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.

4 Coffee Tables

Square Danish Table

Stone Table Legs

Faux Bamboo Table Glass Top

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

JOUVE FRANCE, coffee table "4 squares with nipples"

$4,683

Maison Charles Large Glass Top Coffee Table with 4 Nesting Side Tables, France

By Charles Maison

Located in Basel, BS

1970s Coffee table with four side tables from Maison Charles, France. Construction made of zinc

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Maison Charles Large Glass Top Coffee Table with 4 Nesting Side Tables, France

$4,143

Macassar Ebony Brass Coffee Table in 4 Parts by Harvey Probber

Located in Easton, PA

Macassar ebony with inlaid brass coffee table consisting of four low separate occasional tables

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Macassar Ebony Brass Coffee Table in 4 Parts by Harvey Probber

$7,500

1970 ‘Maison Baguès or Charles or Jansen Coffee Table in Gilt Bronze + 4 Tables

By Maison Baguès

Located in Paris, FR

Square coffee table including 4 small tables dimensioned 28 X 28 X H 45 cm, good condition, Circa

Category

Vintage 1960s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

1970 ‘Maison Baguès or Charles or Jansen Coffee Table in Gilt Bronze + 4 Tables

$144

Coffee Table

Located in Paris, FR

Nice coffee table in 4 elements

Category

French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Materials

Metal

Coffee table

$1,250

Gray Coffee Table Mod. Par 4 from Bernard Vuarnesson for Belatto, 1980s

By Bernard Vuarnesson

Located in Zürich, CH

Inspired by Japanese tea tables and tatami mats, Bernard Vuarnesson designed the PAR 4 salon table

Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Gray Coffee Table Mod. Par 4 from Bernard Vuarnesson for Belatto, 1980s

$1,188

50 s Or50 s Spain Gilded Wood and Glass 4 Seahorses shaped Coffee Table

Located in Isle sur sorgue, Provence

4 Seahorses shaped pods Coffee Table Gilded Wood and Glass 50's Origin Spain

Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

50 s Or50 s Spain Gilded Wood and Glass 4 Seahorses shaped Coffee Table

$1,800

$3,750

An oval coffee table

Located in New York, NY

Elegant brass coffee table with 4 legs

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

An oval coffee table

$3,200

Red Lacquer Coffee Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Antique Chinese coffee table with 4 drawers.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Red Lacquer Coffee Table

$3,650

Rare LaVerne Coffee Table

Located in Southampton, NY

Bronze & pewter sculptural 4 columns coffee table, by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne. Each column

Antique Coffee Table with Marquetry

$4,895

Four-Tier Swivel Coffee Table

Located in Southampton, NY

Pace style tubular brass and glass 4-tier coffee table with swiveling top layers. Opens to 75

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Four-Tier Swivel Coffee Table

$2,400

1950 Large Organic Coffee Table

Located in Paris, FR

Large free form shaped coffee table with 4 blackened feets and top surface composed of a thick

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1950 Large Organic Coffee Table

$2,161

1930s Modernist Nest Of 4 Tables

Located in London, GB

1930s modernist nest of tables

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1930s Modernist Nest Of 4 Tables

Johannes Andersen Coffee Table with Tiles

By Johannes Andersen and C. F. Christensen

Located in Bryn Mawr, PA

Coffee Table Nr. 4 by Johannes Andersen for C.F. Christensen, Silkeborg, Denmark. This is an

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Johannes Andersen Coffee Table with Tiles

$2,800

WHIMISICAL AND FUN MONKEY COFFEE TABLE

Located in Miami, FL

Whimsical and fun coffee table with 4 hand carved wood monkeys supporting a 3/4" thick glass top

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Glass

WHIMISICAL AND FUN MONKEY COFFEE TABLE

$4,800

Walnut Coffee Table with Enamel Discs

Located in Atlanta, GA

1960s beautifully grained walnut coffee table with 4 small & 1 large enamel over copper inset disks

