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.

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.

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 is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Black Coffee Tables

Faina Furniture

Chinese Black And Gold Lacquered

Willy Rizzo Alveo

Black Walnut Furniture

Matching Side Tables

Thomas Throop

Carte Blanche

Chinese Wood Table Glass Top

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

70s-80s Coffee Table

$1,542

Large Steel Epic Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi

By Gubi, GamFratesi Design Studio

Located in Glendale, CA

Large Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi Designed by Danish

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Steel

Large Steel Epic Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi

$3,699 / item

Black And Cream Marble Top, Iron Base Square Coffee Table, Spain, 1960s

Located in New York, NY

1960's Spanish Brutalist design iron base coffee table. Base has raised squares with iron strips

Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Black And Cream Marble Top, Iron Base Square Coffee Table, Spain, 1960s

$12,250

Media Luna Half-Circular Coffee Table in Black Lacquer by No Age Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Media Luna Half-Circular Coffee Table in Black Lacquer by No Age Studio Dimensions: Ø 121.9 x H

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Media Luna Half-Circular Coffee Table in Black Lacquer by No Age Studio

$4,094 / item

Pinocchio Low Coffee Table in Black Aniline Base, by Giopato Coombes

By Miniforms, Giopato Coombes

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pinocchio low coffee and side-table set, with turned metal top, varnished white, black, silk grey

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Pinocchio Low Coffee Table in Black Aniline Base, by Giopato Coombes

From $1,487 / item

+ 2 more

Art Deco Coffee Table, Walnut Wood with Black Lacquer, France, 1930

Located in Wiesbaden, DE

Coffee Table The Art Deco coffee table comes from France and dates back to around 1930. It is made

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Coffee Table, Walnut Wood with Black Lacquer, France, 1930

$5,221

Meccanic Constructions Coffee Table

By Joost van Bleiswijk, Kiki Joost

Located in Eindhoven, NL

handcraft pieces of refined beauty. The series includes coffee table, shade extra large floor lamp

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Meccanic Constructions Coffee Table

$31,187 / item

Yuki Oval Coffee Table with Black Marquinia Top #1 by EP Studio

By Trabà

Located in Milan, IT

Boasting a dramatic monochromatic look, this coffee table will be a striking centerpiece in a

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Yuki Oval Coffee Table with Black Marquinia Top #1 by EP Studio

$2,880 / item

Vintage Monumental Steel Marble Block Black Square Coffee Table, France, 1980 s

Located in New York, NY

Vintage monumental steel marble black square coffee table, France. Chic black marble/granite and

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Vintage Monumental Steel Marble Block Black Square Coffee Table, France, 1980 s

$12,500

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

Located in MIlano, IT

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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

$1,341

Coffee Table Leather Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara Atari Coffee Table II

By Stephane Parmentier, Giobagnara

Located in New York, NY

Atari Coffee Table II -- Stephane Parmentier x Giobagnara Product available only in saddle leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Coffee Table Leather Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara Atari Coffee Table II

$10,200 / item

1111 Geometric Coffee Table in Solid Vintage Black Oak by No Age Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

1111 Geometric Coffee Table in Solid Vintage Black Oak by No Age Studio Dimensions: D 101.6 x W

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

1111 Geometric Coffee Table in Solid Vintage Black Oak by No Age Studio

$5,803 / item

Chinese Early 20th Century Black Lacquered Coffee Table with Stone Top Inset

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese black lacquered coffee table from the early 20th century, with stone top. Created in

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Chinese Early 20th Century Black Lacquered Coffee Table with Stone Top Inset

$3,500

Guy Lefevre Gold Color and Black Lacquer French Coffee Table

By Guy Lefevre

Located in Miami, FL

Guy Lefevre gold golor and black lacquer French coffee table, circa 1970.

