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

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Carved Walnut Side or Coffee Table with drawer

$1,570

BLOCK Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Red Checkerboard Inlay Handcrafted

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

BLOCK COFFEE TABLE in straw marquetry technique Inlay scheme: Mosaic Colour scheme: Beige Ruta

Category

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

Materials

Straw

BLOCK Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Red Checkerboard Inlay Handcrafted

$11,505 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Swedish Designer, Coffee or Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A wooden coffee or side table designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Designer, Coffee or Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

Riley Set of Coffee/Side Tables by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Riley set of coffee/side tables by Dare Studio, 2018 Dimensions: coffee table: H 26 x D 55 x W 130

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Riley Set of Coffee/Side Tables by Dare Studio

$2,512 / item

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

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Round Teak Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Century old solid teak wood coffee table or side table. Taken from my finest collection and hand

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Round Teak Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

$6,900 / item

Wooden Coffee Wing Table with Drawers on the Side

Located in Marbella, ES

Wooden coffee wing table with drawers on the side The Dimensions of the Open Table are

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Wooden Coffee Wing Table with Drawers on the Side

$2,756

Andrianna Shamaris Single Slab Live Edge Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Reclaimed teak coffee table or side table with a natural oil finish. Floating on midcentury style

Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Single Slab Live Edge Coffee Table or Side Table

$4,500 / item

Sculptural Modernist Vintage Chromed Metal Glass Coffee Table Side Table 1960s

Located in Vienna, AT

Modernist sculptural circular like vintage coffee table from chromed metal base and a greenish

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Sculptural Modernist Vintage Chromed Metal Glass Coffee Table Side Table 1960s

$3,535

Italian Round Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Cute and very nice round Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. It is

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Round Coffee or Side Table in Travertine, 1980s

$1,665

Andrianna Shamaris Drum Shape Suar Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful wood grain on this reclaimed suar wood coffee table or side table. Hand carved into an

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Drum Shape Suar Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

$3,600 / item

Set of 2 Granite Coffee / Side Tables, 1980’s

Located in Delft, NL

Great granite set of coffee/ side tables.

Category

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

Materials

Granite, Metal

Set of 2 Granite Coffee / Side Tables, 1980’s

$5,992

Guillerme et Chambron Set of Four Side Tables / Modular Coffee Table, 1950s

By Guillerme et Chambron, Boleslaw Danikowski, Votre Maison

Located in The Hague, NL

as individual side tables, yet can also be arranged together to form a single harmonious coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Guillerme et Chambron Set of Four Side Tables / Modular Coffee Table, 1950s

$8,389 / set

"Trompete" Brazilian Contemporary Side Table or Coffee Table in Solid Wood

By Noemi Saga Atelier

Located in Sao Paulo, BR

The "Trompete" side table is handcrafted in Brazilian solid wood, so each table is unique, as we

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

"Trompete" Brazilian Contemporary Side Table or Coffee Table in Solid Wood

$2,898 / item

Two-Sided Modernist Coffee Table in Pine Wood, 1970s

Located in LYON, FR

Two-sided modernist coffee table in beech from the 70s. It is in superb condition and has been

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Two-Sided Modernist Coffee Table in Pine Wood, 1970s

$538 Sale Price

34% Off

Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

By Memphis Group

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Mid-Century Memphis style side coffee table, Italy 1980s. Lacquered laminate table top

Category

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

Materials

Laminate

Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

$1,600

Memphis Side Coffee Table Servomuto Castiglioni Zanotta, Italy 80s

By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Mid-century side coffee table "Servomuto" designed by A. Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1974

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Memphis Side Coffee Table Servomuto Castiglioni Zanotta, Italy 80s

$1,450

CUBE Square Side Coffee Table Beige Straw Marquetry Handcrafted Checkerboard

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

CUBE SIDE TABLE in straw marquetry technique Inlay scheme: Weave Colour scheme: Beige MATERIALS

Category

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

Materials

Straw

CUBE Square Side Coffee Table Beige Straw Marquetry Handcrafted Checkerboard

$3,355 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Late 19th Century French Parquetry Inalid Side / Coffee Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality French late 19th century parquetry inlaid Kingwood side / coffee table, having

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th Century French Parquetry Inalid Side / Coffee Table

$3,441

Round Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980 s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning round Italian marble coffee or side table, fabricated in the 80's. The fabulous marble

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Round Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980 s

$3,583

Rene Drouet French Forties low coffee or side table

By René Drouet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Forties coffee table/low side table by Rene Drouet, lat 1940s, in gilt forged iron. 30.5

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Rene Drouet French Forties low coffee or side table

