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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Art Deco Rosewood Chrome and Glass Guéridon side coffee table circa 1930

$6,392 Sale Price

20% Off

Mid Century Italian Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table Side Table C.1960

Located in London, GB

Mid century Italian bamboo and rattan coffee table side table C.1960. Presented in excellent

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo

Mid Century Italian Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table Side Table C.1960

$678

Round Art Deco design side/coffee table

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful round Art Deco Schuitema coffee table from the Decoforma series is a fantastic

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Round Art Deco design side/coffee table

$1,258

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

This elegant sculptural side table is crafted entirely from solid marble and originates from Italy

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

$1,001

Max Sauze Isoceles Pair of Black Metal and Glass Side or Coffee Tables, France

By Max Sauze

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of Max Sauze Isoceles black metal and glass side, end tables or coffee tables for Attro France

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Max Sauze Isoceles Pair of Black Metal and Glass Side or Coffee Tables, France

$1,900 / set

Travertine and Brass Mid-Century French Side or Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

A small coffee table or side table. France, c1960s. Naturally patinated brass and

Category

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

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Travertine and Brass Mid-Century French Side or Coffee Table

$835

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

This elegant sculptural side table is crafted entirely from solid marble and originates from Italy

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

$1,061

Mid-Century Space Age French Chrome and Glass Joker Coffee Side Table, 1960s

By Olivier Mourgue

Located in Hamburg, DE

Chrome and glass Coffee Table from the French manufacturer Airborne according to a design by

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Space Age French Chrome and Glass Joker Coffee Side Table, 1960s

$1,759

1930s French Brass and Marble Top Coffee or Side Table

Located in Doylestown, PA

Vintage 1930s French Empire solid brass and Carrara marble top cocktail or side table. An elegant

Category

Vintage 1930s French Empire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

1930s French Brass and Marble Top Coffee or Side Table

$1,180

Travertine Stone Coffee Table - Travertine Side Table - Travertine End Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Pallet We customize all of our furnitures (dining tables, coffee tables, tv units, consoles etc..) in

Category

2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Travertine Stone Coffee Table - Travertine Side Table - Travertine End Table

$950

Maison Jansen Brass and Glass Hollywood Regency Coffee / Side Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Weesp, NL

Brass coffee or side table by Maison Jansen. Stylish Hollywood Regency two-tier coffee table by

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen Brass and Glass Hollywood Regency Coffee / Side Table

$1,758

20th Century French Art Deco Iron and Marble Side or Small Coffee Table

Located in Doylestown, PA

side or small coffee table indoors or on your patio/terrace. It is sturdy and in good condition with

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

20th Century French Art Deco Iron and Marble Side or Small Coffee Table

$930

French Riviera Side or Coffee Table in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s

By Tito Agnoli

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning midcentury Italian coffee or side table in rattan, bamboo and wicker. This unique piece

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Cane

French Riviera Side or Coffee Table in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s

$1,180

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

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Rome, IT

Amazing Midcentury 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

Spanish Primitive Rustic Coffee Table or Side Table

Located in Barcelona, ES

table, end table or coffee table in a rustic decoration but also it could be the perfect accent combined

Category

20th Century Spanish Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Spanish Primitive Rustic Coffee Table or Side Table

$2,981

1950 Freeform Mahogany Coffee Table Cocktail Table Side Table

By José Zanine Caldas

Located in Grenoble, FR

Freeform mahogany coffee table Mahogany tray brought back to France in the 1950s, transformed

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

1950 Freeform Mahogany Coffee Table Cocktail Table Side Table

$3,875

1970s Coffee or Side Table, Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

- The top desk has been refurbished.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

1970s Coffee or Side Table, Czechoslovakia

$465

Brutalist chain link coffee table or side table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Industrial chain link coffee table or side table with a clear glass round table top. Cool

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Brutalist chain link coffee table or side table, 1970s

$775

Romeo Rega Brass, Chrome and Glass Side or Coffee Table, Italy ca. 1970s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Geneva, CH

Brass, smoked glass and chrome bicolor square side table with elegant details attributed to Romeo

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Romeo Rega Brass, Chrome and Glass Side or Coffee Table, Italy ca. 1970s

$1,450

Tris of Increasing Dimensions Side Coffe Table in Brass, Glass and Chrome, 1970s

Located in Rome, IT

Tris of side or coffee tables in increasing dimensions made of brass, chrome and glass. A

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Metal

Tris of Increasing Dimensions Side Coffe Table in Brass, Glass and Chrome, 1970s

$1,550

Antique Spanish Coffee Table with Double Sided Drawers and Lyre Legs

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Beautiful detail on this Spanish Coffee Table with double drawers on each side! Super sturdy with

Category

Vintage 1910s Spanish Spanish Colonial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Spanish Coffee Table with Double Sided Drawers and Lyre Legs

