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.

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 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.

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.

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

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.

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is the 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.

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.

Low Coffee Tables

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Sunflower Table

European Oak Table

Chinese Qing Dynasty Side Table

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Contemporary one of a kind Oxblood Waltz Low Dining Table

$23,734

Red Lacquer Low Kang Table with Curved Legs and Scalloped Apron

Located in Yonkers, NY

Crafted in solid wood and finished in red lacquer, this low Chinese Kang table brings both historic

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Red Lacquer Low Kang Table with Curved Legs and Scalloped Apron

$1,500

Paula Meizner "24 in a Square" Glass-Top Low Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Wood and Aluminum Glass-Topped Coffee Table. Provenance: From the estate of the artist Paula Meizner

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Paula Meizner "24 in a Square" Glass-Top Low Table

$350 Sale Price

70% Off

Vintage Teak Wood Low Table with Scalloped Apron and Hoof Feet

Located in Yonkers, NY

This vintage low table exudes quiet elegance through its balanced proportions and time-softened

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Teak Wood Low Table with Scalloped Apron and Hoof Feet

$1,200

Vintage Boho Stacked Pencil Reed Coffee Table

By Christofle

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This low-profile coffee table is a compelling example of Mid-Century Modern design embracing bold

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Reed, Glass

Vintage Boho Stacked Pencil Reed Coffee Table

$2,850

Midcentury Low Table in Rosewood, Designed by Severin Hansen, 1960s

By Severin Hansen

Located in Lejre, DK

Low table in rosewood designed by Maa. Severin Hansen for Haslev Furniture in 1960s. Great

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Midcentury Low Table in Rosewood, Designed by Severin Hansen, 1960s

$1,500

Low-profile Round Oak Table - Serene Fundamenta 36 by NONO

By NONO

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Low-profile Round Oak Table - Serene Fundamenta 36 by NONO Sculptural coffee table made of solid

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Low-profile Round Oak Table - Serene Fundamenta 36 by NONO

$9,990 / item

Maison Jansen low table "Petales" in Black Lacquer France 1970

By Maison Jansen

Located in Paris, FR

cm, H 36.5/55.5 cm, D 150/195 cm. This coffee table features four adjustable surfaces that raise for

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Maison Jansen low table "Petales" in Black Lacquer France 1970

$16,614

Poul Kjaerholm Low PK 54 Table for Christensen, Denmark, 1963

By Poul Kjærholm

Located in Brussels, BE

Poul Kjaerholm low PK 54 table for Christensen, Denmark, 1963.

Category

Vintage 1960s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Poul Kjaerholm Low PK 54 Table for Christensen, Denmark, 1963

$18,987

Girafa Low Table by Lina Bo Bardi , 2022, Marcenaria Baraúna

By Lina Bo Bardi

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Design：Lina Bo Bardi, Marcelo Ferraz, Marcelo Suzuki Material：Tauari This is a low table model of

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Girafa Low Table by Lina Bo Bardi , 2022, Marcenaria Baraúna

$780 / item

Cast Resin River Rock Low Table by Zachary A. Design

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Smoothed over a millennia, the River Rock’s organic silhouette creates a soft flow of stone across its hand-cast surface, providing visual and tactile delicacy. Dimensions: Width 78...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

Cast Resin River Rock Low Table by Zachary A. Design

$7,250 / item

Nanda Vigo attribuited Low Table Mirrored Glass Italian Design 1970s

By Nanda Vigo

Located in Milan, IT

The low table with double storage compartment presented here is an incredible one-of-a-kind piece

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Nanda Vigo attribuited Low Table Mirrored Glass Italian Design 1970s

$9,493

Afra Tobia Scarpa, Square Low Table, Model 771, Cassina, 1960s

By Cassina, Afra Tobia Scarpa

Located in Paris, FR

A square walnut low table, the top plate rested on the frame supported by four rectangular feet

