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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Børge Mogensen Coffee / Side Table Model 261 Produced in Denmark

$2,996

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

Stone International Italian Travertine Marble Coffee, Console, Side Tables, Trio

By Stone International

Located in Philadelphia, PA

consists of three (3) tables total. Coffee + Console + side + 3 tables. All are signed with manufacturer

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Stone International Italian Travertine Marble Coffee, Console, Side Tables, Trio

$6,895 / set

Art Deco Nut Wood Coffee Table/ Side Table Shellac - Polished, AT circa 1920

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

Absolute extraordinary early 20th century coffee table or side table from the Art Deco period in

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Burl

Art Deco Nut Wood Coffee Table/ Side Table Shellac - Polished, AT circa 1920

$3,800

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of travertine. They can be used

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,104 / set

Reiners Mobelfabrik Mid Century Coffee or Side Table Sweden 1950s

By Reiners Möbler

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Stunning Round Coffee Table by Reiners. Made in Mjölby, Sweden, 1950s. Geometric inlay on the top

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Reiners Mobelfabrik Mid Century Coffee or Side Table Sweden 1950s

$2,995

Reiners Mobelfabrik Mid Century Coffee or Side Table Sweden 1950s

By Reiners Möbler

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Stunning Round Coffee Table by Reiners. Made in Mjölby, Sweden, 1950s. Geometric inlay on the top

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Reiners Mobelfabrik Mid Century Coffee or Side Table Sweden 1950s

$2,995

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of travertine. They can be used

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,104 / set

Italian Mid-Century Round Coffee /Side Table in Brass Marble

By Ico Parisi

Located in New York, NY

An Exceptional Italian Mid-Century Cocktail / Coffee Table or Side / End Table in the Modern

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian Mid-Century Round Coffee /Side Table in Brass Marble

$6,790

Andrianna Shamaris St. Barts Bleached Teak Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Reclaimed teak root coffee table or over sized side table. Hand carved into a beautiful drum shape

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris St. Barts Bleached Teak Wood Coffee Table or Side Table

$4,900 / item

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of travertine. They can be used

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,463 / set

Brutalist Midcentury Illuminated Resin Coffee Side Table from Accolay, France

By Accolay Pottery

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Brutalist. Midcentury illuminated resin coffee side table from Accolay, France. Naturalistic

Category

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

Materials

Copper

Brutalist Midcentury Illuminated Resin Coffee Side Table from Accolay, France

$2,900

Mid-Century Organic Modern Driftwood Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

Located in Miami, FL

1970s mid-century organic modern driftwood coffee or side table. The large slab top is supported by

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Organic Modern Driftwood Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

$1,200 Sale Price

46% Off

Restored Child Size Floating "Ladder" Rattan Coffee Side Table Set

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This rare, beautifully restored child-size floating "Jacob's Ladder" coffee table and side table

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Restored Child Size Floating "Ladder" Rattan Coffee Side Table Set

$3,540 / set

Antique Wabi Sabi Style Coffee or Side Table in Solid Wood

Located in Meer, VAN

Antique Wabi Sabi Style Coffee or Side Table in Solid Wood A live edge sabi sabi style coffee or

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Antique Wabi Sabi Style Coffee or Side Table in Solid Wood

$3,925

Museum Louis XVI Coffee Table / Side Table, Russia Around 1790, Gold-Plated

Located in Berlin, DE

Museum Louis XVI table / side table, Russia around 1790, gold-plated Unique museum side table

Category

Antique 18th Century Russian Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Museum Louis XVI Coffee Table / Side Table, Russia Around 1790, Gold-Plated

$5,932

Vintage Mid Century Modern Lucite Spiral Coil Curly Cue Side Table Coffee Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Lucite Spiral Coil Curly Cue Side Table Coffee Table. Item features a

Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Mid Century Modern Lucite Spiral Coil Curly Cue Side Table Coffee Table

$1,800

Italian Mid-Century Modern Carrara Marble Brass Coffee/Side Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Italian Mid-Century Modern carrara marble & brass coffee/side table, with beautiful variegated

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Carrara Marble Brass Coffee/Side Table

$3,040 Sale Price

20% Off

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of marble. They can be used

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,583 / set

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of marble. They can be used

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Set of 3 Italian Travertine Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,583 / set

Set of 3 Italian Marble Coffee or Side Tables, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of marble. They can be used

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Set of 3 Italian Marble Coffee or Side Tables, 1970s

$2,984 / set

Peter Ghyczy T24 Pioneer Glass and Cast Brass Square Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Peter Ghyczy 'T24 Pioneer' square end or coffee table in cast brass. Designed by Hungarian born

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Peter Ghyczy T24 Pioneer Glass and Cast Brass Square Coffee or Side Table, 1970s

