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.

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 sofa table and a coffee table?

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

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

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

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

$1,306

70s Teak Side Table Coffee Table Danish Modern Design Denmark

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

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

Category

Vintage 1970s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

70s Teak Side Table Coffee Table Danish Modern Design Denmark

$478

Interlock Side Coffee Table By André Fu Living

By André Fu

Located in Admiralty, HK

coffee table evokes a sense of timeless luxury. accented with a bronze clip, its minimalistic design is

Category

2010s Chinese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Interlock Side Coffee Table By André Fu Living

$3,376 / item

Italian Brass Teak Wood Coffee or Side Table

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

incorporating elements of mid-century modern style. The combination of brass and teak timber in a coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Brass Teak Wood Coffee or Side Table

$600

20th Century Danish Teak Coffee Table - Large Vintage Scandinavian Side Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vintage Mid-Century modern Danish side, sofa table made of hand crafted polished Teakwood with

Category

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

Materials

Teak

20th Century Danish Teak Coffee Table - Large Vintage Scandinavian Side Table

$4,400

Italian Coffee Tables in Granite and Brass

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Coffee tables, granite, brass, black lacquered steel, Italy, 1980s These Italian side tables

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Granite, Metal, Brass

Italian Coffee Tables in Granite and Brass

$650 / item

John Keal Walnut Coffee Table with Three Folding Side Tables

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Chicago, IL

walnut wood square top coffee table with three internal side or snack tables. Each table has collapsible

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

John Keal Walnut Coffee Table with Three Folding Side Tables

$3,500 / set

Lane "Monte Carlo" Blue Tile Top and Walnut Coffee and Pair Side Tables Set

By Lane Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed and made in the United States in the 1960s, this set of tables features high-quality

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Lane "Monte Carlo" Blue Tile Top and Walnut Coffee and Pair Side Tables Set

$2,650 / set

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. This oval table is made of

Category

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

Materials

Granite

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

$2,385

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. It is made of beautiful

Category

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

Materials

Granite

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

$2,385

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. It is made of beautiful

Category

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

Materials

Granite

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

$2,025

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. It is made of beautiful

Category

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

Materials

Granite

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

$2,744

Low Antique Oak Drop Leaf Side Table or Coffee Table

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Petite Antique oak drop leaf side table ,barley twist gate leg a beautiful oak gate leg, drop leaf

Category

20th Century Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Antique Oak Drop Leaf Side Table or Coffee Table

$1,200

Florence Knoll Coffee / Side Table with Laminate Top And Stainless Steel Base

By Florence Knoll

Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp

Early Florence Knoll T-angle side table, produced by Knoll in 1952. The table has a original white

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Florence Knoll Coffee / Side Table with Laminate Top And Stainless Steel Base

$1,078

Andrianna Shamaris Reclaimed Wood Modular Coffee Table or Side Tables

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Fabulous modular coffee table with beautiful contrasting wood grain made from reclaimed suar wood

Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Reclaimed Wood Modular Coffee Table or Side Tables

$7,500 / item

Greta Jalk for Glostrup Teak Side and Coffee Table Set with Curved Edges

By Grete Jalk, Glostrup Møbelfabrik

Located in Philadelphia, PA

features Danish teak wood with carved edges that add a ton of character. On the coffee table, a slatted

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Greta Jalk for Glostrup Teak Side and Coffee Table Set with Curved Edges

$3,900

Scrollwork Gilt Iron Drinks Coffee Table / Side Table with Glass Top

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Round Coffee or Cocktails Table / Side Table with Scrollwork Design, Spain, 1950s

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Scrollwork Gilt Iron Drinks Coffee Table / Side Table with Glass Top

$2,516

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice Italian coffee table handcrafted out of granite, 1980's. It is made of beautiful

Category

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

Materials

Granite

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Granite, 1980s

$2,385

Side / Coffee Table in Karelian Birch Top and Beech by Bruno Mathsson, 1967

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Side / Coffee Table in Karelian Birch Top and Beech by Bruno Mathsson, 1967 Additional Information

Category

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

Materials

Birch, Beech

Side / Coffee Table in Karelian Birch Top and Beech by Bruno Mathsson, 1967

$6,591

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

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

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

$2,025

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

Located in İnegöl, TR

ROSSO LEVANTO COFFEE TABLE Type of Stone: Rosso Levanto Dimensions: 40" x 24" Leg Model: Rosso

Category

2010s Turkish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

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

$3,500

Spanish Emmanuelle Peacock Side Table / Coffee Table in Woven Wicker

Located in Barcelona, ES

Round coffee table handcrafted in wicker and rattan in the manner of the Emmanuelle chair, Spain

