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.

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 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.

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.

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.

1989 Coffee Table

1980s Furniture Bamboo

Tessellated Stone Table

Vintage Italian Cocktail Glasses

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Modernist Sculpture Coffee Table after Carlo Mollino Arabesque in Sculpted Iron

$3,900

Large Neo Art Deco Coffee Table with Hand Painted Crane Pastel

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Large 42" x 42" white Neo Art Deco coffee table with hand painted crane pastel protected by a 1/2

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plaster

Large Neo Art Deco Coffee Table with Hand Painted Crane Pastel

$2,990

"Filicudi" coffee table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta 1993

By Ettore Sottsass, Marco Zanini, Zanotta

Located in Renens, CH

Coffee table form the "Filicudi" series by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta Italy 1993

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Pearwood

"Filicudi" coffee table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta 1993

$5,344

ISA, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Square Coffee Table, Wood, Bamboo, Cane, 1980s

By ISA Bergamo

Located in Manhasset, NY

ISA, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Square Coffee Table, Wood, Bamboo, Cane, 1980s Modernist bamboo

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Cane, Glass

ISA, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Square Coffee Table, Wood, Bamboo, Cane, 1980s

$3,950

Vintage Boho Chic, Hollywood Regency, Double Lying Rams Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL

Very nice vintage design, boho chic, Hollywood Regency, lying rams for a coffee table in carved

Category

Vintage 1980s European Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Boho Chic, Hollywood Regency, Double Lying Rams Coffee Table, 1980s

$1,424

Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer

By Karl Springer

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This beautiful rectangular coffee table is designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer. This

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer

$6,995

Midcentury Italian Green and Brass Coffee Table 1980s by Sergio Bucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The midcentury Italian square coffee table from the 1980s, designed by Sergio Bucci, is a stunning

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Italian Green and Brass Coffee Table 1980s by Sergio Bucci

$3,800

Italian Art Deco Style Parchment, Black Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table

Located in Meda, MB

This Art Deco style coffee table was produced in Italy in the 1980s. The top is in parchment, the

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Art Deco Style Parchment, Black Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table

$2,612

Post Modern Walnut Slab coffee table with colored triangle legs studio craft

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Post Modern Walnut Slab coffee table with colored triangle angled legs that protrude through the

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Post Modern Walnut Slab coffee table with colored triangle legs studio craft

$3,600 Sale Price

25% Off

Brutalist Round Grey Slate Stone Coffee Table by Sculptor Paul Kingma

By Paul Kingma

Located in DE MEERN, NL

Brutalist Round Grey Slate Stone Coffee Table by Sculptor Paul Kingma, Netherlands 1984

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Concrete, Travertine, Slate, Aluminum

Brutalist Round Grey Slate Stone Coffee Table by Sculptor Paul Kingma

$6,293

Italian Mid-Century Modern Pair of Coffee Tables by Alias, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Mid-Century Modern pair of ??coffee tables by Alias, 1980s. Pair of coffee tables with two

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid-Century Modern Pair of Coffee Tables by Alias, 1980s

$2,076 / set

1980s Hand Painted Southwestern Steel Cut Dogs Folk Art Coffee Table

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, hand painted coffee table you could

Category

Vintage 1980s North American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

1980s Hand Painted Southwestern Steel Cut Dogs Folk Art Coffee Table

$2,495

Laddie John Dill Cement Glass Oxide Sculptural Coffee Table, c 1980

By Laddie John Dill

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An intriguing sculptural art coffee table by Laddie John Dill, part of his 'Cement Glass Oxide

Category

Vintage 1980s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Laddie John Dill Cement Glass Oxide Sculptural Coffee Table, c 1980

$9,900 Sale Price

23% Off

Karl Springer Style, Mid-Century Modern, Grey Faux Shagreen, Coffee Table, 1980s

By Karl Springer

Located in Manhasset, NY

Karl Springer Style, Mid-Century Modern, Grey Faux Shagreen, Coffee Table, 1980s A large

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Style, Mid-Century Modern, Grey Faux Shagreen, Coffee Table, 1980s

$4,000

Italian modern wood and glass coffee table with bottle holder, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Elliptical coffee table, in solid wood with white painted parts and central sliding glass top

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian modern wood and glass coffee table with bottle holder, 1980s

$1,318

Midcentury Coffee Table Egyptian Motifs Tiles on Rosewood Support, Steel Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Midcentury coffee table in glass, steel and tiles with Egyptian motifs. Refined pieces mixing

