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

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What size should a side table be?

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What are side tables called?

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

Why is it called a coffee table?

Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

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 coffee table and a cocktail table?

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

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

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

What 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

Early 20th Century European French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Mahogany Brass Two-Tier Side or Coffee Table

$3,950

Set of Four Italian Modular Wood and Stone Coffee Side Sofa Tables, 1960s

Located in Berlin, DE

Wonderful modular coffee tables with travertine top on teak base, Italy, 1960s. Price for set

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Set of Four Italian Modular Wood and Stone Coffee Side Sofa Tables, 1960s

$7,430 / set

Pair of Art Deco Bronze and Glass Side Tables or Coffee Tables by P. E. Guerin

By P. E. Guerin

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Art Deco style faux bois gilt bronze and glass two-tier etageres, coffee tables or side

Category

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Art Deco Bronze and Glass Side Tables or Coffee Tables by P. E. Guerin

$18,250 / item

Large Rectangle Rattan Coffee Table with Diamond Link Side

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This minimal yet elegant coffee table features two side panels of diamond links with a U shaped

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Large Rectangle Rattan Coffee Table with Diamond Link Side

$3,220

MCM Jens Risom Style Floating Formula Side and with Coffee Table, Set of 2

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Style Floating Formula Square Top Side Table with Matching

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

MCM Jens Risom Style Floating Formula Side and with Coffee Table, Set of 2

$1,950 / set

Mid-Century Coffee or Side Table in Bamboo, Rattan and Smoked Glass, Italy 1960s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Roma, IT

Gorgeous mid-century organic two tier coffee or side table fully made in bamboo and hand-woven

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass, Smoked Glass

Mid-Century Coffee or Side Table in Bamboo, Rattan and Smoked Glass, Italy 1960s

$1,438

Paul McCobb Milk Glass Small Coffee or Side Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb wood frame side table with white Carrara glass ( vitrolite - milk glass) top. The

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Milk Glass Small Coffee or Side Table

$4,500

"Circle" Coffee or Side Table by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Lovely round coffee or side table, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. The name of the table is

Category

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

Materials

Metal

"Circle" Coffee or Side Table by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

$1,785

French Coffee Table in Wrought Iron and Copper

Located in Barcelona, ES

or side table beside a sofa or as cocktails or coffee table. Overall Measures: 60.5 cm diameter x 43

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron, Copper, Iron

French Coffee Table in Wrought Iron and Copper

$3,535

Midcentury Danish Modern Ceramic Tile Top Teak Coffee Side Table

By Nordisk Andels-Eksport

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Midcentury Danish modern teak and ceramic tile coffee or side table by Nordisk Andels

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

Midcentury Danish Modern Ceramic Tile Top Teak Coffee Side Table

$1,600

Coffee or Side Table, Lucite Glass Gold Brass, 1970

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

A cocktail or side table in the style of Pierre Vandel, Paris, France, manufactured in Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee or Side Table, Lucite Glass Gold Brass, 1970

$1,500

Mid Century Danish Modern Solid Teak wood side table or Coffee Table

By Hvidt Mølgaard

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Solid teak side table table. Amazing jointery on legs very sturdy and great design

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Solid Teak wood side table or Coffee Table

$1,800 Sale Price

20% Off

IDE Coffee Tables in Silver Travertine, 17.7”Øx18.5H Travertine Stone Side Table

Located in St Petersburg, US

blending aesthetics with functionality. Usage Areas: • Side Table: Ideal for holding your coffee, books

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine

IDE Coffee Tables in Silver Travertine, 17.7”Øx18.5H Travertine Stone Side Table

$990 / item

IDE Coffee Tables in Silver Travertine, 17.7”Øx15.8H Travertine Stone Side Table

Located in St Petersburg, US

blending aesthetics with functionality. Usage Areas: • Side Table: Ideal for holding your coffee, books

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine

IDE Coffee Tables in Silver Travertine, 17.7”Øx15.8H Travertine Stone Side Table

$970 / item

IDE Coffee Tables in Silver Travertine, 15.8”Øx17.7H Travertine Stone Side Table

Located in St Petersburg, US

blending aesthetics with functionality. Usage Areas: • Side Table: Ideal for holding your coffee, books

