Why is it called a coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Who invented the coffee table?

No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables .The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa , and its depth will match the seating . These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables , but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.

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

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

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 is a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.

How much does a coffee table cost?

On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

When did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Cube Coffee Tables

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wool, Jute, Walnut

Made for Meredith Custom Cube Ottoman Waterfall Style Table

$5,982

Elegant large burl walnut wood cube table by Milo Baughman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

own design A beautiful and elegant large cube table, the burl walnut venir is so much nicer in person

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Elegant large burl walnut wood cube table by Milo Baughman

$2,300

Set of 3 Kai Kristiansen Teak Cube Tables, Denmark, 1950s

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in Miami, FL

Minimalist cube tables rendered in teak frames with an inset glass top designed by Kai Kristiansen

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Teak

Set of 3 Kai Kristiansen Teak Cube Tables, Denmark, 1950s

$3,750

COM Custom Cube Ottoman with White Oak Waterfall Table for Marie

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

CUSTOM ORDERED CUBE OTTOMAN FABRIC: COM WOOD: WHITE OAK FINISH: MED-DARK (CUSTOMER TO DETERMINE

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fabric, Oak

COM Custom Cube Ottoman with White Oak Waterfall Table for Marie

$3,765

Custom Boucle Cube Ottoman with White Oak Waterfall Table for ANNE

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

CUSTOM FOR ANNE Custom ottoman cocktail table in creamy white boucle fabric. Firmer foam holds its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Custom Boucle Cube Ottoman with White Oak Waterfall Table for ANNE

$2,980

Retro Pool House Cube Table Low Red Tubular Vintage Midcentury Minimal Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Fun and relaxed low simple square coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Retro Pool House Cube Table Low Red Tubular Vintage Midcentury Minimal Baughman

$1,800

1970s Italian Square Travertine Coffee Table

Located in London, London

Travertine coffee table Square Cube base Simple natural look 1970s, Italy.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

1970s Italian Square Travertine Coffee Table

$1,765

Candy Cubes by Sabine Marcelis

By Sabine Marcelis

Located in Pireaus-Athens, Greece

Available also: 60x60x30cm € 2.950,00 60x60x60cm € 3.950,00.

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

Candy Cubes by Sabine Marcelis

$3,535

Pair of Silver Mirrored Glass Cubes on Casters

Located in Manhasset, NY

coffee or end tables on casters. These appear to be gold however, the color is more silver mirror like

Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror

Pair of Silver Mirrored Glass Cubes on Casters

$2,750

Exceptional Restored Pair of Olivewood and Nickel Cubes

Located in Atlanta, GA

used in concert to act as a dramatic coffee table. While unmarked, the quality and design are

Category

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

Materials

Nickel

Exceptional Restored Pair of Olivewood and Nickel Cubes

$4,950

Hammered Copper Brutalist Coffee Table in the Manner of Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Culver City, CA

be removed to expose storage below within the "cube" canister table. This coffee table, while

Category

Vintage 1970s Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Hammered Copper Brutalist Coffee Table in the Manner of Paul Evans

$3,400

Vintage Wool Rug Cube Style Cocktail Ottoman in Black and Off-White

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Vintage wool rug cube style ottoman in black and off-white Custom design rug ottoman Size: 72" W

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wool

Vintage Wool Rug Cube Style Cocktail Ottoman in Black and Off-White

$4,650

Fiberglass Custom-Made Italian Table by G. Ceretti, P. Derossi R. Rosso, 1965

By Gufram Furniture

Located in Varese, Lombardia

This rare cube shaped coffee table belongs to the original furnishing of the Piper Club in Turin, a

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Fiberglass Custom-Made Italian Table by G. Ceretti, P. Derossi R. Rosso, 1965

$2,145

Clear Lucite Cube Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Roma, IT

Lovely side table made in curved clear lucite. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the

Category

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

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Clear Lucite Cube Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

$695

Midcentury Italian Post Modern Dark Travertine Cube End Tables or Coffee Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A simple pair of Classic cube tables from Italy circa 1980s. These feature solid travertine

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern End Tables

Materials

Travertine

Midcentury Italian Post Modern Dark Travertine Cube End Tables or Coffee Table

$2,500

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brass Human Figural Cube Tables or Coffee Tables

By Paul Evans

Located in Manhasset, NY

A pair of Paul Evans style brass Mid-Century Modern human figural dancing cube tables or coffee

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brass Human Figural Cube Tables or Coffee Tables

$3,800

Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Cubes as End Tables or Coffee Table

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Ferndale, MI

Pair of Paul Evans designed cubes from the city scape series for directional. Each cube is a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Cubes as End Tables or Coffee Table

$5,500

Pair of Onyx Cube Tables

Located in New York, NY

form. The Beautiful polished surfaces make wonderful end tables or placed together to make a coffee

