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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

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.

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.

1989 Coffee Table

1980s Furniture Bamboo

Tessellated Stone Table

Vintage Italian Cocktail Glasses

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Large Brutalist coffee table in various kinds of stone by Paul Kingma, 1980s

$3,563

Bronze and Forged Iron Coffee Table in the Style of Diego Giacometti

Located in Pasadena, CA

Etruscan style coffee table of forged and hammered iron with a stretcher base, curved legs that

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Bronze and Forged Iron Coffee Table in the Style of Diego Giacometti

$12,500

Rectangular Glass Coffee Table with Brass and Acrylic Glass Frame, Italy

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, 1980s. This coffee table features a plexiglass and brass frame with two beveled

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rectangular Glass Coffee Table with Brass and Acrylic Glass Frame, Italy

$1,348 Sale Price

29% Off

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

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Antwerp, BE

Alanda; Paolo Piva; 1980s; Italy; B&B Italia; coffee table; Modern Design; Late 19th century; Glass

Category

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

Materials

Steel

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

$3,400

Coffe and Cocktail Table 1980 Black Piramid Satin Glass Top Italian Design

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Coffe and cocktail table 1980 black piramid satin glass top Italian design.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer

Coffe and Cocktail Table 1980 Black Piramid Satin Glass Top Italian Design

$1,246 Sale Price

30% Off

Coffe and Cocktail Table 1980 Black Piramid Satin Glass Top Italian Design

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Coffe and cocktail table 1980 black piramid satin glass top Italian design.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer

Coffe and Cocktail Table 1980 Black Piramid Satin Glass Top Italian Design

$1,246 Sale Price

30% Off

Midcentury Memphis Style Square Coffee Table with Cardinal Red Top, Italy 1980s

By Acerbis, Morphos

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning square Memphis style coffee table with a vivid cardinal red top and black enameled legs

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Memphis Style Square Coffee Table with Cardinal Red Top, Italy 1980s

$748

Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s

By Arflex, Isao Hosoe

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s Coffee table in

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s

$2,124

Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s

By IKEA, Tord Bjorklund

Located in Vienna, AT

A round folding Memphis style coffee / side / occasional flip-top table in yolk-yellow. Designed in

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s

$850

French Coffee Table With Bronze Accents in the Style of Roche Bobois

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning coffee table designed and manufactured in France in the 1980s. The table is made out of

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

French Coffee Table With Bronze Accents in the Style of Roche Bobois

$3,950

Italian modern black wood coffee table Ko-Ko Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, 1986

By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern black wood coffee table Ko-Ko Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, 1986 Coffee table mod

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian modern black wood coffee table Ko-Ko Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, 1986

$1,222

Rare Enzo Testa for Bernini Coffee Table in Walnut Briar Burl and Steel

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Enzo Testa for Bernini, coffee table, walnut briar burl, coated steel, rubber, Italy, circa 1980 A

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Rare Enzo Testa for Bernini Coffee Table in Walnut Briar Burl and Steel

$4,750

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

By MARCANTONIO

Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT

Pizza nasce dall'idea dell'artista Marcantonio Malerba di rivisitare dei pezzi antichi arricchendoli con l'intervento dell'intarsio in legno, in questo caso la pizza è realizzata da...

Category

Vintage 1980s European Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

$5,755

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

By MARCANTONIO

Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT

Party nasce dall'idea dell'artista Marcantonio Malerba di rivisitare dei pezzi antichi arricchendoli con l'intervento dell'intarsio in legno, in questo caso i coriandoli sono stati ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nutwood

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

$6,515

Italian modern rectangular coffee table Alanda by Paolo Piva for B&B, 1980s

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern rectangular coffee table Alanda by Paolo Piva for B&B, 1980s Coffee table mod

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian modern rectangular coffee table Alanda by Paolo Piva for B&B, 1980s

$1,530

Bronze Dolphin Feet Green Marble Top Side Coffee Cocktail Table, 1980s Belgium

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is a 1980s Cocktail Coffee Table gilt bronze Koi or Dolphin Base Organic Design green

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Marble, Bronze

Bronze Dolphin Feet Green Marble Top Side Coffee Cocktail Table, 1980s Belgium

$2,420

Italian Postmodern 1980s Eye Shaped Breccio Marble Coffee Table Black-Green-Gold

Located in Philadelphia, PA

red, as pictured. Low, and wide, this would make a great coffee table in any modern home. Condition

