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.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

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

Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?

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.

Why are console tables so low?

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.

What are low tables called?

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.

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

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.

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 you date a Lane coffee table?

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

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Low Coffee Tables

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Sunflower Table

European Oak Table

Chinese Qing Dynasty Side Table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia KAZIMIR low table by Michael Anastassiades

$5,640 / item

Pair of Ming Low Tables with Parquetry Tops

Located in Chicago, IL

. Can be used as a two piece coffee table or low end tables. Excellent build quality and restored to

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Ming Low Tables with Parquetry Tops

$2,200 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Sculpted Low Table in Solid Oakwood Custom Size

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Low table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Made to order - Custom size SÓHA

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Sculpted Low Table in Solid Oakwood Custom Size

$8,307 / item

Large Raw Square Travertine Low Table -France 1970.

Located in Brussels, BE

Raw travertine square low table with rounded angles resting on a square travertine base. Probably

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Large Raw Square Travertine Low Table -France 1970.

$1,613 Sale Price

20% Off

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

Located in Katori-Shi, 12

This is a wooden antique low table from the Meiji era. It was used as a working table for

Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

$500

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM03 in Cantera stone

Located in 1204, CH

Slight variations and imperfections may apply due to a handmade production process. At OWN, we stand by these artistic choices and do not accept returns related to these intentional ...

Category

2010s Mexican Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM03 in Cantera stone

$20,767 / item

Artisan Made Antique Walnut Parquet Low Table

Located in Westport, CT

One of a kind table made with antique walnut parquet flooring (rare to find in walnut) with a thick

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Artisan Made Antique Walnut Parquet Low Table

$5,200

Early 20th Century Octagon Low Table With Marble Top

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Octagonal low table with a faceted marble top set over a turned pedestal base. Carved leaf

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Early 20th Century Octagon Low Table With Marble Top

$1,800

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table I Arabescato Marble

Located in BONDI JUNCTION, AU

Paloma Editions presents the Jude Series. Designed with the intention of modernising a classical, romantic and timeless silhouette. Sculpted from a single block of stone, the Jude se...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Breccia Marble

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table I Arabescato Marble

$6,900 / item

Low Table in the manner of Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in Dallas, TX

Coffee Table / Low Table in the manner of Robsjohn-Gibbings, with double pedestal base, framed

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Silver Leaf

Low Table in the manner of Robsjohn-Gibbings

$1,200

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

Located in Katori-Shi, 12

Introducing our exquisite low table, a stunning example of the beauty found in wabi-sabi and

Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

$850

Sculptural Low Table in Dark Carved Wood, France, 1960s

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Sculptural Low Table in Dark Carved Wood, France, 1960s The surface speaks immediately. Light

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Sculptural Low Table in Dark Carved Wood, France, 1960s

$8,600

Mid-20th Century American Burled Rootwood Low Table

Located in Chicago, IL

extraordinary burled rootwood low table, a true marvel straight from the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Carved

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Mid-20th Century American Burled Rootwood Low Table

$5,500

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Lacquered Wood

By Laurameroni

Located in Monza, IT

Round tall coffee table with brushed matt lacquered hyper-wood structure and upper top in wood with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Lacquered Wood

$2,759 / item

Zig Zag Wrought Iron and Marble Low Table

By Officina Ciani

Located in Milan, IT

and marble square low table. The classic smooth statuary marble top is enhanced and modernized by the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Zig Zag Wrought Iron and Marble Low Table

$8,345 / item

Elegant walnut low table with nice thin legs

By Italian school XX ct.

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2273 Elegant low table in mahogany with nice thin legs and brass tips. Black opaline glass on

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Elegant walnut low table with nice thin legs

$7,120

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina Cassina interprets the Mexique

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

$6,360 / item

Italian Mid-Century Low Table with Black Glass Top

Located in London, GB

was made in Italy. Simple elegant design - perfect as a smaller coffee table, or a single side table

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian Mid-Century Low Table with Black Glass Top

$1,643

Arden Riddle American Mid-Century Wooden Low Table

By Arden Riddle

Located in Queens, NY

American mid-century low table with an elongated rectangular plank surface resting on four slightly

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Arden Riddle American Mid-Century Wooden Low Table

$12,000

Coffee table, Danish design, 1960s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

Low rosewood coffee table made in Denmark in the 1960s. Beautiful natural wood with unique grain

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Coffee table, Danish design, 1960s.

