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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Coffee Table Ghost by Norr11, Black Aluminium

$689 / item

Louis Durot Tongue Coffee Table in Jet Black

By Louis Durot

Located in Culver City, CA

coffee table, aptly titled the tongue table, looks just like a tongue. This table is jet black and is

Category

1990s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Louis Durot Tongue Coffee Table in Jet Black

$13,500

Oval polished stainless steel black glass coffee table

By Brueton

Located in New York, NY

Oval polished stainless steel and black glass coffee table by Brueton.

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Oval polished stainless steel black glass coffee table

$13,800

Ado Chale, Black Resin, Agate, Coffee Table, Belgium, 1990s

By Ado Chale

Located in Manhasset, NY

Ado Chale, Belgian Mid-Century Modern, Black Resin, Agate, Coffee Table, Belgium, 1990s A rare

Category

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

Materials

Agate

Ado Chale, Black Resin, Agate, Coffee Table, Belgium, 1990s

$17,000

Streamline Black Lacquer Chrome Coffee Table by Royalchrome

By Royal Chrome

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Streamline Art Deco coffee table manufactured by Royal Chrome. The table features chromed U-shaped

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Streamline Black Lacquer Chrome Coffee Table by Royalchrome

$2,128

Merida All Black Marble Set of 2 Coffee table

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table Merida All Black Marble Set of 2 with wooden structure covered with black Marquina

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Nickel

Merida All Black Marble Set of 2 Coffee table

$56,465 / set

Black Stained Oak Black Metal Eugénie Coffee Table 70 by HARTO

Located in Geneve, CH

Black Stained Oak Black Metal Eugénie Coffee Table 70 by HARTO Dimensions: W 70 x D 70 x H 41 cm

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Black Stained Oak Black Metal Eugénie Coffee Table 70 by HARTO

$653 / item

Two Pedestal Coffee Tables in Black Marble Set

Located in Mexico City, MX

Set of two coffee tables with pedestal base in Monterrey black marble and tops in the same material

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Two Pedestal Coffee Tables in Black Marble Set

$7,120 / set

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

By Panorammma

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

$6,600

Round Coffee Table in Oak and Black Glass

By Dunleavy Bespoke

Located in Caragh, IE

Modern round coffee table with a black glass internal shelf and black glass top. The table

Category

2010s Irish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

Round Coffee Table in Oak and Black Glass

$2,615 / item

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

By Panorammma

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

$6,600

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

By Panorammma

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

$6,600

Black Ice Coffee Table by Phase Design, Polished Chrome

By Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Coffee Table, in Polished Chrome and a Black or White Spandrel glass top. Steel coffee table with black

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Black Ice Coffee Table by Phase Design, Polished Chrome

$5,690 / item

Profiterole Small Round Coffee Table, Modern, Sculptural, Black Wood

By Lara Bohinc

Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM

Profiterole small coffee table and Profiterole occasional table are in marble and wood respectively

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Profiterole Small Round Coffee Table, Modern, Sculptural, Black Wood

$5,587 / item

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

By Panorammma

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

$6,600

Baker Furniture Chinoiserie Monumental Black Lacquered Coffee Table

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous monumental modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style coffee or cocktail table By

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Baker Furniture Chinoiserie Monumental Black Lacquered Coffee Table

$2,695

Ridge Coffee Table, Black Cement and Black Silica by Fernando Mastrangelo

By Fernando Mastrangelo

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Composed in a language of landscape-oriented abstraction, the made-to-order coffee table is cast

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Ridge Coffee Table, Black Cement and Black Silica by Fernando Mastrangelo

Price Upon Request

Sculptural Monolithic Coffee Table In Matte Black Basalt Finish

By Albino Miranda

Located in NEW YORK, NY

This sculptural monolithic coffee table is conceived as a single, grounded volume rather than a

Category

2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Composition

Sculptural Monolithic Coffee Table In Matte Black Basalt Finish

$5,900 / item

Cigala Coffee Table with Black Marble Top

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table Cigala with structure in stainless steel in gold finish with a black round emperador

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Cigala Coffee Table with Black Marble Top

$7,073 / item

Nanna Ditzel Danish Coffee Table in Black Wood

By Nanna Ditzel

Located in Milano, IT

Beautiful vintage Danish coffee table designed in the 1960s by Nanna Ditzel. Its structure is

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Nanna Ditzel Danish Coffee Table in Black Wood

$3,328 / item

Hanging Top Coffee Table in Black or White

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table hanging top in black finish with steel structure and polyethylene braided. With

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Hanging Top Coffee Table in Black or White

$2,472 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

By Panorammma

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table

$6,600

Classic curved pedestal coffee table in black Italian lacquer

Located in London, GB

Classic curved pedestal coffee table in durable black Italian lacquer. Originally commissioned for