$9,250

Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Wood, Black, Oak Logniture

By Logniture

Located in Stara Gradiška, HR

Chainsaw carved coffee table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Wood, Black, Oak Logniture

$1,918

Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Wood, Black, Oak Logniture

By Logniture

Located in Stara Gradiška, HR

Chainsaw carved coffee table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Wood, Black, Oak Logniture

$1,737

Rustic, Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Burnt Wood, Oak, Black, Logniture

By Logniture

Located in Stara Gradiška, HR

Chainsaw carved coffee table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Rustic, Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Burnt Wood, Oak, Black, Logniture

$2,022

Japanese Antique Black Wooden Coffee Table / Side Table / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi

Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture

a coffee table or side table, you can also use it as a flower pot by turning the hole upwards. It

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Japanese Antique Black Wooden Coffee Table / Side Table / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi

$1,400

Round Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980 s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice round Italian marble coffee or side table, 1980's. The fabulous marble features a

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Round Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980 s

$2,504

Andrianna Shamaris Organic Bleached Teak Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful single root organic coffee table or oversized side table with stunning erosion detail on

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Organic Bleached Teak Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

$7,500 / item

Postmodern Granite and Black Tubular Steel Base Coffee or Side Tables, a Pair

By Sottsass Associati

Located in Miami, FL

tops from the 1980s. Can be arranged in a multitude of variations: side tables, coffee tables, or

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite, Metal

Postmodern Granite and Black Tubular Steel Base Coffee or Side Tables, a Pair

$1,875 Sale Price / set

25% Off

20th Century New England Weathered Pine Side / Coffee / Cocktail Table

Located in Wainscott, NY

Charming New England pine side, coffee, cocktail table with warm patina and a "formal farmhouse

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

20th Century New England Weathered Pine Side / Coffee / Cocktail Table

$950

Osvaldo Borsani Coffee Side Table "T 61c" for Tecno

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino

Available two Osvaldo Borsani A "T 61c" coffee side table manufactured by Tecno, 1957

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble, Steel

Osvaldo Borsani Coffee Side Table "T 61c" for Tecno

$3,835 / item

Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Modern Metal and Glass Square Coffee Side Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Mid-Century Modern square coffee table featuring a tubular polished chrome frame with brass plated

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Modern Metal and Glass Square Coffee Side Table

$720 Sale Price

20% Off

Modernist Blonde Mahogany Coffee / Magazine Table, X-Sides, Robsjohn

By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Buffalo, NY

Modernist blonde mahogany coffee / magazine table. X-sides. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings, Classic

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Modernist Blonde Mahogany Coffee / Magazine Table, X-Sides, Robsjohn

$1,850

Coffee Table, Side Table, Decor, Black Wood, Contemporary Design, By Logniture

By Logniture

Located in Stara Gradiška, HR

Dining table in contemporary style, made from massive oak, protected with the highest quality oils

Category

2010s Croatian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Coffee Table, Side Table, Decor, Black Wood, Contemporary Design, By Logniture

$1,677

Contemporary Nicole Coffee Table in Walnut and Brass

By Stuart Scott

Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

This new release is a fresh take on our signature piece, the Nicole Side Table. The Nicole Coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Nicole Coffee Table in Walnut and Brass

$7,599 / item

Mastercraft Mid Century Burl Brass Coffee End Side Table Unmarked

By Mastercraft

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A Mid-Century coffee or end table with nine stunning burl inlays and brass plated accents by

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mastercraft Mid Century Burl Brass Coffee End Side Table Unmarked

$950

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Charred Teak Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Teak coffee table or side table with beautiful eroded ends. This was originally a rice pounder and

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Charred Teak Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

$2,400

Mid Century Modern Lucite Glass Coffee / Side Table, c. 1970s

Located in Weehawken, NJ

A striking sculptural coffee or side table featuring a thick square glass top resting on an

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

Mid Century Modern Lucite Glass Coffee / Side Table, c. 1970s

$2,500

Josef Frank Walnut Vintage Circular Coffee Table Side Table, Austria, 1930s

By Josef Frank

Located in Vienna, AT

Josef Frank walnut vintage round shape coffee table, which was designed and manufactured 1930s for

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech, Walnut

Josef Frank Walnut Vintage Circular Coffee Table Side Table, Austria, 1930s

$8,269

2 Bodega Side Tables and 1 Coffee Table in Warm Wood Marquetry by Joel Escalona

By Joel Escalona

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Set of Two Bodega Side Tables and One Square Coffee Table in Warm Wood Marquetry by Joel Escalona