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Coffee Table Egyptian Motifs Tiles on Rosewood Support, Steel Glass

$3,800

1980s Vintage in the Manner of Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Coffee Table Wit

By Maitland Smith

Located in Chicago, IL

A beautiful 1980's handmade coffee table by Maitland Smith. Maitland-Smith, founded in 1979 by

Category

Vintage 1980s Philippine Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

1980s Vintage in the Manner of Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Coffee Table Wit

$4,500

Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone Brass by Karl Springer, Signed

By Karl Springer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elevate your living space with this exquisite Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone & Brass

Category

Vintage 1980s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone Brass by Karl Springer, Signed

$7,950

Metaform “M1” Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Hank Kwint, Netherlands, 1980s

By Hank Kwint, Metaform Holland

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A refined example of Dutch minimalism, this “M1” coffee table was designed by Hank Kwint and

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Metaform “M1” Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Hank Kwint, Netherlands, 1980s

$1,850

Italian modern iron round coffee table by Forme e Funzioni for Airon, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern iron round coffee table by Forme e Funzioni for Airon, 1980s Round coffee table made

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Italian modern iron round coffee table by Forme e Funzioni for Airon, 1980s

$498

China red lacquered coffee table design Serge Torrean, Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1980

By Tommaso Barbi

Located in Roma, RM

China red lacquered coffee table with brass structure, Italy 1980. Product details Dimensions 81 L

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

China red lacquered coffee table design Serge Torrean, Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1980

$2,990

John Widdicomb Natural and Bleached Macassar Ebony and Walnut Coffee Table

By Bexley Heath, John Widdicomb

Located in Chicago, IL

Bexley Heath for John Widdicomb parquetry top petite coffee table. Offset walnut plank legs

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Macassar, Walnut, Wood

John Widdicomb Natural and Bleached Macassar Ebony and Walnut Coffee Table

$3,250

Italian modern Rectangular Coffe table in glass and colored metal rods, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Rectangular Coffe table in glass and colored metal rods, 1980s Coffee table with

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian modern Rectangular Coffe table in glass and colored metal rods, 1980s

$830

Circa 1980 Patinated Hammered Wrought Iron Coffee Table After Diego Giacometti.

By Diego Giacometti

Located in Chicago, IL

Hammered iron coffee table in the manner of Diego Giacometti. Each leg is supported by a pair of

Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Circa 1980 Patinated Hammered Wrought Iron Coffee Table After Diego Giacometti.

$5,440 Sale Price

20% Off

Italian modern Trio of coffee tables in smoked glass and metal, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Trio of coffee tables in smoked glass and metal, 1980s Trio of fantastic coffee

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian modern Trio of coffee tables in smoked glass and metal, 1980s

$949

Karl Springer “Heavy Parsons” Lizard Skin Coffee Table w/Gunmetal Inlay, 1986

By Karl Springer

Located in Chicago, IL

Lacquered with Gunmetal inlay Coffee Table, 1986. Measures 60” long 40” deep 16” tall Copy of original

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer “Heavy Parsons” Lizard Skin Coffee Table w/Gunmetal Inlay, 1986

$10,200

XL Belgian Coffee Table in Ebonized Wenge and Bamboo attributed to Axel Vervoord

By Axel Vervoordt

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Beautiful bamboo and ebonized wenge wooden coffee table by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt The

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

XL Belgian Coffee Table in Ebonized Wenge and Bamboo attributed to Axel Vervoord

$2,078

Karl Springer Mark II White Leather w/Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table, 1986

By Karl Springer

Located in Chicago, IL

Karl Springer Mark II White Leather with Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table. Smooth white leather

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Mark II White Leather w/Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table, 1986

$7,600

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Rosewood Nesting Sofa Coffee Tables + Pair Benches

By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

his most exclusive items, rosewood. At perfect heights to be sofa + coffee tables, they tables overlap

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Rosewood Nesting Sofa Coffee Tables + Pair Benches

$5,800 / set

Hollywood Regency Style Sculptural Lucite and Glass Rope Coffee Table, Spain

By Muebles Curvasa

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Hollywood Regency style two-tier square coffee table by Meubles Curvasa of Spain. Sculptural two

Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Acrylic

Hollywood Regency Style Sculptural Lucite and Glass Rope Coffee Table, Spain

$1,120 Sale Price

37% Off

Black lacquered coffee table with bar by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois, 1980s