Category

20th Century Spanish Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Glass

Spanish Emmanuelle Peacock Side Table / Coffee Table in Woven Wicker

$2,576

Japanese Antique Primitive Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabi Sabi

By Axel Vervoordt

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

an art piece, it also functions beautifully as a coffee table, side table, or display stand

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Primitive Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabi Sabi

$2,000

Japanese Antique Primitive Black Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old Japanese primitive-style coffee table. With its honest yet powerful presence, it

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Primitive Black Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabisabi

$2,250

Modern Calacatta Viola Marble Coffee Table - Living Room End Table - Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

CALACATTA VIOLA MARBLE STONE COFFEE TABLE Type of Stone: Calacatta Viola Dimensions: 40" x 24" Leg

Category

2010s Turkish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Modern Calacatta Viola Marble Coffee Table - Living Room End Table - Side Table

$3,500

Two Sides of Solitude Coffee Table by Claste

Located in Geneve, CH

Two sides of solitude coffee table by Claste Dimensions: D 106.7 x W 106.7 x H 35.5 cm Material

Category

2010s Canadian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Two Sides of Solitude Coffee Table by Claste

$35,092 / item

Pair of Bronze Sculpture Cherub Coffee Side Table

Located in Miami, FL

A pair of sculptural table bases. Intended to have a glass top to slides under the heads and arms

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze Sculpture Cherub Coffee Side Table

$4,000

Travertine Rounded Square Side Occasional Coffee Table Stand

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern rounded square occasional side table.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Travertine Rounded Square Side Occasional Coffee Table Stand

$3,000

Coffee table including four nesting side tables, Paris, France, circa 1970

Located in Paris, FR

Large square coffee table by Jean Charles, France 1970, including four nesting side tables. Chrome

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Coffee table including four nesting side tables, Paris, France, circa 1970

$5,393

Japanese Style Side or Coffee Table in Jade Lacquered Wood Early 20th Century

Located in Meer, VAN

Japanese Style Side or Coffee Table in Jade Lacquered Wood, Early 20th Century. This is a very

Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Japanese Style Side or Coffee Table in Jade Lacquered Wood Early 20th Century

$2,217

Pair of vintage wooden coffee or side tables, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Pair of minimalist wooden side or coffee tables. Timeless pieces. 1960s - Germany Height: 35cm

Category

Vintage 1960s German Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of vintage wooden coffee or side tables, 1960s

$709 / set

1970 s Artedi Inspired Black Marble, Brass and Glass Side or Coffee Table

By Artedi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1970s Artedi-Inspired Geometric Coffee or Side Table in Black Marble, Brass, and Glass. Striking

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

1970 s Artedi Inspired Black Marble, Brass and Glass Side or Coffee Table

$2,250

Charles Eames for Herman Miller Rectangular White and Black Side Table

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Chattanooga, TN

statement of design pedigree. This listing is for the side table alone. The chair and accessories pictured

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal, Aluminum

Charles Eames for Herman Miller Rectangular White and Black Side Table

$919 Sale Price

20% Off

A Campaign Style Brass Coffee / Side Table by Sarreid

By Mastercraft, Sarreid Ltd.

Located in Chicago, IL

A Campaign Style Brass Coffee / Side Table by Sarreid Plenty of wear and Patina to the brass as

Category

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

Materials

Brass

A Campaign Style Brass Coffee / Side Table by Sarreid

$3,500

Jacques Adnet Circulaire Glass and Tan Leather Coffee or Side Table for GUBI

By Gubi, Jacques Adnet

Located in Glendale, CA

Jacques Adnet 'Circulaire' Glass and Tan Leather Coffee or Side Table for GUBI. Originally

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Leather, Glass

Jacques Adnet Circulaire Glass and Tan Leather Coffee or Side Table for GUBI

$1,599 / item

Jacques Adnet Circulaire Glass and Black Leather Coffee or Side Table for GUBI

By Gubi, Jacques Adnet

Located in Glendale, CA

Jacques Adnet 'Circulaire' Glass and Black Leather Coffee or Side Table for GUBI. Originally

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Leather, Glass

Jacques Adnet Circulaire Glass and Black Leather Coffee or Side Table for GUBI

$1,599 / item

Mid-Century Italian Rectangle Coffee or Side Table 1960s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning rectangle coffee or side table in wood. This beautiful table was made in Italy during the

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Italian Rectangle Coffee or Side Table 1960s

$2,145

60s 70s Teak Table Coffee Table Side Table Kvaletit Danish Modern Design

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s Teak table coffee table coffee table Kvaletit Danish Modern Design Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s Teak Table Coffee Table Side Table Kvaletit Danish Modern Design

