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.

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 coffee table and a cocktail table?

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

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

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

Are 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.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

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

What is 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.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

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

What is a tall coffee table called?

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

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

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

Materials

Vitrolite, Giltwood, Lacquer

Mid-Century Black Lacquer, Gilt-Wood, Brass Cocktail Table w/ Vitrolite Top

$5,475

A Good Pair of French Black Tole Gilt-Bronze Square Side Tables

By Maison Jansen

Located in San Francisco, CA

A good pair of French mid-century black tole and gilt-bronze square side tables with glass tops

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

A Good Pair of French Black Tole Gilt-Bronze Square Side Tables

$9,800 / set

Set of Gilt Silver Over Bronze Quadripartite Tables, Maison Jansen, French, 50s

By Maison Jansen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Set of 4 gilt silver over bronze tables with antique mirror tops from the 1950s. The legs are

Category

Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Set of Gilt Silver Over Bronze Quadripartite Tables, Maison Jansen, French, 50s

$8,900 / set

Black Lacquer Trunk With Gold gilt Motif On Stand

Located in Greenwich, CT

A refined black lacquer trunk with beautiful hand painted gold gilt motif, brass fitting on

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold

Black Lacquer Trunk With Gold gilt Motif On Stand

$2,800

Imposing Wrought Iron Table with Gilt Decor and Marble Top, France, 1950 s

Located in New York, NY

FRANCE, 1950's Imposing wrought iron coffee table with Neo classical gilt decor of bows and arrows

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Imposing Wrought Iron Table with Gilt Decor and Marble Top, France, 1950 s

$8,800

Hollywood Regency Gilt Wheat Sheaf Side Table In The Style Of Robert Goossens

By Robert Goossens, Hans Kögl

Located in Cork, IE

bound by a rope. A truly eye-catching gilt metal coffee table, it is fashioned in the shape of wheat

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Regency Gilt Wheat Sheaf Side Table In The Style Of Robert Goossens

$1,507

Oval Glass Top Cocktail Table with Gilt Bronze Legs by P.E. Guerin

By Guerin

Located in New York, NY

Oval glass top cocktail table with gilt bronze neoclassical supports by P.E. Guerin.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Oval Glass Top Cocktail Table with Gilt Bronze Legs by P.E. Guerin

$5,800

Early 20 Century Cut Crystal and Gilt Bronze Lamp Table Attributed to Baccarat

By Baccarat

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A round occasional table most likely made by the French company Baccarat in Paris at the turn of

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal

Early 20 Century Cut Crystal and Gilt Bronze Lamp Table Attributed to Baccarat

$4,800 / set

French Neoclassical Style Center or Coffee Table with Glass Top, Brass Iron

Located in Plainview, NY

A stunning French Neoclassical gilt brass and iron coffee table. The table glass top having

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

French Neoclassical Style Center or Coffee Table with Glass Top, Brass Iron

Set of two cocktail tables, Fontana Arte, gilt bronze and black opaline, 1970.

Located in Nice, Cote d Azur

Set of two cocktail tables, Fontana Arte, gilt bronze and black opaline, circa 1970, Italy

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Set of two cocktail tables, Fontana Arte, gilt bronze and black opaline, 1970.

$34,685 / set

Elegant and Diminutive Low Saint Gobain glass and gilt metal table c.1950 s

Located in London, GB

A very sweet and elegant Saint Gobain glass topped low and small coffee table with solid gilt metal

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant and Diminutive Low Saint Gobain glass and gilt metal table c.1950 s

$1,167

Antique French Louis XVI Parcel Gilt and Painted Side Table with Marble to

Located in Miami, FL

French Louis XVI style side table from Paris decorated with timeless classical styling and hand

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Giltwood

Antique French Louis XVI Parcel Gilt and Painted Side Table with Marble to

$1,900

Hollywood Regency Iron Faux Bois and Glass French Bagues Style Coffee Table

By Maison Baguès

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Stunning and heavy faux bois gilt iron coffee table with thick beveled glass shaped top in the

