What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Who invented the coffee table?

No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why is it called a coffee table?

Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables .The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa , and its depth will match the seating . These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables , but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.

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

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a 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 glass coffee tables durable?

Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

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

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

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

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

Brutalist And Coffee Table

Belgian Brutalist

Paul Evans Brutalist Table

Mid Century Slate Coffee Table

Solid Wood Cocktail Table 1960s

French Brutalist Furniture

Oak Brutalist

1950s French Coffee Table

Brutalist Metal Glass Table

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Square Coffee Table Glass Paul Evans Style, 1960s

$1,600

Sculptural Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Pine, French Mid Century Modern, 1960

Located in Odense, DK

This beautiful coffee table crafted in solid pine by a French cabinetmaker in the 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Sculptural Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Pine, French Mid Century Modern, 1960

$2,290

Pia Manu Brutalist Pair of Side Tables

By Pia Manu

Located in Antwerp, BE

Nude natural colored Mid-Century Modern side table set by Pia Manu, Belgium, 1960s Made out of

Category

Late 20th Century European Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Pia Manu Brutalist Pair of Side Tables

$8,000 / set

French Wooden Brutalist Mid Century Coffee Sofa Table Produced in France 1950s

Located in Stockholm, SE

Rare mid century and brutalist coffee sofa table by unknown designer produced in France ca 1950s. A

Category

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

Materials

Elm

French Wooden Brutalist Mid Century Coffee Sofa Table Produced in France 1950s

$9,007

Paul Kingma Inspired Brutalist Brown Gray Stone Coffee Table w/ Steel Legs

By Paul Kingma, Metaform Holland

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-century, Dutch, 1960s, brutalist stone mosaic coffee table with thick flat steel square legs

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Metal, Steel

Paul Kingma Inspired Brutalist Brown Gray Stone Coffee Table w/ Steel Legs

$2,750

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Nail Coffee Table Silas Seandel Paul Evans Era

By Paul Evans, Silas Seandel

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a gorgeous, Brutalist, nail art coffee table, with a circular glass top

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Nail Coffee Table Silas Seandel Paul Evans Era

$2,800

Stunning Pierre Chapo inspired Brutalist Round Oak Coffee Table with Trestle Bas

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This handsome, Brutalist, Pierre Chapo inspired coffee or side table is made from solid oak with a

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Stunning Pierre Chapo inspired Brutalist Round Oak Coffee Table with Trestle Bas

$2,250

Rare Vintage Brutalist Italian Regency Chromed Coffee Table with Epoxy Resin Top

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

This brutalist coffee table was manufactured in Italy during the 1970s. The geometrical frame is

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare Vintage Brutalist Italian Regency Chromed Coffee Table with Epoxy Resin Top

$1,244

One of a kind Bronze and oak brutalist Swedish Grace round coffee table 1940 s

By Erik Gunnar Asplund, Axel Einar Hjorth, Gunnar Asplund

Located in Forest, BE

One of a kind round three legged bronze and oak coffee table. Showing elegant antique scenes

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

One of a kind Bronze and oak brutalist Swedish Grace round coffee table 1940 s

$5,404

Brutalist Oak End Table

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

An oak modernist and brutalist small table.

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Brutalist Oak End Table

$2,161

Brutalist Welded Steel Table

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Brutalist Welded Steel Table

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Welded Steel Table

$2,500

Free Form Coffee Table

By Paul Evans, Silas Seandel

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Free From Coffee Table.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Free Form Coffee Table

$3,600

Brutalist Angular Oak Cocktail Table, France, 1950 s

Located in Austin, TX

to as Brutalist. The heavy solid oak table is likely hand crafted and has a unique triangle shape and

Category

Vintage 1950s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Brutalist Angular Oak Cocktail Table, France, 1950 s

$2,950

Brutalist Oak Stone Cocktail Table, Belgium, 1960 s

Located in Austin, TX

Solid oak framed cocktail table with exposed joinery and inlaid fossilized marble/stone top

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Brutalist Oak Stone Cocktail Table, Belgium, 1960 s

$2,400

Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Patchwork Metal Large Coffee Tables

By Paul Evans

Located in Manhasset, NY

A monumental Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist patchwork metal coffee table with slate

Category

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

Materials

Slate, Metal

Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Patchwork Metal Large Coffee Tables

$7,650 / item

Massive Brutalist Wood Cocktail Table, NL, 1960 s

Located in Austin, TX

Responding to the Brutalist design influence in Belgium and the Netherlands in the 60's, this

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Massive Brutalist Wood Cocktail Table, NL, 1960 s

$5,650

French Oak Round Sculpted Free Form Edge Brutalist Coffee Table, circa 1960

Located in Chicago, IL

French round with asymmetrical carved edge honey colored oak coffee table from the 1960's. The

Category

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

Materials

Oak

French Oak Round Sculpted Free Form Edge Brutalist Coffee Table, circa 1960

$6,000

Brazilian Brutalist Mixed Tropical Wood Coffee Table by Percival Lafer for MP

By Percival Lafer, Lafer

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Brutalist vintage 1960s mixed wood coffee table by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. The table is

