Why is it called a coffee table?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gilded Coffee Tables

Glass Top Sheaf Of Wheat Table

Coco Chanel Wheat Sheaf Table

Chanel Furniture

Table Wrought Iron Glass Gold

French Iron And Glass Table

Chinese Lacquered Cocktail Table

Hollywood Regency Wheat Sheaf Table

Round Gold And Glass Cocktail Table

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

1940 s Gilded Metal and Glass Coffee Table

$3,800

rond coffee table in glass and gilded bronze

By Michel Mangematin

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Rare rond table coffee in glass and gilded bronze from the architect Michel Mangematin. 60's. The

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

rond coffee table in glass and gilded bronze

$11,273

MID C GILDED FAUX BAMBOO OVAL COFFEE TABLE

Located in Atlanta, GA

MID C GILDED FAUX BAMBOO OVAL COFFEE TABLE AN ATLANTA RESOURCE FOR FINE ANTIQUES WE

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

MID C GILDED FAUX BAMBOO OVAL COFFEE TABLE

$2,175

Gilded Iron and Glass Coffee Table, by Ramsay

Located in Hoboken, NJ

Gilded iron clawfoot table, glass top. By Ramsay, French 1940s.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Gilded Iron and Glass Coffee Table, by Ramsay

1950s Painted and Gilded Chinese Modern Coffee Table

Located in Long Island City, NY

The table top gilded w/incised and gessoed figural and floral chinoiserie decoration. The table

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1950s Painted and Gilded Chinese Modern Coffee Table

$3,000

Gilded Cast Iron Coffee Table of the 1950s

Located in Castenray, NL

High quality and very elegant cast iron coffee table in gold-leaf.

Category

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

Materials

Gold Leaf, Iron

Gilded Cast Iron Coffee Table of the 1950s

$2,017

Bagues Style Coffee Table With Gilded Bronze Legs

Located in New York, NY

A bagues style coffee table having shaped beveled glass top supported by stylized bronze cabriole

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bagues Style Coffee Table With Gilded Bronze Legs

$3,900

French Gilded Bronze Two-Tiered Glass Top Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

French two-tiered glass and gilded bronze coffee table

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Gilded Bronze Two-Tiered Glass Top Coffee Table

$2,800

Coffee table in rosewood and gilded carved sphere details

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table in rosewood and gilded carved sphere details. Circa 1930

Category

Vintage 1930s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee table in rosewood and gilded carved sphere details

Gilded Iron Faux Bois Glass Coffee Table (GMD#2732)

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French Gilded Wrought Iron Faux Bois Coffee Table w/Later Beveled Glass Top

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gilded Iron Faux Bois Glass Coffee Table (GMD#2732)

$5,700

Fantastic Antique Gilded Carved Wood Marble Top Coffee Table

Located in Stutton, GB

Fantastic antique gilded carved wood marble-top coffee table, with a green colored veined marble

Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Giltwood

Fantastic Antique Gilded Carved Wood Marble Top Coffee Table

$1,773

1940s French Coffee Table with Gilded Tole Leaf Motifs

Located in Austin, TX

A fabulous 1940s French Gilded Tole and Glass Table featuring a gilt metal base with hand chiseled

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

1940s French Coffee Table with Gilded Tole Leaf Motifs

$2,450

Large brown lacquered coffee table with gilded decorative top

Located in New York, NY

Exceptionally large hexagonal brown lacquered coffee table with bottom shelf. The top has an

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Large brown lacquered coffee table with gilded decorative top

Oval Glass Coffee Table with Gilded Iron Bamboo Base

Located in Atlanta, GA

Gilded Iron Bamboo Triangular Coffee Table Base With Oval 3/4" Glass Top with flat polished edge

Category

Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Oval Glass Coffee Table with Gilded Iron Bamboo Base

$2,100

Continental Rococco Carved Wood and Gilded Marble Coffee Table

Located in Stamford, CT

coffee or drink table. Acanthus leaves and beaded edge details.