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Afra Tobia Scarpa, Square Low Table, Model 771, Cassina, 1960s

$2,136

Low Square Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low square table Black Lacquer (80 coats) Handmade Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique

Category

2010s Asian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Low Square Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

$14,250

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 160/36

Located in Geneve, CH

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble low table 160/36 Dimensions: diameter 160 x height

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 160/36

$17,967 / item

French Maison Jansen Style Low Table, Classic Louis XVI Style

Located in Montreal, Quebec

French Maison Jansen style low table. Classic Louis XVI style. Hollywood Regency chic, in a style

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

French Maison Jansen Style Low Table, Classic Louis XVI Style

$4,800

Large Ellipses Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Grey hammered ceramic tiles with rhythmic drawings realised in satin white and black glazes executed with the paraffin reserve technic which made the artist's reputation since the ea...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Large Ellipses Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

$15,190

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture, Black Label Limited Edition

By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Leda low table designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Legs in black patina not varnished. tabletop

Category

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture, Black Label Limited Edition

$62,150 / item

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Lacquered Wood Low Table with Cabriole Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Qing dynasty period lacquered low table from the 19th century with carved apron and

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Lacquered Wood Low Table with Cabriole Legs

$1,350

Contemporary multicolour Forged Copper Steel Low table, 2025 by Conrad Hicks

Located in 1204, CH

One piece of aluminium bronze forged creating a flat surface and base with forged hammer marks and coloured patina. Works as a stand-alone or in a pair. After a few years of workin...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Copper, Steel

Contemporary multicolour Forged Copper Steel Low table, 2025 by Conrad Hicks

$33,228

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Red Lacquered Wood by Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Low table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1985. Relaunched by Cassina in 2009. Manufactured by

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Red Lacquered Wood by Cassina

$7,713 / item

Thali, Marble Low Table, Design by Matang and Natasha Sumant

By Matang, Natasha Sumant

Located in Paris, FR

Matang & Natasha Sumant Thali An ovale marble low table, the top made of Makhrana white

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Thali, Marble Low Table, Design by Matang and Natasha Sumant

$5,458

Kartell Invisible Low Rectangular Table in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka

By Kartell, Tokujin Yoshioka

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Invisible table designed by Tokujin Yoshioka combines lightness and solidity, grace and elegance

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Invisible Low Rectangular Table in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka

$919 / item

Low Square Table in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low square table Grey lacquer 80 coats of lacquer Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that

Category

2010s Asian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Low Square Table in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

$14,250 / item

Connect Low Table in Customizable Ebonized Hardwood Walnut and Patinated Bronze

By New Format Studio, Henry Norris

Located in Vancouver, BC

The Connect Low Table is made from ebonized and lacquered domestic hardwood and solid bronze. It's

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Connect Low Table in Customizable Ebonized Hardwood Walnut and Patinated Bronze

$7,600 / item

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Brown Lacquered Wood by Cassina

By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Low table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1985. Relaunched by Cassina in 2009. Manufactured by

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Brown Lacquered Wood by Cassina

$7,713 / item

Hollywood Regency Venetian Style Antiqued Mirror and Ribbed Mirror Low Table

Located in Buchanan, MI

Hollywood Regency Venetian style antiqued mirror and ribbed mirror low table. Attributed to Richard

Category

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror

Hollywood Regency Venetian Style Antiqued Mirror and Ribbed Mirror Low Table

$5,800

Terraliquida Low Table, by Claudio Silvestrin for Glas Italia in Stock

By Claudio Silvestrin, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Terraliquida low table is shown here in the transparent extralight glasss. Low table composed of a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Terraliquida Low Table, by Claudio Silvestrin for Glas Italia in Stock

$10,732 / item

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Brown Lacquered Wood by Cassina

By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Low table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1985. Relaunched by Cassina in 2009. Manufactured by

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Brown Lacquered Wood by Cassina