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Hollywood Regency Iron Faux Bois and Glass French Bagues Style Coffee Table

$2,500

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Silas Seandel Bronze and Glass Lotus Coffee Table

By Silas Seandel

Located in Troy, MI

Circa 1970s large glass and gilt bronze coffee table designed by Silas Seandel. Asian-influenced

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Silas Seandel Bronze and Glass Lotus Coffee Table

$3,195

Louis XVI Style Inset Marble-Top Three-Piece Coffee Table, Maison Jansen Manner

By Maison Jansen

Located in Manhasset, NY

ebony and parcel-gilt decorated coffee table can be sitting placed together or used as a center coffee

Category

Mid-20th Century Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Louis XVI Style Inset Marble-Top Three-Piece Coffee Table, Maison Jansen Manner

$2,900

20th Century Red and Gold Wood and Plastic Italian Design Coffee Table, 1980

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

and finished with gilt metal frames. Beautiful coffee table with pleasant decor, for interior

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic, Wood

20th Century Red and Gold Wood and Plastic Italian Design Coffee Table, 1980

$1,435

French Gilt Bronze Cocktail Table in the Style of Maison Baguès, circa 1950s

By Maison Baguès

Located in Norwalk, CT

bronze. Fine quality. Measurements of table top: 21" x 44". Curved legs add approximately 1" to each

Category

Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze Cocktail Table in the Style of Maison Baguès, circa 1950s

$2,900

French Two-Tiered Gilded Coffee by Maison Ramsay

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Chicago, IL

Maison Ramsay superb patina gilded wrought iron, large square coffee table with a pair of glass

Category

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

Materials

Iron

French Two-Tiered Gilded Coffee by Maison Ramsay

$8,500

Pair of Mexican Modern Gilt and Painted Iron Marble-Top Tables by Arturo Pani

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of Mexican Modern Gilt and Painted Iron Marble-Top Tables by Arturo Pani

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Pair of Mexican Modern Gilt and Painted Iron Marble-Top Tables by Arturo Pani

$7,800 / set

Ebonized and Gilt Glass Table In The Style Of Jansen With Gold Painted Details

Located in Manhasset, NY

Ebonized and gilt glass table in the style of Maison Jansen With gold painted appointments.

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ebonized and Gilt Glass Table In The Style Of Jansen With Gold Painted Details

$800

Large Gilt Wrought Iron Low Table in the Style of Jacques Adnet, France, 1950

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Brussels, BE

End of the 1940s. Fine gilt and patina. Black marble top. Literature: a very close work is

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Wrought Iron

Large Gilt Wrought Iron Low Table in the Style of Jacques Adnet, France, 1950

$2,727

Chinoiserie table

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

8-205 Beautifully detailed coffee table

Category

Antique 19th Century English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie table

$4,200

Gilt Wrought Iron Low Table With A Portor Marble Top by Maison Ramsay, France

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Brussels, BE

Elegant rectangular wrought iron low table with a magnificent Portor marble top. Gold leaf finish

Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gilt Wrought Iron Low Table With A Portor Marble Top by Maison Ramsay, France

$2,152

Victorian Gilt-Decorated Black Tray

Located in Kittery Point, ME

Mounted on a later faux-bamboo stand.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Papier Mâché

Victorian Gilt-Decorated Black Tray

$2,000

Gilt ebonized tole tray on stand

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fine parcel gilt ebonized tole tray circa 1860, now on a custom ebonized base of a later date.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Gilt ebonized tole tray on stand

$2,250

Papier Mache table

Located in Bronx, NY

Papier mache table with chinoiseries decorations and black laquer exist also in smaller size

Category

Vintage 1930s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Papier Mache table