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Breccia Marble

Italian Postmodern 1980s Eye Shaped Breccio Marble Coffee Table Black-Green-Gold

$4,000

Paolo Piva B&B Italia Alanda 1980s Black Steel Square Glass Coffee Table sofa

By Paolo Piva

Located in London, GB

An iconic design by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, this coffee table made in Italy around the 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Paolo Piva B&B Italia Alanda 1980s Black Steel Square Glass Coffee Table sofa

$2,673

“Murmansk” Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Rossi e Arcandi, Italy 1980 s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Striking and sculptural “Murmansk” coffee table designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Rossi e

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

“Murmansk” Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Rossi e Arcandi, Italy 1980 s

$14,950

Cold Painted Wrought Iron Strap Stitch, Glass Top Coffee Table c.1980

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A superb late-20th Century coffee table featuring cold painted wrought iron straps meticulously

Category

Vintage 1980s British Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Cold Painted Wrought Iron Strap Stitch, Glass Top Coffee Table c.1980

$3,416

Italian Design Coffee Table in The Style of Alanda by Paolo Piva, 1980s

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Vicenza, IT

Coffee table in the style of Alanda by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. Step into the world of timeless

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian Design Coffee Table in The Style of Alanda by Paolo Piva, 1980s

$1,424

Finn Juhl, model 531/45 coffee table in solid teak.

By Finn Juhl

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2188A Finn Juhl (1912 - 1989) Model 531/45 coffee table in solid teak. This stunning piece

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Finn Juhl, model 531/45 coffee table in solid teak.

$7,357

Italian Mid-Century White Statuary Marble Coffee Table by Mac Architecture, 1980

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century White statuary marble coffee table by Mac Architecture, 1980s Coffee table with

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Iron

Italian Mid-Century White Statuary Marble Coffee Table by Mac Architecture, 1980

$1,958

French Art Deco Style Shagreen and Ebony Coffee Table with Silver Sabots

By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Art Deco style shagreen and ebony coffee table with silver Sabots in the manner of French designer

Category

Vintage 1980s Philippine Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Shagreen, Wood

French Art Deco Style Shagreen and Ebony Coffee Table with Silver Sabots

$4,200 Sale Price

20% Off

Karl Springer "Chinese Cube Style Coffee Table" in Lacquered Chinese Red 1980s

By Karl Springer

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chinese cube style coffee table by Karl Spring in Lacquered Chinese red. As seen in the Karl

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Chinese Cube Style Coffee Table" in Lacquered Chinese Red 1980s

$10,500

Classic Tesselated Fossil Stone and Inlaid Brass Coffee Table by Maitland Smith

Located in Casteren, NL

This beautifully handcrafted coffee table with a glass center panel and inlaid brass borders was

Category

Vintage 1980s Philippine Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Classic Tesselated Fossil Stone and Inlaid Brass Coffee Table by Maitland Smith

$4,331

Coffee Table rectangular in mosaic brass, stainless steel by Jean Claude Dresse

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Brussels, BE

Jean Claude Dresse, rectangular coffee table, mosaic brass an stainless steel, Belgium, 1980

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Coffee Table rectangular in mosaic brass, stainless steel by Jean Claude Dresse

$19,936

Odd Knutsen Midcentury Danish Modern Beech Wood and Glass Top Coffee Table

By Odd Knutsen

Located in Miami, FL

Odd Knutsen smoked glass top coffee table with natural beech wood base for IMG (International Mobel

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Odd Knutsen Midcentury Danish Modern Beech Wood and Glass Top Coffee Table

$712 Sale Price

25% Off

Anglo Indian Elephant Coffee Table A superb piece of Folk Art Design, the tabl

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Anglo Indian Elephant Coffee Table A superb piece of Folk Art Design, the table is square, at

Category

Vintage 1980s Anglo-Indian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Anglo Indian Elephant Coffee Table A superb piece of Folk Art Design, the tabl

$876

Alanda Coffee Table by Paolo Piva with Square Glass and Metal Structure

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Renens, CH

Alanda coffee table by Paolo Piva with square glass and metal structure This beautiful and

Category

Vintage 1980s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Alanda Coffee Table by Paolo Piva with Square Glass and Metal Structure