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine

IDE Coffee Tables in Silver Travertine, 15.8”Øx17.7H Travertine Stone Side Table

$980 / item

Mid-Century Glass and Rattan Side or Coffee Table "743" by Dirk van Sliedregt

By Dirk Van Sliedregt, Gebroeders Jonker Noordwolde

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low, Mid-Century side or coffee table by Dirk van Sliedregt for the Gebr. Jonkers furniture

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Glass and Rattan Side or Coffee Table "743" by Dirk van Sliedregt

$1,250

Marble White Organic Circular Vintage Side Table or Coffee Table 1970s Italy

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Vienna, AT

Marble White vintage circular organic side table or coffee table style of Angelo Mangiarotti

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Marble White Organic Circular Vintage Side Table or Coffee Table 1970s Italy

$6,112

Riviera Style Vintage Organic Rattan Oval Coffee Table Side Table 1950s Italy

Located in Vienna, AT

Riviera Style organic vintage patio coffee table or side table from rattan with two tiers oval like

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Riviera Style Vintage Organic Rattan Oval Coffee Table Side Table 1950s Italy

$3,116

pair of French 19th century Charles X st. Ormolu and Glass coffee/side tables

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

/side tables. Each elaborate and high quality table is raised by three scrolling foliate decorated legs

Category

Antique 19th Century French Charles X Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ormolu

pair of French 19th century Charles X st. Ormolu and Glass coffee/side tables

$15,500 / set

Circular Coffee/Side Table Organic Black Modern Contemporary Blackened Steel

By J.M. Szymanski

Located in Bronx, NY

TABLE NO. 15 - COFFEE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 This Noguchi-inspired coffee table is

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Circular Coffee/Side Table Organic Black Modern Contemporary Blackened Steel

$17,505 / item

Mid-Century Oak Coffee or Side Table by Meubelfabriek Oisterwijk

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charlotte Perriand inspired, round solid oak coffee or side table with tripod base and flared legs

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Oak Coffee or Side Table by Meubelfabriek Oisterwijk

$1,850

Side Coffee Table BOS with Red Checkerboard Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted

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

Side Coffee Table BOS with Red Checkerboard Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted

$8,629 Sale Price / item

20% Off

BOS Square Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Brown Weave

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 Square Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Brown Weave

$8,629 Sale Price / item

20% Off

BOS Square Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Beige Weave

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 Square Side Coffee Table Straw Marquetry Inlay Handcrafted Beige Weave

$8,629 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Two Story Forged Bronze and Marble Coffee Table

By Loyzaga

Located in Mexico, Ciudad de México

The Clément coffee table is made out of bronze and two thick marble covers. It represents our

Category

2010s Mexican Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron, Bronze

Two Story Forged Bronze and Marble Coffee Table

$21,500

Scandinavian Kurt Østervig Mid-Century Teak Black Coffe Tables Side Tables, 1960

By Jason Møbler, Kurt Østervig

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design side tables or coffee table set designed by Kurt Østervig

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Scandinavian Kurt Østervig Mid-Century Teak Black Coffe Tables Side Tables, 1960

$3,068 Sale Price / set

20% Off

1960s-1970s Teak Coffee Table Side Table Ilse Möbel Danish Modern Design

By Ilse Möbel

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s-1970s teak coffee table side table Ilse Möbel Danish Modern Design Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s German Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

1960s-1970s Teak Coffee Table Side Table Ilse Möbel Danish Modern Design

$946

Hollywood Regency Glass Coffee Table with Glass Side Table, peter Ghyzcy style

Located in Oirlo, LI

These are a beautiful set of heavy glass gold coffee table and a side table made in the style of

Category

Vintage 1970s German Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Regency Glass Coffee Table with Glass Side Table, peter Ghyzcy style

$1,869 Sale Price / set

20% Off

BEVAN FUNNELL COFFEE TABLE WITH TWO SiDE UNDER TABLES GREEN LEATHER TOP

By Bevan Funnell Ltd.