Materials

Metal

Red Lacquered Metal Coffee Table with Glass Top

$1,100

Cafe Table and 4 Armchairs by Thygesen and Sorensen

By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen

Located in Bryn Mawr, PA

A set of 4 chairs and a small round table by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen

Category

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

Cafe Table and 4 Armchairs by Thygesen and Sorensen

$4,000

SUPERB SQUARE CLEAR LUCITE AND GLASS COFFEE TABLE

Located in Miami, FL

Superb square, floating 3/4" thick glass coffee table supported by four, 10" thick square

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

SUPERB SQUARE CLEAR LUCITE AND GLASS COFFEE TABLE

$6,800

Set of 4 Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Side / Cocktail Tables

Located in Long Beach, CA

Set of 4 Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Side / Cocktail Tables Can be used as a rectangular, square, or L

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Side / Cocktail Tables

$3,000

$2,100

1970 ‘Enlightening Bonzai Coffee Table Butterfly Gilt Bronze Isabelle Faure

By Isabelle Faure

Located in Paris, FR

1lluminating gilt bronze coffee table, 4 bulbs, representing a bonsai on a sand dune with a bronze

Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

1970 ‘Enlightening Bonzai Coffee Table Butterfly Gilt Bronze Isabelle Faure

$144

$1,950

French Vintage Modular Table, Vintage Foldable Table Albert Ducrot

Located in Noiseau, FR

Here is a clever modular coffee table high. A simple system allows the transformation. In short

$9,607 / set

HENDRIK VAN KEPPEL AND TAYLOR GREEN

Located in East Hampton, NY

CHAIRS- COFFEE TABLE

Category

Vintage 1930s American Patio and Garden Furniture

HENDRIK VAN KEPPEL AND TAYLOR GREEN

Mid Century Slatted Bench

Located in New York, NY

Very nice wooden slatted bench/coffee table with 4 removable tapered legs. Nicely constructed of

Category

Vintage 1950s Macedonian Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Slatted Bench

$1,975

Rare Salterini "Montego" Outdoor Lounge Set

By John Salterini

Located in Los Angeles, CA

coffee table with cream colored glass surface. Antiqued brass frames & golden/sandy fabric upholsterey

Category

Vintage 1960s Patio and Garden Furniture

Rare Salterini "Montego" Outdoor Lounge Set

$9,500

Mid-Century Modern Blue Velvet Sofa Nuvolone for Mimo Padova, Italy 1970s

By Mimo Padova

Located in Vienna, AT

on clouds! This dreamlike set consists of 4 seats and one coffee table. The seats as well as the

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Blue Velvet Sofa Nuvolone for Mimo Padova, Italy 1970s

$9,007 / set

Frits Henningsen Coffee Table with 4 Drawers

By Frits Henningsen

Located in Bryn Mawr, PA

A very elegant and functional rosewood & brass coffee table by Frits Henningsen.

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Frits Henningsen Coffee Table with 4 Drawers

$2,495

Asian Style Black Lacquered Coffee Table with 4 Stools

Located in Amherst, NH

Vintage 1970s Asian style oval black lacquered coffee table with four stools. The table has

Category

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

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Wood

Asian Style Black Lacquered Coffee Table with 4 Stools

$1,275

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4 Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of 4 coffee tables available for sale. The range of distinct 4 coffee tables — often made from wood, metal and glass — can elevate any home. We have 46207 antique and vintage 4 coffee tables in-stock, while there are 6754 modern editions to choose from as well. 4 coffee tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of 4 coffee tables to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern 4 coffee tables are of considerable interest. Andrianna Shamaris, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne and Knoll each produced beautiful 4 coffee tables that are worth considering.

How Much are 4 Coffee Tables?

Prices for 4 coffee tables start at $1 and top out at $485,750 with the average selling for $2,960.

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 4 Coffee Tables

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a 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.

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 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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