$1,917

Sculptural Chrome Coffee or Side Table by Knut Hesterberg, 1960

By Knut Hesterberg

Located in Rijssen, NL

Chrome sculptural coffee or cocktail table by Knut Hesterberg produced by Ronald Schmitt, Germany

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Sculptural Chrome Coffee or Side Table by Knut Hesterberg, 1960

$4,314

Art Deco Wood Glass Round Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1940s

Located in Rome, IT

Round coffee side table featuring four hand-carved curved legs of a lighter wood on a dark wood

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Art Deco Wood Glass Round Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1940s

$2,996

1970 s Pierre Vandel Paris Coffee Table + 2 Side Tables Gold Anodized Aluminium

By Pierre Vandel

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Large Hollywood Regency coffee table and 2 side tables by Pierre Vandel Paris 1970's Gold colour

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

1970 s Pierre Vandel Paris Coffee Table + 2 Side Tables Gold Anodized Aluminium

$1,992 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Florence Knoll Coffee / Side End Table with White Marble Top

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Wilton, CT

Shown here we have the Florence Knoll Coffee Table, a design staple. This table has a handsome

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Marble, Stainless Steel

Florence Knoll Coffee / Side End Table with White Marble Top

$900

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Coffee or Side Table, 1960s

By Bonacina

Located in Prato, IT

Mid-Century Modern Italian bamboo and rattan coffee or sofa table, 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Coffee or Side Table, 1960s

$1,198

Minimalist Archipen Wooden Coffee Side Table 1 – Sculptural Tabouret by NOOM

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table 1 continues the sculptural design of the Archipen Collection, blending

Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Minimalist Archipen Wooden Coffee Side Table 1 – Sculptural Tabouret by NOOM

$1,018 / item

Solid Teak coffee table/ side table, By Magnus Olesen for Drup Mobelfabrik, 1960

By Magnus Olesen, Durup

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Danish Solid Teak / coffee table/ side table from the 60s By Magnus Olesen for Durup Mobelfabrik

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Solid Teak coffee table/ side table, By Magnus Olesen for Drup Mobelfabrik, 1960

$1,258

Hans Wegner oak side / coffee table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark

By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck

Located in Bern, CH

Mid Century Danish oak side table designed by Hans J. Wegner. Produced by Andreas Tuck, Denmark

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Oak

Hans Wegner oak side / coffee table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark

$1,192 Sale Price

20% Off

Saint Gobain France Art Deco Coffee Side Table with Glass-Top and Aviation Decor

By Saint Gobain

Located in Atlanta, GA

This spectacular Saint Gobain France Art Deco coffee table is a functional and handsome piece for

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Saint Gobain France Art Deco Coffee Side Table with Glass-Top and Aviation Decor

$3,900

2000s Le Corbusier Perriand Jeanneret LC10-P Square Coffee/Side Table

By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an LC10-P Square Coffee / Side Table, originally designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

2000s Le Corbusier Perriand Jeanneret LC10-P Square Coffee/Side Table

$1,200

Brutalist Paul Evans Inspired Side or Coffee Table with Sculptural Base

By Paul Evans

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Brutalist Paul Evans inspired Mid-Century side or coffee table with round glass top and sculptural

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Paul Evans Inspired Side or Coffee Table with Sculptural Base

$3,250

Metal Walnut Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Metal walnut tall basin coffee - side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: diameter 18" x height

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Metal Walnut Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$1,977 / item

Metal Oak Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Metal oak tall basin coffee - side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: diameter 18" x height

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Metal Oak Tall Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$1,911 / item

Metal Walnut Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Metal walnut short basin coffee - side table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: Diameter 26" x H 13

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Metal Walnut Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$2,241 / item

Metal Oak Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Metal Oak Short Basin Coffee, Side Table by Hollis Morris

$2,175 / item

Contemporary Bronze Aureas Side/Coffee Tables by Colo Studio, France

Located in London, GB

Aurea Table by Colo Studio Material: Bronze, golden polish Dimensions: o small: H 42 x 31 x 40 cm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Bronze Aureas Side/Coffee Tables by Colo Studio, France

$12,390 / item

1890s-1920s Japanese antique wooden mortar wabi sabi low coffee table side table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

than common Japanese mortar, suitable for the side table or coffee table, also can be used as stool

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Wood

1890s-1920s Japanese antique wooden mortar wabi sabi low coffee table side table

$710

IDE Side Table in Red Travertine, 17.7”Øx18.5H Travertine Stone Coffee Table Set

Located in St Petersburg, US

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Stone

IDE Side Table in Red Travertine, 17.7”Øx18.5H Travertine Stone Coffee Table Set

$990 / item

Fiberglass Organic Stomp Shape Sculptural 18" Coffee Side Occasional Table MINT!

