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.

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.

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What is the difference between a 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 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 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.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

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

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

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

How much does a coffee table cost?

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

When did coffee tables become popular?

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

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 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.

Gilt Coffee Tables

Eglomise Table

Faux Bamboo Table Glass Top

Table Wrought Iron Glass Gold

Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron

Iron Leg Table Glass Top

French Iron And Marble Table

Bronze And Glass Cocktail Table

Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Table

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

French Neoclassical Painted Coffee Table

$1,600

Lovely Vintage French Thick Marble Topped Coffee or Cocktail Table Gilt Frame

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to this lovely vintage French Louis XVI style marble topped coffee or cocktail

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Lovely Vintage French Thick Marble Topped Coffee or Cocktail Table Gilt Frame

$1,166

Gilt Iron Glass Top Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

Gilt iron glass top cocktail table. Having significant strut detail design set on plinth stand

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Iron

Gilt Iron Glass Top Cocktail Table

$2,200

Unusual Coffee Table with Ceramic Top and Gilt Metal Feet, circa 1950

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

. 1950s . Ceramic top . Gilt bronze feet

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Unusual Coffee Table with Ceramic Top and Gilt Metal Feet, circa 1950

$5,505

Pair of Gilt Brass Coffee Tables with Oxidized Mirror Tops, circa 1970

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Oxidized mirror top. Gilt brass, circa 1970.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Gilt Brass Coffee Tables with Oxidized Mirror Tops, circa 1970

$8,139

Empire Style Gilt Brass Coffee Table, with Oxidized Mirror Top, circa 1960

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Oxidized mirror top. Empire style. X-frame. Gilt brass.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Empire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Empire Style Gilt Brass Coffee Table, with Oxidized Mirror Top, circa 1960

$5,745

Vintage French Baroque Style Ornate Gilt-Bronze Base Marble Top Coffee Table wit

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage French Baroque Style Ornate Gilt-Bronze Base Marble Top Coffee Table with Round Marble Top

Category

Early 20th Century French Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vintage French Baroque Style Ornate Gilt-Bronze Base Marble Top Coffee Table wit

$1,999 / set

Large Gilt Metal Glass Top Cocktail Table

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Large gilt metal coffee table with glass top, round legs and a geometric X design to the base

Category

Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Large Gilt Metal Glass Top Cocktail Table

$5,040

Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Gilt Wrought Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

Eye-catching parcel-gilt hand forged side table twisting and ring detail. Spain, 1940s. This

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Gilt Wrought Iron

$1,962

20th Century French Coffee Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

This stunning 20th Century French coffee table brings timeless elegance and sophistication to any

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

20th Century French Coffee Table

$3,950

Gold Gilt Maison Jansen Style Coffee Table with Mirrored Top and Tapered Legs

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very nice gold gilt metal base tapered legs coffee table in Maison Jansen style.

Category

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

Gold Gilt Maison Jansen Style Coffee Table with Mirrored Top and Tapered Legs

$2,400

Faux Bamboo Brass and Gold Gilt Glass Two-Tier Coffee Table by Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Manhasset, NY

An elegant coffee table in the taste of Hollywood Regency, gilt-metal frame with two-tier verre

Category

Vintage 1960s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Faux Bamboo Brass and Gold Gilt Glass Two-Tier Coffee Table by Jansen

$3,200

Louis XVI Fashioned Églomisé Mirror Top Coffee Table with Ebony and Gilt Base

Located in Manhasset, NY

A fine Hollywood Regency style John Richard églomisé mirror top coffee table with ebony and gilt

Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Louis XVI Fashioned Églomisé Mirror Top Coffee Table with Ebony and Gilt Base

$1,950

Louis XVI Style Ebonized And Gilt Gold Painted Oval Coffee Table Attrib. Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Manhasset, NY

A Louis XVI style ebonized and gilt gold decorated coffee table. The gold-leaf top supported with a