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Classic curved pedestal coffee table in black Italian lacquer

$5,276

Coffee Table Surfside Drive by Man of Parts, Large, Coffee Grind, Black Ash

By Workshop APD, Man of Parts

Located in Paris, IDF

finishes available: - Coffee grind - Black - Mist - Ivory Table base finishes available: - Black - Mist

Category

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

Materials

Ash

Coffee Table Surfside Drive by Man of Parts, Large, Coffee Grind, Black Ash

$4,208 / item

Black Marble Zorro Coffee Table, Note Design Studio

By Note Design Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Zorro is a coffee table. It’s Minimalist and ingenious Z-structure supports two overlapping trays

Category

2010s French Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Black Marble Zorro Coffee Table, Note Design Studio

$4,992 / item

Cerused Oak Coffee Table Black Silver, Italy, 1980

By Chelini Firenze

Located in Vienna, AT

" (height). Elegant three legged black and white cerused oak table with silver plated feet. Very well

Category

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

Materials

Silver Plate, Nickel

Cerused Oak Coffee Table Black Silver, Italy, 1980

$5,800

Jet Black Gear Coffee Table by Anastasia Ivanyuk

Located in Geneve, CH

Jet Black Gear Coffee Table by Anastasia Ivanyuk Dimensions: D 55 x W 55 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Jet Black Gear Coffee Table by Anastasia Ivanyuk

$974 / item

Jet Black Chubby Coffee Table by Marcel Wanders

Located in Geneve, CH

Jet Black Chubby Coffee Table by Marcel Wanders Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 35 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Jet Black Chubby Coffee Table by Marcel Wanders

$4,338 / item

Jet Black Chubby Coffee Table by Marcel Wanders

Located in Geneve, CH

Jet Black Chubby Coffee Table by Marcel Wanders Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 35 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Jet Black Chubby Coffee Table by Marcel Wanders

$2,829 / item

Wired Coffee Table- 32" by Phase Design, Flat Black

By Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Coffee Table, in Flat Black Powder Coat and either a Walnut, White Oak, or Ebonized Ok wood top.

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Wired Coffee Table- 32" by Phase Design, Flat Black

$4,430 / item

Midcentury Black Iron and Wood Coffee Table

Located in Brussels, BE

Midcentury Black Iron and Wood Coffee Table.

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Black Iron and Wood Coffee Table

$1,212

Square Coffee Table in Black Resin Inlay Agate

By Ado Chale

Located in Brussels, BE

Square coffee table in black resin inlay Agate, feed in steel, in perfect condition, Belgium, 1980.

Category

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

Materials

Agate, Steel

Square Coffee Table in Black Resin Inlay Agate

$2,318

Black Slate Top Chrome Square Coffee Table, 1960s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Very nice designed square black granite top coffee table will stand out in every living room. It

Category

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

Materials

Granite, Chrome

Black Slate Top Chrome Square Coffee Table, 1960s

$891 Sale Price

64% Off

Modern Round Coffee Table Polished Stainless Steel Black Lacquer Black Glass

By EMOTIONAL OBJECTS, João Faria

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

The "Arabesque Center Coffee Table" listed here is a Showroom Sample made in black lacquered wood

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Modern Round Coffee Table Polished Stainless Steel Black Lacquer Black Glass

$2,995 Sale Price

60% Off

Merida Black Marble Set of 2 Coffee table

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table Merida Black Marble Set of 2 with wooden structure covered with black Marquina marble

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Merida Black Marble Set of 2 Coffee table

$65,261 / set

Poppy Coffee Table, Black Lacquered Top with Estremoz

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Poppy Coffee Table is an elegant pedestal table with a combination of natural stones and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Poppy Coffee Table, Black Lacquered Top with Estremoz

$3,838 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Pair of green and black lacquered coffee table

Located in grand Lancy, CH

Pair of green and black lacquered coffee table , the base is black

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of green and black lacquered coffee table

$7,800 / set

Maison Jansen Black Lacquer, Bronze Mirror Surtout de Table Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Maison Jansen Black Lacquer, Bronze & Mirror Surtout de Table Coffee Table France, Circa 1960s

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Maison Jansen Black Lacquer, Bronze Mirror Surtout de Table Coffee Table

$6,800

“Triumph Arch Table” Black Marquina Marble and Glass Minimalist Coffee Table

By Josep Vila Capdevila

Located in Terrassa, Catalonia

The Arch Table is a minimalist style coffee table consisting of three treated Marquina marble bases

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

“Triumph Arch Table” Black Marquina Marble and Glass Minimalist Coffee Table

$2,968 Sale Price / item

10% Off

Poppy Coffee Table, Black Lacquered Top with Travertine

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Poppy Coffee Table is an elegant pedestal table with a combination of natural stones and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Travertine