By Paul Michel, Roche Bobois

Located in Lyon, FR

Gorgeous black lacquered sliding coffee table with a full mirrored bar and feet, designed by Paul

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Black lacquered coffee table with bar by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois, 1980s

$4,513

Vintage Large Waterfall Pencil Reed / Cane Glass Coffee Table USA, circa 1980s

Located in Hastings, GB

A gorgeous large waterfall pencil reed coffee table with inset glass top. USA, circa 1980s. In good

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cane, Glass

Vintage Large Waterfall Pencil Reed / Cane Glass Coffee Table USA, circa 1980s

$1,338 Sale Price

30% Off

Exquisite Hand-Painted Coffee Table by Alessandro for Baker, circa 1985

By Baker Furniture Company, Alessandro Gambrielli

Located in Atlanta, GA

An exceptional hand-painted lacquer coffee table by the Italian designer Alessandro Gambrielli

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Exquisite Hand-Painted Coffee Table by Alessandro for Baker, circa 1985

$9,950

Design Institute of America Black Brass Revolving Two Tier Coffee Table

By Design Institute America

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Modern and sleek black and brass two tier revolving coffee table made by Design Institute of

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Design Institute of America Black Brass Revolving Two Tier Coffee Table

$6,800

Pencil Reed and Tessellated Stone Coffee Table in the Betty Cobonpue s Manner.

By Betty Cobonpue

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Post Modern/ Palm Beach Regency Style Pencil Reed and Tessellated Stone Coffee Table in the

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Pencil Reed and Tessellated Stone Coffee Table in the Betty Cobonpue s Manner.

$1,264 Sale Price

20% Off

McGuire Bamboo Coffee Table, Leather Straps, Brass and Grey Glass Round Top

By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire

Located in New York, NY

1970s McGuire of San Francisco Rattan and Bamboo Coffee Table An iconic piece by McGuire of San

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

McGuire Bamboo Coffee Table, Leather Straps, Brass and Grey Glass Round Top

$7,250

Hank Kwint KW-1 Granite Coffee Table for Metaform, Netherlands 1981

By Metaform Holland

Located in Renens, CH

this was Kwint’s first piece that went into production. Hence the name KW-1. The table came in a number

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

Hank Kwint KW-1 Granite Coffee Table for Metaform, Netherlands 1981

$1,662

Large Neoclassical Coffee Table in Faux Turtoise Shell attrib. to Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Brussels, BE

Elegant rectangular coffee table attributed to Maison Jansen. Faux tortoiseshell and faux ivory top

Category

Vintage 1980s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Neoclassical Coffee Table in Faux Turtoise Shell attrib. to Maison Jansen

$2,183 Sale Price

44% Off

Sculpted Bronze Sea Creatures Coffee Table with a Chiseled Glass Top

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful bronze and glass coffee table depicting a sea creatures playing around a piece of coral

Category

Vintage 1980s American Aesthetic Movement Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Sculpted Bronze Sea Creatures Coffee Table with a Chiseled Glass Top

$5,800

Alanda Square Coffee Table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Puglia, Puglia

The Alanda coffee table, an iconic piece that inaugurated the 80s, is now a highly successful

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Alanda Square Coffee Table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

$3,800

Barcelona Coffee Table by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Polished Chrome Barcelona coffee table by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. These were from the

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Barcelona Coffee Table by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll

$2,600

1980s Nanda Vigo Italian Postmodern design Blue Coffee Table Memphis Style

By Nanda Vigo

Located in Brescia, IT

Nanda Vigo, coffee table. Glass Design Macherio, 1981 Enameled metal frame with wood feet Crystal

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Metal

1980s Nanda Vigo Italian Postmodern design Blue Coffee Table Memphis Style

$2,969

20th Century Lella and Massimo Vignelli Marble Coffe Table model Metafora

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Turin, Turin

were famous for their minimalism and function. Here Coffee Table with one block in Carrara Marble in

Category

Vintage 1980s European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

20th Century Lella and Massimo Vignelli Marble Coffe Table model Metafora

$10,689

Couple of Plexi Coffee Tables with Brass Details and Crystal Top, 1980

Located in Roma, RM

Couple of plexi coffee tables with brass details and crystal top, 1980.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Couple of Plexi Coffee Tables with Brass Details and Crystal Top, 1980