$7,713 / item

Afra Tobia Scarpa, A Low Table, Model 771, Cassina, 1960s

By Cassina, Afra Tobia Scarpa

Located in Paris, FR

A square walnut low table, the top plate rested on the frame supported by four rectangular feet

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Afra Tobia Scarpa, A Low Table, Model 771, Cassina, 1960s

$2,136

Japanese Taisho Period Negoro Lacquer Coffee Table

Located in Pasadena, CA

This is a wonderful example of a Japanese Negoro Lacquer Low or Coffee Table that would integrate

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Taisho Period Negoro Lacquer Coffee Table

$2,975

Large Teak Architectural Ship Remnant Coffee Table

Located in North Miami, FL

industrial style coffee table. Very sturdy and well made. This is a LARGE coffee table.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Large Teak Architectural Ship Remnant Coffee Table

$7,800

Ron Seff Polished Chrome and Stainless Steel Glass Top Low Table

Located in Queens, NY

Ron Seff Polished Chrome and Stainless Steel Glass Top Low Table

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Ron Seff Polished Chrome and Stainless Steel Glass Top Low Table

$11,000

French Modern Bronze, Patinated Bronze, Marble Glass Low Table, Maison Charles

Located in Queens, NY

French Modern Bronze, Patinated Bronze, Marble & Glass Low Table, Maison Charles

Category

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

Materials

Glass

French Modern Bronze, Patinated Bronze, Marble Glass Low Table, Maison Charles

$12,000

Italian Modern Stainless Low Table w/ Retractable Slides, Attr. Gabriella Crespi

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Modern Stainless Low Table w/ Retractable Slides, Attr. Gabriella Crespi

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian Modern Stainless Low Table w/ Retractable Slides, Attr. Gabriella Crespi

$45,000

Italian Modern Stallion Motif Glass Top Low Table, Paolo Buffa, 1950s

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Modern Stallion Motif Glass Top Low Table, Paolo Buffa, 1950s

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Italian Modern Stallion Motif Glass Top Low Table, Paolo Buffa, 1950s

$11,000

Italian Modern Ebony De Macassar, Walnut, Mahogany and Brass Low Table

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Modern Ebony De Macassar, Walnut, Mahogany and Brass Low Table

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Modern Ebony De Macassar, Walnut, Mahogany and Brass Low Table

$8,800

Italian Modern Mahogany and Ebonized Low Table, Style of Gio Ponti

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Modern Mahogany and Ebonized Low Table, Style of Gio Ponti

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Modern Mahogany and Ebonized Low Table, Style of Gio Ponti

$11,000

Contemporary Rough Black Slate Sculpted Low Table by Frederic Saulou

By Frederic Saulou

Located in Geneve, CH

Black slate sculpted low table by Frederic Saulou Frustre II Black slate Measures: L 160 x W 70 x

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate

Contemporary Rough Black Slate Sculpted Low Table by Frederic Saulou

$14,834 / item

Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, Tulip Low Table, Marble Top, Design 1958

By Eero Saarinen, Knoll

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, Tulip Low Table Green variegated marble circular top on

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, Tulip Low Table, Marble Top, Design 1958

$4,039

French Art Deco Eglomise and Painted Metal Low Table circa 1940s

Located in Chicago, IL

1940s French Art Deco Eglomise and Painted Metal Low Table with a gorgeously detailed top. The base

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

French Art Deco Eglomise and Painted Metal Low Table circa 1940s

$5,650

Low Table Model " 777 " by Tobia Afra Scarpa for Cassina, 1960s.

Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE

Coffee Table Model " 777 " in Walnut wood, Labelled by maker Cassina. Designed by Tobia & Afra

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Low Table Model " 777 " by Tobia Afra Scarpa for Cassina, 1960s.

