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 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.

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.

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.

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 sofa table and a coffee table?

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

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

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

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.

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 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Beech

Vintage Glass Beech Coffee Table/ Side Table, Italy, 1970s

$1,941

2x 60s 70s Coffee Table Side Table Chrome Brass

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

2x 60s 70s Willy Rizzo coffee table side table chrome & Brass 60s. Object: 2x coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

2x 60s 70s Coffee Table Side Table Chrome Brass

$2,984 / set

Classical Moderne Mirrored Coffee or Side Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

Painted white with gilt trim, the neoclassical coffee or end table features a mirrored top and

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Classical Moderne Mirrored Coffee or Side Table

$1,450

American Art Deco Side Table or Small Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

American Art Deco side table or small coffee table. Gorgeous example of American Art Deco style in

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Hardwood

American Art Deco Side Table or Small Coffee Table

$2,150

1960s 1970s Teak Side Table Coffee Table Danish Design Denmark

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s/70s Teak Side Table/Coffee Table, Danish Design, Denmark Item: Table Manufacturer: Unknown

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

1960s 1970s Teak Side Table Coffee Table Danish Design Denmark

$598

Set of Recycling Reject Stool, Side Table and Coffee Table by Tim Teven

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of recycling reject stool, side table and coffee table by Tim Teven Dimensions: 34 x 44.5 cm

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Composition

Set of Recycling Reject Stool, Side Table and Coffee Table by Tim Teven

$7,802 / set

Adrian Pearsall Champagne Velvet Upholstered and Mirrored Coffee Side End Table

By Comfort Designs, Inc., Adrian Pearsall

Located in Miami, FL

Luxe champagne velvet upholstered coffee cocktail end or side table designed by Adrian Pearsall for

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Mirror, Wood

Adrian Pearsall Champagne Velvet Upholstered and Mirrored Coffee Side End Table

$1,760

Side Coffee Table in Wood, Chrome and Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s

Located in Rome, IT

Amazing side or coffee table with curved chrome legs and the base of the table is made of wooden

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Side Coffee Table in Wood, Chrome and Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s

$1,917

Set of Four Cube Coffee or Side Tables with Iron Frames and Glass Tops

Located in Chicago, IL

can be used together as a coffee or cocktail table, separately as side tables or chair side drink

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Set of Four Cube Coffee or Side Tables with Iron Frames and Glass Tops

$1,300 / set

Belarti Ceramic Tile Side Coffee Table with Birds and Butterflies, 1960s

By Juliette Belarti

Located in Antwerp, BE

Belarti Belgium designed this elegantly crafted Mid-Century Modern coffee or side table in the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Belarti Ceramic Tile Side Coffee Table with Birds and Butterflies, 1960s

$3,919

Mid-Century Rectangular Rattan and Bamboo Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1960s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Rome, IT

Mid-century rectangular coffee table in bamboo and rattan in the style of Vivai Del Sud. Made in

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Mid-Century Rectangular Rattan and Bamboo Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1960s

$1,311

Set of Tacchini Cage Side and Mirror Coffee table by Gordon Guillaumier in STOCK

By Tacchini, Gordon Guillaumier

Located in New York, NY

Minimalism and elegance are the key features of Cage coffee tables,with their metal base that is

Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Set of Tacchini Cage Side and Mirror Coffee table by Gordon Guillaumier in STOCK

$4,980 Sale Price / set

34% Off

Mid-Century Modern Travertine Square Coffee Table, Side Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Mid-Century Modern travertine square coffee table ~ Side table is the perfect choice for a clean

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Modern Travertine Square Coffee Table, Side Table

$1,490

A Pair of Oak Coffee or Side Tables

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Oak Coffee or Side Tables This is a good pair of bleached Oak side tables which have the

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

A Pair of Oak Coffee or Side Tables

$1,679 / set

Charlotte Perriand Round Small Coffee or Side Table

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Chicago, IL

Charlotte Perriand round small coffee table or side table in pine wood. Most likely a furnishing

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Charlotte Perriand Round Small Coffee or Side Table

$7,800

Modern Alexander Black Marble Coffee Table - Marble End Table - Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Alexander Black Marble COFFEE TABLE Type of Stone: Alexander Black Marble Dimensions: 40" x 24

Category

2010s Turkish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Modern Alexander Black Marble Coffee Table - Marble End Table - Side Table

$3,500

Kristian Vedel Style Teak Coffee Table or Side Table with Rounded Legs and Lip

By Kristian Vedel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kristian Vedel style teak coffee or side table. Solid round legs that rise above the table top, and

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Kristian Vedel Style Teak Coffee Table or Side Table with Rounded Legs and Lip