$2,660 / set

Modern Italian matt black wood with decoration low coffee table, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Tavolo da caffè basso, in legno con finitura in nero opaco e motivo decorativo verde su due lati della struttura, con sei zampe a sezione quadrata, dal disegno geometrico. 1980 ca. P...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Italian matt black wood with decoration low coffee table, 1980s

$1,342

Alanda Rectangular Glass Coffee Table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

The Alanda coffee table, an iconic piece that ushered in the 1980s, is now revisited in homage to

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Alanda Rectangular Glass Coffee Table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia

$3,900

STRIND Coffee Table By Ehlen Johansson For IKEA 1980s in opaline glass

By IKEA

Located in Čelinac, BA

IKEA Strind Coffee Table In Opaline Glass By Ehlen Johansson 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

STRIND Coffee Table By Ehlen Johansson For IKEA 1980s in opaline glass

$1,470

Postmodern Laminate Love Stick Coffee Table w/ Blue and Crown Accent on Casters

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Postmodern cream laminate coffee table with unique design, navy blue and gold accents, and casters

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Postmodern Laminate Love Stick Coffee Table w/ Blue and Crown Accent on Casters

$1,595

Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table

By Maison Baguès

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This oval steel and glass Maison Baguès style faux bamboo coffee table is a striking example of

Category

Vintage 1980s French Directoire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table

$1,356 Sale Price

20% Off

brutalist forged coffee table with aquamarin glass in style of Lothar Klute

By Lothar Klute

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

- forged iron table Lothar Klute attribute - stunning aquamarin glass - very good condition no

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

brutalist forged coffee table with aquamarin glass in style of Lothar Klute

$5,344

Brass Ibex and Glass Coffee Table In the manner of Alain Chervet, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, PA

coffee table. This unique piece features two intricately sculpted, solid brass Ibex heads with gracefully

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Ibex and Glass Coffee Table In the manner of Alain Chervet, 1980s

$2,400

Ivory Fossil Stone Sculptural Coffee Table with Biomorphic Glass Top, circa 1980

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Mercer Island, this ivory white Fossil stone coffee table adds elegance, light, air and a natural stone

Category

Vintage 1980s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Ivory Fossil Stone Sculptural Coffee Table with Biomorphic Glass Top, circa 1980

$2,600 Sale Price

20% Off

Postmodern Square Brass Coffee Table with Glass Shelf and Mirrored Top, Italy

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, 1980s. Ascribable to Romeo Rega. This coffee table features a brass frame, a glass

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Square Brass Coffee Table with Glass Shelf and Mirrored Top, Italy

$2,137

4-Light Coffee Table in Wood and Multicolor Mosaic Glass, Italy, 1980s

Located in Palermo, IT

4-light coffee table in wood and multicolor mosaic glass, Italy, 1980s Found in a noble villa. It

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Art Glass, Wood

4-Light Coffee Table in Wood and Multicolor Mosaic Glass, Italy, 1980s

$3,441

Oak Coffee Table with Glazed Stoneware Tiles by Søren Jean Larsen, Denmark 1980s

Located in Utrecht, NL

Danish design is known for its meticulous balance of classic and timeless appearance. This coffee

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stoneware, Oak

Oak Coffee Table with Glazed Stoneware Tiles by Søren Jean Larsen, Denmark 1980s

$4,400

Coffee Table in 3 Different Parts by Pierre Cardin and Francesco Bocola

By Pierre Cardin, Francesco Bocola

Located in Bruxelles, BE

Low table part of the desk set in 3 parts that could be combined to form different combinations

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table in 3 Different Parts by Pierre Cardin and Francesco Bocola

$21,361

Custom Coffee Table by Krueck Sexton, Chicago, 1986, Glass, Steel, Chrome

By Krueck Sexton

Located in Kansas City, MO

Outstanding one of a kind multi level coffee table designed by Ron Krueck and Mark Sexton for the

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Custom Coffee Table by Krueck Sexton, Chicago, 1986, Glass, Steel, Chrome

$22,500

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1989 Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal 1989 coffee table for your home. Each 1989 coffee table for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, glass and wood. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer 1989 coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each 1989 coffee table bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Hollywood Regency hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one 1989 coffee table that is appealing in its simplicity, but Paolo Piva, Karl Springer and B&B Italia produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a 1989 Coffee Table?

A 1989 coffee table can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,014, while the lowest priced sells for $45 and the highest can go for as much as $180,000.

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 1989 Coffee Table

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.
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 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.
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.
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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