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.

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.

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 the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

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

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

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

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.

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.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

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.

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.

Custom Coffee Table

Pebble Table

18th Century Spanish Doors

Coffee Can

Stone Well

Spanish Table Turned Legs

Door Table

Adesso Imports

Custom Marble

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Custom Made Reclaimed Elm Wood Square Coffee Table

$1,890

Custom AT White Oak and Steel Coffee Table

Located in Millbrook, NY

Custom Antony Todd White Oak and Powder-Coated Steel Coffee Table. Sustainably made from 2" thick

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Custom AT White Oak and Steel Coffee Table

$7,500

Dos Gallos Custom Calligraphy Walnut Coffee Table

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom walnut top on hand-forged graceful iron base. Can be made in custom sizes and finishes. Made

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Coffee and Coc...

Materials

Iron

Dos Gallos Custom Calligraphy Walnut Coffee Table

$9,200 / item

Custom Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Granite

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jean Claude Dresse coffee table, lacquered steel, granite, resin, Belgium, 1970s A striking round

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

Custom Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Granite

$78,000

Black Walnut Custom Clear Epoxy Resin Coffee Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Walnut Wood Clear Epoxy Coffee Table Presenting our Epoxy Coffee Table – a true sample of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Black Walnut Custom Clear Epoxy Resin Coffee Table

$1,900 / item

Custom Size Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Table

By Karl Springer

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A striking and rare example of Karl Springer's late-period work, this sculptural Free Form coffee

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Custom Size Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Table

$45,000

Hinge Coffee Table - Walnut with glass top custom

Located in Ridgewood, NY

strong Walnut base into which it is set. Clean lines and strong angles of this coffee table make this a

Category

2010s American Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Hinge Coffee Table - Walnut with glass top custom

$5,175 / item

Hinge Coffee Table Lacquered with glass top custom

Located in Ridgewood, NY

strong lacquered base into which it is set. Clean lines and strong angles of this coffee table make this

Category

2010s American Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Hinge Coffee Table Lacquered with glass top custom

$5,008 / item

Round Coffee Table In Custom Lacquer Wood Finishes

Located in NEW YORK, NY

The low table features a round, curved plywood base and a beveled wooden top. It is available in

Category

2010s Greek Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Round Coffee Table In Custom Lacquer Wood Finishes

$3,097 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Custom 3 Tier Milo Baughman Manner Burlwood Coffee Table

Located in Dallas, TX

The Custom 3 Tier Milo Baughman Manner Burlwood Coffee Table is a unique and stylish piece of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl

Custom 3 Tier Milo Baughman Manner Burlwood Coffee Table

$3,400

Custom Walnut Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom low profile thick slab modern coffee table. As shown in Walnut with a custom medium to dark

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Oak

Custom Walnut Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$16,500 / item

The Odette: A Modern Stone Coffee Table with a Square Top and a Square Base

By Atelier Jouvence Custom Stoneworks

Located in Chicago, IL

The Odette is a graceful modern coffee table. The top is made from an elegant thin square stone

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

The Odette: A Modern Stone Coffee Table with a Square Top and a Square Base

$7,845 / item

The Elodie: A Modern Stone Coffee Table with a Square Top and Four Square Bases

By Atelier Jouvence Custom Stoneworks

Located in Chicago, IL

The Elodie is a bold stone coffee table that can anchor any seating area: Its top is a thick

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

The Elodie: A Modern Stone Coffee Table with a Square Top and Four Square Bases

$10,740 / item

Dos Gallos Custom Cube Base Coffee Table in Oak

By Dos Gallos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is our Dos Gallos Custom Cube Base Coffee Table, Shown here in cathedral white oak with an

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Dos Gallos Custom Cube Base Coffee Table in Oak

$14,285

Custom French Limestone Round Pedestal Coffee/Cocktail Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Custom sizes and Belgian Bluestone option available; the French Limestone table is comprised of a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Limestone

Custom French Limestone Round Pedestal Coffee/Cocktail Table

$10,400 / item

Truly Unique Custom-Made 1940s Upholstered Coffee Table

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A truly unique 1940s coffee table, probably custom-built for a designer in the Philadelphia area

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fabric, Pine, Plywood

Truly Unique Custom-Made 1940s Upholstered Coffee Table

$4,850

Pair of customized Formica coffee tables (2 sizes)

Located in Brussels, BE

; W46 ; H35 Green and orange : L95 ; W46 ; H35 These tables have been customized in our workshop with

