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.

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.

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the 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.

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.

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.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers 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.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

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.

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.

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 1980s Unknown Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Stone, Metal

Design P, brutalist Coffee Table made of Indian colored slate, 1988

$3,466

Henning Kjærnulf Style Brutalist Round Coffee Table of Solid Oak 1950s

By Henning Kjærnulf, Axel Einar Hjorth

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Great Henning Kjærnulf style round coffee table of heavy solid oak Brutalist style with carved legs

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Henning Kjærnulf Style Brutalist Round Coffee Table of Solid Oak 1950s

$2,390

"The Frustrated Coffee Table" by Frédéric Saulou Coffee Table /Bench

Located in Wainscott, NY

Beautiful French Slate coffee table / bench “The Frustrated Coffee Table” with natural edge detail

Category

2010s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate

"The Frustrated Coffee Table" by Frédéric Saulou Coffee Table /Bench

$16,000

Brutalist Construction Table Base by Marc Creates

By Silas Seandel, Marc Creates

Located in Chicago, IL

Brutalist Construction Table Base by Marc Creates Base is being sold "sans" top. A very

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Construction Table Base by Marc Creates

$4,950

Brutalist circular coffee table, raw wood slate stone patchwork, France 1980s

Located in leucate, FR

Beautiful coffee table with a brutalist design. Raw wood structure (pickled), circular top inlaid

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate

Brutalist circular coffee table, raw wood slate stone patchwork, France 1980s

$1,541

French Brutalist Design Coffee Table of Teak with Glass Top, 1970

Located in Oirlo, LI

French Brutalist Design coffee table of teak with glass top, 1970. This is a beautiful separate

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cut Glass, Teak

French Brutalist Design Coffee Table of Teak with Glass Top, 1970

$3,107 Sale Price

20% Off

1970s Vintage Brutalist Signed Silas Seandel “Cathedral” Torch Cut Brass Coffee

By Silas Seandel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Make a bold statement with this vintage Brutalist "Cathedral" coffee table by renowned artist Silas

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

1970s Vintage Brutalist Signed Silas Seandel “Cathedral” Torch Cut Brass Coffee

$8,950

Outstanding Silas Seandel Ribbon Faux Cast Stone Brutalist Miro Coffee Table

By Silas Seandel

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Outstanding Silas Seandel ribbon faux cast stone Brutalist coffee table. This table was designed as

Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass

Outstanding Silas Seandel Ribbon Faux Cast Stone Brutalist Miro Coffee Table

$7,200 Sale Price

20% Off

Brutalist Cocktail Table by Don Drumm

By Don Drumm

Located in Portland, OR

Fabulous one of a kind cocktail table by Don Drumm. The sculptural element is cast aluminum in a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Brutalist Cocktail Table by Don Drumm

$5,500

Silas Seandel Style Brutalist Torch-Cut Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern

By Silas Seandel

Located in Pemberton, NJ

This is an amazing Brutalist glass top coffee or cocktail table of torch-cut steel with a gold base

Category

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

Materials

Cut Steel

Silas Seandel Style Brutalist Torch-Cut Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern

$3,500

Fabulous Paul Evans Brutalist Metal Patchwork Coffee Table Signed Slate Top

By Paul Evans

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Very handsome Paul Evans patchwork metal coffee table. The top has a textured piece of heavy slate

Category

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

Materials

Slate, Copper

Fabulous Paul Evans Brutalist Metal Patchwork Coffee Table Signed Slate Top

$9,900

Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Tile Coffee Table style of Henning Kjærnulf, 60s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Store Heddinge, DK

Presenting an exceptional vintage Danish oak and tile coffee table, a quintessential statement

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Tile Coffee Table style of Henning Kjærnulf, 60s

$2,525

Dolmen coffee table - creation

Located in Paris, FR

"Dolmen" coffee table - handcrafted A unique piece carved from an old mahogany trunk, then

Category

2010s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Dolmen coffee table - creation

$5,378

Modern, Brutalist Style Brass, Shou Sugi Ban Carved Walnut Oromo Coffee Table

By Egg Designs

Located in Bothas Hill, KZN

the signature of many Egg pieces. The Oromo coffee table has a distinct brutalist and Mid-Century

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Modern, Brutalist Style Brass, Shou Sugi Ban Carved Walnut Oromo Coffee Table

$9,320 / item

1960s Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Coffee Table in Oak attributed to Kjærnulf

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Store Heddinge, DK

Danish Oak Coffee / Side Table, 1960s This solid oak coffee or side table from Denmark, crafted in

Category

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

Materials

Oak

1960s Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Coffee Table in Oak attributed to Kjærnulf

$1,087

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #4 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 50 x 112 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #4 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