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Guy Lefevre Gold Color and Black Lacquer French Coffee Table

$4,450

Lama Roman Travertine Marble and Black Slate Coffee Table Luxury Furniture Spain

By Joaquín Moll, Meddel

Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL

Lama Roman Travertine Marble and Black Slate Coffee Table Luxury Furniture Spain – A Masterpiece of

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Travertine, Marble, Slate

Lama Roman Travertine Marble and Black Slate Coffee Table Luxury Furniture Spain

$3,227 Sale Price

20% Off

Noir Trois Assiettes Coffee Table

Located in Bozeman, MT

This Noir Trois Assiettes Coffee Table in hot-rolled steel and black marble from Dinant ( Belgium

Category

2010s Belgian International Style Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Steel

Noir Trois Assiettes Coffee Table

$17,000

Ash Umber Black Gold Eternel Coffee Table by Milla Milli

Located in Geneve, CH

Ash Umber Black Gold Eternel Coffee Table by Milla & Milli Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač

Category

2010s Croatian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Ash Umber Black Gold Eternel Coffee Table by Milla Milli

$9,090 / item

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

By Roche Bobois, Paul Michel

Located in Lyon, FR

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

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

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

$4,509

Set of Two Black Vintage Brutalist Style Coffee Tables in Solid Wood

Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District

Black Vintage Brutalist Style Coffee Table in Wood Dimensions: First one: Height: 17.72 in (45 cm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Ash

Set of Two Black Vintage Brutalist Style Coffee Tables in Solid Wood

$1,424 / item

Organic Modern Accent Square Center Coffee Table High-Gloss Matt Black Lacquer

By EMOTIONAL OBJECTS, João Faria

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

Inspired by the Sacred Ceiba trees in Havana, Joao Faria created the stunning Roots Coffee Table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Organic Modern Accent Square Center Coffee Table High-Gloss Matt Black Lacquer

$2,658 Sale Price

60% Off

1970 Coffee Table by Knoll Iternational, iron black leg with marble top

By Knoll

Located in Milan, IT

Vintage 70s rectangular coffee table, by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. Coffee table with

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Steel

1970 Coffee Table by Knoll Iternational, iron black leg with marble top

$1,708 Sale Price

20% Off

Elegant Faux Bamboo Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood and Glass 1960s

Located in Meer, VAN

Elegant Faux Bamboo Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood and Glass, Europe, 1960s. This is a very

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer

Elegant Faux Bamboo Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood and Glass 1960s

$4,750

Coffee table Shift Black Marble and Bianco Onyx by Alter Ego Studio

By Alter Ego Studio

Located in Castelo da Maia, 11

Polished metal and natural stone coffee table with handcrafted matte finish. Stone and metal

Category

2010s Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx, Marble, Stainless Steel

Coffee table Shift Black Marble and Bianco Onyx by Alter Ego Studio

$11,701

Willy Rizzo Coffee Table

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Miami, FL

Willy Rizzo 2-tier rectangular coffee table or side sofa, model Flaminia.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Willy Rizzo Coffee Table

$3,450

Italian Modern Black Sky Wood Iron Coffee Table by Moscatelli Formanova, 1970s

By Gianni Moscatelli, Formanova

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Black sky, wood and black iron Coffee table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Italian Modern Black Sky Wood Iron Coffee Table by Moscatelli Formanova, 1970s

$593

Florence Knoll Coffee Table, White Laminate, Black Steel Frame

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Kansas City, MO

Signed Florence Knoll cocktail table. Original white laminate and lacquered steel legs and frame

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Coffee Table, White Laminate, Black Steel Frame

$3,750

Acerbis Napoleone Small Coffee Table in black by Claudio Salocchi - IN STOCK

By Acerbis, Claudio Salocchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

, coffee tables and display units, an extremely synthetic interpretation of geometries combined with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Acerbis Napoleone Small Coffee Table in black by Claudio Salocchi - IN STOCK

$2,925 Sale Price

20% Off

20th Century Maison Baguès Style Brass and Black Glass Coffee Table, 1950s

By Maison Baguès

Located in LEGNY, FR

Beautiful 20th century French Maison Baguès gilded brass and black glass coffee table from the

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Maison Baguès Style Brass and Black Glass Coffee Table, 1950s

$2,088 Sale Price

20% Off

Coffee table with handpainted tiles

Located in Antwerpen, BE

it a clean, rigid appearance that works seamlessly as a coffee table, side table, or decorative stand

Category

2010s Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Coffee table with handpainted tiles