$1,246

Mid-20th Century French Modernist Pine Low Table

Located in Chicago, IL

This exquisite 1950s French modernist pine low table, executed in the true Modernist spirit

Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Mid-20th Century French Modernist Pine Low Table

$3,800

Tihany for Pace Glass-Topped Mahogany Low Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Adam Tihany for Pace Collection Glass-Topped Lacquered Mahogany Coffee, Venezia Series, circa 1980

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Tihany for Pace Glass-Topped Mahogany Low Table

$950 Sale Price

47% Off

Oxblood Lacquered Chinoiserie Low Table with Painted Detail

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Chinoiserie painted table with figural scene on oxblood lacquered low table with curved apron and

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Oxblood Lacquered Chinoiserie Low Table with Painted Detail

$3,600

Contemporary Cork Oak Low Table with Portuguese Marble

Located in 1204, CH

Mircea Anghel is an internationally acclaimed artist and designer based in Portugal. His practice celebrates natural processes where every piece is made by hand that have either been...

Category

2010s Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Cork Oak Low Table with Portuguese Marble

$47,469

Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960

By Giovanni Michelucci

Located in Brussels, BE

Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960

$3,560

Matte Brass Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

Located in North Miami, FL

Contemporary, multipurpose low side tables in light brass matte finish with a mirror top. Note

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Matte Brass Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

$2,200 / set

X-Base Low Table Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A striking and well-crafted X-based low table in walnut having a biomorphic boomerang-shaped glass

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Glass

X-Base Low Table Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

$8,500

Matthias Biberon Japanese Cedar Oak Low Table 2024

By Matthias Biberon

Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares

These low table is a very special Matthias Biberon work, in Japanese Cedar and Oak. All joints are

Category

2010s French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Cedar

Matthias Biberon Japanese Cedar Oak Low Table 2024

$5,814

Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, France c. 1960

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Low table made up of ceramic tiles top with alternating matt ceramic stoneware tiles and gold

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, France c. 1960

$9,731

Rodi Silver V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

By Edizione Limitata

Located in Geneve, CH

Rodi Silver V2 low table by Simone Fanciullacci Limited Edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Polystyrene, Resin

Rodi Silver V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

$22,690 / item

Rodi Silver V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

By Edizione Limitata

Located in Geneve, CH

Rodi silver V1 low table by Simone Fanciullacci Limited Edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Polystyrene, Resin

Rodi Silver V1 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

$22,690 / item

1960 s brazilian design low table with two tops

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2868 Elegant low table with two tops, an open compartment, and two drawers. Brazilian

Category

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

Materials

Fruitwood

1960 s brazilian design low table with two tops

$8,900

Round Gloss Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Round gloss multileg low table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 120 x height 35 cm Materials

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Round Gloss Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

$8,188 / item

Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$7,200

Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Coffee table made up of a ceramic tiles top, structure and feet in black lacquered steel. The

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

$9,363

American Modern Polished Chrome and Glass Low Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Simplicity and artful detailing defines this coffee table. The independent architectural base of

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

American Modern Polished Chrome and Glass Low Table

$3,250

Round Marble Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Round marble multileg low table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 120 x H 35 cm Materials: MDF

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Round Marble Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

$13,481 / item

Low Table by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen

By Peder Pedersen, Helge Vestergaard-Jensen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A refined and sculptural Scandinavian Modern low table by Helge Vestergaard-Jensen featuring a

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Low Table by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen

$14,500

Sumatra Bronze V3 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

By Edizione Limitata

Located in Geneve, CH

Sumatra Bronze V3 low table by Simone Fanciullacci Limited Edition of 15 + 3 pieces. Signed and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sumatra Bronze V3 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

$26,048 / item

Sumatra Bronze V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

By Edizione Limitata

Located in Geneve, CH

Sumatra bronze V2 low table by Simone Fanciullacci Limited Edition of 15 + 3 pieces. Signed and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sumatra Bronze V2 Low Table by Simone Fanciullacci

$26,048 / item

Brushed Oak Amarante Low Table by Lk Edition

Located in Geneve, CH

Brushed oak amarante low table by LK Edition. Limited edition. Dimensions: 180 x 110 x H 40 cm