$478 / item

Contemporary Gradient Resin Coffee Table / Side Table in Gray by Facture

By Facture Studio

Located in New York, NY

This resin coffee table, infused with soothing shades of grey, is meticulously crafted in six

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

Contemporary Gradient Resin Coffee Table / Side Table in Gray by Facture

$9,500 / item

Original Paul Kingma Art Coffee Side Table, Blue Agate Brass and Black Stone

By Paul Kingma

Located in Den Haag, NL

table is made of black slate and several blue stones, Large Blue Agate stone in the middle and finished

Category

Early 2000s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Agate, Concrete, Slate, Brass

Original Paul Kingma Art Coffee Side Table, Blue Agate Brass and Black Stone

$4,494

Wood, Marble and Velvet Coffee Table "Ottoman"

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Wood, Marble and Velvet Coffee Table "Ottoman". This table in the oriental taste becomes a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Wood, Marble and Velvet Coffee Table "Ottoman"

$16,779 / item

Coffee Table or Side Table in Rosewood by Helge Vestergaard Jensen

By Helge Vestergaard-Jensen

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Coffee Table or Side Table in Rosewood by Helge Vestergaard Jensen Additional Information

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Coffee Table or Side Table in Rosewood by Helge Vestergaard Jensen

$14,981

Pair of 1970 s Italian Traventine Coffee/Side Tables

Located in Bern, CH

Pair of identical 1970’s Travertine Coffee / Side Tables. Marked beneath tabletop: 'Made in Italy

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Pair of 1970 s Italian Traventine Coffee/Side Tables

$2,400

Art deco coffee table, side table in the style of André Sornay

By Andre Sornay

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Coffee table/side table in the art deco style of the 1930s/1940s, in the style of André Sornay

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Art deco coffee table, side table in the style of André Sornay

$3,955

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/ Side Table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/ Side Table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/ Side Table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

$3,955

Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Double-Sided Spindle Coffee Table

By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts style two-tier spindle coffee table with double-sided

Category

Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Double-Sided Spindle Coffee Table

$2,995

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Niels Bach Design Denmark

By Niels Bach

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s teak table side table coffee table Niels Bach Design Denmark Object: table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Niels Bach Design Denmark

$777

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Niels Bach Design Denmark

By Niels Bach

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s teak table side table coffee table Niels Bach Design Denmark Object: table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s Teak Table Side Table Coffee Table Niels Bach Design Denmark

$380

1970s Chinoiserie Style Oval Hand Painted Coffee Side Table

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

, lacquered, oval coffee or side table. The ultra rare table gives an air of culture and refinement

Category

Vintage 1970s Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

1970s Chinoiserie Style Oval Hand Painted Coffee Side Table

$2,750

Brass Coffee Table or Side Table with Imitation Peacock Feathers "Bird"

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Brass coffee table or side table with imitation Peacock Feathers "Bird". This table has an

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Coffee Table or Side Table with Imitation Peacock Feathers "Bird"

$11,745 / item

Scandinavian Mid-century Modern Rosewood Side Table / Coffee Table, circa 1960s

Located in Chorzów, PL

This elegant rosewood coffee table from Denmark, dating back to the 1960s, showcases the timeless

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian Mid-century Modern Rosewood Side Table / Coffee Table, circa 1960s

$671

BOS Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Black Checkerboard

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

The BOS coffee table blends aesthetics and craftsmanship, going beyond functionality to inspire

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Straw

BOS Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Black Checkerboard

$8,629 Sale Price / item

20% Off

60s 70s teak coffee table side table Bertil Fridhagen Bodafors Sweden

By Bodafors, Bertil Fridhagen

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s teak coffee table side table Bertil Fridhagen Bodafors Sweden Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s teak coffee table side table Bertil Fridhagen Bodafors Sweden

$946

60s 70s teak coffee table side table Danish Modern Design Denmark

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s teak coffee table side table Danish Modern Design Denmark Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s teak coffee table side table Danish Modern Design Denmark

$946

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Coffee Nest Side Tables, Set of Three Tables

Located in Miami, FL

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Coffee Nest Side Tables, Set of Three Tables Offered for sale is a

Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Coffee Nest Side Tables, Set of Three Tables

$690 Sale Price / set

69% Off

Vintage 1980s small 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. Made in America in the

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

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

$700 Sale Price

24% Off

Donut Side Table

Located in Bebek, TR

The Donut Coffee Table and Side Tables are thoughtfully designed with round bases crafted from

Category

2010s Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Donut Side Table

$1,320

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