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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a 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.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment 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.

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 Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Poul Kjærholm PK70 Coffee Table

$6,650

Mid Century Travertine Round Coffee Table

By Mario Bellini

Located in ECHT, NL

This round travertine coffee table embodies the elegance and simplicity of midcentury design. The

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Mid Century Travertine Round Coffee Table

$4,378

1970’s Italian Travertine Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

1970’s square travertine coffee table. Made in Italy.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

1970’s Italian Travertine Coffee Table

$5,500

Mid Century Glass S Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid Century Glass S Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 59.25 wide x 19.5 deep x

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Glass S Coffee Table

$2,595

Live Edge Mid Century Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Live edge mid century coffee table Beautiful rustic piece Handcrafted table constructed of thick

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Live Edge Mid Century Coffee Table

$5,500

Vintage two tier marble coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Timeless marble coffee tables with two round tops. Beautiful arched base and attractive natural

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Vintage two tier marble coffee table, 1970s

$1,487

Large transparent coffee table, Italy 1970

Located in Roma, RM

Large transparent coffee table, made of glass and methacrylate, Italy 1970 Product details

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Large transparent coffee table, Italy 1970

$2,998

Large 1970’s French coffee table

Located in Chicago, IL

Large Post modern handmade French coffee table. Signed by the artist.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Large 1970’s French coffee table

$6,500

1970s Maple Coffee Table, Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

- good original condition with some signs of use visible on photos - sturdy and stable

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Maple

1970s Maple Coffee Table, Czechoslovakia

$464

Scarce Pucci De Rossi coffee table

By Pucci De Rossi

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Pucci DE ROSSI (1947-2013) Table basse X, le plateau couvert d'un plexiglas blanc à vis apparentes

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Scarce Pucci De Rossi coffee table

$11,422

Mid century wooden coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Unique mid century coffee table with a fantastic design. The legs interlock beautifully with the

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mid century wooden coffee table, 1970s

$1,784

Pair of Brutalist coffee tables, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Pair of sculptural cut steel and brass coffee tables or side tables with a smoked glass top. Real

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Cut Steel

Pair of Brutalist coffee tables, 1970s

$2,082 / set

Boho Chic Bamboo Round Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fabulous round natural bamboo rattan coffee table with a round glass top. Great addition to your

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass

Boho Chic Bamboo Round Coffee Table

$950

Large Chrome Coffee Table, circa 1970

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This large coffee table is made of chrome with two clear glass shelves. The quality of this

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Large Chrome Coffee Table, circa 1970

$2,665 Sale Price

20% Off

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table. Circa 1970

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This modernist chrome coffee table with triple feet is made of chrome with 2 glass shelves. This is

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table. Circa 1970

$3,760 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage wood and slate coffee table, 1970

Located in MONTESSON, FR

The structure of this coffee table is made of wood and the top is made of slate. This piece of

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate

Vintage wood and slate coffee table, 1970

$832

Granite Top 2 Tier Coffee Table

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This striking granite top two-tier coffee table combines timeless elegance with practical

Category

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

Materials

Granite, Brass

Granite Top 2 Tier Coffee Table

$2,550

Paul Evans Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Hudson, NY

A sculpted bronze and glass “Stalagmite” coffee table, the thick round glass top sits on top of a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Paul Evans Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table

$14,500

Isocèle Coffee Table by Max Sauze

By Max Sauze

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This rectangular coffee table was designed by Max Sauze for his “Isocèle” collection in France

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Isocèle Coffee Table by Max Sauze

$1,777

Mid-Century Italian Travertine Coffee Table

Located in Austin, TX

Coffee table from Italy in the mid-century style. This piece is made with a large travertine

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Italian Travertine Coffee Table

$4,950

Gallotti Radice Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

By Gallotti Radice

Located in Berlin, DE

Elegant glass coffee table by Gallotti & Radice, Italy.