$2,200

Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gilt Bronze Coffeetable

Located in New York, NY

Gunmetal and Gilt Bronze cocktail table with a smoked glass insert. Visit QUOTIENTNYC.com to view

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gilt Bronze Coffeetable

$9,800

English Chinoiserie Abalone and Gilt Papier Mâché Tray on Stand, Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

English Chinoiserie gilt paper mâché tray on stand with decorative abalone carvings, sailing ships

Category

Antique 1820s English George III Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Abalone, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paper

English Chinoiserie Abalone and Gilt Papier Mâché Tray on Stand, Circa 1820

$9,500

Faux Malachite Chest on Gilt Stand

Located in Atlanta, GA

Hollywood Regency wooden chest or trunk hand-painted in a faux malachite design with gold leaf piping beneath a removable lid and raised on a gold leaf stand with bun feet.

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Faux Malachite Chest on Gilt Stand

$995

Eglomise Mirrored Top French Table

Located in Stamford, CT

Green painted carved wood cabriole leg table with gilt eglomise mirrored top.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Eglomise Mirrored Top French Table

$2,200

KITTINGER LOW TABLE

Located in New York, NY

Low table with gold-tooled leather top with diamond pattern and decorative edge, on ebonized carved

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

KITTINGER LOW TABLE

Bamboo Gilt Frame and Black Glass Cocktail

Located in North York, ON

This unique cocktail table is the epitome of contrasting style. The brass base boasts a distressed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Brass

Bamboo Gilt Frame and Black Glass Cocktail

$1,600

Newly Fabricated Spanish Gold Leaf Over Steel With Slate Inset Coffee Tabletop

Located in Round Top, TX

This is fabricated for me in Spain. It is beautifully made with steel then gold leaf. It features slate that insets into the pie shaped top that can be removed for shipping. This one...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Wrought Iron

Newly Fabricated Spanish Gold Leaf Over Steel With Slate Inset Coffee Tabletop

$5,400 / item

Pair of Ibex Rams Head Gilt Metal Bases.

Located in Toronto, ON

, rectangular, or round this stylish coffee table is a classic.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Ibex Rams Head Gilt Metal Bases.

$2,450

Baroque Style Occasional Table

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Baroque style gilt wood and glass occasional table with a painted and gold foil decorated top, mid

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Glass, Paint

Baroque Style Occasional Table

$1,500

Modern Chinoiserie Cocktail Table

Located in Nashville, TN

Featured is a well made black lacquered Chinoiserie style cocktail table. The item is hand-painted

Category

2010s Unknown Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Chinoiserie Cocktail Table

$1,850

Black lacquer Trunk w. gold gilt motif

Located in Greenwich, CT

a stunning and refined black lacquer trunk on the base, black lacquer top and the back has the same finish, brass fitting, fine hand painted deers, birds and floral motif on the fron...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Black lacquer Trunk w. gold gilt motif

$2,800

Art-Deco Low Table

Located in Doylestown, PA

A circular low marble-top table in gilded iron, circa 1930, French.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Art-Deco Low Table

$4,250

Jansen Table With Black Lacquered Table From The 50 s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

. Black lacquered top with flowers decor . Gilded brass . French work from the 50's

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Jansen Table With Black Lacquered Table From The 50 s

$2,990

Coco Chanel Side Tables

By Chanel

Located in Antwerp, BE

Pair of Coco Chanel side tables, gilt wheat sheaf. France, 1970s. Measures: Ø 80 cm H 50 cm.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Coco Chanel Side Tables

$4,126 / set

Gilded Iron Cocktail Table

Located in Wilton, CT

Gracefully curved legs with beautifully cut 1" thick glass.