Category

Vintage 1960s Argentine Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Ebonized And Gilt Gold Painted Oval Coffee Table Attrib. Jansen

$350

Midcentury Italian Brass Coffee Table

Located in Pasadena, CA

This elegant coffee table features an oval glass top and four legs terminating in a ram's hoof

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Italian Brass Coffee Table

$2,400

French Gilt Metal Oval Tea Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French gilt wrought iron oval shaped tea table with exaggerated cabriole legs that end in tassel

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Gilt Metal Oval Tea Table

$1,800

1940s French Gilt Forged Iron and Églomisé Glass Coffee Table by René Drouet

By René Drouet

Located in London, GB

A large circular coffee/side/occasional table by René Drouet (1899-1993), featuring a decorative

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

1940s French Gilt Forged Iron and Églomisé Glass Coffee Table by René Drouet

$4,049

Silver Leaf French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mirrored Plateau or Coffee Table

Located in Manhasset, NY

gilt bronze mirrored plateau or coffee table. The antiqued mirrored top with a bronze gallery having

Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Silver Leaf French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mirrored Plateau or Coffee Table

$4,275

Gilt and Glass Round Cocktail Table

Located in Austin, TX

A classic cocktail table with elegant lines and generous size 54".

Category

Mid-20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Gilt and Glass Round Cocktail Table

$3,300

Italian Mid-Century Modern Style Gilt Iron 3 Part Coffee Table, Maison Bagues

By Maison Baguès

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern neoclassical style coffee table in gilt iron with three parts

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-Century Modern Style Gilt Iron 3 Part Coffee Table, Maison Bagues

$4,700

Charming Vintage Coffee Table with Smoked Glass Top Gilt Brass Frame, France

Located in Bastogne, BE

Beautiful neoclassical style brass side table with smoked glass top from France, 1970s. A very good

Category

Vintage 1960s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Charming Vintage Coffee Table with Smoked Glass Top Gilt Brass Frame, France

$293

Chinese Black Lacquer And Gilt Scroll Form Coffee Table With Greek Key / Cranes

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a handsome Chinese scroll form coffee table. The body is black lacquer with cranes and

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese Black Lacquer And Gilt Scroll Form Coffee Table With Greek Key / Cranes

$2,995

Hollywood Regency Plateau Style Coffee Table in Louis XVI Manner in Silver Gilt

Located in Manhasset, NY

Hollywood Regency plateau style coffee table in Louis XVI manner finished in a silver gilt

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Hollywood Regency Plateau Style Coffee Table in Louis XVI Manner in Silver Gilt

$6,500

Mid-Century Regency Style Italian Gilt Metal And Marble Glass Top Coffee Table

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a mid-century Regency style gilt metal and marble coffee table with glass top. The base

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Mid-Century Regency Style Italian Gilt Metal And Marble Glass Top Coffee Table

$2,425

Jean Claude Dresse Exceptional Coffee Table in Gilt Brass with Red Agate, 1980s

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in New York, NY

Large coffee table with hand worked gilt brass top with 2 pieces of polished red agate on a

Category

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

Materials

Agate, Metal, Brass

Jean Claude Dresse Exceptional Coffee Table in Gilt Brass with Red Agate, 1980s

$50,000

Maison Jansen Style Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Madrid, ES

French Jansen style coffee table in gold metal with arrows and black glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Gilt Metal

Maison Jansen Style Coffee Table

$2,274

Porphyry Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

A porphyry and gilt-iron coffee table. The Swedish porphyry top early 19th century, the base

Category

Antique 19th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Porphyry

Porphyry Coffee Table

$15,100

Brutalist Coffee Table

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Brutalist coffee table in gilt metal. Nine legs support a glass top over sculptural stretchers and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Coffee Table

$2,850

Giltwood and Lacquered Coffee Table

Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL

This is a carved giltwood coffee table with a black lacquered top depicting a dragon amongst Asian