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Onyx Cube Tables

$12,000

Set of Three Cube Coffee or Side Tables with Brass Frames and Travertine Tops

Located in Chicago, IL

This circa 1950s or 1960s set of three cube tables have open frame brass bases and partially filled

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Set of Three Cube Coffee or Side Tables with Brass Frames and Travertine Tops

$3,800

Cube Table by Paul Evans

Located in New York, NY

A painted and oxidized metal studio cube table with slate inset top by Paul Evans, circa 1966.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Metal

Cube Table by Paul Evans

$4,500

A Pair of Cityscape Cubes by Paul Evans

Located in New York, NY

A pair of brass and chrome Cityscape Cubes by Paul Evans, USA, 1970s. Each cube has a patchwork

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Brass

A Pair of Cityscape Cubes by Paul Evans

DELIGHTFUL CUBE COFFEE TABLE

Located in Miami, FL

Heavy brass detailed cube coffee table.

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

DELIGHTFUL CUBE COFFEE TABLE

$1,600

Burl wood cube coffee table

Located in Hudson, NY

a cube coffee table in polished burl wood from the 60s or 70s.

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Burl wood cube coffee table

$1,300

Milo Baughman Cube Coffee Table in Olive Wood

By Milo Baughman

Located in Atlanta, GA

Great Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin cube coffee table in Olive Wood. Very Good Vintage Condition.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Milo Baughman Cube Coffee Table in Olive Wood

$3,450

Rosewood cube coffee table / platform

Located in Hollywood, CA

A beautifully grained rosewood cube coffee table from the 1960's. Many pieces are stored in our

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood cube coffee table / platform

$3,800

Pair of 1980s Italian Travertine Cube Coffee Tables

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Pair of 1980s Italian Travertine cube coffee tables or end tables in very nice vintage condition

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Pair of 1980s Italian Travertine Cube Coffee Tables

$3,200 / set

Pair of Rustic Unpolished Italian Travertine Cube Coffee Tables

Located in Chicago, IL

A rustic pair of unpolished Italian travertine cube coffee tables. Would also make for a nice pair

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Pair of Rustic Unpolished Italian Travertine Cube Coffee Tables

$4,900 / set

Ice Cube Coffee Table

Located in Hudson, NY

Coffee table comprised of two clear resin cubes with molded glass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ice Cube Coffee Table

$1,500

Burlwood Cube Coffee Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

Very stylish. Sits slightly higher than standard coffee tables. Burlwood has lots of

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Burlwood Cube Coffee Table

$1,750

Paul Evans Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

cube coffee table made of chrome plated steel and wood

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Paul Evans Coffee Table

$3,500

Milo Baughman Coffee Table/ Storage Cube

By Milo Baughman

Located in Austin, TX

A rectangular olive burl storage cube/ coffee table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Beautiful

Category

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

Materials

Olive

Milo Baughman Coffee Table/ Storage Cube

$2,100

Italian Marble Coffee Table

Located in TUJUNGA, CA

Italian marble cube coffee table. Floats on wheels.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Coffee Table

$2,400

French Lucite and Brass Cube Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

French 1970's lucite and brass cube X base coffee table with square glass top. As this piece may

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

French Lucite and Brass Cube Coffee Table

$3,200

Paul Mayen Walnut Rounded Cube Coffee Table

By Paul Mayen, Habitat International

Located in Houston, TX

Here is a perfect substantial curved corner cube table by Paul Mayen in walnut with a darker walnut

Category

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

Paul Mayen Walnut Rounded Cube Coffee Table

$1,600

Gabriella Crespi (signed) "Magic Cube" Coffee Table

Located in East Hampton, NY

aspect of its design. Four sliding shelves on all sides and table is on casters. The aged patina is

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Gabriella Crespi (signed) "Magic Cube" Coffee Table

Natural Faux Coral Stone Fossilized Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

A fantastic custom rectangle cube coffee table executed in roughhewn fossilized coral stone. The

Category

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

Materials

Cement, Coral

Natural Faux Coral Stone Fossilized Coffee Table

$3,600

Stainless Steel Open Cube Base with Smoke Glass Top

Located in New York, NY

1970's French stainless steel open cube coffee table base with rectangular smoke glass top. If you

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Open Cube Base with Smoke Glass Top

$1,800

Sculptural Chrome Mid Century Puzzle Cube Coffee Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

unique "puzzle" design. It can be used as a cube or glass can be added for a coffee table. Very heavy and

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Sculptural Chrome Mid Century Puzzle Cube Coffee Table

$3,500

Art Deco Style Walnut "Cube" Coffee Table, circa 2000

Located in Alhambra, CA

Nice deco style wood coffee table with two storage compartments and two slide out drawers. This is

Category

Early 2000s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Style Walnut "Cube" Coffee Table, circa 2000

$900

Paul Evans Patchwork Metal Coffee Table Base

Located in New York, NY

Paul Evans metal patchwork cube coffee table base with glass top. Alternating squares of polished

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Brass

Paul Evans Patchwork Metal Coffee Table Base

$2,200

Riveted and Galvanized Metal Cube Coffee Table

Located in Culver City, CA

Great looking metal cube table with rivets and a perforated top.

