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.

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 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 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.

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 I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a 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.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment 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.

Custom Coffee Table

Pebble Table

18th Century Spanish Doors

Coffee Can

Stone Well

Spanish Table Turned Legs

Door Table

Adesso Imports

Custom Marble

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Custom-Designed Iron and Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Ilana Goor

$2,200

Custom Pink Granite Memphis Post-Modern Coffee Table by Steve Chase, Circa 1980

By Steve Chase

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Invest in a piece of 1980s design history with this Memphis era Post-Modern coffee table by Steve

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite, Aluminum, Chrome

Custom Pink Granite Memphis Post-Modern Coffee Table by Steve Chase, Circa 1980

$4,400

One-of-a-Kind Custom Design Coffee Table Clad in Stingray by Campion Platt

By Campion Platt

Located in New York, NY

Coffee table clad in sand colored stingray by Campion Platt, custom design and single commission

Category

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

$10,000

Paul Laszlo Custom Occasional Table

By Paul Laszlo

Located in San Diego, CA

Low rectangular cocktail or occasional table custom designed in 1951 for the Johnston estate in

Category

20th Century American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Paul Laszlo Custom Occasional Table

$4,200

Paul Laszlo Custom Cocktail Table

By Paul Laszlo

Located in Chicago, IL

Laszlo Studios, custom cocktail table from a private commission in Los Angeles. Subtle grooved

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Laszlo Custom Cocktail Table

$13,200

Custom Leather-covered cocktail table

Located in Norwalk, CT

A really exceptional custom cocktail table completely covered in alligator stamped leather in a

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Leather-covered cocktail table

$2,800

Early 1950s "IN-50" Coffee Table by Isamu Noguchi with Custom Carrara Marble Top

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Coronado, CA

A jaw dropping "IN-50" coffee table by Isamu Noguchi circa 1950s. The base is authentic, early, and

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble

Early 1950s "IN-50" Coffee Table by Isamu Noguchi with Custom Carrara Marble Top

$5,900

Custom Faux Parchment Cocktail Table

Located in Charlottesville, VA

This custom cocktail table features a soft faux parchment finish over clean architectural lines

Category

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Custom Faux Parchment Cocktail Table

$2,800

$2,450

Custom Cocktail Table by Patrick Dragonette

By Patrick Dragonette

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A custom cocktail table, fabricated in patinated steel, mimicking branches punctuated by rock

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal, Steel

Custom Cocktail Table by Patrick Dragonette

$19,500

Vintage Hollywood Regency Custom Gilt Table

Located in New York, NY

cocktail or side table. Super chic, one of a kind custom table. Original finish. Has some wear to painted

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hollywood Regency Custom Gilt Table

$550

Custom William Haines "Specimen" Cocktail Table

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Unique, handsome custom cocktail table designed by William Haines for the Jorgensen estate in Bel

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom William Haines "Specimen" Cocktail Table

$24,000

Vintage Hollywood Regency Custom Gilt Table

Located in New York, NY

, one of a kind custom table. Original finish. Has wear on top to gilt finish from age and use. Slight

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hollywood Regency Custom Gilt Table

$950

Custom Cocktail Table by Paul Laszlo

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Rare custom round black lacquered cocktail designed by Paul Laszlo. This amazing table features a

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Custom Cocktail Table by Paul Laszlo

Custom Allen Ditson Tripod Cocktail Table

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Custom Allen Ditson tripod cocktail table circa early 1960's. Allen Ditson and wife Lee Porzio

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Custom Allen Ditson Tripod Cocktail Table

$4,200

Pair of Custom Brass Side Tables

Located in San Francisco, CA

A pair of custom made gilt brass side tables of Louis XVI style, each inset with an antique

Category

20th Century American Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Custom Brass Side Tables

$3,250

Wood Slab Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful wood slab coffee table. Custom made. Sale $3000, orig. $3500.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Wood Slab Coffee Table

$3,000

JAMES MONT COFFEE TABLE

Located in New York, NY

Custom-made coffee table in sand-blasted oak, raised on three legs.