Category

Mid-20th Century French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Giltwood and Lacquered Coffee Table

$2,800

Black Gilt Iron Coffee Table Base Built with 19th Century French Gate Balcony

Located in Dallas, TX

table base is in excellent condition, and adorns a sleek, black and gilt painted finish. Glass not

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Black Gilt Iron Coffee Table Base Built with 19th Century French Gate Balcony

$3,975

Wonderful Over Sized P E Guerin 5 Beveled Glass Gilt Bronze Coffee Table

By P. E. Guerin

Located in Roslyn, NY

A beautiful over sized rectangular beveled glass top coffee table with hand chased gilt bronze legs

Category

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Wonderful Over Sized P E Guerin 5 Beveled Glass Gilt Bronze Coffee Table

$12,500

Neoclassical French Dore Bronze Coffee Table

By Maison Baguès

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Three part Dore bronze mirrored top coffee table with gallery and claw feet.

Category

French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical French Dore Bronze Coffee Table

$4,750

Bagues Coffee Table

Located in North Miami, FL

A beautiful gilt bronzed coffee table with a chinoiserrie top. Beauitiful detail to legs

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Bagues Coffee Table

$13,000

Venetian Glass Coffee Table by Jansen

Located in Manhasset, NY

Fine venetian glass hexagonal low coffee table with magnificent gold and silver leaf decorations

Category

Vintage 1950s Argentine Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Venetian Glass Coffee Table by Jansen

$3,700

Low French Gilded Iron Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Low french coffee table attributed to Rene Prou. Hand wrought gilded iron, glass. beautifully

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Low French Gilded Iron Coffee Table

French Coffee Table by Roger Thibier

Located in Chicago, IL

French gilded iron 3 part coffee table in the refined neo classical style of France, c1940's

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Coffee Table by Roger Thibier

Gold Gilt Metal Cocktail Table, Spain, Midcentury

Located in New York, NY

Midcentury Spanish gold gilt metal cocktail table with decorative spiral base Arriving August.

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gold Gilt Metal Cocktail Table, Spain, Midcentury

$1,350

Gilt Cocktail Table Attributed to Roger Thibier

By Robert Thibier

Located in Aspen, CO

From a Parisian apartment on the left bank, a lovely gilt and glass cocktail table attributed to

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gilt Cocktail Table Attributed to Roger Thibier

$3,800

Round Tripod Coffee Table in Gilt Bronze and Glass by Lothar Klute, F395

By Lothar Klute

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Tripod bronze coffee table by the German artist Lothar Klute. Solid bronze structure and top made

Category

Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Round Tripod Coffee Table in Gilt Bronze and Glass by Lothar Klute, F395

$4,189

Antique French Marble-Top Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

This antique rectangular French coffee table has a beautiful marble-top, with wonderful colours and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Gilt Metal

Antique French Marble-Top Coffee Table

$892

Vintage Chinese Lacquered Coffee Table

Located in Forney, TX

A stunning large vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style coffee table, 20th century, in black lacquer

Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Chinese Lacquered Coffee Table

$2,250

Vintage Mid Century French Rococ Style Gold Gilt Cherub Marble-Top Coffee Table

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very decorative marble and gilt brass framed coffee or

Category

Mid-20th Century French Rococo Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Vintage Mid Century French Rococ Style Gold Gilt Cherub Marble-Top Coffee Table

$1,482

Art Deco Octagonal Gilt Metal and Onyx Coffee Table Attributed to Oscar Bach

By Oscar Bruno Bach

Located in New York, NY

This Art Deco coffee table was crafted in the 1920s and is attributed to Oscar Bach, who worked

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Iron

Art Deco Octagonal Gilt Metal and Onyx Coffee Table Attributed to Oscar Bach

$1,800

French Midcentury Gilt Bronze Faux Bamboo 3 Part Coffee Table by Maison Baguès

By Maison Baguès

Located in New York, NY

Important French midcentury cocktail table by Maison Baguès in the modern neoclassical taste. The

