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 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.

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 standard size of a coffee table?

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

What is a tray top coffee table?

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

When did coffee tables become popular?

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

How do you style an oval coffee table?

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

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

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

How much does a coffee table cost?

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

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.

1989 Coffee Table

1980s Furniture Bamboo

Tessellated Stone Table

Vintage Italian Cocktail Glasses

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

Vintage Basket Weave Coffee Table

$3,500

Vintage granite coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage coffee table with a clear glass rectangular top and stepped granite stone bases. Very n

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

Vintage granite coffee table, 1980s

$1,723

1980s Italian Bimorphic Coffee Table

Located in Victoria, BC

Have you ever seen such a thing? This incredibly unique coffee table, dating to the 1980s, features

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

1980s Italian Bimorphic Coffee Table

$2,450

French Vintage Tulip Coffee Table

Located in Austin, TX

Coffee table from France with a uniquely shaped, a-symmetrical top. This piece has a vinyl white

Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Vintage Tulip Coffee Table

$4,850

Asian Modern Bench/Coffee Table

Located in North Palm Beach, FL

This extraordinary bench and coffee table hybrid is a masterful blend of Art Deco geometry and

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ultrasuede, Lucite, Walnut

Asian Modern Bench/Coffee Table

$3,360 Sale Price

50% Off

Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table

By Robert Whitton

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Miami designer Robert Whitton one-off prototype coffee table in brushed matte aluminum and free

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table

$5,800

1980s Vintage Travertine Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Lovely coffee unfilled travertine coffee table with 4 oval legs which fit into slots on the top for

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

1980s Vintage Travertine Coffee Table

$4,500

curved Glass coffee table 1980s Italy

By FIAM

Located in Den Haag, NL

Beautiful cut glass coffee table .Time less design .fits every style and decor . such a good

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

curved Glass coffee table 1980s Italy

$2,080

Postmodern Design XL Wengé Coffee Table

By Axel Vervoordt

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Postmodern Modernist Design XL Wengé Coffee Table in the manner of Axel Vervoordt or

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Wenge

Postmodern Design XL Wengé Coffee Table

$4,280

1980s Italian Travertine Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful and elegant Italian travertine coffee table with brass details.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

1980s Italian Travertine Coffee Table

$4,200

1980s Scandinavian Square Coffee Table

Located in Brescia, IT

Sofa table with an original square shape from the 1980s... A Scandinavian style coffee table

Category

Vintage 1980s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

1980s Scandinavian Square Coffee Table

$218

Carlo Scarpa Style Coffee Table

By Carlo Scarpa

Located in Chicago, IL

The coffee table is anchored by two robust, sculptural blocks of travertine. Exhibiting raw

Category

Vintage 1980s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Carlo Scarpa Style Coffee Table

$4,000

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. Black wooden base

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,367

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. Black wooden base

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,367

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. Black wooden base

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,367

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. Good condition

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,129

1980s Postmodern Pink Marble Coffee Table

By Stone International

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Postmodern Pink Marble Coffee Table. Circa 1980s Features a square-shaped top with concave

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

1980s Postmodern Pink Marble Coffee Table

$2,220

Art Deco Coffee Table Geometric Inlay

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Cool coffee table in the art deco manner This is based in the US where we will ship from Features

Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Coffee Table Geometric Inlay

$1,711

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. Good condition

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,129

Vintage faux tusk coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Striking vintage faux tusk coffee table made from tesselated stone with a beveled clear oval glass

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Empire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Vintage faux tusk coffee table, 1980s

$2,080

Sexy Coffee Table by Baker

By Baker Brothers

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful walnut coffee table by Baker, with burl inlay.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Burl

Sexy Coffee Table by Baker

$2,900

Postmodern italian marble coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Postmodern angular white marble coffee table with black metal supporst and a clear bevelde glass

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Postmodern italian marble coffee table, 1980s

$1,783

Fossil Stone Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice fossil stone coffee or side table, 1980's. This stunning table is made of thin slices

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Fossil Stone Coffee Table, 1980s

$2,365

Vintage Twisted Rope Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

One of the coolest tables ever! Handmade in the Philippines. This table is stunning and practical

Category

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

Materials

Rope

Vintage Twisted Rope Coffee Table

$4,000

Large Chrome Glass Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Thick glass top table with polished chrome base. Glass sits on the inner circle, which gives a

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Large Chrome Glass Coffee Table

$1,550

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. Two beautiful shaped

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$3,317

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice and rare Italian coffee table, fabricated in the 80's. Two beautiful shaped plates on

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$3,554

Coffee Table by Roy Klipp

Located in Highland, IN

Created for Chicago interior designer Roy Klipp, this stylish coffee table has a terrific modernist

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table by Roy Klipp

$1,800

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table from the 80's, handcrafted out of travertine. The plate and the

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$1,414

Huge Copper Coffee Cocktail Table

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a huge copper coffee cocktail table Approximate measurements in

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Metal

Huge Copper Coffee Cocktail Table

$2,956 Sale Price

20% Off

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table from the 80's, handcrafted out of travertine. The plate and the

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$2,128

Vintage Brass and Glass Coffee Table

By Mastercraft

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Presenting a stunning vintage brass coffee table, an exquisite piece crafted in the United States