Category

Vintage 1930s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Continental Rococco Carved Wood and Gilded Marble Coffee Table

$4,500

Italian Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table c.1950 s

Located in Easton, PA

Gilded wrought iron coffee table made in Italy c.1950's. Original 3/4" glass top. WEEKLY

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Italian Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table c.1950 s

$1,500

Belgo Chrome Coffee Table Gilded with 23k Fine Gold

By Belgo Chrome

Located in Brussels , BE

Coffee table produced by belgo chrom in belgium in the 70s. Structure in metal gilded with fine 23

Category

Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Belgo Chrome Coffee Table Gilded with 23k Fine Gold

$854

Antique English Chinoiserie Painted, Gilded Octagonal Tray Coffee Table

Located in Houston, TX

and unique painted wood antique English tray coffee table of octagon shape embellished with a

Category

Vintage 1910s English Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique English Chinoiserie Painted, Gilded Octagonal Tray Coffee Table

$3,286

Antique Style Coffee Table Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Chinese Gilded

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

A French decorative lacquer top coffee table purchased in Paris, with chinoiserie decoration upon a

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Style Coffee Table Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Chinese Gilded

$1,109

Osvaldo Borsani, A Gilded and Lacquered Mahogany Coffee Table

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in New York, NY

The circular glass top adorned in reverse-gilded stars, on a tripod base centered by a gilt bowl

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer, Mahogany

Osvaldo Borsani, A Gilded and Lacquered Mahogany Coffee Table

$9,600

French Gilded Cast Iron and Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in London, GB

French gilded cast iron cabriole shaped foliate legs with leaf scrolls support the undulating

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Gilded Cast Iron and Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,670

Belgo Chrom Coffee Table Gilded with 23K Fine Gold

By Belgo Chrome

Located in Brussels , BE

Produced by belgo chrom in the 70s. Metal structure gilded with fine 23 carat gold. Upper tray in

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Belgo Chrom Coffee Table Gilded with 23K Fine Gold

$949

Kittinger Coffee Table Gilded Gold Leaf Top Ebony Bamboo Legs

By Kittinger

Located in New York, NY

Kittinger Coffee / Cocktail Table. Gilded Gold leaf top and ebony/ dark green faux bamboo legs

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Kittinger Coffee Table Gilded Gold Leaf Top Ebony Bamboo Legs

$1,950

French Midcentury Gilded Metal Coffee Table with Glass Top, 1940s

Located in Austin, TX

A midcentury coffee table in the Louis XV style, circa 1940s, made of striated hammered gilded

Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Midcentury Gilded Metal Coffee Table with Glass Top, 1940s

$1,700

French Midcentury Gilded Metal and Mirrored Top Coffee Table, 1940s

Located in Austin, TX

A French midcentury coffee table in the Louis XV style, circa 1940s, made of striated hammered

Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Midcentury Gilded Metal and Mirrored Top Coffee Table, 1940s

$1,700

Painted, Gilded Iron and Mirror Coffee Table, France c.1920

Located in Houston, TX

Painted, Gilded Iron and Mirror Coffee Table, France c.1920. The handsome symmetry of the pattern

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Painted, Gilded Iron and Mirror Coffee Table, France c.1920

$3,798

Gilded Cocktail Table

Located in Hudson, NY

Graceful, gilded cocktail table, with a beveled inset, glass top.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Gilded Cocktail Table

$1,750

Coffee Table in Gilded Iron and Glass by Robert Thibier

By Robert Thibier

Located in New York, NY

Perfectly edited and elegant, this table with folded feet and floating top by Robert Thibier (1929

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table in Gilded Iron and Glass by Robert Thibier

An Oval Coffee Table on Brass Base Gilded Glass Detailed Top

Located in London, GB

An Oval Coffee Table on Brass Base with Gilded Glass Detailed Top

Category

Vintage 1940s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

An Oval Coffee Table on Brass Base Gilded Glass Detailed Top

Tim Bates for Pieff Kadia Gilded Chrome Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

By Tim Bates, Pieff and Co.