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Gallotti Radice Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$1,368

Willy Rizzo Double Volume Coffee Table

By Willy Rizzo

Located in PARIS, FR

same workshop with the same extra-care and skill. The Double Volume Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo was

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Willy Rizzo Double Volume Coffee Table

$15,468

Vintage brass elephant coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Hollywood regency brass elephant coffee table. The coffee table consists of a brass base featuring

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage brass elephant coffee table, 1970s

$1,368 / item

Vintage two tier marble coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Timeless marble coffee tables with two round tops. Beautiful arched base and attractive natural

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Vintage two tier marble coffee table, 1970s

$1,487

Onda Mid Century Beveled Marble Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Onda Mid Century Beveled Marble Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 55 wide x 27.5 deep x

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Onda Mid Century Beveled Marble Coffee Table

$3,095

Sculptural Coffee Table Model "Cariatide 2" by Nerone for Ricardo Nuzzi

By Nerone Giovanni Ceccarelli

Located in Hellouw, NL

designs as part of the duo Nerone e Patuzzi. This rare coffee table, model “Cariatide 2”, was created by

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Sculptural Coffee Table Model "Cariatide 2" by Nerone for Ricardo Nuzzi

$34,506

Etienne Allemeersch coffee table, Belgium 1970s

By Etienne Allemeersch

Located in Brussels, BE

, crafted this coffee table in resin adorned with inlaid fossil stone. Do not hesitate to contact us for

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Etienne Allemeersch coffee table, Belgium 1970s

$8,924

Coffee table, Peter Ghyczy, 132x132 cm

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Neuss, NW

Large coffee table from the 1970s by Peter Ghyczy. High-quality brass feet and a table top made of

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee table, Peter Ghyczy, 132x132 cm

$3,235

Coffee Table by Meccani Studio for Carabotto

By Meccani Design

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Meccani Studio Coffee Table for Carabotto - A striking piece of Italian design, this coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table by Meccani Studio for Carabotto

$5,600

Willy Ceysens Exceptional Coffee Table with glass table top

Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp

Rare willy ceysens exceptional coffee table.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Willy Ceysens Exceptional Coffee Table with glass table top

$2,379

Brutalist Low Solid Oak Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in EVERDINGEN, NL

An artisan 1970s solid oak coffee table featuring a thick, sculptural tabletop supported by three

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Brutalist Low Solid Oak Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,558

Postmodern Mactan Stone Glass Coffee Table

Located in Baltimore, MD

Superb postmodern sculpted Mactan stone and Glass Coffee Table with modernist design, elegant and

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Postmodern Mactan Stone Glass Coffee Table

$1,295

Mosaic coffee table by raf Verjans, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Rare vintage coffee table made of inlaid aluminum mosaic parts, enhanced with resin and with a

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Aluminum

Mosaic coffee table by raf Verjans, 1970s

$2,677

Mid Century Octagonal Travertine Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid Century Octagonal Travertine Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 36 deep x 16

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Mid Century Octagonal Travertine Coffee Table

$4,595

Unique Sculptural Elephant Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Elegant plaster elephant coffee table with a clear oval glass top. Beautiful sculptural table

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plaster

Unique Sculptural Elephant Coffee Table, 1970s

$1,020

Channel Series Glass Coffee Table by Brueton

By Pace Collection, Leon Rosen

Located in New York, NY

Chrome and glass coffee table by Brueton.

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Channel Series Glass Coffee Table by Brueton

$5,350

Sven Larsson, Coffee Table, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

By Sven Larsson

Located in High Point, NC

A pine coffee table designed by Sven Larsson and produced by Sven Larsson Möbel-Shop, Sweden, c

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Sven Larsson, Coffee Table, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

$7,800

Henredon Heritage Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table

By Heritage-Henredon

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Henredon Heritage Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 62 wide x 18.25 deep

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Henredon Heritage Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table

$2,847

Harvey Probber Mid Century Mahogany Coffee Table

By Harvey Probber

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Harvey Probber Mid Century Mahogany Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 24 deep x