By John Dickinson

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Fiberglass Organic Stomp Shape Sculptural 18" Coffee Side Occasional Table MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass

Fiberglass Organic Stomp Shape Sculptural 18" Coffee Side Occasional Table MINT!

$1,800

Coffee Side Table in Gilt Iron Daisy Flower Design, France 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

as side / end table or coffee cocktails table. The taller one show at the images is avaliable at our

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Coffee Side Table in Gilt Iron Daisy Flower Design, France 1950s

$3,535

Coffee Table Consisting of Six Triangular Side Tables in Teak, by Helge Møller

By Helge Møller

Located in Lejre, DK

The coffee table, consisting of 6 triangular side tables in teak and blue lacquered wood with black

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Coffee Table Consisting of Six Triangular Side Tables in Teak, by Helge Møller

$1,192

Contemporary modern side table or coffee table, marble, Belgian design by barh

By barh.design, Jeroen Thys van den Audenaerde

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

Ellipse 01.4 c is a low elliptical table. Its generous size and elegant shape adds luxury to every

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary modern side table or coffee table, marble, Belgian design by barh

$9,947 / item

IDE Side Table in Red Travertine, 15.8”Øx17.7H Travertine Stone Coffee Table Set

Located in St Petersburg, US

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine

IDE Side Table in Red Travertine, 15.8”Øx17.7H Travertine Stone Coffee Table Set

$980 / item

IDE Side Table in Red Travertine, 17.7”Øx15.8H Travertine Stone Coffee Table Set

Located in St Petersburg, US

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine

IDE Side Table in Red Travertine, 17.7”Øx15.8H Travertine Stone Coffee Table Set

$970 / item

IDE Coffee Table SET OF 3 in Silver Travertine, Travertine Stone Side Tables

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 Table SET OF 3 in Silver Travertine, Travertine Stone Side Tables

$2,720 / set

MCM Danish Teak Tile Coffee Side Tables 1960s Set of 3

By Mobelfabrikken Toften

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Table: 20 1/2" high x 52 1/2" wide 20 1/2" deep Side tables: 20 1/2" high x 28 1/2" wide 20 1/2" deep

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

MCM Danish Teak Tile Coffee Side Tables 1960s Set of 3

$1,596 Sale Price / set

20% Off

1960s Set of Two Square Side/Coffee Wooden Tables , Denmark

Located in Praha, CZ

- Good original condition with minor signs of use

Category

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

Materials

Wood

1960s Set of Two Square Side/Coffee Wooden Tables , Denmark

$527 / set

Vintage Mid-Century Walnut Campaign Style Side End Coffee Table

By Jack Cartwright

Located in Baltimore, MD

An exceptional Campaign style Mid-Century Modern, large side/ end table in the style of Jack

Category

Antique 19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Walnut Campaign Style Side End Coffee Table

$1,116 Sale Price

20% Off

Set of English Mid-Century Nesting Coffee or Side Tables

Located in London, GB

A set of cocktail tables / side tables nesting very cleverly in a larger table. Great fun and

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Set of English Mid-Century Nesting Coffee or Side Tables

$1,108 / set

Large Danish teak coffee table with 2 side document holders, 1960.

Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR

Superb Scandinavian coffee table. Built on two levels, it features a document and magazine storage

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Danish teak coffee table with 2 side document holders, 1960.

$2,217

A Wrought Iron Marble Topped Coffee Or Side Table Circa 1930

Located in London, GB

An Elegant Wrought Iron and Marble-Topped Coffee or Side Table, Circa 1950 The white and grey

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

A Wrought Iron Marble Topped Coffee Or Side Table Circa 1930

$2,147 Sale Price

20% Off

Stunning Coffee Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this stunning campaign decorative world map nest of tables. Each table

Category

20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Stunning Coffee Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps

$1,307

Jugendstil Oak Brass Coffee Table Side Table Style Adolf Loos, Austria c 1900

By Adolf Loos

Located in Vienna, AT

Jugendstil vintage coffee table or side table style Adolf Loos from solid oak, brass and copper in

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper

Jugendstil Oak Brass Coffee Table Side Table Style Adolf Loos, Austria c 1900

$14,981

Contemporary Coffee or Side Table Freyja 3 by Noom, Thermo Ash

By NOOM, Kateryna Sokolova

Located in Paris, IDF

Contemporary Coffee or Side Table 'Freyja 3' by Noom Finish: Thermo Ash Designer: Kateryna Sokolova

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cockta...

Materials

Ash, Oak, Walnut

Contemporary Coffee or Side Table Freyja 3 by Noom, Thermo Ash

$2,744 / item

Mid-Century Modern Brass Smoked Glass Coffee Table Pair of Side Nest Tables

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

. This is an original suite, you have a medium sized coffee table and a lovely pair of side end tables

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Brass Smoked Glass Coffee Table Pair of Side Nest Tables

$3,097 / set

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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.

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