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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Chap Low Coffee Table in Palladio Orange and Grey Glass by Matteo Zorzenoni

$2,827 / item

Baleri Italia Match Point Low Coffee Table in Thermowood Oak by Omri Revesz

By Omri Revesz, Baleri Italia

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The geometrically shaped yet dynamic solid wood coffee tables in the Match Point collection come in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Baleri Italia Match Point Low Coffee Table in Thermowood Oak by Omri Revesz

$1,247 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Indonesian Vintage Rococo Style Red and Gold Low Table with Ball-and-claw Feet

Located in Yonkers, NY

A vintage Indonesian low coffee table from the mid 20th century, with hand-carved apron, gilt

Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Rococo Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Indonesian Vintage Rococo Style Red and Gold Low Table with Ball-and-claw Feet

$3,800

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Petrol Green by Yiannis Ghikas

By Yiannis Ghikas, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Petrol Green by Yiannis Ghikas

$3,270 / item

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Blue Light by Yiannis Ghikas

By Yiannis Ghikas, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Blue Light by Yiannis Ghikas

$3,270 / item

Rialto L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

By Carpanese Home Italia

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Low coffee table with wood, metal, and glass. The beautiful mix between natural wood and bronze

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Rialto L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

$2,915 / item

A Pair of Taliesin Low Cocktail Tables, Frank Lloyd Wright, 1955

By Frank Lloyd Wright, Heritage-Henredon

Located in Palm Desert, CA

from mahogany, these sleek low coffee tables are perfectly suited for a stylish interior! The tables

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

A Pair of Taliesin Low Cocktail Tables, Frank Lloyd Wright, 1955

$5,800 / set

1937 Coffee Table by André Arbus and Jean Dunand

By André Arbus

Located in Paris, FR

Low coffee table or gue´ridon in irregular turtle-shell color Chinese lacquer. Basin shape top with

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Mirror, Wood

1937 Coffee Table by André Arbus and Jean Dunand

$29,747

Late Qing Chinese Low Coffee Table with Cabriole Legs, Carved Apron and Lift Top

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese low table from the late Qing dynasty, early 20th century, featuring cabriole legs, a

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Late Qing Chinese Low Coffee Table with Cabriole Legs, Carved Apron and Lift Top

$1,650

4 Pion Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

unlacquered brass panes. Only sold as a set. Great grouped together to form a modular low coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

4 Pion Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

$4,444 / set

4 Pion Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

unlacquered brass panes. Only sold as a set. Great grouped together to form a modular low coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

4 Pion Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

$4,444 / set

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Carrara Gioa Marble with Glass Top

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

glass create an almost magical feel for this coffee table as there seems to be no logical explanation

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Carrara Gioa Marble with Glass Top

$9,130 / item

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Master Piece Marble with Glass Top

By Claste, Quinlan Osborne

Located in Brooklyn, NY

glass create an almost magical feel for this coffee table as there seems to be no logical explanation

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Master Piece Marble with Glass Top

$9,130 / item

4 Pion Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

unlacquered brass panes. Only sold as a set. Great grouped together to form a modular low coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

4 Pion Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

$4,444 / set

Rustic Indian Sheesham Wood Coffee Table with Nailhead Design and Baluster Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

An antique rustic Indian sheesham wood low coffee table from the 19th century with iron nailheads

Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Rustic Indian Sheesham Wood Coffee Table with Nailhead Design and Baluster Legs

$1,750

Set of Two Low Coffee Table Mount Made of Stainless Steel by Dali Home

By Michael Samoriz

Located in Berlin, BE

ethnic living, appetite for freedom and braveness of our nation. While looking at these tables for the

Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of Two Low Coffee Table Mount Made of Stainless Steel by Dali Home

$2,962 / set

Blue Moom Mmxix, 21st Century Resin and Silvered Copper Oval Coffee Table

By Privatiselectionem

Located in Sofia, BG

Blue moom MMXIX, 21st century off-white resin and silvered copper oval low coffee table Blue

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Blue Moom Mmxix, 21st Century Resin and Silvered Copper Oval Coffee Table

$40,456 / item

Rare 19th Century Indonesian Teak Coffee Table With Exposed Joinery

Located in La Mesa, CA

An Indonesian colonial-era coffee table, handcrafted from solid old-growth teak, celebrated for its

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indonesian Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Rare 19th Century Indonesian Teak Coffee Table With Exposed Joinery

$1,690

Athena L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

By Carpanese Home Italia

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Low coffee table with wood, metal, marble and glass. The beautiful mix between natural Walnut wood

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Athena L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

$2,439 / item

Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina

Located in Yonkers, NY

A vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style low square-shaped coffee table from the mid 20th century with