Category

Antique 1660s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Pair of customized Formica coffee tables (2 sizes)

$1,795

Lotta Coffee Table, Custom Made by Petersen Antiques

By Petersen Antiques

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This reclaimed pine coffee table is seen here in 54" x 54", but can be ordered in any size. Each

Category

2010s American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Lotta Coffee Table, Custom Made by Petersen Antiques

$10,500 / item

Vintage Mid Century Modern Custom Crafted Coffee Table

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Mid Century Modern Custom Crafted Solid Wood Coffee Table, Signed by the maker. Circa 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Mid Century Modern Custom Crafted Coffee Table

$1,580

Custom Rustic Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom walnut wood rustic coffee table with carved legs. Can be made in any size and finish. Made

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Guatemalan Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Custom Rustic Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$9,500 / item

Dos Gallos Custom Ceruse Oak Wood Coffee Table

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Solid oak coffee table with turned, fluted legs and fluting on apron. Can be made in custom sizes

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Coffee and Co...

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Dos Gallos Custom Ceruse Oak Wood Coffee Table

$14,560 / item

Walnut Coffee Table, Custom Made by Petersen Antiques

By Petersen Antiques

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This coffee table is made in solid walnut or alder with ebonized legs. This modern design is

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Coffee Table, Custom Made by Petersen Antiques

$11,500 / item

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Le Lampade

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Travertine table available in 35'' diameter. For all other dimensions lead time is six weeks.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$11,000 / item

Dos Gallos Custom Teak and Iron Coffee Table

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Simple oiled teak top on hand-forged iron ribbon base. Can be made in custom sizes and with custom

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Dos Gallos Custom Teak and Iron Coffee Table

$12,220 / item

Custom-Made Steel and Smoked Glass Atomic Coffee Table

By Rehab Vintage Interiors

Located in Alhambra, CA

Our custom made steel and glass coffee table features a gloss white powder coated frame with smoked

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Custom-Made Steel and Smoked Glass Atomic Coffee Table

$1,350

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Navona travertine. Measure: 42".

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$7,000 / item

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Navona travertine.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$8,500 / item

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Navona travertine.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$8,500 / item

Highly Detailed Slatted Walnut Coffee Table. Custom Sizes Available

Located in Portland, OR

Exquisitely detailed coffee table made from solid walnut. A simple round top and bottom panels

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Highly Detailed Slatted Walnut Coffee Table. Custom Sizes Available

$4,850 / item

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Navona Travertine.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Travertine Round Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$6,500 / item

Harvey Probber, Custom Series 80 coffee table, model 82

By Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

Harvey Probber Custom Series 80 coffee table, model 82 Harvey Probber, Inc. USA, c. 1962 mahogany

Category

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

Materials

Onyx

Harvey Probber, Custom Series 80 coffee table, model 82

$3,600 Sale Price

20% Off

Custom contemporary organic modernism Brutalist style steel coffee table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

” long and 17” Stainless steel futuristic brutalist style coffee table, smoke glass, community goods

Category

2010s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Custom contemporary organic modernism Brutalist style steel coffee table

$1,400 / item

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Round Roman travertine coffee table by Le Lampade Available now. This table can be totally custom

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$5,000

Grand 1960s Custom Monteverdi Young Mid Century Coffee Table

By Maurice Bailey, Monteverdi-Young

Located in New York, NY

A very large and grand custom cocktail table designed by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi Young. The

Category

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

Materials

Ebony, Oak, Walnut

Grand 1960s Custom Monteverdi Young Mid Century Coffee Table

$9,600

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Round Roman travertine coffee table designed by Le Lampade Available now. This table can be

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$5,000

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Round Roman travertine coffee table designed by Le Lampade Available now. This table can be

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$5,000

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Le Lampade

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Round Roman travertine coffee table designed by Le Lampade Available now. This table can be

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$4,500

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Round Roman travertine coffee table designed by Le Lampade Available now. This table can be

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$5,000

Custom Klara Coffee Table in Walnut, by Petersen Antiques

By Petersen Antiques

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This coffee table is seen here in 60"x 60" x 17" however it can be made in any size. It has

Category

2010s American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Custom Klara Coffee Table in Walnut, by Petersen Antiques

$10,500 / item

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Round Roman travertine coffee table by Le Lampade Available now. This table can be totally custom

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Round Roman Travertine Coffee Table by Le Lampade

$5,000

1960 s Biomorphic Custom Made Cerused Oak Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Impressive 1960's custom made cerused oak coffee table made of 8 solid oak slabs shape into a