$1,115

Factory Pattern Coffee Table

Located in Oakville, CT

Vintage Wooden Pattern Coffee Table with Glass Top originally used in the mold making production

Category

20th Century American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Glass

Factory Pattern Coffee Table

$1,800

Black Rock Long Cocktail Coffee Table Aluminum Foam by Michael Young

By Michael Young

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The work is customizable in size, color and shape. About the designer: Michael Young was born in 1966 in Sunderland, a small Industrial city in the North-East of England. He gra...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Black Rock Long Cocktail Coffee Table Aluminum Foam by Michael Young

$29,500 / item

American Mid-Century Enameled Black and Brown Low / Coffee Table

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century (1970s) enameled low / coffee table with a square black and brown crackle

Category

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

Materials

Enamel

American Mid-Century Enameled Black and Brown Low / Coffee Table

$8,800

Coffee table Mdf Italy Method

By Leonardo Talarico

Located in Alcamo, IT

. Details: Type: Low table Material: Steel structure (3 mm thick) Finish: Black Dimensions: Ø 50 × H 40 cm

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Coffee table Mdf Italy Method

$676

Hexagonal ceramic coffee table, 1930s.

Located in PARIS, FR

Coffee table featuring a hexagonal top inlaid with ceramic tiles in white, black, green, and blue

Category

Early 20th Century Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hexagonal ceramic coffee table, 1930s.

$1,364

Maitland-Smith Empire Revival Black Marble and Fossil Stone Coffee Table

By Maitland Smith

Located in Chicago, IL

Features four Doric columns, with shafts of creamy tessellated fossil stone, atop a black

Category

Vintage 1970s American Empire Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Maitland-Smith Empire Revival Black Marble and Fossil Stone Coffee Table

$3,150 Sale Price

30% Off

Late 20th Century Modern Brushed Steel Tube Coffee Table Removeable Black Glass

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome vintage Modern brushed steel tube coffee table with a removeable rectangular black glass

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Late 20th Century Modern Brushed Steel Tube Coffee Table Removeable Black Glass

$1,995

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Large Coffee Table in Teak and Black Glass

Located in Courbevoie, FR

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian large coffee table in teak and black glass.

Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Large Coffee Table in Teak and Black Glass

$1,602

French Gilt + Black Tile-Top Coffee Table with Metal Base, 1970s

Located in Chicago, IL

A graphic, grid-patterned coffee table from 1970s France, featuring glazed ceramic tiles arranged

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Gilt + Black Tile-Top Coffee Table with Metal Base, 1970s

$4,200

Claste beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble Glass Base

By Claste, Quinlan Osborne

Located in Brooklyn, NY

table can be placed alone or in combination with the “Remember Me” table. Additional information

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble Glass Base

$10,285 / item

Vintage Italian Marble Coffee Table, 1960s

Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT

1960s Vintage Carrara Marble Coffee Table with Black Iron Base Refined vintage coffee table

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Iron

Vintage Italian Marble Coffee Table, 1960s

$1,127 Sale Price

41% Off

Midcentury Coffee Table with Black Marble Top and Hand Forged Gilt Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

Round Coffee Table in Marble and Wrought Gilt Iron, Spain, 1940s-1950s. Midcentury Gilt Iron Coffee

Category

20th Century Spanish Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Midcentury Coffee Table with Black Marble Top and Hand Forged Gilt Iron

$4,153

New Modern Coffee Table in Black and Green Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian

By Karen Chekerdjian

Located in Milan, IT

. TOTEM is unique and trine, the divine inspiration of a design object. Black Marquinia and Imperial Green

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

New Modern Coffee Table in Black and Green Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian

$5,835 / item

Black Rock Long Cocktail Coffee Table Aluminum Foam by Michael Young

By Michael Young

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The work is customizable in size, color and shape. About the designer: Michael Young was born in 1966 in Sunderland, a small industrial city in the North-East of England. He gra...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Black Rock Long Cocktail Coffee Table Aluminum Foam by Michael Young

$29,500 / item

Mid-Century Metaform Attributed Stone Coffee Table with Black Wooden X Base

By Metaform Holland

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning Metaform attributed large square stone side or coffee table. A large slab of stone sits

Category

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

Materials

Slate

Mid-Century Metaform Attributed Stone Coffee Table with Black Wooden X Base

$2,250

Contemporary Coffee Table Explorer by Jaime Hayon, Black, 234 cm

By Jaime Hayon, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Paris, IDF

EXPLORER LOW TABLE BY JAIME HAYON 2024 Interior structure in painted steel and Top in MDF with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail...

