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.

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.

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 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 a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.

How much does a coffee table cost?

On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

Low Coffee Tables

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Sunflower Table

European Oak Table

Chinese Qing Dynasty Side Table

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Oriental Deeply Carved Low Table, Coffee Table

$2,061

Bronze Organic Low Dhama Coffee Table

Located in Tempe, AZ

Coffee table cast in bronze. 2024. Dimensions: 29" l x 20" w x 16" h Natural bronze satin finish

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Organic Low Dhama Coffee Table

$16,000

Jules Leleu Low Rosewood Coffee Table

By Jules Leleu

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Modernist Art Deco low coffee/side table by Jules Leleu, circa 1930, in rosewood. 31.5

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Jules Leleu Low Rosewood Coffee Table

$35,000

French 19th Century Low Table or Coffee Table

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

French 19th Century Low Table or Coffee Table This is a superb quality French 19th Century

Category

Antique 1880s French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Low Table or Coffee Table

$2,061

Pair of Oriental Teak Low Tables, Coffee Tables

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Oriental Teak Low Tables, Coffee Tables This is a very attractive pair, the tables

Category

Vintage 1960s Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Pair of Oriental Teak Low Tables, Coffee Tables

$1,085

Brutalist Low Solid Oak Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in EVERDINGEN, NL

An artisan 1970s solid oak coffee table featuring a thick, sculptural tabletop supported by three

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Brutalist Low Solid Oak Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,558

Porthole Low Table, Handcrafted Solid Wood Coffee Table

By Phloem Studio

Located in Stevenson, WA

Drawing inspiration from nautical design and brutalist architecture, the Porthole Low Table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Porthole Low Table, Handcrafted Solid Wood Coffee Table

$4,830 / item

French Low Marble-Top Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Has bronze beaded trim with bronze padded feet on a steel base.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Steel

French Low Marble-Top Coffee Table

$4,500

Low art deco coffee table by Thonet

By Thonet

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Low art deco coffee table by Thonet, professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Vintage 1930s Hungarian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Low art deco coffee table by Thonet

$809

Post Modern Low Profile Square Coffee Table

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Big on style but not on size, this petite low profile, Post Modern coffee table is perfect for that

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Post Modern Low Profile Square Coffee Table

$1,800

Low Minimal Coffee Table in Blackened Oak

By Klein Agency

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The coffee table focuses on the simplicity and natural beauty of wood. Whether natural or the black

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Low Minimal Coffee Table in Blackened Oak

$1,980 / item

Baguette Low Rounded Canaletto Walnut Coffee Table

By Morica Design

Located in Milan, IT

design of this coffee table. Orthogonal metal sheets - epoxy-powder-varnished in champagne - offer

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Baguette Low Rounded Canaletto Walnut Coffee Table

$1,380 / item

Chinese Low Square Coffee Table, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

The restrained silhouette of this Ming-inspired low table beautifully showcases the even texture

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Low Square Coffee Table, c. 1900

$4,280

Jumu Square Low Table / Coffee Table with Canned Top

Located in Greenwich, CT

refined ju mu wood square low table with woven cane top, beautiful wood grain, walnut finish

Category

Vintage 1920s Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Jumu Square Low Table / Coffee Table with Canned Top

$2,520 Sale Price

28% Off

French Swan s Neck Low Coffee or Cocktail Table

Located in Austin, TX

A fine French low table featuring a square canted and beveled edge clear glass top, set upon a

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

French Swan s Neck Low Coffee or Cocktail Table

$2,495

19th Century Low Table Antique Sofa Table Coffee Table/ Rustic

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

A 19th century French monastery coffee table handcrafted in Provence near Avignon of old growth

Category

Antique 1890s French Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Low Table Antique Sofa Table Coffee Table/ Rustic

$2,677

Antique Rustic Primitive Style Low Table or Coffee Table

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Antique rustic primitive style low table or coffee table. Original painted legs and finish is very

Category

Antique 19th Century Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Rustic Primitive Style Low Table or Coffee Table