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plywood

2 Bodega Side Tables and 1 Coffee Table in Warm Wood Marquetry by Joel Escalona

$13,050 / item

Exceptional Swedish Modern Cloud-Form Mahogany Coffee / Side Table, 1940s

By Josef Frank

Located in The Hague, NL

This exceptional coffee / side table was produced by a Swedish master cabinetmaker in the 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Exceptional Swedish Modern Cloud-Form Mahogany Coffee / Side Table, 1940s

$9,588

2 Bodega Side Tables and 1 Coffee Table in Black Wood Marquetry by Joel Escalona

By Joel Escalona

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Set of Two Bodega Side Tables and One Rectangular Coffee Table in Black Wood Marquetry by Joel

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plywood

2 Bodega Side Tables and 1 Coffee Table in Black Wood Marquetry by Joel Escalona

$10,840 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Cane Sides

By Lane Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning vintage modern coffee table features cane sides and a gorgeous walnut finish. Unique

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Cane Sides

$2,000

Faux Bamboo Brass Side or Coffee Table, France, 1960s

Located in Voorburg, NL

A truly beautiful brass metal faux bamboo coffee or side table. Fashioned in the shape of bamboo

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Faux Bamboo Brass Side or Coffee Table, France, 1960s

$1,552

CROSS Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Natural Minimalistic

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

CROSS TABLE in straw marquetry technique Inlay scheme: Shine Colour scheme: Beige MATERIALS: MDF

Category

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

Materials

Straw

CROSS Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Natural Minimalistic

$11,505 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Vintage Coffee Table, Rustic, English, Oak, Occasional, Side, Industrial

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage coffee table. A rustic, English, oak occasional or side table in industrial taste

Category

Late 20th Century English Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Vintage Coffee Table, Rustic, English, Oak, Occasional, Side, Industrial

$1,954

1960 s Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, Coffee or Side Table

By Giuseppe Scapinelli

Located in Oakland, CA

Midcentury Brazilian coffee table designed by Giuseppe Scapinelli; crafted from Caviuna wood with

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

1960 s Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, Coffee or Side Table

$5,500

Willy Rizzo for Cidue Chrome and Glass Coffee / Side Table, Italy, circa 1970

By Cidue, Willy Rizzo

Located in New York, NY

A Willy Rizzo for Cidue square side/end/or coffee table; with a sleek and seamless design. The

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Willy Rizzo for Cidue Chrome and Glass Coffee / Side Table, Italy, circa 1970

$5,800

Oak Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Oak tall basin coffee - side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: Diameter 18" x H 16.75

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Oak Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$1,845 / item

Square Rattan Magazine Coffee Table or Side Table, France, circa 1970

Located in London, GB

Coffee table handcrafted in rattan in the manner of the Emmanuelle chair. Excellent condition

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan

Square Rattan Magazine Coffee Table or Side Table, France, circa 1970

$1,296 Sale Price

35% Off

French Art Deco Wrought Iron Coffee or Side Table

Located in Long Island City, NY

coffee or side table. We are the rare source that specializes exclusively in French Art Deco for over

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

French Art Deco Wrought Iron Coffee or Side Table

$8,350

Walnut Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Walnut tall basin coffee - side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: Diameter 18" x H 16.75

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Walnut Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$1,845 / item

Walnut Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Walnut short basin coffee - side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: diameter 26" x height 13

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Walnut Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$2,109 / item

Oak Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Oak short basin coffee - Side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: Diameter 26" x height 13

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Oak Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$2,109 / item

Square Suspended Base Glass Top Coffee or Side Table

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Single "suspended" pedestal Mid-Century Modern square glass top coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Iron

Square Suspended Base Glass Top Coffee or Side Table

$1,600

French Mahogany Brass Two-Tier Side or Coffee Table

Located in Miami, FL

A charming French 19th century Louis XVI style side table in mahogany. The table is raised on

Category

Early 20th Century European French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Mahogany Brass Two-Tier Side or Coffee Table

$2,290

Contemporary Side Table / Coffee Table Jiong Made of Concrete, by Bentu Design

By Bentu Design

Located in Paris, IDF

beautiful side table or coffee table is made of concrete by the well known design studio Bentu Design. The

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Side Table / Coffee Table Jiong Made of Concrete, by Bentu Design

$1,200 / item

Modern Brass Bronze Coffee Side Coctail Table by Ruda Studio

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

Handmade brass coffee/side table by RUDA Studio. Tabletop material: Brass, plywood Legs material

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Modern Brass Bronze Coffee Side Coctail Table by Ruda Studio

$1,078 / item

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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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