Located in Pulborough, GB

Funnell coffee table with Undertables is a stunning piece of furniture that combines functionality with

Category

20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

BEVAN FUNNELL COFFEE TABLE WITH TWO SiDE UNDER TABLES GREEN LEATHER TOP

$2,133

Postmodern American textured plaster / concrete side or coffee table, 1980s

Located in Hastings, GB

Stylish postmodern stepped textured plaster/concrete side or coffee table. USA 1980s. Zig zag lamp

Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Postmodern American textured plaster / concrete side or coffee table, 1980s

$722

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circular Cherry Coffee Table Side Table Max Kment

By Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte Max Kment

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern vintage circular like coffee table or side table by Max Kment for

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Beech, Cherry

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circular Cherry Coffee Table Side Table Max Kment

$5,812

Side Table / Coffee Table Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking Produced in Sweden

By Carl-Axel Acking

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare side table / coffee table attributed to Carl-Axel Acking. Produced in Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

Side Table / Coffee Table Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking Produced in Sweden

$3,595

Ilmari Tapiovaara Coffee Table / Side Table Produced by Laukaan Puu in Finland

By Ilmari Tapiovaara

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare coffee table / side table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by Laukaan Puu in Finland.

Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Ilmari Tapiovaara Coffee Table / Side Table Produced by Laukaan Puu in Finland

$3,595

Danish Mid-20th Century, Coffee Table / Side Table in Oak, Otto Færge, 1940s

By Otto Færge 1

Located in Odense, DK

craftsmanship. Its compact size and understated form make it highly versatile — ideal as a small coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Danish Mid-20th Century, Coffee Table / Side Table in Oak, Otto Færge, 1940s

$3,800

60s 70s Teak Coffee Table Side Table by Johannes for Silkeborg Danish

By Johannes Andersen, CFC Silkeborg

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s teak coffee table side table by Johannes for Silkeborg Danish Object: coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s 70s Teak Coffee Table Side Table by Johannes for Silkeborg Danish

$988

Kurt Østervig Coffee Table / Side Table Produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark

By Kurt Østervig

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare coffee table / side table designed by Kurt Østervig. Produced by Jason møbler in Denmark.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Kurt Østervig Coffee Table / Side Table Produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark

$4,194

Bench or Coffee Side Table in Rattan and Wicker by Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960s

By Tito Agnoli

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning Mid-Century Italian organic coffee table or bench in bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Bench or Coffee Side Table in Rattan and Wicker by Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960s

$1,546

Shirudo Round Coffee Table/ Side Table, Black Varnished Iron Finish by Mingardo

Located in Geneve, CH

Shirudo Round Coffee Table/ Side Table, Black Varnished Iron Finish by Mingardo Dimensions: D 90 x

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Shirudo Round Coffee Table/ Side Table, Black Varnished Iron Finish by Mingardo

$2,373 / item

Tree Trunk Side Coffee Table, Austria, style Aubock 1950s

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Tree trunk table, Austria, 1950s. Good unrestored vintage condition.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Tree Trunk Side Coffee Table, Austria, style Aubock 1950s

$1,100

Block Side Coffee Table Checkerboard Inlay Handcrafted in Beige Straw Marquetry

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

Block Coffee Table in straw marquetry technique Block Coffee Table is a handcrafted piece by Ruda

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Block Side Coffee Table Checkerboard Inlay Handcrafted in Beige Straw Marquetry

$12,224 Sale Price / item

15% Off

THEODORE ALEXANDER EXQUISITE LARGE COFFEE TABLE DRAWERS ON BOTH SiDES

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Pulborough, GB

Coffee Table. It exemplifies a harmonious blend of elegance and practicality, featuring beautifully

Category

20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

THEODORE ALEXANDER EXQUISITE LARGE COFFEE TABLE DRAWERS ON BOTH SiDES

$3,648

AUREA SIDE TABLE - Natural Stone Red Travertine Round, Modern, New Coffee Table

Located in St Petersburg, US

‘Aurea’ Side Table by HAAND, crafted from premium red natural travertine stone. This exquisite

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Travertine

AUREA SIDE TABLE - Natural Stone Red Travertine Round, Modern, New Coffee Table

$1,170 / item

Brass Coffee Table with 2 Nesting Tables That Can Be Used as Side Tables

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This coffee table is made of brass with glass tops. It is composed of 2 nesting tables that can be

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Brass Coffee Table with 2 Nesting Tables That Can Be Used as Side Tables