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina

$1,500

Gervasoni Jeko Coffee Table in ECOTeak White Carrara Marble Top, Paola Navone

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low coffee table with a square shape in colonial style of exotic inspiration, Jeko 11 has legs and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Gervasoni Jeko Coffee Table in ECOTeak White Carrara Marble Top, Paola Navone

$4,418 / item

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Lacquered Wood

By Laurameroni

Located in Monza, IT

Round low coffee table with brushed matt "gold" lacquered hyper-wood structure and top in Green

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Lacquered Wood

$3,765 / item

Coffee Table - Frederick John Kiesler (1935) - Alivar / Mvsevm 789

By Alivar, Frederick John Kiesler

Located in Alcamo, IT

continuity and the interplay between form and function. This low coffee table, designed in 1935 for the New

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Coffee Table - Frederick John Kiesler (1935) - Alivar / Mvsevm 789

$3,895

[Sample Sale] Kaleidoscope, Minimalist Coffee Table with Black Metal and Glass

By Jialun Xiong

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Black Kaleidoscope low coffee table: A low floor table is design with minimal materials, tinted

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

[Sample Sale] Kaleidoscope, Minimalist Coffee Table with Black Metal and Glass

$2,587 Sale Price

35% Off

Italian Mid-Century Modern Tripod Coffee Table, 1950s

Located in Catania, CT

Elegant Italian mid-century modern low coffee table dating from the 1950s. The table features an

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid-Century Modern Tripod Coffee Table, 1950s

$2,332

Lucite and Solid Brass "Aro One" Low Table by Amparo Calderón Tápia

By Amparo Calderon Tapia

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning and whimsical low coffee table designed and manufactured by Amparo Calderón Tápia and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Coc...

Materials

Brass

Lucite and Solid Brass "Aro One" Low Table by Amparo Calderón Tápia

$11,500

Table Low Occassional Coffee Metal Faux Heartwood Tree Trunk Tripod Woodgrained

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Unusual Vintage Metal Tree Trunk Heartwood Low Coffee Table on Tripod Base Using metal as the

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Metal

Table Low Occassional Coffee Metal Faux Heartwood Tree Trunk Tripod Woodgrained

$3,435

1960s Danish Silkeborg Furniture Square Teak Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen

By Johannes Andersen, CFC Silkeborg

Located in London, England

1960s Danish teak square low coffee table designed by Johannes Andersen and manufactured by

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1960s Danish Silkeborg Furniture Square Teak Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen

$721

Stopgap, Black Stucco Coffee Table by Andréason Leibel, Limited Edition

By Andréason Leibel

Located in Arlöv, SE

Stopgap - Scandinavian Contemporary / Modern Design. This low coffee table handmade in stucco by

Category

2010s Swedish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stucco

Stopgap, Black Stucco Coffee Table by Andréason Leibel, Limited Edition

$8,500

French Black Opaline Glass Coffee Table with Optional Open Center Brass Trim

Located in New York, NY

A chic and sophisticated French low coffee table crafted from beautiful opaline glass, lending an

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

French Black Opaline Glass Coffee Table with Optional Open Center Brass Trim

$6,800

VINTAGE ORIENTAL CHiNESE RECTANGULAR TEAK CARVED COFFEE TABLE

Located in Pulborough, GB

Antiques of London Presenting a refined and elegant mid-19th-century Chinese low coffee table

Category

20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

VINTAGE ORIENTAL CHiNESE RECTANGULAR TEAK CARVED COFFEE TABLE

$1,717

Modern Ecletic Caravel Low Coffee Table Rattan Walnut and Marble by Collector

By Federico Peri

Located in Castelo da Maia, PT

21st century Colombo, the Italian explorer, left from Portugal with 3 (as low tables are) Caravels

Category

2010s Portuguese Center Tables

Materials

Marble

Modern Ecletic Caravel Low Coffee Table Rattan Walnut and Marble by Collector

$12,402 / item

Minimalist Solid Walnut Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Minimalist Solid Walnut Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

$10,982

PH Lounge Table, chrome, solid mahogany table plate

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

table is required to gather around or for display. Taller than a low coffee table, the PH Lounge Table

Category

2010s Danish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

PH Lounge Table, chrome, solid mahogany table plate

$4,162 / item

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Black Oak Table Plate

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

table is required to gather around or for display. Taller than a low coffee table, the PH lounge table

Category

2010s Danish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Black Oak Table Plate

$4,162 / item

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Natural Oak Table Plate

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

table is required to gather around or for display. Taller than a low coffee table, the PH lounge table

Category

2010s Danish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Natural Oak Table Plate