$575

Red Marble Side Table - Red Marble Coffee Table - Rosso Levanto End Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

ROSSO LEVANTO SIDE TABLE & COFFEE TABLE Type of Marble: Rosso Levanto Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 18

Category

2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Red Marble Side Table - Red Marble Coffee Table - Rosso Levanto End Table

$950

Beautiful square design Art Deco side/coffee table

Located in Harderwijk, NL

features a stunning design and is made from very high-quality materials. This coffee table has beautiful

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Beautiful square design Art Deco side/coffee table

$826

Brass and Marble Coffee Table "Spider"

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Brass and marble coffee table "Spider"" Graceful and simple coffee table "Spider" is a piece

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Brass and Marble Coffee Table "Spider"

$11,985 / item

Pair of Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Tables

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Barcelona, ES

side or end tables, occasional tablse or coffee tables near your sofa but also interesting as sculpture

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Tables

$4,314 / set

Art Deco Geometric Coffee Side Table, 20th Century

Located in Lisbon, PT

Art Deco geometric side table with a shelf, inspired by the unique style of Hendrik Van Keppel

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Geometric Coffee Side Table, 20th Century

$2,450 Sale Price

30% Off

Design Chrome Coffee/Side Table, Finland, 1970s

Located in Praha, CZ

- 1970s - Made of chrome, glass - Chrome parts re-polished - Good original condition.

Category

Antique 1870s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Design Chrome Coffee/Side Table, Finland, 1970s

$623

Collection of Five Slab Tables, Bench, Coffee Table, Side Table 1974

By George Nakashima

Located in Miami, FL

coffee or side table, bench or flower stand. The two small tables are 7.5” high, 17.5 by 15.5 Bench is

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Collection of Five Slab Tables, Bench, Coffee Table, Side Table 1974

$3,800 / set

Mid-Century Modern Stow Davis Walnut and Chrome 24"H Side Coffee End Table MINT!

By Poul Kjærholm, Stow Davis

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern Stow Davis Walnut and Chrome 24"H Side Coffee End Table MINT!

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Stow Davis Walnut and Chrome 24"H Side Coffee End Table MINT!

$2,600

Midcentury Coffee or Side Table, Denmark, 1970s

Located in Praha, CZ

- rare type - very practical.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Coffee or Side Table, Denmark, 1970s

$1,077

1930s Functionalist Coffee or Side Table, Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

- Walnut veneer - Chrome plated parts with signs of use.

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

1930s Functionalist Coffee or Side Table, Czechoslovakia

$1,186

Stickley Mission Oak Coffee Table with Slatted Sides, Signed and Dated 1995

By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully crafted Mission-style coffee table by Stickley, dated 1995, constructed in quarter

Category

1990s American Mission Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Stickley Mission Oak Coffee Table with Slatted Sides, Signed and Dated 1995

$3,950

Wood and Glass Side Table, c.1970

Located in Surbiton, GB

Wood and glass coffee / side tables made from warm off-white lacquered wood bases of simple cuboid

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Wood and Glass Side Table, c.1970

$963 / item

Sabine Marcelis Stacked Collection coffee table for SIDE

By Sabine Marcelis

Located in Barcelona, ES

Sabine Marcelis From “Stacked Collection” for SIDE Coffee Table Resin and Sunrise Delight Onyx

Category

2010s Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx

Sabine Marcelis Stacked Collection coffee table for SIDE

$41,947

Vintage Post Modern Waterfall Glass Coffee Table or Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

visual intrigue. Perfect as a coffee table or side table, this piece brings both function and futuristic

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Post Modern Waterfall Glass Coffee Table or Side Table

$495

Side Coffee Table, Walnut Wood Brass Glass, 1950s

By Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Frank

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

A high quality and handmade side or coffee table manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1950

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Side Coffee Table, Walnut Wood Brass Glass, 1950s

$2,200

Vintage Square Brass and Black Granite Top Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

Located in Dublin 8, IE

, the table works equally well as a coffee table in a smaller living space, a side table beside a lounge

Category

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

Materials

Granite, Brass

Vintage Square Brass and Black Granite Top Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

$952

Teak Table Coffee Table Side Table Henning Kjaernulf Design, 1960s-1970s

By Vejle Stole Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

Teak table coffee table side table Henning Kjaernulf design, 1960s-1970s Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Teak Table Coffee Table Side Table Henning Kjaernulf Design, 1960s-1970s

$478

Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Sculptural Coffee Side Table

By Maitland Smith

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Sculptural Coffee Side Table We

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Sculptural Coffee Side Table

$956 Sale Price

20% Off

Spanish Massive Oak Coffee Table Gueridon Side Table, circa 1960

Located in Labrit, Landes

Oak guéridon little coffee table or side table. This pesdestal table was made in Spain circa 1960

Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Spanish Massive Oak Coffee Table Gueridon Side Table, circa 1960

$954 Sale Price

41% Off

MOD Dirk van Sliedregt Round Glass and Rattan Coffee or Side Table

By Dirk Van Sliedregt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Dutch Mid-Century, low coffee or side table has a clear glass top and black enameled tubular

Category

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

Materials

Steel

MOD Dirk van Sliedregt Round Glass and Rattan Coffee or Side Table

$1,250

Danish Modern Coffee Table With Small Foldable Side Table

By Trioh Møbelfabrik

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Trioh Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: Inquire for measurements Condition: In good original condition with vintage wear. Pric...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Coffee Table With Small Foldable Side Table

$3,180 / set

Side, Coffee Cocktail Table by Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann Attributed

By Wiener Werkstätte

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Early 20th century Art Nouveau occasional side table, coffee and cocktail table by Wiener

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Side, Coffee Cocktail Table by Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann Attributed

$9,348

Elegant beech coffee table from the Viennese Secession, J.J. Kohn

By Jacob Josef Kohn

Located in Argelato, BO

An elegant Viennese beech coffee table from the early 1900s, produced by J.J. Kohn. The beech was

Category

Antique Early 1900s Vienna Secession Side Tables

Materials

Beech

Elegant beech coffee table from the Viennese Secession, J.J. Kohn

$1,558

Joe D Urso Coffee / Side Table for Knoll

By Joseph D Urso, Knoll

Located in Chicago, IL

Joe D'Urso Coffee / Side Table for Knoll A practical size that can be used as either a coffee

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Joe D Urso Coffee / Side Table for Knoll

$15,000

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

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Bob" metal coffee table or side table Cone-shaped coffee table with castors. Metal top. Available

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

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

$1,438 / item

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Danish Design Denmark

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Danish Design Denmark Object: table Manufacturer

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Danish Design Denmark

$478

60s 70s Brutalist Coffee Table Side Table Slate Top Design

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s Brutalist Coffee Table Side Table Slate Top Design Object: coffee table Manufacturer

Category

Vintage 1970s German Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate

60s 70s Brutalist Coffee Table Side Table Slate Top Design

$2,984

Art Deco Coffee Side Table, signed, France, 1935

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Art Deco Coffee Side Table France 1935. brasilian rosewood veneer. Fully restored in high gloss

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Art Deco Coffee Side Table, signed, France, 1935

$4,600

Maurice Dufrène Side or Coffee or End Table

By Maurice Dufrêne

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Classic French Art Deco side, end or coffee table by Maurice Dufrène. Purple heart, mahogany and

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Purpleheart

Maurice Dufrène Side or Coffee or End Table

$14,500

Aksel Kjersgaard, Side Tables or Coffee Table, Pine, Denmark, 1970s

By Aksel Kjersgaard

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of pine side tables or coffee tables designed by Aksel Kjersgaard and produced by Odder

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Aksel Kjersgaard, Side Tables or Coffee Table, Pine, Denmark, 1970s

$6,900 / set

Mid Century Italian Coffee or Side Table, 1950s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table or side table made in the 50's. Wooden lacquered plate with

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Italian Coffee or Side Table, 1950s

$1,546

Vintage 1980s modular rattan coffee tables/side tables -a pair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage rattan side or end tables or small coffee table with glass tops. A smaller version of

Category

Vintage 1980s North American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Vintage 1980s modular rattan coffee tables/side tables -a pair

$920 Sale Price

20% Off

Glass Chrome Coffee Side Cocktail Couch Table, 1960s

Located in Telgte, DE

Glass chrome coffee side cocktail couch table, 1960s Elegant French Space Age glass table.

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Glass Chrome Coffee Side Cocktail Couch Table, 1960s

$2,097

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Small Coffee Table or Side Table/Bench

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/Bench

$3,900

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. The top is rounded

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

$1,546

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Small Coffee Table, Side Table or Bench

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

table, side table or bench. A butterfly is meticulously inlaid into the side. It’s all in the details

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Small Coffee Table, Side Table or Bench

$5,500 / item

Vintage Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Quality Occasional Side Table

Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

Vintage Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Quality Occasional Side Table with X-Stretcher Base

Category

1990s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Vintage Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Quality Occasional Side Table

$573 Sale Price

30% Off

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice round coffee or side table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. Fabricated in Italy. It

Category

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

Materials

Granite

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

$2,145

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980's. The top is rounded

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

$1,306

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980's. The top is rounded

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

$1,306

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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 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.
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.
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.
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 sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
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.

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