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Gilded Iron Cocktail Table

$1,895

Carved Painted Gold Gilt Bench with Belgium Linen Upholstery

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carved Italian Painted & Gold Gilt Bench/Table with Belgium Linen Upholstery.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Carved Painted Gold Gilt Bench with Belgium Linen Upholstery

$4,200

A Gilt Brass Bagues 3-Piece Mirrored Glass CoffeeTable

Located in Atlanta, GA

the three part coffee table with original drop-in clear and mirrored glass plates within a gilded

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

A Gilt Brass Bagues 3-Piece Mirrored Glass CoffeeTable

$1,920

Coco Chanel Wheat Sheaf Cocktail Table

Located in Antwerp, BE

Coffee table in gilt metal wheat sheaf. France, 1960s, Mid-Century Hollywood Regency. Made

Category

Vintage 1960s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Coco Chanel Wheat Sheaf Cocktail Table

$1,495

Neoclassical Style Galleried Oval Low Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Neoclassical manner gilt bronze galleried oval low table, the gallery with a crossed sabre motif

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Style Galleried Oval Low Table

$1,200

20th Century Red Lacquer Chinese Kang Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

20th century Chinese Kang table with red lacquer and gilt decoration. Hand painted. Landscape motif

Category

20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

20th Century Red Lacquer Chinese Kang Table

$1,200

Painted Slate in Scagliola Style with Gilt Bronze Feet

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Gilt bronze feet, multicolor top in painted slate, imitation of scagliola, work from the 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Painted Slate in Scagliola Style with Gilt Bronze Feet

$6,697

Antique Portuguese Architectural Fragment Table

Located in Houston, TX

This antique Portuguese Architectural Fragment has been given new life as a beautiful coffee table

Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique Portuguese Architectural Fragment Table

$2,000

Daedalus Table by Lawton Mull

By Lawton Mull

Located in Long Island City, NY

specifications. There are also a circular and an oval coffee table, smaller occasional tables and a console table

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Daedalus Table by Lawton Mull

Max Kuehne Hand-Painted Square Low Table

By Max Kuehne

Located in New York, NY

MAX KUEHNE (1880-1968) Hand-painted square low table in gilt finish with incised and gessoed

Category

Vintage 1930s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Max Kuehne Hand-Painted Square Low Table

$14,000

Cocktail Table by Aldo Tura

By Aldo Tura

Located in Stamford, CT

An elegant Italian parchment or goatskin lacquered cocktail low table by Aldo Tura on a gilt metal

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Cocktail Table by Aldo Tura

$12,000

Vintage French Gilded Iron Martini Table

Located in New Orleans, LA

Early 20th century French gilt iron pedestal martini table. Rope detail around table top

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Vintage French Gilded Iron Martini Table

$980

Gilded Brass and White Marble Round Table, 1950s

Located in LEGNY, FR

Very nice round coffee table in gilded brass and white marble, 1950s. Three feet.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Gilded Brass and White Marble Round Table, 1950s

$777

French Low Gilded Iron Table by Masion Jansen

Located in Chicago, IL

Gilded iron very chic coffee table by Guy LeFevre for Maison Jansen. Excellent patina on the

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Low Gilded Iron Table by Masion Jansen

$7,000

French Circular Cocktail Table by Marcel Dolt

By Marcel Dolt

Located in London, GB

An early to mid-20th century neoclassical circular cocktail table with distressed mirrored top

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

French Circular Cocktail Table by Marcel Dolt

$3,021

Unusual Modern Handcrafted Geode Drinks Table

By Hastening Designs

Located in Middleburg, VA

Unusual Modern Handcrafted Geode Drinks Table. Large quartzite top with a golden gilt steel base

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Quartz, Stainless Steel

Unusual Modern Handcrafted Geode Drinks Table

$1,265

Maison Jansen Style Three-Pieces Cocktail Table

Located in Madrid, ES

Maison Jansen neoclasical style gilt brass coktal table with two nesting tables, opaline glass top.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen Style Three-Pieces Cocktail Table

$2,272

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Gilt Coffee Tables", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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

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.
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 coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
Are 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.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is 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.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was

Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.

Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings

Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.