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 are side tables called?

Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.

What are side tables used for?

Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are nesting side tables?

A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What size should a side table be?

A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.

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.

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

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 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 are tiny side tables called?

What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.

What is a tall side table called?

A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

Coffee And Side Tables

Christian Jensen

R And Y Augousti Console

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

Marble Coffee Table Danish

Metal Inlay On Table Top

Moroccan Or Moorish Coffee Tables

Made In Denmark Coffee Table

Gold Console Table With Mirror

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass, Chrome

"Flora" Wood, Marble and Metal Coffee Table or Side Table

$7,751 / item

Round sided rectangle Coffee table

Located in Brussels, BE

Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table – Solid Wood with Architectural Base Crafted from rich

Category

Vintage 1960s German Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Plywood

Round sided rectangle Coffee table

$2,862 / set

Etienne Martin Side Table/Coffee Table

By Etienne-Henri Martin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Modernist Art Deco side table/coffee table by Etienne Martin, circa 1932, in French walnut

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nickel

Etienne Martin Side Table/Coffee Table

$19,500

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table , Italy, 1950s

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table, Italy, 1950s. Manufactured by ABV

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table , Italy, 1950s

$8,220

Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Glass and Wood Coffee or Side Table

Located in Nantucket, MA

A very unusual Mid-Century Modern coffee or side table. It features ebonized legs in a faux horn

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Glass and Wood Coffee or Side Table

$2,200

Lucite and Brass coffee side table attributed to Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in BARCELONA, ES

iconic as they are innovative. In summary, purchasing this Lucite and Brass coffee side table attributed

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Lucite and Brass coffee side table attributed to Charles Hollis Jones

$2,146

Vintage Chinese Coffee Side Table

Located in Pasadena, TX

Vintage Chinese coffee side table Antique Asian table in a richly grained rosewood with giant

Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Chinese Coffee Side Table

$1,520 Sale Price

20% Off

Set of 3 Minimal Teak and Laminate Cube Coffee table or Side Tables

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 3 minimal teak and black laminate side tables. Matching bonus lamp included. Dimensions

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Set of 3 Minimal Teak and Laminate Cube Coffee table or Side Tables

$4,200 / set

1960s Italian Bamboo Rattan Bohemian French Riviera Coffee Side Table

By Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Dirk Van Sliedregt

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern side accent or coffee table, perfect in any room as well

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

1960s Italian Bamboo Rattan Bohemian French Riviera Coffee Side Table

$1,109

Willy Daro Bronze and Glass Mid-Century Coffe Side Table, 1970

By Willy Daro

Located in Roma, Lazio

Beautiful and decorative sculpture table, with a massive brass base in the shape of a tree

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Willy Daro Bronze and Glass Mid-Century Coffe Side Table, 1970

$2,146

Marble Top Coffee Table - White Marble Coffee Table - Travertine Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

SQUARE TRAVERTINE MARBLE COFFEE TABLE Type of Marble: Travertine Dimensions: 48" x 24" x 17" Leg

Category

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Marble Top Coffee Table - White Marble Coffee Table - Travertine Side Table

$3,520 / item

Antique Italian Walnut Glass Top and Rope Carved Turned Coffee Table Side Table

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful antique wooden Italian walnut side table or occasional table with glass top raised on

Category

20th Century Italian Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Rope, Glass

Antique Italian Walnut Glass Top and Rope Carved Turned Coffee Table Side Table

$1,064

Chinese Elm and Rattan Coffee Table, Side, Lamp, Late 20th Century

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a Chinese elm and rattan coffee table, a side table dating to the late 20th century

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables

Materials

Elm

Chinese Elm and Rattan Coffee Table, Side, Lamp, Late 20th Century

$1,349

60s 70s Coffee Table Metal Side Table Adjustable Coffee Table Design

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s coffee table metal side table adjustable coffee table design 60s 70s Object: coffee

Category

Vintage 1970s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

60s 70s Coffee Table Metal Side Table Adjustable Coffee Table Design

$952

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

This cracked resin side table or coffee table is made from reclaimed teak infused with clear resin

Category

2010s Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table or Coffee Table

$6,900

Swedish Modern coffee table / side table, 1940s

By Carl-Erik Johansson

Located in Stockholm, SE

This exquisite Swedish coffee table from the 1940s is a true masterpiece of mid-century design

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Swedish Modern coffee table / side table, 1940s

$9,540

Bamboo, Rattan and Wood Pair of Side Coffee Tables, Italy 1980s

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of side tables in bamboo, rattan and wood. Made in Italy in the 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Straw, Rattan, Wood

Bamboo, Rattan and Wood Pair of Side Coffee Tables, Italy 1980s

$1,192

Versatile Set of Coffee Table and Two Side Tables by Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Versatile set of coffee table and two side tables by Dunbar (with original sticker). The

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Versatile Set of Coffee Table and Two Side Tables by Dunbar