$5,976 / item

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #9 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 45 x 73 x 40 cm SÓHA design studio

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #9 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

$5,976 / item

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #2 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 60 x 122 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #2 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

$5,976 / item

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #1 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil). Measures: 50 x 112 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #1 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

$5,976 / item

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #3 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil). Measures: 50 x 107 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #3 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

$5,976 / item

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #6 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 50 x 123 x 45 cm SÓHA design studio

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #6 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil

$8,366 / item

Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Coffee Table with Stone Top, France, c. 1960s

Located in New York City, NY

Mid-Century Metal Coffee Table with Stone Top, France, c. 1960s. This exceptional coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Metal

Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Coffee Table with Stone Top, France, c. 1960s

$9,800

Brutalist Style Coffee Table In Luxurious Glossy Walnut Root By José Castro

Located in NEW YORK, NY

This sophisticated coffee table is a masterful blend of rich materiality and architectural form

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Brutalist Style Coffee Table In Luxurious Glossy Walnut Root By José Castro

$4,080 / item

Pair of Spanish Brutalist Walnut Side or Coffee Tables with low shelve

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of Spanish Brutalist Walnut Side or Coffee Tables with low shelve

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Spanish Brutalist Walnut Side or Coffee Tables with low shelve

$2,450 / set

Silas Seandel Mid Century Modern Brass Base Glass Top Brutalist Coffee Table

By Silas Seandel, Paul Evans

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Silas Seandel Mid Century Modern Brass Base 3/4" Thick Glass Top Brutalist Coffee Table MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Silas Seandel Mid Century Modern Brass Base Glass Top Brutalist Coffee Table

$3,800

Vintage 70s Daniel Gluck Brutalist Maze Coffee Table MCM Retro 80s Postmodern

By Daniel Gluck

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Vintage 70s Daniel Gluck Brutalist Bronze Coffee Table. The table has a beautiful patina. Made

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 70s Daniel Gluck Brutalist Maze Coffee Table MCM Retro 80s Postmodern

$10,500

Brutalist Sculptural Sunburst Torch Cut Cocktail Table

By Paul Evans, Curtis Jeré, Silas Seandel

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Very rare Brutalist glass and metal cocktail table in the style of Paul Evans and Silas Seandel. A

Category

Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Sculptural Sunburst Torch Cut Cocktail Table

$1,920 Sale Price

61% Off

Large Brutalist Coffee / Cocktail Table Solid Pine by Sven Larsson Sweden 1970

By Sven Larsson

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

An oversize coffee table or sofa table in solid pine designed by Sven Larsson and produced in the

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Large Brutalist Coffee / Cocktail Table Solid Pine by Sven Larsson Sweden 1970

$6,573

Mid-Century, Brutalist, Faux Lava Stone, Round Coffee Table with Pedestal Base

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century round white faux stone coffee table. Large minimalist coffee table with textured top

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century, Brutalist, Faux Lava Stone, Round Coffee Table with Pedestal Base

$2,450

Original Paul Evans Brutalist PE-11 Cocktail Table

By Paul Evans

Located in North Miami, FL

Welded and patinated steel PE-11 Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 1966.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Original Paul Evans Brutalist PE-11 Cocktail Table

$8,900

Lothar Klute Coffee Table

By Lothar Klute

Located in New York, NY

Lothar Klute coffee table. Brutalist style, wrought iron base with a molded glass top. Signature to

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Lothar Klute Coffee Table

$14,000

Mid-Century Brutalist Wenge Framed Stone Topped Coffee or Side Table with Shelf

By Martin Visser

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century Brutalist stone topped coffee or side table with Wenge frame, lower shelf and

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Brutalist Wenge Framed Stone Topped Coffee or Side Table with Shelf

$1,250

Mid Century Brutalist California Tile Octagonal Table

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Sharp California Tile top table. Octagonal table in oak with scrolled iron base showcase beautiful

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Iron

Mid Century Brutalist California Tile Octagonal Table

$1,670

Fabulous Silas Seandel Style Brutalist Mixed Metal Nail Coffee Table Mid-Century

By Ray Berger

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Fabulous Silas Seandel style Brutalist mixed metal nail coffee table with thick 3/4" glass top

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Fabulous Silas Seandel Style Brutalist Mixed Metal Nail Coffee Table Mid-Century

$3,850

A TRIPOD Free-Form BRUTALIST RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN COFFEE TABLE, France 1950

By George Nakashima

Located in PARIS, FR

A large free-form coffee table in the spirit of George Nakashima. Made in France by anonymous

Category

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

Materials

Wood

A TRIPOD Free-Form BRUTALIST RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN COFFEE TABLE, France 1950