$4,162 / item

Chinese Ming Style Waisted Opium Bed or Monumental Coffee Table w/Chow Legs

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome antique Chinese Ming style waisted opium bed/daybed or Monumental low coffee table with

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Style Waisted Opium Bed or Monumental Coffee Table w/Chow Legs

$3,995

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

$7,448

Natural Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Natural Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

$10,887

Alien Coffee Table by Yasuhiro Shito for Cattelan Italia, 2000

By Cattelan Italia, Yasuhiro Shito

Located in Milano, IT

The Alien low coffee table, designed in 2000 by Yasuhiro Shito for Cattelan Italia, is a striking

Category

Early 2000s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Alien Coffee Table by Yasuhiro Shito for Cattelan Italia, 2000

$7,496

Torei Marble Coffee Table by Luca Nichetto for Cassina

By Luca Nichetto, Cassina

Located in Saint Paul, MN

restraint in creating these minimalist tables for Cassina. This low coffee table could also be used as a

Category

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Steel

Torei Marble Coffee Table by Luca Nichetto for Cassina

$1,900

Pair of Japanese Lacquered Trunks or Tables on Custom Stands, 19th Century

Located in San Francisco, CA

over. Japan, mid to late 19th century. Excellent for low coffee table or end tables.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

Pair of Japanese Lacquered Trunks or Tables on Custom Stands, 19th Century

$3,375 / set

Mid Century Modern Aldo Tura Burlwood Flooting Platform Coffee Table, 1950

By Aldo Tura

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Italian Mid Century Modern Aldo Tura Burlwood floating platform base low/coffee table, 1950s. The

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Mid Century Modern Aldo Tura Burlwood Flooting Platform Coffee Table, 1950

$14,000

Coffee Table With Canvas, Copper and Weathered Lead Top in Stainless Steel Base

By Kalarara

Located in Roma, RM

"ABSTRACTION #2” is a one-of-a-kind rectangular low coffee table as well as a functional piece of

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Iron, Lead

Coffee Table With Canvas, Copper and Weathered Lead Top in Stainless Steel Base

$5,711

Vintage Chinese Rustic Low Table with Geometric Carved Fretwork Apron

Located in Yonkers, NY

This vintage Chinese low table combines rustic simplicity with the refinement of traditional

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Softwood

Vintage Chinese Rustic Low Table with Geometric Carved Fretwork Apron

$1,850

Qing Dynasty Period Brown Lacquered Coffee Table with Original Finish

Located in Yonkers, NY

An Chinese Qing Dynasty period low coffee table from the 19th century with original rubbed patina

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Qing Dynasty Period Brown Lacquered Coffee Table with Original Finish

$4,590

Large Coffee Table, Contemporary Design, Solid European Oak, Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Large Coffee Table, Contemporary Design, Solid European Oak, Hari by Mokko

$11,684

Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Low Teak Wood Coffee Table, 1960s

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

This low coffee table was produced in Sweden during the 1960s. It is made of high-quality teak wood

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Low Teak Wood Coffee Table, 1960s

$1,232 Sale Price

20% Off

20th Century Italian Polychromed Rectangular Marble Coffee or Cocktail Table

Located in Firenze, IT

This Florentine early 20th Century rectangular low coffe table expresses all Italian mastery in

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble, Marble

20th Century Italian Polychromed Rectangular Marble Coffee or Cocktail Table

$3,093 Sale Price

29% Off

Round Top Beige Travertine Decorative Low Tripod Coffee Table by Beije Avenue

Located in Geneve, CH

Pandora 100 Lizea Travertine Decorative Low Coffee Table by Beije Avenue Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 35

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Round Top Beige Travertine Decorative Low Tripod Coffee Table by Beije Avenue

$5,497 / item

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Low Kang Table with Curved Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

piece can serve equally well as a low coffee table or as a unique platform for artful displays of

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Low Kang Table with Curved Legs

$1,650

Solid Walnut Minimalist Hari Coffee Table

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Solid Walnut Minimalist Hari Coffee Table

$8,971

Solid Walnut Minimalist Hari Coffee Table

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Solid Walnut Minimalist Hari Coffee Table

$10,102

Solid Walnut Brutalist Hari Coffee Table

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Solid Walnut Brutalist Hari Coffee Table

$9,412

Solid Oak Wooden Hari Coffee Table

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Solid Oak Wooden Hari Coffee Table

$6,972

Low Chinese Full Moon Table, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

With a simple silhouette and minimal ornamentation, this low coffee table from the late-19th

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Elm

Low Chinese Full Moon Table, c. 1900

$8,800

Walnut Coffee Table Brutalist - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Walnut Coffee Table Brutalist - Hari by Mokko

$8,971

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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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.
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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