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass and Glass Coffee Table

$3,995

Minimalist Scandinavian Coffee Table in Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Coffee table, walnut, Scandinavia, 1980s Minimalistic side table in walnut. This rectangular

Category

Vintage 1980s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Minimalist Scandinavian Coffee Table in Walnut

$875

Jay Spectre Custom Coffee Table

By Jay Spectre

Located in Chicago, IL

Jay Spectre custom coffee table, solid marble with bull-nose edge, custom inlaid stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Jay Spectre Custom Coffee Table

$9,240

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table from the 80's, handcrafted out of travertine. The plate and the

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$1,414

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very elegant Italian coffee table handcrafted out of travertine. The beautiful square top is

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$2,009

Jean Claude Mahey burlwood coffee table

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Nijlen, VAN

Jean Claude Mahey coffee table Lovely coffeetable created by Jean Claude Mahey. This table was

Category

Vintage 1980s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl

Jean Claude Mahey burlwood coffee table

$1,129

Italian Bamboo Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Lovely coffee table, fabricated in Italy in the 80's. This very nice table is made of bamboo, the

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Glass

Italian Bamboo Coffee Table, 1980s

$1,533

Bamboo Coffee Table by McGuire, 1980s

By McGuire

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage bamboo 'sheaf of wheat' coffee table with a smoked glass top. Produced by McGuire. Good

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Smoked Glass

Bamboo Coffee Table by McGuire, 1980s

$683

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very elegant Italian coffee table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980's. The beautiful teardrop

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$2,247

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table from the 80's, handcrafted out of travertine. The top is rounded

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s

$1,890

Hans Wegner for Getama coffee table

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Nijlen, VAN

Very versatile coffee table by very famous designs HAns Wegner. Hans Wegner is a very well-known

Category

Vintage 1980s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Hans Wegner for Getama coffee table

$951

Bronze Nude Figure Coffee Table

Located in Highland, IN

This dramatic coffee table has terrific presence in any room. The base is a bronze sculpture of a

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Nude Figure Coffee Table

$12,500

Paul Kingma Attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. The table is

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Copper

Paul Kingma Attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,783

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table

Located in Baltimore, MD

A beautiful, mid-century, modern, coffee table. The perfect length to pair with a sofa, in great

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table

$1,295

Gwathmey Siegel DeMenil Coffee Table

By Gwathmey Siegel Assoc

Located in Hanover, MA

!) coffee table from the De Menil series designed by architects Charles Gwathemy and Robert Siegel.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Gwathmey Siegel DeMenil Coffee Table

$2,250 Sale Price

50% Off

Vintage hand shaped coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Sculptural bronzed plaster coffee table with a hand shaped base and a clear beveled glass top

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plaster

Vintage hand shaped coffee table, 1980s

$1,367

Pair of Vintage Granite Coffee Tables, 1980s

Located in Roma, IT

1980s. Sculptural and substantial, this elegant pair of coffee tables embodies the bold materiality and

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Steel

Pair of Vintage Granite Coffee Tables, 1980s

$1,902

Vintage Tessellated Stone Coffee Table and Side Tables

By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Beautiful vintage tessellated stone coffee tables and side tables designed and manufactured in the

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Vintage Tessellated Stone Coffee Table and Side Tables

$5,750 / set

Wrought iron coffee table in the style of Lothar Klute Coffee table in the style

By Lothar Klute

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

Coffee table in artfully forged iron with a bronze patina. Glass top specially cast and machined

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron coffee table in the style of Lothar Klute Coffee table in the style

$3,293

Signed Karl Springer Penshell Coffee Table

By Karl Springer

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Signed Karl Springer Penshell coffee table with glass insert. Glass top has some scuffs due to age

Category

Vintage 1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Shell

Signed Karl Springer Penshell Coffee Table

$12,500

Postmodern Design Reverse Pyramid Coffee Table

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Postmodern Design 'Reverse Pyramid' Square Coffee Table. Made in the 1980's. Wood reverse pyramid

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Postmodern Design Reverse Pyramid Coffee Table

$1,712 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

By Roche Bobois

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage wooden and black glass coffee table by Roche Bobois with storage space and bottle holders

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

$1,367

Dark Rattan Glass Coffee Table, 1980s

Located in Rīga, LV

Dark rattan coffee table with glass tabletop. A 2-seater sofa, a lounge chair, and a 3-seater sofa

Category

Vintage 1980s Scandinavian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Dark Rattan Glass Coffee Table, 1980s

$1,129

Memphis Geometric Coffee Table, Italy, 1980s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Unique 1980s Memphis coffee table, crafted from pine wood, featuring bold geometric shapes

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Pine

Memphis Geometric Coffee Table, Italy, 1980s

$5,550

Postmodern Cast Faux Cream Marble Coffee Table

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Postmodern Cast Faux Cream Marble Coffee Table delivers sculptural cream elegance and modern flair

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Postmodern Cast Faux Cream Marble Coffee Table

$990

Maison Jansen Sliding Top Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Weesp, NL

other cherished items, transforming your coffee table into a personalized showcase. The entire frame of

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Maison Jansen Sliding Top Coffee Table

$7,133

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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

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.

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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 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.
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.

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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 standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
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.

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