Located in Leamington Spa, GB

A rare example fron Tim Bates for Pieff Mid-Century Modern Gilded chrome & clear glass coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Tim Bates for Pieff Kadia Gilded Chrome Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

$780

Mid-Century Tessellated Pen Shell Coffee Table on Gilded Iron Base

Located in Portland, ME

Luxurious Mid-Century Cocktail table with tessellated Pen Shell top and gilded base. The Pen Shell

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Gold Leaf

Mid-Century Tessellated Pen Shell Coffee Table on Gilded Iron Base

$1,800

GILDED WROUGHT IRON TABLE

Located in New York, NY

FRENCH 1940'S GILDED WROUGHT IRON COFFEE TABLE IN STYLE OF POILLERAT.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

GILDED WROUGHT IRON TABLE

$6,800

1970 Pedestal Table or Coffee Table in the Style Coco Chanel in Gilded Iron

Located in Paris, FR

Gilded iron pedestal table or coffee table in the style of Coco Chanel, measure: the top of 80 cm

Category

Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

1970 Pedestal Table or Coffee Table in the Style Coco Chanel in Gilded Iron

$2,610

20th Century Italian Maison Jansen Style Gilded Bronze Oval Coffee Table Base

By Maison Jansen

Located in Atlanta, GA

20th century Italian Maison Jansen style gilded bronze oval coffee table base.

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Italian Maison Jansen Style Gilded Bronze Oval Coffee Table Base

$3,650

A 1960s Gilded Bronze Rams Head Based Coffee Table with Glass To

Located in London, GB

A 1960s Gilded Bronze Rams Head Based Coffee Table with Glass Top

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

A 1960s Gilded Bronze Rams Head Based Coffee Table with Glass To

Nice Willy Rizzo Coffee Table, 1970s, Chrome / Gilded Chrome, Smoked Glass Top

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Nice Willy Rizzo coffee table, 1970s, chrome / gilded chrome, smoked glass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Nice Willy Rizzo Coffee Table, 1970s, Chrome / Gilded Chrome, Smoked Glass Top

$2,966

Gilded Cast Iron and Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Bagues

Located in New York, NY

French Gilded Cast Iron and Glass Top Coffee Table in the manner of Bagues

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Gilded Cast Iron and Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Bagues

$2,400

1970 Gilded Bronze and Gypsum Coffee Table Praying Mantis Style Duval Brasseur

By Henri Fernandez

Located in Paris, FR

A gilded and gypsum coffee table in the style of Duval Brasseur or Fernandez for Honoré Good

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1970 Gilded Bronze and Gypsum Coffee Table Praying Mantis Style Duval Brasseur

$118

Art Moderne Period Gilded Iron Coffee Table, Mirror Top, France C.1940

Located in Houston, TX

An Art Moderne iron coffee table enclosing the original mirror top with raised brass rope handles

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Art Moderne Period Gilded Iron Coffee Table, Mirror Top, France C.1940

$2,238

Neoclassical Gilded Iron Coffee Table from France c.1930 with Travertine Top

Located in Houston, TX

Neoclassical Gilded Iron Coffee Table from France c.1930 with Travertine Top. This coffee table

Category

Vintage 1930s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Neoclassical Gilded Iron Coffee Table from France c.1930 with Travertine Top

$2,988

French Gilded Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table in Coco Chanel Style, 1960s

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Glass and gilt metal coffee table in shape of sheaf of wheat in the style of Coco Chanel, French

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Gilded Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table in Coco Chanel Style, 1960s

$1,232

Neoclassical Style Coffee Table in Gilded Iron and Glass by Maison Ramsay

By Maison Ramsay

Located in New York, NY

-century coffee table by venerable Paris interior design house Maison Ramsay is suitable for myriad

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Neoclassical Style Coffee Table in Gilded Iron and Glass by Maison Ramsay

1970 Pedestal Table or Coffee Table in the Style of Coco Chanel in Gilded Iron

Located in Paris, FR

Gilded iron pedestal table or coffee table in the style of Coco chanel, the top of 80 cm is the

Category

Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

1970 Pedestal Table or Coffee Table in the Style of Coco Chanel in Gilded Iron

$3,322

1950-1970 Coffee Table by Maison Baguès in Bronze, Top Oxyded Mirror Gilded

By Maison Baguès

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table with bronze structure, decor bay leaves and palm trunk amounts, top in oxyded and