$5,200 / set

Spanish Rustic Coffee Table / Side Table, 1940s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Antique spanish rustic raised-panel window as coffee table, Spain, 1930s. A 19th century solid

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Spanish Rustic Coffee Table / Side Table, 1940s

$3,219

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Gilded Brass Coffee Side Table, circa 1970

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Atlanta, GA

side table. The round Directoire-style pedestal table is crafted from clear Lucite and gilded brass

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Gilded Brass Coffee Side Table, circa 1970

$2,500

Mcguire Sheaf of Wheat Bamboo Round Side End Coffee Tables a Pair 1970s

By John and Elinor McGuire

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Large 1970s John Mcguire style sheaf of wheat bamboo round side or end, coffee tables. Pair of

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Reed

Mcguire Sheaf of Wheat Bamboo Round Side End Coffee Tables a Pair 1970s

$3,500 / set

Side-Liner Table, Modern Art Deco Side or Coffee Table

By kontra

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Art Deco state of the side table with vintage mirror top and brass / chrome / rose gold plated body.

Category

2010s Turkish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel, Chrome

Side-Liner Table, Modern Art Deco Side or Coffee Table

$3,640 / item

Walnut Coffee Table with Parquet Top and Mosaic Sides

Located in Greenwich, CT

Modern meets rustic with this one of a kind coffee table hand built by us at our studio in Norwalk

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Walnut Coffee Table with Parquet Top and Mosaic Sides

$4,800

Elegant Marble and Brass Accent Table – Chic Small Coffee or Side Table

Located in Oirlo, LI

Transform your living space with this exquisite small coffee or side table, where timeless

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

Elegant Marble and Brass Accent Table – Chic Small Coffee or Side Table

$1,067

French Modern Craftsman Gilt Bronze Side or Coffee Table in style of Giacometti

By Alberto and Diego Giacometti

Located in New York, NY

Unique and Rare French Mid-Century Modern Side/ End or Coffee Table in the Modern Craftsman

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Modern Craftsman Gilt Bronze Side or Coffee Table in style of Giacometti

$18,750

Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Modern Coffee Table For Living Room - Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Walnut Wood Clear Epoxy Coffee Table Presenting our Epoxy Coffee Table – a true sample of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Modern Coffee Table For Living Room - Side Table

$2,300 / item

Lucite column coffee table or side table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Lovely lucite column and clear beveled glass top coffee table. Thick plexiglass base. Good

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Lucite column coffee table or side table, 1970s

$1,132

Vintage coffee table side table 1970s Vatne Möbler

By Sigurd Ressell

Located in Lemmer, NL

Vintage coffee table side table 1970s Vatne Möbler Period 1970s Design 'Falcon' Sigurd

Category

Vintage 1970s Norwegian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Smoked Glass, Wood

Vintage coffee table side table 1970s Vatne Möbler

$1,085

21st Century Large Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Pomme" large metal side table D:60 "Pomme" is the elegant collection of coffee and occasional

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Large Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

$1,669 / item

21st Century Small Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Pomme" small metal side table D:60 "Pomme" is the elegant collection of coffee and occasional

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Small Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

$1,550 / item

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached wood modernist coffee/side table.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

$1,500

Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Table

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Barcelona, ES

Measures: 40,5 cm W x 40.5 cm D x 45 cm H More side tables and coffee tables are avaliable at our 1stdibs

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Table

$1,908

Peter Ghyczy Coffee or Side Table

Located in Delft, NL

Peter Ghyczy coffee or side table Born in 1940 in Hungary, Peter Ghyczy became a German designer

Category

20th Century Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Peter Ghyczy Coffee or Side Table

$2,086

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

By René Drouet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French 1940s Art Deco low side or coffee table in gilt forged iron by Rene Drouet. Measures: 36

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

$13,500

Set of 2 Loggia Terrazzo Side and Coffee Table

By Matteo Leorato

Located in Geneve, CH

can be located either on the front or side of a building and are not meant for entrance but as an out

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Terrazzo

Set of 2 Loggia Terrazzo Side and Coffee Table

$7,131 / set

Antique Georgian Style Occasional Side Table / Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

A lovely antique occasional side table / coffee table. This was made in England, it dates from

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Georgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Georgian Style Occasional Side Table / Coffee Table

$856

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached wood modernist coffee/side table.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

$1,500

Wooden Side Table - Custom Sofa Table - Custom Coffee Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Epoxy Resin C Side End Table Presenting our Epoxy Coffee Table – a true sample of craftsmanship

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Wooden Side Table - Custom Sofa Table - Custom Coffee Table

$1,500 / item

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

By Glostrup Møbelfabrik

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark Item: Side table

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

$714

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

By Glostrup Møbelfabrik

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark Item: Side table

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

$478

Italian, 1970s Sculptural Coffee or Side Table Nickel-Plated Steel, Wood Glass

By Roberto Gabetti and Aimaro Isola

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

High quality manufactured Italian coffee or side table with sculptural shaped nickel-plated solid