$2,800

Large Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Table

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Barcelona, ES

with metal corners. Interesting to be used as side or end table, occasional table or coffee table near

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Large Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Table

$2,289

Midcentury Danish teak coffee side table, 1960s

By Vintage Specialties

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Midcentury Danish teak coffee side table, 1960s Dimensions: 37 D x 80 W x 48 H cm It is in

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Danish teak coffee side table, 1960s

$1,085

Mexican Onyx Stone and Brass UÑA Side Coffee Table Design by Nomade Atelier

By Nomade Atelier

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

The UÑA table is fable, mythology and design blended together. The striking contrast between the

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Side Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass, Iron

Mexican Onyx Stone and Brass UÑA Side Coffee Table Design by Nomade Atelier

$3,200 / item

Modern Gray Epoxy Resin Coffee Table, Custom Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Light Gray Walnut Epoxy Coffee Table Handcrafted by skilled artisans of Tinella Team, this coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktai...

Materials

Metal

Modern Gray Epoxy Resin Coffee Table, Custom Side Table

$1,680 Sale Price

20% Off

René Herbst Art Deco Side Coffee Table Bakelite and Chrome, a pair, circa 1935

By René Herbst, Stablet

Located in Atlanta, GA

An exceptional pair of modernist Art Deco side tables designed by René Herbst and produced by

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

René Herbst Art Deco Side Coffee Table Bakelite and Chrome, a pair, circa 1935

$8,000 / set

Red Travertine Coffee Table - Red Marble Side Table - Marble End Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Red Travertine SIDE TABLE & COFFEE TABLE Type of Marble: Red Travertine Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 18

Category

2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Red Travertine Coffee Table - Red Marble Side Table - Marble End Table

$990

Brass Iron and Onyx Top Antique Coffee or Side Table

Located in Delray Beach, FL

One of a kind table artistically made of combination of hand forged iron and cast brass. Decorative

Category

Vintage 1920s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass, Iron

Brass Iron and Onyx Top Antique Coffee or Side Table

$1,800

Wrought Iron and Ceramic Tile Side Coffee Table, a pair, 1950s

By Verceram Ceramique 1

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French ceramist workshop created this elegant pair of coffee or side tables from the 1950s. The

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron and Ceramic Tile Side Coffee Table, a pair, 1950s

$2,000 / set

Noguchi Style Biomorphic "Airplane" Coffee Table Side Table Set

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Van Nuys, CA

table, and the side table has a triangle-shaped top. Coffee Table: H 16" W 60" D 26" End Table: H 22" W

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Noguchi Style Biomorphic "Airplane" Coffee Table Side Table Set

$4,890 / set

SOLID Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Red Inlay Handcrafted Contemporary

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

SOLID TABLE in straw marquetry technique Inlay scheme: Mosaic Colour scheme: Ruta MATERIALS: MDF

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Side Tables

Materials

Straw

SOLID Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Red Inlay Handcrafted Contemporary

$9,063 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Side Table Surfside Drive by Man of Parts, Small, Coffee Grind and Ivory Ash

By Workshop APD, Man of Parts

Located in Paris, IDF

: Small, Coffee Grind top, Ivory Ash base __________________ The Surfside Drive side table was designed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ash

Side Table Surfside Drive by Man of Parts, Small, Coffee Grind and Ivory Ash

$2,432 / item

Side Table Surfside Drive by Man of Parts, Large, Coffee Grind and Ivory Ash

By Man of Parts, Workshop APD

Located in Paris, IDF

: Large, Coffee Grind top, Ivory Ash base __________________ The Surfside Drive side table was designed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ash

Side Table Surfside Drive by Man of Parts, Large, Coffee Grind and Ivory Ash

$2,718 / item

Coffee Table / Side Table by Angel Pazmino in Fruitwood and Cognac Leather

By Angel Pazmino

Located in Deland, FL

This iconic table, designed by Angel Pazmino, is the perfect amalgamation of Spanish and South

Category

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

Materials

Leather

Coffee Table / Side Table by Angel Pazmino in Fruitwood and Cognac Leather

$2,300

Set of 3 Oak Coffee Side Tables

Located in Paris, FR

used as a single side or coffee table or together creating different combinations with the various

Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Set of 3 Oak Coffee Side Tables

$6,374 / item

Round Coffee Table Wave Modern Metal Designer Side Table

By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi

Located in Vilnius, LT

HVYLYA large table DESCRIPTION The "Hvylya" coffee table is a unique piece of furniture that

Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Round Coffee Table Wave Modern Metal Designer Side Table

$763 Sale Price / item

41% Off

“Vestiges Side Table” Marble Stone Brutalist Minimalist Coffee Table

By Josep Vila Capdevila

Located in Terrassa, Catalonia

Vestiges side table is a pure brutalist table finished by hand and made entirely of exclusive