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Brazilian Brutalist Mixed Tropical Wood Coffee Table by Percival Lafer for MP

$2,400

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Brass Glass Coffee Table Style of Silas Seandel

By Silas Seandel

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist cocktail table in the style of Silas Seandel. Hammered and welded

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Brass Glass Coffee Table Style of Silas Seandel

$3,080

Mid Century Hand-Wrought Brutalist Cocktail Table

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple and elegant hand-wrought iron cocktail table. Large and rectangular in shape with a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Hand-Wrought Brutalist Cocktail Table

$2,500

Brutalist Sculpted Steel Coffee Table in the Style of Marcello Fantoni, 1970s

By Marcello Fantoni

Located in New York, NY

Brutalist steel coffee table in the style of Marcello Fantoni, circa 1970. This piece is

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Brutalist Sculpted Steel Coffee Table in the Style of Marcello Fantoni, 1970s

$3,400

Guillerme et Chambron Inspired Brutalist Oak Two Tiered Coffee or Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful solid oak 1970's two tiered coffee table or side table. This piece could also be used as

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Guillerme et Chambron Inspired Brutalist Oak Two Tiered Coffee or Side Table

$1,150

Brutalist Torch Cut Brass and Glass Cocktail Table Attributed to Tom Greene

By Silas Seandel, William Bowie, Tom Greene

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a gorgeous cocktail table attributed to Tom Greene. Torch cut brass base is crowned with a

Category

Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brutalist Torch Cut Brass and Glass Cocktail Table Attributed to Tom Greene

$995

Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metals Patchwork Coffee Table with Exotic Slate Top

By Paul Evans

Located in Dallas, TX

1960s Paul Evans patchwork coffee table for Directional. The slate top on this example has a honed

Category

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

Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metals Patchwork Coffee Table with Exotic Slate Top

$8,800

Guillerme et Chambron Inspired Brutalist Oak Two Tiered Coffee or Side Table

By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful, Mid-Century, organically shaped in solid oak two tiered coffee or side table. Designed

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Guillerme et Chambron Inspired Brutalist Oak Two Tiered Coffee or Side Table

$1,150

1960s Sculpturally Bold Modern LANE Coffee Table in Oak Wood Modular Brutalist

By Lane Furniture

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration: Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Lane. Sculptural clean modern lines

Category

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

Materials

Oak

1960s Sculpturally Bold Modern LANE Coffee Table in Oak Wood Modular Brutalist

$600

Fabulous Signed Edward Garfinkle Brutalist Cocktail Table

By Silas Seandel, Edward Garfinkle

Located in Southampton, NJ

Entitled, "Cascades" One of a kind, knock your eyes out, gorgeous creation from Designer, Edward Garfinkle. These steel spikes were welded together and then brass was per...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Fabulous Signed Edward Garfinkle Brutalist Cocktail Table

$3,600

Pia Manu Coffee Table

By Pia Manu

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

1970s square Pia Manu coffee table in ceramic and stone Good vintage condition.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Pia Manu Coffee Table

$13,210

Brutalist Paul Kingma One-Off Artwork Stone Brass Coffee Table, 1990 Holland

By Paul Kingma

Located in The Hague, NL

Fantastic and unique Paul Kingma ceramic art slate coffee table with metal foot. Made and signed in

Category

1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Slate, Brass, Cut Steel

Brutalist Paul Kingma One-Off Artwork Stone Brass Coffee Table, 1990 Holland

$2,341

Roger Capron Inspired Brutalist Oak and Tile Table or Bench w/ Trestle Supports

By Roger Capron

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Brutalist grooved oak and tile coffee table inspired by Roger Capron. Heavy oak framed top, with

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Roger Capron Inspired Brutalist Oak and Tile Table or Bench w/ Trestle Supports

$1,850

Mahogany Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Singular coffee table from the 70s with futuristic lines, beautiful combination of mahogany and the

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Mahogany Coffee Table, 1970s

$360

Brutalist Post-War Willy Daro Round Coffee Table, Belgian Modern, Organic, 1970 s

By Willy Daro

Located in Antwerp, BE

Willy Daro; Belgian design; French artist; Post-war: Sculpture; Brutalist; Coffee table; Art

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Brutalist Post-War Willy Daro Round Coffee Table, Belgian Modern, Organic, 1970 s

$4,203

Brass Mexico Made Coffee Table

Located in North Hollywood, CA

. Nice detailed brutalist style base. Great coffee table for any home.

Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Mexico Made Coffee Table

$2,300

Wabi sabi one piece top tripod coffee table, France 1950s

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Axel Vervoordt

Located in ECHT, NL

Unique hand crafted coffee table. Made from a single slab of wood. It has three legs that are fixed

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Wabi sabi one piece top tripod coffee table, France 1950s

$3,302

Brutalist Cocktail Table in Bronze and Steel by Daniel Gluck, California, 1970 s

By Daniel Gluck

Located in Austin, TX

Abstract cocktail table in steel and bronze, designed by California artist, Daniel Gluck, and

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Brutalist Cocktail Table in Bronze and Steel by Daniel Gluck, California, 1970 s

$9,750

Large vintage Brutalist Space Age coffee table with glass top made in the 70s

Located in Breda, NB

Large vintage Brutalist Space Age coffee table with glass top made in the 70s. Dimensions: Width

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Large vintage Brutalist Space Age coffee table with glass top made in the 70s

$2,280

Mid-Century Modern Tri Mark Studio Brutalist Nails Coffee Table in Evans Style

By Tri-Mark

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a fantastic, Brutalist, welded steel nail base coffee table, with a glass

Category

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

Mid-Century Modern Tri Mark Studio Brutalist Nails Coffee Table in Evans Style

$2,250

Coffee Table by Pia Manu

By Pia Manu

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Very rare coffee table made by Belgian artist Pia Manu. Made of brazilian slate stone and a rebar

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Metal

Coffee Table by Pia Manu

$18,000

Cast Iron Coffee Table, 1960s

By Ado Chale

Located in Rotterdam, ZH

Brutalist coffee table, 1960s. Whole made of cast iron with a beautiful circular imprint. The

Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron Coffee Table, 1960s

$1,681

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,621

Artisan solid oak and terracotta coffee table, Netherlands 1970s

Located in ECHT, NL

Large artisan wabi sabi stylerectangular coffee table. Made from solid oak. The top is inlayed with

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Terracotta, Oak

Artisan solid oak and terracotta coffee table, Netherlands 1970s

$3,002

Welded and Painted Steel Paul Evans Studio Circular Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Montreal, QC

Welded and Painted Steel Paul Evans Studio circular coffee table.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Welded and Painted Steel Paul Evans Studio Circular Coffee Table

$9,500

Sculpted Bronze Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Beautiful sculpted bronze brutalist coffee table with a solid table base and a round glass

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Sculpted Bronze Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,395

Gilt Metal "Brutalist" Table Base

Located in North Miami, FL

A Brutalist in style coffee table base of gilded metal. Super sculptural piece . Not big in size

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gilt Metal "Brutalist" Table Base

$2,100

Sculpted steel coffee table, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist sculpted steel coffee table with a clear glass top. Striking brutalist design with curvy

Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cut Steel

Sculpted steel coffee table, 1960s

$1,140

Paul Kingma Coffee Table, 1987

By Paul Kingma

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Brass, Steel

Paul Kingma Coffee Table, 1987

$2,341

Paul Kingma Coffee Table, 1988

By Paul Kingma

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Brass, Steel

Paul Kingma Coffee Table, 1988

$2,341

Patinated Brass-Clad Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Patinated brass-clad coffee table.

Category

20th Century Unknown Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Patinated Brass-Clad Coffee Table

$5,000

1970 s Etched Brass Brutalist Square Coffee Table with Abstract Sun Ray Design

Located in London, GB

1970's Artistic brass coffee table with unique etched abstract sun ray design top. The base is

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1970 s Etched Brass Brutalist Square Coffee Table with Abstract Sun Ray Design

$4,817

Patchwork Mixed Metal and Slate Coffee Table by Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Dallas, TX

a Paul Evans mixed metal patchwork coffee table with slate top this table is pictured in its

Category

Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Metal

Patchwork Mixed Metal and Slate Coffee Table by Paul Evans

$6,850

Vval solid wood coffee table

Located in Paris, FR

Solid wood coffee table from the 60s. The oval shape and tripod legs recall the style of Charlotte

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vval solid wood coffee table

$4,203

Pair of Percival Lafer Brutalist Cocktail or Side Tables

By Percival Lafer

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Pair of Percival Lafer Brutalist cocktail or side tables. This spectacular set of modernist tables

Category

Mid-20th Century South American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Jacaranda, Teak

Pair of Percival Lafer Brutalist Cocktail or Side Tables

$1,595 / item

Bernhardt Aluminum Pedestal Coffee Table

By Bernhardt

Located in Raleigh, NC

Unique aluminum coffee table manufactured and designed by Bernhardt, USA. Round circlets are

Category

2010s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Bernhardt Aluminum Pedestal Coffee Table

$2,895

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Rare beige brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid brass. Good condition

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,194

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$2,101

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,501

1960s Brutalist Brazilian Rosewood Cocktail Table by Percival Lafer

By Percival Lafer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This architectural brutalist cocktail table was designed in the 1960s by noted Brazilian furniture

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Jacaranda, Mahogany, Rosewood, Glass

1960s Brutalist Brazilian Rosewood Cocktail Table by Percival Lafer

$1,000

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Brutalist And Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the brutalist and coffee table you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, glass and stone, every brutalist and coffee table was constructed with great care. There are 639 variations of the antique or vintage brutalist and coffee table you’re looking for, while we also have 46 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a brutalist and coffee table — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each brutalist and coffee table bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Industrial hallmarks is very popular. Paul Evans, Silas Seandel and Paul Kingma each produced at least one beautiful brutalist and coffee table that is worth considering.

How Much is a Brutalist And Coffee Table?

Prices for a brutalist and coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $20 and can go as high as $125,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,790.

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 Brutalist And Coffee Table

What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

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

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a 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 glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.