Question 1

Can a coffee table be too low?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

No, 12 inches isn’t necessarily too low for a coffee table. For balance, choose a coffee table that is about two to four inches lower than the seat of the largest piece of furniture around it. Usually, this will be the sofa. If your sofa’s seat is 14 to 16 inches high, a 12-inch coffee table will likely be in proportion. Find an assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What are low tables called?

Accepted Answer

Low tables are usually called coffee tables. The name comes from the table height being designed to make it easy to place something, such as a cup of coffee, on the tabletop while seated on a sofa. Alternatively, people may refer to these low tables as cocktail tables. Explore a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Why are console tables so low?

Accepted Answer

Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

Accepted Answer

The chabudai, or the short Japanese dining table makes the most of limited space by serving many functions in a Japanese home. They often feature collapsible legs so they can be stored. Diners sit on pillows on the floor, rather than chairs, again freeing up more space by not having bulky chairs. Shop a collection of Japanese furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Why is it called a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What size should a coffee table be?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Who invented the coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What is a tray top coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

How do you style an oval coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Low Coffee Tables

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

Architectural Low Table by Cassina, Italy, 1960s

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Rodi V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rodi V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Giava V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Bay V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Bay V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Giava V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Brazilian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pewter Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

Early 20th Century African Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Exceptional Early 20th Century Senufo Low Table

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

Low Table by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Art Deco Low Table/Pair Of Side Tables

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rodi V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Tempio V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Tempio V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

"cOre" capsule collection in concrete - cOre Low Table

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Reef V3 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

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Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Sumatra V3 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Hara V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

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

Wooden Low Table by Luigi Gorgoni, 1974

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Lace Chocolate 60 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Black 60 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Cream 90 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace White 60 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Cream 60 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Grey 90 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Black 90 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace White 90 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Grey 60 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Burgundy 60 Low Table by Mowee

2010s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Straw Marquetry Low Table, Art Deco Style

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

Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron s Tiles

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

Decorative Low Table, Jo Amado, France 1962

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

Decorative Low Table, Jo Amado, France 1962

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

Decorative Low Table, Jo Amado, France 1962

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Burgundy 90 Low Table by Mowee

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lace Chocolate 90 Low Table by Mowee

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

Wooden Low Table by Luigi Gorgoni, 1974

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Tacchini Brut Low Table by Roberto Sironi

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables