocktail Coffee Table

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Polished Walnut Travertine Marble Cocktail Table and a Travertine coffee table with marble base. To see

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Italian Travertine Marble Brass Cocktail Coffee Table

$3,116 Sale Price

20% Off

Coffee Table by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema, 1970

By Gastone Rinaldi

Located in Roma, IT

Coffee Table by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema, Italy, in 1970s. Wood and lacquered metal. Good

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Coffee Table by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema, 1970

$772

1970s Large Italian Provincial Inlaid Coffee/ Cocktail Table

Located in Opa Locka, FL

1970's Grand Scale Italian Provincial Inlaid Coffee/ Cocktail Table. Medium brown toned. This is a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Large Italian Provincial Inlaid Coffee/ Cocktail Table

$2,040 Sale Price

20% Off

Large Mid-Century Italian Travertine Coffee Table

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Spectacular Mid Century coffee table made in Italy from the 1970’s. It has been donde in two

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Chrome

Large Mid-Century Italian Travertine Coffee Table

$3,840 Sale Price

20% Off

Swedish Designer, Sizable Coffee Table, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A sizable coffee table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 19.75” H x 62” W x

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Sizable Coffee Table, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

$6,800

Coffee Table Brass Etched by Christian Heckscher

By Christian Heckscher

Located in New York, NY

Square coffee table by Christian Heckscher inlaid agate, in perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass, Steel

Coffee Table Brass Etched by Christian Heckscher

$14,000 Sale Price

51% Off

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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1979 Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the 1979 coffee table you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, glass and brass, every 1979 coffee table was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect 1979 coffee table — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A 1979 coffee table made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Hollywood Regency — is very popular. A well-made 1979 coffee table has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Willy Rizzo, Maison Jansen and Paul Evans are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1979 Coffee Table?

Prices for a 1979 coffee table start at $1 and top out at $180,000 with the average selling for $2,998.

Finding the Right Coffee-tables-cocktail-tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About 1979 Coffee Table

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
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.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
What is the standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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