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

1950-1970 Coffee Table by Maison Baguès in Bronze, Top Oxyded Mirror Gilded

$5,696

Unusual Gilded Cocktail Table

Located in Portland, OR

Unique one of a kind piece.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Unusual Gilded Cocktail Table

$4,750

Pierre Vandel Gilded Brass Coffee Table, Two Level with Glass, France c.1975

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Houston, TX

Pierre Vandel Gilded Brass Coffee Table, Two Level with Glass, France c.1975. The architectural

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pierre Vandel Gilded Brass Coffee Table, Two Level with Glass, France c.1975

$4,238

Very Cool 23-Karat Gilded Coffee or Sofa Tables, Made in France, 1970s

Located in Bavaria, Munich, DE

Very rare. Top quality. Cut-glass is not as green as on the photos. Steel, 23-karat gilded (a bid

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Very Cool 23-Karat Gilded Coffee or Sofa Tables, Made in France, 1970s

$2,848

Gilded Wrought Iron Wheat Table

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid century gilded wrought iron "Wheat" table with beveled glass top

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gilded Wrought Iron Wheat Table

$1,100

Pier Luigi Colli 1950 s Italian Coffee Table Gilded Forged Steel, Glass Top

By Pier Luigi Colli

Located in Firenze, IT

Mid century forged iron coffee in perfect condition and beautiful vintage patina, new tempered

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pier Luigi Colli 1950 s Italian Coffee Table Gilded Forged Steel, Glass Top

$2,254

Metal Coffee Table with Gilded Glass Top, by Guy Lefevre for Maison, circa 1960

By Guy Lefevre

Located in New York, NY

Metal coffee table with reverse gilded glass top, by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Metal Coffee Table with Gilded Glass Top, by Guy Lefevre for Maison, circa 1960

$4,750

50 s Or50 s Spain Gilded Wood and Glass 4 Seahorses shaped Coffee Table

Located in Isle sur sorgue, Provence

4 Seahorses shaped pods Coffee Table Gilded Wood and Glass 50's Origin Spain

Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

50 s Or50 s Spain Gilded Wood and Glass 4 Seahorses shaped Coffee Table

$1,800

René Drouet Gilded Cocktail Table

By René Drouet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A stellar example of this designers work. Water gilded in 22kt gold. Also with the original hand

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

René Drouet Gilded Cocktail Table

Oversized Gilded Iron Cocktail Table

Located in Miami, FL

Tall heavy gilded iron base with thick glass top - wonderful details. This item is currently in

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Oversized Gilded Iron Cocktail Table

$950

Coffee Table

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table in gilded wrought iron with a rectangular glass slab top on a corner base with tapered

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Coffee Table

$18,987 / set

Marc Duplantier Gilded Cocktail Table

By Marc du Plantier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rare cocktail table. Illustrated and documented. Provenance- Christies, NYC.

Category

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

Marc Duplantier Gilded Cocktail Table

$35,000

Gilded Wheat Straw Cocktail Table

Located in Wainscott, NY

A Beautiful Wheat Straw Side table in the style of Coco Chanel, with a round glass top

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Gilded Wheat Straw Cocktail Table

$1,200

Gilded Iron Oval Cocktail Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Gilt iron cocktail table, with oval starfire glass top, arced legs ending in hoof feet, center

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Gilded Iron Oval Cocktail Table

$3,600

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Gilded Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of gilded coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct gilded coffee tables — often made from metal, glass and iron — can elevate any home. We have 225 antique and vintage gilded coffee tables in-stock, while there are 31 modern editions to choose from as well. Gilded 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. Gilded coffee tables made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Hollywood Regency — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many gilded coffee tables are appealing in their simplicity, but Maison Ramsay, Maison Baguès and Maison Jansen produced popular gilded coffee tables that are worth a look.

How Much are Gilded Coffee Tables?

Prices for gilded coffee tables start at $123 and top out at $34,391 with the average selling for $2,900.

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 Gilded 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.
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.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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