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Italian, 1970s Sculptural Coffee or Side Table Nickel-Plated Steel, Wood Glass

$1,920 Sale Price

20% Off

Giovannozzi Home, Coffe Table+Side Table "Saturn" Marble and Metal Brass Finish

Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma

. - Metal structure brass finishing. - Shelf of the coffee table composed with central side in wood , round

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass

Giovannozzi Home, Coffe Table+Side Table "Saturn" Marble and Metal Brass Finish

$14,548 / set

25" Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Brass and Marble Coffee Side Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Pasadena, TX

McCobb for Calvin walnut and brass and marble coffee/side table Calcutta marble top Walnut and bronze

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

25" Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Brass and Marble Coffee Side Table

$1,520 Sale Price

20% Off

Pair of Swedish Vintage Coffee / Side Tables

Located in London, GB

A stunning and very rare pair of Swedish vintage coffee / side tables. They were made in Sweden by

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swedish Vintage Coffee / Side Tables

$5,137 / set

Decorative Wood Stump Coffee Table or Side Table

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

any room. Whether used as a side table, coffee table, or accent piece, this unique elm wood tree stump

Category

20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Decorative Wood Stump Coffee Table or Side Table

$2,400

Sculptural, Brutalistic, Monolithic Coffee Table /Side Table/ Object

By Jan Paul

Located in Maastricht, NL

GRIP coffee Sculptural, brutalistic, monolithic Coffee table /side table/ object design: JAN PAUL

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Sculptural, Brutalistic, Monolithic Coffee Table /Side Table/ Object

$3,767

Chrome and smoked glass coffee table and side table attributed to Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Nice set of chrome tables attributed to Milo Baughman. This simple design using chrome and smoke

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Chrome and smoked glass coffee table and side table attributed to Milo Baughman

$1,450 / set

Small lucite coffee table or side table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Lovely lucite and glass top coffee table or side table with brass screws. Very good condition

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Small lucite coffee table or side table, 1970s

$339

Coffee table by Audoux Minnet

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet

Located in Saint Ouen, France

"Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet were a French duo who worked together in the mid-20th century. They are known for their innovative use of natural materials, including rope, wicker a...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Rattan

Coffee table by Audoux Minnet

$1,431

Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Coffee Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy, 1960s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury amazing elephant-shaped coffee table / side table in hand-braided rattan with wood tusks

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Coffee Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy, 1960s

$1,908

Pair or Single French Mahogany and Burl Low Side or Coffee Tables

Located in Miami, FL

An eye-catching elegant round flame mahogany and burl side table Having wonderful decorative

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Burl

Pair or Single French Mahogany and Burl Low Side or Coffee Tables

$2,617 Sale Price / set

25% Off

Restored Mcguire Corseted Hour Glass Rattan Coffee Table and Side Tables Set

By McGuire

Located in Van Nuys, CA

: Coffee Table: 17" height x 36" diameter Side Table: 22" height x 28ʺ diameter MARCSS

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Restored Mcguire Corseted Hour Glass Rattan Coffee Table and Side Tables Set

$4,800 / set

21st Century "Bob" Wood and Metal Coffee Table or Side Table Indoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Bob" wood and metal coffee table or side table Coffee table with cone-shaped wooden top with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century "Bob" Wood and Metal Coffee Table or Side Table Indoor

$1,431 / item

White Marble and Black Oak Center Coffee or Side Tables

Located in Paris, FR

Beautiful Series of 3 sculptural design different sizes Coffee, Center or Side tables compose by a

Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

White Marble and Black Oak Center Coffee or Side Tables

$2,945 / item

Pair of rosewood side tables or coffee tables. 1970s

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pair of rosewood end tables or coffee tables. Their tops are reversible, allowing you to choose

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of rosewood side tables or coffee tables. 1970s

$4,173 / set

2-Part Marble Coffee Table Entry Table Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

coffee table, side table, accent table, or outdoor table Beautiful earth tones of eggshell, mushroom

Category

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

Materials

Marble

2-Part Marble Coffee Table Entry Table Side Table

$2,400

Silvered-Bronze Coffee Table and Two Nesting Side Tables with Églomisé Tops

By Maison Jansen

Located in Pembroke, MA

A set of three silvered-bronze tables comprising a coffee table and two matching side tables that

Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Silvered-Bronze Coffee Table and Two Nesting Side Tables with Églomisé Tops

$7,750 / set

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of coffee and side tables is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and glass, all coffee and side tables available were constructed with great care. We have 1434 antique and vintage coffee and side tables in-stock, while there are 386 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of coffee and side tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco coffee and side tables are consistently popular styles. Andrianna Shamaris, Peter Ghyczy and Angelo Mangiarotti each produced beautiful coffee and side tables that are worth considering.

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,200, while they’re typically $100 on the low end and $53,719 highest priced.

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 Coffee And Side Tables

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 are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
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.
Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
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 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 are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

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