$3,800

Coffee table in brass and chromed metal with smoked glass shelves, Italy 1980

Located in Roma, RM

Coffee table in brass and chromed metal with smoked glass shelves, Italy 1980 Product details

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Coffee table in brass and chromed metal with smoked glass shelves, Italy 1980

$3,322

Set of 3 Italian Bianco Carrara Marble Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of Bianco Carrara Marble. They

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Set of 3 Italian Bianco Carrara Marble Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,073 / set

Kaizo Oto Gold Black And Steel Art Deco Inspired Round Glass Top Coffee Table

By Paul Evans, Kaizo Oto

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Beautifully designed vintage 1980s steel and glass Modern coffee table by Kaizo Oto. Produced by

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Kaizo Oto Gold Black And Steel Art Deco Inspired Round Glass Top Coffee Table

$3,050

Slate and Wood Coffee Low Table in Tobia Scarpa Style, Italy, 1980s

By Tobia Scarpa

Located in Rome, IT

Large low coffee table in slate and wood in the style of the Italian designer Tobia Scarpa, Italy

Category

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

Materials

Slate

Slate and Wood Coffee Low Table in Tobia Scarpa Style, Italy, 1980s

$2,492

2-Piece Up Up Triangular Nesting Staggered Coffee Tables in Travertine Stone

By Stone International, Up Up

Located in Philadelphia, PA

in the 1980s. The staggered heights of these tables allows for many interesting and dynamic

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine, Marble

2-Piece Up Up Triangular Nesting Staggered Coffee Tables in Travertine Stone

$4,200 / set

Karl Springer Mid - Century 1980 s Lucite and Brass Smoked Glass Coffee Table.

By Karl Springer

Located in New York, NY

1980's Large rectangle Lucite and smoked glass coffee table by Karl Springer. Four Lucite columns

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Mid - Century 1980 s Lucite and Brass Smoked Glass Coffee Table.

$6,500 Sale Price

33% Off

Italian Mid-Century Square Coffee Table Glass, Iron and Marquinia Marble, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century Square coffee table glass, iron and marquinia marble, 1980s Coffee table with

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Iron

Italian Mid-Century Square Coffee Table Glass, Iron and Marquinia Marble, 1980s

$1,186

Italian modern round coffee table with glass top and black marble base, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern round coffee table with glass top and black marble base, 1980s Round base coffee

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian modern round coffee table with glass top and black marble base, 1980s

$1,186

Italian modern round coffe table in glass with black marble conical base, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Round coffe table in glass with black marble conical base, 1980s Coffee table with

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian modern round coffe table in glass with black marble conical base, 1980s

$830

Glass and wrought iron coffee table by Banci Firenze - 1980- Smail Titi 130 X 74

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Glass and wrought iron coffee table by Banci Firenze - 1980- Smail Titi 130 X 74 cm Height 46 cm

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Glass and wrought iron coffee table by Banci Firenze - 1980- Smail Titi 130 X 74

$7,001

Orbita Coffee Table by Gemma Bernal and Ramón Isern for BD, Spain, 1986

By Gemma Bernal, BD Ediciones De Diseño

Located in Barcelona, ES

Orbita coffee table designed in 1986 by Gemma Bernal and Ramón Isern for BD Ediciones de Diseño

Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Orbita Coffee Table by Gemma Bernal and Ramón Isern for BD, Spain, 1986

$3,560

Vintage Swedish 3 Tier Coffee Table In Birch Plywood By Ikea, 1980s

By IKEA

Located in London, GB

Excellent example of 80's Swedish design, utilising bent birch ply with its crisp golden tone and smooth finish. An elegant piece that incorporates two lower tiers that are softened ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plywood

Vintage Swedish 3 Tier Coffee Table In Birch Plywood By Ikea, 1980s

$1,007 Sale Price

20% Off

Coffee Table by Piero De Longhi Catalan Italia Travertine Glass and Brass 1980s

By Piero de Longhi

Located in London, GB

The Dielle coffee table, is a timeless piece designed in 1984 by Piero De Longhi for Catalan Italia

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Metal, Brass

Coffee Table by Piero De Longhi Catalan Italia Travertine Glass and Brass 1980s

$3,084

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A super funky cocktail table design from the 1980's and made in Italy. It features all steel