Poppy Coffee Table, Black Lacquered Top with Travertine

$3,838 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Miniforms Superpop Coffee Table in Black by Paolo Cappello

By Paolo Cappello, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

becomes supersustainable, superlight and supercool, in extremely versatile, compact designs: coffee table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic

Miniforms Superpop Coffee Table in Black by Paolo Cappello

$528 / item

Black Glass Coffee Table by Jiri Jiroutek, 1963

By Jiri Jiroutek

Located in Praha, CZ

Jiri Jiroutek designed those coffee tables in 1960s in different sizes. This one is the biggest

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood, Plywood

Black Glass Coffee Table by Jiri Jiroutek, 1963

$558

Mid-Century Chestnut Black Marble Top Coffee Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Mid-century chestnut black marble top coffee table was fashioned from thick planks and timbers of

Category

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

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Mid-Century Chestnut Black Marble Top Coffee Table

$2,780

round textured organic black leather and wood coffee table

By Lara Bohinc

Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM

The Betsy Coffee Table designed by Lara Bohinc for Uniqka balances traditional craftsmanship with

Category

2010s Turkish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

round textured organic black leather and wood coffee table

$7,013 / item

Large Black Limestone Entretoise Coffee Table by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large honed black limestone Entretoise™ coffee table by Design Frères®. Suitable for indoor or

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Limestone, Steel

Large Black Limestone Entretoise Coffee Table by Design Frères

$7,880

Japanese Vintage Zataku, Wabi sabi black long low table, coffee table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Japanese vintage Zataku (low table) , manufactured circa 1950s to 70s, estimate from the style

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Japanese Vintage Zataku, Wabi sabi black long low table, coffee table

$1,840 / item

Nadine Charteret black lacquer brushed steel coffee table 1972

By Nadine Charteret

Located in Paris, IDF

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Nadine Charteret black lacquer brushed steel coffee table 1972

$33,879

1940 s Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Floral Coffee Table

Located in Opa Locka, FL

Stunning 1940's Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Floral Form Coffee Table. This table was part of a

Category

Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1940 s Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Floral Coffee Table

$2,620 Sale Price

20% Off

Alexey Krupinin, Coffee table, Black, Plaster 2024

By Alexey Krupinin

Located in Topanga, CA

Coffee table Artist Alexey Krupinin Its simple geometric shape has a durable finish and is made

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plaster, Plywood

Alexey Krupinin, Coffee table, Black, Plaster 2024

$3,675 Sale Price

25% Off

Coffee Table Unique Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel

By J.M. Szymanski

Located in Bronx, NY

Table No. 14 - Coffee Table J.M. Szymanski d. 2021 An abstract form moves organically through

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Coffee Table Unique Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel

$24,056 / item

Modern Minimalist Rectangular Center Coffee Table Black Oak Wood Black Lacquer

By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

proves that there's still room to innovate. This table has a discrete drawer for storing items and is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Modern Minimalist Rectangular Center Coffee Table Black Oak Wood Black Lacquer

$5,824 / item

Circular Black Oak and Tubular Steel Bauhaus Coffee Table

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Vienna, AT

This Bauaus style chromed tubular steel Coffee table has been produced in the 1930s , its design is

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Circular Black Oak and Tubular Steel Bauhaus Coffee Table

$1,046

Barba Corsini Pedrera Coffee Table in Black for Gubi

By Gubi, Barba Corsini

Located in Glendale, CA

Barba Corsini 'Pedrera' Coffee Table in Black for Gubi The Pedrera coffee table was designed in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Metal

Barba Corsini Pedrera Coffee Table in Black for Gubi

$1,599 / item

Black and White Coffee Table by Pierre Bonnefille

By Pierre Bonnefille

Located in Madrid, ES

Striking coffee table by the Pierre Bonnefille workshops featuring a sculptural, panel-style

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Black and White Coffee Table by Pierre Bonnefille

$3,732

Vintage Embossed Leather Design Coffee Table With Black Lacquer

Located in Locust Valley, NY

This vintage embossed leather design coffee table with black lacquer features a stunning

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage Embossed Leather Design Coffee Table With Black Lacquer

$7,440

Kanyon Coffee Table, Contemporary Sculptural Minimalist Round Black Oak

By Fulden Topaloglu, Studio Kali

Located in Istanbul, TR

Kanyon is an authentic coffee table which combines functionality and sculptural posture with

Category

2010s Turkish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Kanyon Coffee Table, Contemporary Sculptural Minimalist Round Black Oak

$3,600 / item

Vintage Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Coffee Table Mid 20th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a stunningly beautiful English black lacquered chinoiserie coffee table, circa 1950 in date

Category

Vintage 1950s English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Vintage Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Coffee Table Mid 20th Century

$1,713

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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.
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 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.
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.
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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