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

“Vestiges Side Table” Marble Stone Brutalist Minimalist Coffee Table

$2,013 / item

Pair of Vintage Brass and Faux Tusks Side or Coffee Tables, Ca 1970s

Located in Uppsala, SE

Pair of eclectic vintage brass and faux tusks side or lamp tables with oval glass tops from the

Category

Vintage 1970s European Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Brass and Faux Tusks Side or Coffee Tables, Ca 1970s

$1,574 / set

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of marble, 1970s. The rectangle top and

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980s

$2,730

Mid Century Round Marble Coffee Table Side Table Brass

Located in Poperinge, BE

Mid century round coffee table, side table with round marble top and solid brass base, Hollywood

Category

Mid-20th Century European Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Mid Century Round Marble Coffee Table Side Table Brass

$503 Sale Price

35% Off

Smoked Glass Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1970s

Located in Rome, IT

Coffee/side table completely in smoked glass with an abstract sculptural presence that gives it a

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Smoked Glass Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1970s

$2,742

Rene Gabriel Teak Lattice Coffee or Side Table

By Rene Gabriel

Located in Long Island City, NY

Rene Gabriel teak openwork lattice top coffee / side table.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Rene Gabriel Teak Lattice Coffee or Side Table

$10,200

60s 70s coffee table side table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina

By Cassina, Afra Tobia Scarpa

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s coffee table side table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

60s 70s coffee table side table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina

$1,776

1960s Italian Teak Coffee or Side Table

Located in Praha, CZ

- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Iron base

Category

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

Materials

Iron

1960s Italian Teak Coffee or Side Table

$465

70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Toften Denmark Design

By Mobelfabrikken Toften

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

70s teak table side table coffee table coffee table Toften Denmark design Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Toften Denmark Design

$475

Stack Table, Mid-Century Modern Side or Coffee Table

By kontra

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Mid-Century Modern Side Coffee Table. This versatile and stylish piece of furniture combines

Category

2010s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Stack Table, Mid-Century Modern Side or Coffee Table

$4,545

Asian Rosewood Waterfall Coffee Table with Removable Tray and Pierced Sides

Located in Atlanta, GA

pierced sides. Created during the midcentury period, this rosewood coffee table features a rectangular top

Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Asian Rosewood Waterfall Coffee Table with Removable Tray and Pierced Sides

$4,350

Stack Table, Mid-Century Modern, Side or Coffee Table

By kontra

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

brass / gold / rose gold-plated body. Side table, coffee table.

Category

2010s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Stack Table, Mid-Century Modern, Side or Coffee Table

$4,545

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Small Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

can be used as a small coffee table, side table, small bench or stool. Both sculptural and usable

Category

2010s Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Small Coffee Table or Side Table

$3,900

Davide Moretto “Borchie e Chiodi” Coffee or Side Table in Solid Oak and Iron

By Davide Moretto

Located in Vicenza, IT

A unique sculptural table by Italian artist Davide Moretto, handcrafted from a solid section of oak

Category

2010s Italian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Davide Moretto “Borchie e Chiodi” Coffee or Side Table in Solid Oak and Iron

$1,788

Contemporary sculpted wood BTRFL Side/coffee Table

Located in 1204, CH

The BTRFL Collection is the first historical furniture collection of Cedric Breisachera series. It resluts of hand-carved pieces that evoke the seamless flow of nature, giving the im...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Contemporary sculpted wood BTRFL Side/coffee Table

$6,201 / item

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table handcrafted out of Carrara marble. The fabulous marble features a

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble

Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980s

$1,538

Italian antique Coffe or side table in wood and brass, 1900s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian antique Coffe or side table in wood and brass, 1900s Work table in solid wood and brass

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian antique Coffe or side table in wood and brass, 1900s

$1,073

Andrianna Shamaris Sculptural Bleached Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful reclaimed teak wood, hand carved into a one of a kind drum shape coffee table or

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Sculptural Bleached Coffee Table or Side Table

$4,980 / item

Italian Brass, Chrome Plated Metal and Glass 1970s wheeled coffe/side table

Located in Varese, Lombardia

This vintage coffee table/side table was made in Italy in the 1970s. Its design is very minimal

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Italian Brass, Chrome Plated Metal and Glass 1970s wheeled coffe/side table

$655

70s Side Table Coffee Table Teak Danish Design Denmark

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

70s side table coffee table teak Danish Design Denmark Object: coffee table Manufacturer

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

70s Side Table Coffee Table Teak Danish Design Denmark

$416

Vintage Danish Teak Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

A beautifully crafted teak coffee or side table from Denmark, dating back to the 1970s. This

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

$822

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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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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