Category

Antique 19th Century Belgian End Tables

Materials

Metal

Riveted and Galvanized Metal Cube Coffee Table

$1,900

Rosewood cube coffee table with glass top by Harvey Probber

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Simple rosewood rectangular cube base coffee table by Harvey Probber. Base dimensions: 12" high x

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Glass

Rosewood cube coffee table with glass top by Harvey Probber

$2,500

Sculptural Brass Mid Century Puzzle Cube Coffee Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

"puzzle" design. It can be used as a cube or glass can be added for a coffee table. Very heavy and solid

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Sculptural Brass Mid Century Puzzle Cube Coffee Table

$2,400

Rare Pair of Cube Coffee Tables Designed by Maria Pergay in 1968

By Maria Pergay

Located in Paris, FR

Very rare pair of "Cube" square coffee tables designed by Maria Pergay in 1968. Made of stainless

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rare Pair of Cube Coffee Tables Designed by Maria Pergay in 1968

$8,989

Three walnut cube form side/coffee tables.

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Three walnut cube form side/coffee tables. 16" tall x 16" deep x 16" high

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Three walnut cube form side/coffee tables.

$1,200

ITALIAN COFFEE TABLES FOR ICE CUBES AND BOTTLES

Located in London, GB

WILLY RIZZO STYLE ITALIAN PAIR, ONE FOR ICE CUBES AND ONE FOR BOTTLES, COULD BE USED FOR PLANTS ETC...

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

ITALIAN COFFEE TABLES FOR ICE CUBES AND BOTTLES

$2,250

Cube Table

Located in New Orleans, LA

French occasional table with glass top, bottom and sides joined with brass. It is open at each end.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Cube Table

$1,375

Pair of Faux Marble Cube Form Side Tables or Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Incredible pair of post-modern cube form side tables, circa 1980s. These incredible custom-made

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Pair of Faux Marble Cube Form Side Tables or Coffee Table

$2,995

Decorative Cube Tables

Located in San Francisco, CA

Decorative Cube Tables U.S. Mid-20th Century hand-painted and custom-made

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Decorative Cube Tables

Large Cube Table

Located in New York, NY

Cube shaped occasional table designed by Gerald McCabe for Eon Furniture, made in California

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Large Cube Table

$1,800

Custom-Made Walnut and Chrome Cube Base Coffee Table, 1967

By Milo Baughman

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

Custom-made walnut and chrome cube base coffee table, 1967. Beautiful slab walnut with custom-made

Category

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

Custom-Made Walnut and Chrome Cube Base Coffee Table, 1967

$1,395

Black Cube Table, 1980s

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Step into the '80s with this sleek black laminate cube table – your coffee table, your style

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate

Black Cube Table, 1980s

$600

Green Waste Coffee Cube, Piet Hein Eek

By Piet Hein Eek

Located in Amsterdam, NL

This one of custom made waste coffee cube in scrapwood is a layered coffee table built up of pieces

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Green Waste Coffee Cube, Piet Hein Eek

$4,317

Iron Red Cube Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Iron Table with 36" Glass Top, recently power coated, made from discarded industrial metal remnants.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Iron Red Cube Table

$698

PAIR of Vintage Cube Tables

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Pair of cube-form tables. Use in place of traditional coffee table or as low side tables.

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

PAIR of Vintage Cube Tables

$1,800

Riveted 19th Century Cube Table

Located in Culver City, CA

Galvanized metal cube table with rivets and fantastic polished and clear waxed patina.

Category

Antique 19th Century Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Riveted 19th Century Cube Table

$2,200

Pair Of Elegant Cube Tables

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Pair of high style, modern cube tables. Classic form and construction. Use alone or together

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair Of Elegant Cube Tables

$2,600

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Cube Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of cube coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique cube coffee tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and glass. We have 117 antique and vintage cube coffee tables in-stock, while there are 23 modern editions to choose from as well. Cube coffee tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Cube coffee tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Some cube coffee tables are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller cube coffee tables, measuring 11.82 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. Cube coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Milo Baughman, FIAM and Studio Klass are consistently popular.

How Much are Cube Coffee Tables?

Cube coffee tables can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,750, while the lowest priced sells for $450 and the highest can go for as much as $24,000.

Finding the Right Coffee And 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 Cube Coffee Tables

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

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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.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
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 is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
What is the standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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