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Coffee Table Explorer by Jaime Hayon, Black, 234 cm

$7,170 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table Explorer by Jaime Hayon, Black, 184 cm

By Jaime Hayon, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Paris, IDF

EXPLORER LOW TABLE BY JAIME HAYON 2024 Interior structure in painted steel and Top in MDF with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail...

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Coffee Table Explorer by Jaime Hayon, Black, 184 cm

$6,230 / item

Minimal Modern Large contemporary Black Solid wood Coffee Table with Brass Inlay

By Esvee

Located in Hyderabad, TG

The Ishi coffee table is a stunning piece of furniture that is inspired by the katana, the Japanese

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Minimal Modern Large contemporary Black Solid wood Coffee Table with Brass Inlay

$3,850 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table "Stick" Three Legs in Black by Casey Lurie Studio

By Casey Lurie

Located in Chicago, IL

The stick table evolved out of experiments with traditional Japanese joinery. A unique locking

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Contemporary Coffee Table "Stick" Three Legs in Black by Casey Lurie Studio

$3,300 / item

Antique Oriental Hardwood Coffee Table

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A late 19th century oriental hardwood coffee table, or plant stand having well figured panel top

Category

Antique 19th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Oriental Hardwood Coffee Table

$1,636

1880 Black Round Victorian Table Coffee with Top in Fabric Embroidered Oriental

Located in Palermo, Sicily

1880 black round Victorian coffee table with top in fabric embroidered with oriental scenes, ebony.

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Silk, Wood

1880 Black Round Victorian Table Coffee with Top in Fabric Embroidered Oriental

$2,907 Sale Price

30% Off

Jansen style coffee table, 1950s.

Located in Lisboa, PT

Coffee table with black and gilded églomisé glass on top. In the style of Jansen. France, 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Jansen style coffee table, 1950s.

$3,702

1967 Rare Alexander Girard Charles Eames Coffee Table with Black Laminate Top

By Alexander Girard, Herman Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare coffee table designed by renowned designers Alexander

Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

1967 Rare Alexander Girard Charles Eames Coffee Table with Black Laminate Top

$7,500

Time/Space Portal Coffee Table in Black Soapstone by Neal Aronowitz Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Time/space portal coffee table in black soapstone by Neal Aronowitz Design Dimensions: D 167.7 x W

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Soapstone

Time/Space Portal Coffee Table in Black Soapstone by Neal Aronowitz Design

$27,935 / item

New Air Coffee Table, Stone Top with Black Metal and Nero Marquina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air coffee table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem coffee table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Coffee Table, Stone Top with Black Metal and Nero Marquina

$2,398 Sale Price / item

20% Off

New Air Coffee Table, Stone Top with Black Metal and Estremoz Rosa

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air coffee table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem coffee table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Coffee Table, Stone Top with Black Metal and Estremoz Rosa

$2,398 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Vintage chromed coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Seventies chromed metal and black glass coffee table on a black wooden base. Timeless seventies

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage chromed coffee table, 1970s

$824

Compose Coffee Table White Oiled Oak Black by Warm Nordic

Located in Geneve, CH

Compose coffee table white oiled oak black by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D70 x H49 cm Material

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Compose Coffee Table White Oiled Oak Black by Warm Nordic

$949 / item

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Black Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of black coffee tables for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique black coffee tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and glass. Find 2984 antique and vintage black coffee tables at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 1229 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Black 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. Black coffee tables bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small black coffee tables measuring 1 inches across. Black coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Willy Rizzo, Paul Evans and Emeco are consistently popular.

How Much are Black Coffee Tables?

Prices for black coffee tables start at $1 and top out at $125,000 with the average selling for $3,326.

Finding the Right Coffee And 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 Black 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.
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.
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 is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.

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