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Brushed Oak Amarante Low Table by Lk Edition

$15,690 / item

Large Cedar Mahe Low Table by Lk Edition

Located in Geneve, CH

Large Cedar Mahe low table by LK Edition. Limited Edition. Dimensions: 153 x 156 x H 35 cm

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cedar

Large Cedar Mahe Low Table by Lk Edition

$18,327 / item

Small Cedar Mahe Low Table by LK Edition

Located in Geneve, CH

Small cedar mahe low table by LK Edition. Limited Edition. Dimensions: 132 x 156 x H 35 cm

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cedar

Small Cedar Mahe Low Table by LK Edition

$17,348 / item

French Gilt Iron and Red Marble Low Table

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Charming coffee table with a great, dynamic design created by the inwardly curving apron and

Category

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

French Gilt Iron and Red Marble Low Table

$3,085

Contemporary Modular Walnut Steel Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Handcrafted contemporary modular coffee table made in Los Angeles by Joseph Santiago-Dieppa

Category

2010s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Modular Walnut Steel Coffee Table

$1,300

Customizable Single Form Low Aluminium Sofa Table, Indoor/Outdoor

By Jo Wilton and Mirka Grohn

Located in Leicester, GB

The Single Form coffee table is an elemental design with a focus on form and function. Made in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Customizable Single Form Low Aluminium Sofa Table, Indoor/Outdoor

$2,875 / item

Italian Gilt Wood Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This striking carved wood coffee or low table features a genuine gold leaf finish and is designed

Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Giltwood

Italian Gilt Wood Coffee Table

$2,200 Sale Price

40% Off

Fine Italian Ebonized and Marquetry Inlaid Low Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

A fine Italian ebonized and marquetry. Inlaid low table. 19th century. The rectangular top with

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Fine Italian Ebonized and Marquetry Inlaid Low Table

$9,800

Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top

$2,600 Sale Price

27% Off

Bastiano low table by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960

By Tobia Scarpa

Located in Ozzano Dell emilia, IT

Bastiano low table by Tobia Scarpa in rosewood. Two pieces available.

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Bastiano low table by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960

$1,946 / item

Louis XV Style Kingwood and Marble Oval Low Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Louis XV Style Gilt Metal Mounted Kingwood Black and Grey Marble Top Oval Low Table, early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century European Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Louis XV Style Kingwood and Marble Oval Low Table

$550 Sale Price

35% Off

1970s Spanish Washed Wood Farmhouse Low Table w/ Shelf

Located in Marbella, ES

Rustic coffee table. A 1970s Spanish washed wood farmhouse low table with bottom shelf.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Spanish Washed Wood Farmhouse Low Table w/ Shelf

$1,424

Fine Stickley Oak Large Scale Tiered Low Table

By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in Bridgeport, CT

With Stickley stamps and label. The pale oak table with plank constructed overhanging top and lower

Category

20th Century American Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Fine Stickley Oak Large Scale Tiered Low Table

$1,960

Set of 2 low tables, Nanda Vigo style

By Nanda Vigo

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The small version is Width 40 cm Depth 40 cm Height 29 cm Set of 2 small colorful side tables

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 low tables, Nanda Vigo style

$2,725 / set

Matched Pair Of Meiji Period Wabi Sabi Japanese Low Tables

Located in London, GB

A matched pair of late 19th C. Meiji period Japanese coffee/low tables. Constructed in cedar with

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cedar

Matched Pair Of Meiji Period Wabi Sabi Japanese Low Tables

$6,777 / set

Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table

Located in Kastrup, DK

Chinese low rectangular coffee table made in walnut. Ming style. A fine and elegant example of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table

$2,399

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio

Located in Castelo da Maia, PT

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio The products are made from natural stone, so

Category

2010s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio

$9,911 / item

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Low Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of low coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and glass, all low coffee tables available were constructed with great care. We have 4224 antique and vintage low coffee tables in-stock, while there are 894 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of low coffee tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Low coffee tables made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Low coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Roger Capron, Edizione Limitata and Paolo Piva are consistently popular.

How Much are Low Coffee Tables?

Low coffee tables can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,499, while the lowest priced sells for $0 and the highest can go for as much as $346,332.

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 Low 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.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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.
Why are console tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
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.
What are low tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
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.
Why are Japanese dining tables low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
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 you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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