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Oak

1960 s Biomorphic Custom Made Cerused Oak Coffee Table

$4,260

Custom Reclaimed Pine Coffee Table with White Painted Finish

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Custom made bloom home inc. collection. Large Alma Coffee table with painted base. The top is a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine, Reclaimed Wood

Custom Reclaimed Pine Coffee Table with White Painted Finish

$1,598 Sale Price

20% Off

Custom "Greenwich" narrow coffee table by M C Home

By Foley Cox

Located in Hudson, NY

Chic coffee table with multi-sided diagonal base and a shelf. Shown in ebonized walnut. width

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American French Provincial Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Wood

Custom "Greenwich" narrow coffee table by M C Home

$7,700

Custom Wood Modern Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom Douglas fir coffee table with cube base. Can be made in custom sizes and finishes. As seen

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut, Fir

Custom Wood Modern Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$15,985

Custom Italian Coffee Table with Marble Top and Steel Base

Located in Dallas, TX

Modern custom Italian coffee table on a steel base. A unique table that makes a beautiful

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Custom Italian Coffee Table with Marble Top and Steel Base

$3,600

Custom Oak frame Belarti Ceramic coffee table 1970 s

By Juliette Belarti

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

A very special custom made "Belarti" coffee table Belarti was a famous Belgian manufacturer of

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Custom Oak frame Belarti Ceramic coffee table 1970 s

$1,760 Sale Price

20% Off

Custom Rustic Modern Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom, rustic coffee table made from douglas fir. Can be made in any size and in a range of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Custom Rustic Modern Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$14,200 / item

Dos Gallos Studio Custom Wood Rustic Modern Coffee Table

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom wood coffee table with straight lines, as shown here in Douglas fir and finished in our

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktai...

Materials

Wood

Dos Gallos Studio Custom Wood Rustic Modern Coffee Table

$13,910 / item

customized coffee/console table, 19th century table top on pine treetrunks

Located in Brecht, BE

chestnut 19th century tabletop, we made an xl coffee/console table out of it, placed it on 2 pinewood

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chestnut, Pine

customized coffee/console table, 19th century table top on pine treetrunks

$6,584

Brendan Bass Custom Build Blonde Oak Tiered Coffee Table

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Hand-made tiered coffee table. Blonde oak with dove tailed ends. Designed by Brendan Bass for the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktai...

Materials

Oak

Brendan Bass Custom Build Blonde Oak Tiered Coffee Table

$11,417

Pair of Custom Rectangular Brass Coffee Tables with Glass Top

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of custom rectangular brass coffee tables with glass top and brass shelf. Measures: height of

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Custom Rectangular Brass Coffee Tables with Glass Top

$17,400 / item

Extra Long Custom-Made Rosewood Coffee Table after Rohde

By Gilbert Rohde

Located in New York, NY

Great long free-form coffee table with bleached rosewood top and dark rosewood legs. Period 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Extra Long Custom-Made Rosewood Coffee Table after Rohde

$3,360 Sale Price

20% Off

Extraordinary Custom Brass and Gun Metal Steel Coffee Table

By Maison Meilleur

Located in Stamford, CT

A very heavy custom gun metal steel and polished brass tables in the manner of Maison Meilleur.

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Extraordinary Custom Brass and Gun Metal Steel Coffee Table

$3,900

Custom XL Large Elm Wood Beam Coffee Table in Natural

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

BH COLLECTION Beam Coffee Table With its generous rectangular dimensions are outlined by chunky

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Custom XL Large Elm Wood Beam Coffee Table in Natural

$3,290 / item

Two-tier Cane coffee table custom-made in France, 1980s

Located in Lyon, FR

A refined expression of 1980s French craftsmanship, this custom-made two-tier coffee table offers a

Category

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

Materials

Cane, Smoked Glass, Wood

Two-tier Cane coffee table custom-made in France, 1980s

$1,676

Rustic Vintage Indian Coffee Table with Ironwork and Custom Glass

Located in Yonkers, NY

This vintage coffee table from India pairs rugged architectural salvage with refined craftsmanship

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic Vintage Indian Coffee Table with Ironwork and Custom Glass

$2,800

Custom Rustic Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom rustic coffee table in reclaimed Douglas fir wood. Four straight legs, mortise and tenon

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Reclaimed Wood, Oak, Walnut

Custom Rustic Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$10,200

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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

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.

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables 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.
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 the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
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.
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.

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