$2,072 Sale Price

20% Off

Low Rectangular Antique Coffee Table with Arched Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period low Kang coffee table from the early 20th century, with carved

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Rectangular Antique Coffee Table with Arched Legs

$1,750

Contemporary Coffee Table SOHO by Norr11, Low, Travertine

By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11

Located in Paris, IDF

SOHO COFFEE TABLE BY NORR11 Design: Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl, 2023 Mateirals

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Travertine

Contemporary Coffee Table SOHO by Norr11, Low, Travertine

$809 / item

Contemporary Jesmonite Coffee Table, Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany

By Malgorzata Bany

Located in Warsaw, PL

Contemporary Jesmonite coffee table - Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany. Pilotis Low Table, a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cast Stone

Contemporary Jesmonite Coffee Table, Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany

$13,509 / item

Bodem Low Green Coffee Table by Max Lipsey

Located in Geneve, CH

Bodem Low Green Coffee Table by Max Lipsey Dimensions: D 77 x W 58 x H 44 cm. Materials: Recycled

Category

2010s Dutch Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Bodem Low Green Coffee Table by Max Lipsey

$4,093 / item

Bodem Low Round Coffee Table by Max Lipsey

Located in Geneve, CH

Bodem Low Round Coffee Table by Max Lipsey Dimensions: Ø 66 x H 45 cm. Materials: Recycled ceramic

Category

2010s Dutch Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Bodem Low Round Coffee Table by Max Lipsey

$4,711 / item

Low Wooden Platform Coffee Table with Thick Block Legs

Located in High Point, NC

low profile makes this piece ideal for use as a coffee table, floor table, or display platform. Its

Category

Late 20th Century Indian Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Low Wooden Platform Coffee Table with Thick Block Legs

$925

Andrianna Shamaris Low Minimalist White Washed Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Coffee table hand carved from a single suar wood log. The legs and top are carved from one piece of

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Low Minimalist White Washed Coffee Table

$1,990

French Modernist Rectangular Low or Coffee Table of Brass

Located in Austin, TX

A fine French Modern rectangular low or coffee or cocktail table, featuring a two-tiered patinated

Category

20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Modernist Rectangular Low or Coffee Table of Brass

$3,895

Stylish Low Square Coffee Table Leather Upholstered Customizable

By sicis

Located in London, GB

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Stylish Low Square Coffee Table Leather Upholstered Customizable

$4,164

Stylish Low Square Coffee Table Leather Upholstered Customizable

By sicis

Located in London, GB

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Stylish Low Square Coffee Table Leather Upholstered Customizable

$4,426 / item

Stylish Low Square Coffee Table Leather Upholstered Customizable

By sicis

Located in London, GB

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Stylish Low Square Coffee Table Leather Upholstered Customizable

$3,688 / item

Low Alentejo Estremoz Marble Coffee Table by InsidherLand

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Alentejo Estremoz Marble Coffee Table by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 62 x W 62 x H 42 cm

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Low Alentejo Estremoz Marble Coffee Table by InsidherLand

$2,546 / item

Low Lita Anniversary Coffee Table by Paola Navone

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Lita Anniversary Coffee Table by Paola Navone Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 74 x W 90 x H 35 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Low Lita Anniversary Coffee Table by Paola Navone

$3,212 / item

Primitive Low Walnut Coffee Table From France, Circa 1900

Located in Nashville, TN

Primitive Low Walnut Coffee Table From France, Circa 1900. Low middle from the alps with great

Category

Antique Early 1900s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Primitive Low Walnut Coffee Table From France, Circa 1900

$3,800

Low Na Pali Walnut Coffee Table by InsidherLand

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Na Pali Walnut Coffee Table by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 90 x W 90 x H 40 cm. Materials: wood

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Low Na Pali Walnut Coffee Table by InsidherLand

$8,019 / item

Vintage Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Low Profile

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage MCM Laminate Low Profile Multi-tier Coffee Table The