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black

$2,800

Great Paolo Piva B&B Italian Table Coffee Alanda Design Minimalist 1980 Black

By Paolo Piva

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Great Paolo Piva B&B Italian table coffee Alanda Design Minimalist 1980 Black.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Great Paolo Piva B&B Italian Table Coffee Alanda Design Minimalist 1980 Black

$3,987 Sale Price

30% Off

Expanding Three Tier Coffee Table by Design Institute of America Dia , 1980

By Design Institute America

Located in Hastings, GB

Rare vintage expanding three tier coffee table by Design Institute of America (DIA), 1980s. The 3

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Expanding Three Tier Coffee Table by Design Institute of America Dia , 1980

$1,362

Ettore Sottsass Custom Burl Oak Coffee Table from Max Palevsky Residence, 1984

By Ettore Sottsass, Sottsass Associati

Located in Kansas City, MO

This one of a kind custom coffee table designed by Ettore Sottsass is from the Max Palevsky

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Aluminum

Ettore Sottsass Custom Burl Oak Coffee Table from Max Palevsky Residence, 1984

$9,850

Italian Coffee Table Macassar and Birch 52" x 36" x 17" Mid Century Post Modern

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean Lined Italian Coffee Table, Italy, circa 1980s. It is believed to be constructed of birch

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Macassar

Italian Coffee Table Macassar and Birch 52" x 36" x 17" Mid Century Post Modern

$2,850

Glass, metal 1980s wheeled coffee table attr. to G. Aulenti for Fontana Arte

Located in Varese, Lombardia

Low table in thick cut glass and industrial wheels designed in various sizes by Gae Aulenti for

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Glass, metal 1980s wheeled coffee table attr. to G. Aulenti for Fontana Arte

$1,649

Italian Modern Double-Shelf Coffee Table in White Painted Wood and Metal, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Double-shelf coffee table in white painted wood and metal, 1980s Rectangular double

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Modern Double-Shelf Coffee Table in White Painted Wood and Metal, 1980s

$534

Long Acrylic Coffee Table w/ Brass Fluorescent Green Details, U.S.A 1980 s.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Striking and sculptural, this extra-long acrylic coffee table with curved legs is a bold statement

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite

Long Acrylic Coffee Table w/ Brass Fluorescent Green Details, U.S.A 1980 s.

$22,200

Modern Blue and Clear Vintage Glass Coffee Table Seguso attr. Italy, circa 1980

By Seguso Vetri d Arte

Located in Vienna, AT

Modern blue and clear vintage glass coffee table, which features three blue curved glass legs by

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Modern Blue and Clear Vintage Glass Coffee Table Seguso attr. Italy, circa 1980

$5,696

Pair of Walnut, Brass and Glass Coffee Tables by Pierre Vandel, Paris, 1980s

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Geneva, CH

Walnut, brass corners and glass top coffee tables made by Pierre Vandel, Paris, circa 1980. Very

Category

Vintage 1980s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Pair of Walnut, Brass and Glass Coffee Tables by Pierre Vandel, Paris, 1980s

$2,400 / item

Lucite Side Coffee Table Charles Hollis Jones Style 24 Karat Gold Plated

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Lake Worth, FL

different sizes including a Coffee and Side Tables). Approximate Measurements in Inches 16" high 18" wide

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Lucite Side Coffee Table Charles Hollis Jones Style 24 Karat Gold Plated

$1,036 Sale Price

20% Off

French Neo-Classical Glass Top Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern PE Guerin Style

Located in Manhasset, NY

French Neo-Classical Glass Top Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern PE Guerin Style Petite coffee

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Neo-Classical Glass Top Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern PE Guerin Style

$2,400

1980s Round Metaform Marble Top Coffee Table with Wide Black Enameled Drum Base

By Metaform Holland

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Round 1980's Metaform coffee table with carrara marble top and wide black enameled metal drum base

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

1980s Round Metaform Marble Top Coffee Table with Wide Black Enameled Drum Base

$3,250

1980s, Post Modern Black Lacquer Coffee Table in the Roger Rougier Style

By Roger Rougier

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage, large scale post modern sculptural Black Lacquer Coffee Table with a Triangular Glass top

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

1980s, Post Modern Black Lacquer Coffee Table in the Roger Rougier Style

$2,880

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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

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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
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.
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.

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