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Harvey Probber Mid Century Mahogany Coffee Table

$4,295

Preben Fabricius Jorgen Kastholm Coffee Table

By Jørgen Kastholm Preben Fabricius

Located in London, GB

This incredible coffee table was created by Preben Fabricius & Jorgen Kastholm circa 1970. The

Category

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

Materials

Slate, Chrome

Preben Fabricius Jorgen Kastholm Coffee Table

$7,332

Large Chrome Coffee Table, circa 1970

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This large coffee table is made of chrome with 2 glass shelves. This is a French design, very

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Large Chrome Coffee Table, circa 1970

$4,105

Vintage stone pyramid coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage coffee table consisting of 4 stone pyramid shaped bases with a thick smoked glass top

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Vintage stone pyramid coffee table, 1970s

$1,282

Vintage travertine and glass coffee table

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Magnificent coffee table with travertine top mounted on a black painted metal structure. A glass

Category

Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Vintage travertine and glass coffee table

$1,166

Marcasite coffee table by Jean-claude Dresse

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR

Coffee table in resin with slices of marcasite and inox base.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

Marcasite coffee table by Jean-claude Dresse

$17,134 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage square travertine coffee table, 1970s - Italy

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Large vintage square travertine coffee table with four legs. Beautiful natural travertine stone

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Vintage square travertine coffee table, 1970s - Italy

$1,368

Marzio Cecchi coffee table, Italy 1970s

By Marzio Cecchi

Located in London, GB

classical appeal to this rare coffee table, which sits low and louche on two angled legs. Wrapped in a cream

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Marzio Cecchi coffee table, Italy 1970s

$7,558

Mid Century Lucite Wave Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid Century Lucite Wave Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 59.25 wide x 19.75 deep x 14.75

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Mid Century Lucite Wave Coffee Table

$3,695 / set

Sculpted steel flower coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Beautiful sculpted flower cut steel brutalist coffee table with a clear round glass table top

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cut Steel

Sculpted steel flower coffee table, 1970s

$1,784

Dutch Designer, Coffee Table, Oak, Netherlands, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A solid oak coffee table likely designed and produced in the Netherlands, c. 1970s. Light scuffing

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Dutch Designer, Coffee Table, Oak, Netherlands, 1970s

$8,400

Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Coffee Table

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 30 wide x 47 deep x 16 inches

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Coffee Table

$5,195 / set

Richard Kagan Zebra Wood Coffee Table

By Richard Kagan

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Richard Kagan Zebra Wood and Glass Coffee Table. Bought directly from the South Street Philadelphia

Category

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

Materials

Zebra Wood

Richard Kagan Zebra Wood Coffee Table

$2,500

Post Modern Sculptural Plaster Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Post modern sculptural plaster coffee table. The table is plaster over a wood frame with a painted

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Plaster

Post Modern Sculptural Plaster Coffee Table

$11,500

Midcentury Asymmetrical Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Praha, CZ

- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood - good, original condition.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Asymmetrical Coffee Table, 1970s

$535

Diagonos coffee table by Philippe Parent, 1977

By Philippe Parent

Located in MONTESSON, FR

formats. The base of this coffee table is in steel with a gunmetal finish. It features a marble top. This

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Diagonos coffee table by Philippe Parent, 1977

$2,022

Original Gilded Aluminum Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in taranto, IT

Original coffee table from the 70s, entirely made of golden aluminum, with a very elegant and sober

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Original Gilded Aluminum Coffee Table, 1970s

$428

Morrocan Brass Tray Coffee Table on Mid-Century Style Base

Located in Elkton, MD

Moroccan style brass tray table, with brass tray that is removable from the folding teak base.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Morrocan Brass Tray Coffee Table on Mid-Century Style Base

$1,200

Travertine and glass Coffee Table 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Unique oval travertine and glass coffee table. The table top consists of a ying & yang shaped top

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Travertine and glass Coffee Table 1970s

$2,320

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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a 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.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment 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.

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