$7,171

Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist Glass Top Coffee Table for Directional 1969

By Paul Evans

Located in Dallas, TX

Rare and unusual coffee table from the Paul Evans "Sculpted Bronze" Series produced in the late 60s

Category

Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist Glass Top Coffee Table for Directional 1969

$14,000

A Free-Form BRUTALIST RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN COFFEE TABLE, France 1950

Located in PARIS, FR

A wide free-form coffee table in the spirit of George Nakashima. Made in France by anonymous artist

Category

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

Materials

Wood

A Free-Form BRUTALIST RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN COFFEE TABLE, France 1950

$7,171

Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Table

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A Adrian Pearsall coffee table with applied resin. There are also some copper or brass pieces added

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Resin

Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Table

$4,500

Sculptural Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck, Glass Top with Brutalist Metal Base 70s

By Silas Seandel

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

This striking sculptural coffee table by acclaimed artist Daniel Gluck is a rare and collectible

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Sculptural Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck, Glass Top with Brutalist Metal Base 70s

$5,999

Brutalist Spanish Provincial Antique Rustic Style Chopping Block Table

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is this Provincial antique rustic brutalist style chopping block table, circa 1960s or

Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Brutalist Spanish Provincial Antique Rustic Style Chopping Block Table

$1,220

Large Elm and Iron Coffee Table, France 1960 s

By Pierre Lebe

Located in New York, NY

Solid Elm trapeze top set on steel canted legs, the table has design elements found in Chapo and

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Large Elm and Iron Coffee Table, France 1960 s

$9,500

Brutalist Torch Cut Brass Table Set with Glass Tops

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Three piece matching end table or coffee table set with Brutalist style torch cut bases and beveled

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Brutalist Torch Cut Brass Table Set with Glass Tops

$2,275 Sale Price / set

30% Off

brutalist forged table in the style of Lothar Klute

By Lothar Klute

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

- stunning forged coffee table with cast glass - perfect condition - 120 x 73 x 52 cm

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

brutalist forged table in the style of Lothar Klute

$7,410 / item

Abstract wrought iron and glass coffee table, Germany 1970s

By Heinz Lilienthal

Located in ECHT, NL

Unique handcrafted coffee table. The base is made from green painted wrought iron and it depicts 4

Category

Late 20th Century German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Abstract wrought iron and glass coffee table, Germany 1970s

$1,907 Sale Price

20% Off

Set of 3 Brutalist Wooden Nesting Tables, Holland 1960s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice set of 3 Coffee or Nesting Tables, 1960's. The tables have all a different size so they

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Set of 3 Brutalist Wooden Nesting Tables, Holland 1960s

$1,780 / set

Welding Art Coffee Table in Stainless Steel and Glass

Located in Izegem, VWV

This coffee table was hand made in stainless steel and has a glass table top. It stands on four

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Welding Art Coffee Table in Stainless Steel and Glass

$2,086

Cast Aluminum and Wood Coffee Table Set by Sergio Vulpe

Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District

Charred Wood and Cast Aluminum Coffee Table by Sergio Vulpe — Brutalist Sculptural Design This

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Cast Aluminum and Wood Coffee Table Set by Sergio Vulpe

$4,541 / item

Paul Evans Welded Steel 1967 Brutalist Cocktail Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Buffalo, NY

Paul Evans welded steel 1967 Brutalist cocktail table. Wonderful patina, class Evans design

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Paul Evans Welded Steel 1967 Brutalist Cocktail Table

$6,800

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,135

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,374

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,374

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,374

"Gouge" Brutalist Beech Coffee Table in the Style of Marolles - France 1970 s

By Atelier Marolles

Located in New York, NY

Graphic solid beech coffee table in the style of Ateliers de Marolles. Nail and screw less assembly

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

"Gouge" Brutalist Beech Coffee Table in the Style of Marolles - France 1970 s

$3,600

Mid Century Brutalist California Tile Octagonal Table Cabinet

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Sharp California Tile top table cabinet. Octagonal table cabinet in oak with ACES panels. Beautiful

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Iron

Mid Century Brutalist California Tile Octagonal Table Cabinet

$1,670

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s

$1,135

Plain Wood Coffee Table

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Located in NY. Original condition/needs restoration.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Plain Wood Coffee Table

$3,120 Sale Price

35% Off

Monumental Heavy Coffee Table, Slate, Wood and Concrete, 1960s Dutch

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is this beautiful rare Brutalist octagonal shaped slate coffee or cocktail table, made in

Category

Vintage 1960s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Concrete

Monumental Heavy Coffee Table, Slate, Wood and Concrete, 1960s Dutch

$999

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

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.
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.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the 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.
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.
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.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers 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.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
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.
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.