$1,483

Future Fossils Low Table in Stoneware and Aluminum by Simon Johns

By Simon Johns

Located in East-Bolton, Quebec

The most expressive of the Future Fossils collection, the low table features slip-cast volumes of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Future Fossils Low Table in Stoneware and Aluminum by Simon Johns

$10,500

Chrysalis No. 2 Low Table in Blackened Steel, Made to Order

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A handmade low coffee or cocktail table in heavy gauge patinated steel with an organic shape set

Category

2010s American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Chrysalis No. 2 Low Table in Blackened Steel, Made to Order

$20,000

Large Chinese Art Deco Lacquered Coffee Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Chic and sleek lacquered Chinese art deco style low rectangular coffee table, circa 1940s. Features

Category

Vintage 1940s Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Large Chinese Art Deco Lacquered Coffee Table

$1,650

Pair of Antique Chinese Lacquered Low Tables with Porcelain Warming Plates

Located in London, GB

Pair of antique Chinese lacquered low tables with porcelain warming plates Chinese, 18th and 19th

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Chinese Lacquered Low Tables with Porcelain Warming Plates

$61,616 / set

Vintage Chinese Low Red Lacquer Table with Chow Legs and Scalloped Apron

Located in Yonkers, NY

This vintage Chinese low table showcases a vivid red lacquer finish and a refined silhouette

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Low Red Lacquer Table with Chow Legs and Scalloped Apron

$1,800

Iron and Tile Topped Brutalist Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in London, London

A low rectangular coffee table featuring a dark slate-tile top set within a black-stained wooden

Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Iron and Tile Topped Brutalist Coffee Table, 1970s

$1,088

Mathilde Rectangular Green Low Table in Marble and Black Metal Brass

By Fratelli Boffi

Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza

This exquisite sofa table seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with luxurious details, featuring a

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Mathilde Rectangular Green Low Table in Marble and Black Metal Brass

$8,844 / item

Late Qing Dynasty Low Kang Waterfall Table with Drawers and Brass Plates

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese late Qing Dynasty antique low Kang waterfall coffee table from the early 20th century

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Late Qing Dynasty Low Kang Waterfall Table with Drawers and Brass Plates

$2,790

Roger Capron Model TK1 Ceramic Coffee table, 1970s

By Roger Capron

Located in New York, NY

The Capron Model TK1 is a low-slung ceramic coffee table crafted by Roger Capron in the early 1970s

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Roger Capron Model TK1 Ceramic Coffee table, 1970s

$9,360

José Zanine Caldas Low Table for Casa Nova Vicosa, Bahia, 1970s

By José Zanine Caldas

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Low table designed by José Zanine Caldas. Circa 1970s. This table was integrated with the

Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

José Zanine Caldas Low Table for Casa Nova Vicosa, Bahia, 1970s

$45,000

Stainless Steel Cross Shaped "Low Table" by Etienne Fermigier - France 1960s

Located in New York, NY

Rare "Low Table" coffee table by French iconic 1960s designer Etienne Fermigier. Made of a seamless

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Cross Shaped "Low Table" by Etienne Fermigier - France 1960s

$6,800

Midcentury Low Table in Glass and Elm, Made in Denmark, 1950s

Located in Lejre, DK

Low table in elm and blue glass. Designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Elm

Midcentury Low Table in Glass and Elm, Made in Denmark, 1950s

$7,000

Charlotte Perriand Set Of Three Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Set of Three Outdoor Low Tables For Cassina Cassina interprets the

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Charlotte Perriand Set Of Three Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

$26,630 / set

Giltwood Low Centre Table With A Pietre Dure Inlaid Marble Top

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Fine Italian Carved Giltwood Low Centre Table with A Pietre Dure Marble Top. This impressive

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Giltwood Low Centre Table With A Pietre Dure Inlaid Marble Top

$65,724

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Distressed Side Table with Humpback Stretchers

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period distressed low table from the 19th century with humpback stretchers

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Distressed Side Table with Humpback Stretchers

$1,800

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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.
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 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.
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.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the 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.
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.

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