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

French Midcentury Gilt Bronze Faux Bamboo 3 Part Coffee Table by Maison Baguès

$11,900

70 s Mirrored Waterfall Coffee Table

Located in Houston, TX

70's Mirrored Waterfall Coffee Table. Mirror is antique finished with gilt trim with aged patina

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

70 s Mirrored Waterfall Coffee Table

$2,395

Rare French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Coffee Table by Sue and Mare, 1925

By Louis Sue, Andre Mare

Located in New York, NY

Deco in prolific, luxurious ways. This cocktail table is a master work composed of a rare eight

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rare French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Coffee Table by Sue and Mare, 1925

$19,900

French Coffee Table by Rene Drouet

Located in Chicago, IL

Low coffee table by Rene Drouet of gilded iron and honed Carrara marble. Drouet's iconic table done

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Iron

French Coffee Table by Rene Drouet

Gilt metal cocktail table

Located in New York, NY

Gilt metal cocktail table with mottled reverse gilt glass top. View our

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gilt metal cocktail table

$2,250

Spanish Gilt Martini Table

Located in Buchanan, NY

Spanish round gilt martini table with four scrolled legs and hammered top with braiding detail.

Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Spanish Gilt Martini Table

$1,480

Louis XV Style Coffee Table of the XIXth Century in Marquetry and Gilt Bronze

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Louis XV style coffee table of the XIXth century in marquetry and gilt bronze." Coffee table in

Category

20th Century French Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Louis XV Style Coffee Table of the XIXth Century in Marquetry and Gilt Bronze

$5,266

French Coffee Table by Roger Thibier

By Robert Thibier

Located in Chicago, IL

French gilded iron 3 part coffee table in the refined neo classical style of France. Roger Thibier

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Coffee Table by Roger Thibier

$6,000

Bronze Coffee Table by Maison Bagues

By Maison Baguès

Located in Madrid, ES

Very elegant 1950 faux bamboo gilt bronze coffee table by Maison Bagues, with double level, palm

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Coffee Table by Maison Bagues

$4,668

French Art Moderne 1940 s gilt wrought iron coffee w/ glass top.

Located in New York, NY

French Art Moderne 1940's gilt wrought iron coffee with insert glass top. Rare large scale with

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Art Moderne 1940 s gilt wrought iron coffee w/ glass top.

$4,250

Fred Brouard Sculptural Bronze Coffee Table

By Fred Brouard

Located in New York, NY

Fred Brouard gilt bronze coffee table with abstract sculptural base and plate glass top, France

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Fred Brouard Sculptural Bronze Coffee Table

$25,000

1970s Gilt Metal Coffee Table in the Style of Guy Lefevre with Smoked Glass

By Guy Lefevre

Located in London, GB

A 1970s gilt metal two tiered coffee table in the style of Guy Lefevre with orignal smoked glass

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1970s Gilt Metal Coffee Table in the Style of Guy Lefevre with Smoked Glass

$3,088

French Vintage Brushed Steel Coffee Table

Located in Austin, TX

French vintage coffee table in brushed steel with a gold finish, gilt brass and glass.

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

French Vintage Brushed Steel Coffee Table

$2,500

Gilt Metal Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

A stylish cocktail table in a gilt metal finish with a graceful shape and nice detailing, including

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gilt Metal Cocktail Table

$2,900

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Gilt Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of gilt coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, glass and wood, all gilt coffee tables available were constructed with great care. There are 2756 antique and vintage gilt coffee tables for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 111 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of gilt coffee tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Gilt coffee tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, Hollywood Regency and neoclassical styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Gilt coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Maison Baguès, Maison Ramsay and Maison Jansen are consistently popular.

How Much are Gilt Coffee Tables?

Gilt coffee tables can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,253, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $195,000.

Finding the Right Coffee And Cocktail Tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About Gilt 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
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 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.

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