$3,415

Baxter Square Cognac Brown Leather Coffee Table Side Table "Trinity", Italy 1980

By Baxter, Baxter Furniture

Located in DE MEERN, NL

Introducing the Square Baxter Model Trinity coffee table: A Perfect Blend of Style and

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Baxter Square Cognac Brown Leather Coffee Table Side Table "Trinity", Italy 1980

$1,197 / item

Mid Century Modern Vintage Walnut Brass Coffee Table Side Table 1950s Vienna

Located in Vienna, AT

charming coffee table or side table from pressboard and walnut veneers. The solid walnut legs show a maple

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Vintage Walnut Brass Coffee Table Side Table 1950s Vienna

$3,835

Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles Coffee or Side Table Vallauris, France

By Roger Capron

Located in Chicago, IL

Roger Capron ceramic tiled coffee or side table. This style was often done by Capron during the 60

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles Coffee or Side Table Vallauris, France

$6,500

Square Smoked Glass and Steel Coffee or Side Table with Four Nesting Stools, 197

Located in Miami, FL

table made from a steel structure and finished with a square smoked glass top. Italian coffee or side

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Square Smoked Glass and Steel Coffee or Side Table with Four Nesting Stools, 197

$3,975 / set

Rolf Rastad Adolf Relling for Gustav Bahus Solid Teak Coffee Tables

By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad

Located in Oakland, CA

side tables. 1) Round coffee table: D 40.50'' x H 17.25' 2) Squared side table: W 26.75'' x D 26.75

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rolf Rastad Adolf Relling for Gustav Bahus Solid Teak Coffee Tables

$4,800 / set

21st Century Modern Metal Coffee Table or Side Table D45 Indoor Outdoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Pomme" is the elegant collection of coffee and occasional tables with three bases. The table can

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Modern Metal Coffee Table or Side Table D45 Indoor Outdoor

$1,438 / item

BLOCK Side Coffee Pedestal Table Straw Marquetry Handmade Square Bordeaux Beige

By Oleksandra Rudenko

Located in Warsaw, PL

BLOCK SIDE TABLE in straw marquetry technique Inlay scheme: Checkerboard Colour scheme: Black

Category

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

Materials

Straw

BLOCK Side Coffee Pedestal Table Straw Marquetry Handmade Square Bordeaux Beige

$3,355 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Lyora FSC Teak Wood Round Side Coffee Table by SNOC

Located in Geneve, CH

Lyora FSC Teak Wood Round Side Coffee Table by SNOC Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 46 cm. Materials: Teak

Category

2010s Turkish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Lyora FSC Teak Wood Round Side Coffee Table by SNOC

$874 / item

Hollywood Regency Style Vintage Gold Metal Flower Coffee Table Side Table 1960s

Located in Vienna, AT

Hollywood Regency Style gold metal glass coffee or side table bouquet of flowers shape with a round

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Regency Style Vintage Gold Metal Flower Coffee Table Side Table 1960s

$6,831

"Circle" Coffee or Side Table by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Lovely round coffee or side table, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. The name of the table is

Category

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

Materials

Metal

"Circle" Coffee or Side Table by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

$1,426

"Circle" Coffee or Side Table by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Lovely round coffee or side table, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. The name of the table is

Category

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

Materials

Metal

"Circle" Coffee or Side Table by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

$1,546

Maison Jansen Style Steel and Brass Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Sheffield, MA

Neoclassical Revival, petite Maison Jansen style steel and brass coffee table with inset glass top

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Revival Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Maison Jansen Style Steel and Brass Coffee Table

$1,950

Design Chrome Coffee/Side Table, Czechoslovakia, circa 1980’s

Located in Praha, CZ

Made in Czechoslovakia Made of glass, chrome With aged patina Re-polished Original condition.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Design Chrome Coffee/Side Table, Czechoslovakia, circa 1980’s

$467

Romeo Rega Coffee Side Bar Cabinet Table in Chrome Brass and Glass, Italy, 1970s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Rome, IT

Coffee side table with bar cabinet by the Italian designer Romeo Rega, Italy, 1970s. The lower base

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Romeo Rega Coffee Side Bar Cabinet Table in Chrome Brass and Glass, Italy, 1970s

$2,996

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

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

Finding the Right Coffee-tables-cocktail-tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About Coffee And Side Tables

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
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 coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What 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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