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

$7,800

Custom Made Solid Walnut Cocktail Table

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A large and commodious solid walnut cocktail table with bookmatched grain and a simple turned leg.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Custom Made Solid Walnut Cocktail Table

$1,200

Multicolor Lucite Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom multicolored Lucite coffee table. The tabletop base is lime green with bright orange legs

Category

Mid-20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite

Multicolor Lucite Coffee Table

$3,800

Carrocel Custom Purple Block Cocktail Table

By Carrocel

Located in North York, ON

Block shaped, low cocktail table with centre opening, finished in violet lacquer with a black

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple

Carrocel Custom Purple Block Cocktail Table

$6,750

Monumental Hardwood Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Extremely large Rosewood tree trunk slice coffee table on custom base. The tree itself was at

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Monumental Hardwood Coffee Table

Custom Turquoise Grasscloth-Wrapped Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

This table will add color and style to a space! In the Asian style, this piece has been beautifully

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Turquoise Grasscloth-Wrapped Cocktail Table

$3,800

Custom Modern Walnut Oval Dining Table

By Carrocel

Located in North York, ON

This sleek dining table has a rift walnut top positioned on a pair of handmade stainless-steel

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Custom COM Ottoman with WALNUT Waterfall Table

$4,880

Custom Art Deco Style Smoked Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

Custom Art Deco Style Smoked Cocktail Table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Art Deco Style Smoked Cocktail Table

$5,800

Unusual custom ordered table signed dated 84

Located in Palm Springs, CA

An unusual and beautiful custom ordered table from 1984. It bears a monogram from the maker and the

Category

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Unusual custom ordered table signed dated 84

$1,200

Sculptural Custom High Polished Lacquered Cocktail Table

By Lee Weitzman

Located in North Miami, FL

Wonderful and unique custom cocktail table finished in a high polished white lacquer with a black

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Sculptural Custom High Polished Lacquered Cocktail Table

$4,600

Custom Walnut Brass and Glass Cocktail Table

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Custom walnut brass and cocktail table circa late 1950s. This elegant example has a beautifully

Category

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

Custom Walnut Brass and Glass Cocktail Table

$5,800

Custom Cocktail Table by Samuel A. Marx

By Samuel Marx

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A rare and custom one of a kind quarter-matched Tamo ash veneered cocktail table designed by Samuel

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Cocktail Table by Samuel A. Marx

Custom Cocktail Table Designed by William Haines

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Handsome cocktail table, custom designed by William "Billy" Haines for the home of Ted Graber

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Cocktail Table Designed by William Haines

Massive Custom Architectural Bronze Hexagonal Cocktail Table

Located in Dallas, TX

This custom designed and precision made Bronze Cocktail Table is comprised of three interlocking

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Massive Custom Architectural Bronze Hexagonal Cocktail Table

$4,800

Artistic Belarti Style Tile Table Coffee Table

By Juliette Belarti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Artistic round tiled coffee table with custom red, orange, yellow, green molten lava tilework

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

PARSONS STYLE PARCHMENT COFFEE TABLE

Located in New York, NY

Custom made Parsons style Parchment coffee table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

PARSONS STYLE PARCHMENT COFFEE TABLE

$8,800

Reclaimed Teak Wood Coffee Table

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Custom Teak coffee table Size: 66-1/2”W X 31”D X 18”H Natural rustic teak wood table has a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

$4,400

French Wrought Iron Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Particular custom made French coffee table,with black Belgium stone top with beautifully executed

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Wrought Iron Coffee Table

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Custom Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the custom coffee table you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A custom coffee table — often made from wood, metal and glass — can elevate any home. Find 294 options for an antique or vintage custom coffee table now, or shop our selection of 155 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the custom coffee table you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right custom coffee table, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Industrial styles are of considerable interest. A well-made custom coffee table has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Dos Gallos Studio, Carrocel and Venfield are consistently popular.

How Much is a Custom Coffee Table?

Prices for a custom coffee table start at $495 and top out at $85,000 with the average selling for $4,313.

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 Custom Coffee Table

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.
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 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 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.
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 I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a 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.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment 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.

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