Category

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

Materials

Laminate

Vintage Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Low Profile

$3,196 Sale Price

20% Off

Low Three Rocks Marquetry Coffee Table by InsidherLand

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Three Rocks Marquetry Coffee Table by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 75 x W 112 x H 37 cm

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Three Rocks Marquetry Coffee Table by InsidherLand

$5,473 / item

Outdoor Low Mason Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

By Kenneth Cobonpue

Located in Geneve, CH

Outdoor Low Mason coffee table by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Fiberglass, Aluminum. Also

Category

2010s Philippine Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Outdoor Low Mason Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

$2,683 / item

Indoor Low Mason Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

By Kenneth Cobonpue

Located in Geneve, CH

Indoor low mason coffee table by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: walnut, steel. Also available in

Category

2010s Philippine Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Indoor Low Mason Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

$2,303 / item

Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table

By Karl Springer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table. Beautiful table with off center oval chrome

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table

$2,600 Sale Price

20% Off

Designer Chinoiserie Tony Duquette Cocktail / Coffee Table / Low Console

By James Mont, Dorothy Draper, Tony Duquette

Located in Chicago, IL

Wonderful Chinoiserie Cocktail/Coffee Table or Low Console in manner of Tony Duquette / James Mont

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Designer Chinoiserie Tony Duquette Cocktail / Coffee Table / Low Console

$4,950

Large Low Pink Single Form Coffee / Sofa Table - Customisable

By Jo Wilton and Mirka Grohn

Located in Leicester, GB

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Large Low Pink Single Form Coffee / Sofa Table - Customisable

$2,473

Large Low Red Aluminium Single Form Coffee Table - Customisable

By Jo Wilton and Mirka Grohn

Located in Leicester, GB

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Large Low Red Aluminium Single Form Coffee Table - Customisable

$2,473

Low Round Tricolumn Coffee Table by MSJ Furniture Studio

Located in Vancouver, BC

Our low sitting Tricolumn Coffee Table looks great in a contemporary interior. The tables

Category

2010s North American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Low Round Tricolumn Coffee Table by MSJ Furniture Studio

$8,200 / item

Low Antique Oak Drop Leaf Side Table or Coffee Table

Located in Delray Beach, FL

-find)! And could use even as coffee table . The top is decorated with repeated carving motif decor

Category

20th Century Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Antique Oak Drop Leaf Side Table or Coffee Table

$1,200

Contemporary Flint Jesmonite Coffee Table, Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany

By Malgorzata Bany

Located in Warsaw, PL

Contemporary Jesmonite coffee table - Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany. Pilotis Low Table, a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cast Stone

Contemporary Flint Jesmonite Coffee Table, Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany

$13,509 / item

English Georgian Silver Plate and Bronze Coffee / Low Table

Located in Queens, NY

English Georgian (19th Cent) rectangular coffee / low table with an elaborately cast silver plate

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Silver, Bronze

English Georgian Silver Plate and Bronze Coffee / Low Table

$29,500

Low Round Tricolumn Coffee Table by MSJ Furniture Studio

Located in Vancouver, BC

Our Tri-column Coffee Table is inspired by columns left behind by ancient Greek and Roman

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Low Round Tricolumn Coffee Table by MSJ Furniture Studio

$8,950 / item

European Low Wooden Coffee Table, Europe Mid-20th Century

Located in Utrecht, NL

This coffee table embodies the essence of European mid-century design, with its distinctive

Category

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

Materials

Wood

European Low Wooden Coffee Table, Europe Mid-20th Century

$3,300

French Low Coffee or Cocktail Table of Steel and Brass

Located in Austin, TX

A fine French low coffee or cocktail table featuring a square clear glass top set upon a stylish

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal, Steel

French Low Coffee or Cocktail Table of Steel and Brass

$1,495

Bodil Kjaer Rare Low Square Coffee Table, circa 1959

By Bodil Kjaer

Located in New York, NY

Bodil Kjaer (1932 Denmark - 1960), rare, low, square rosewood coffee table with chromed steel frame

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Bodil Kjaer Rare Low Square Coffee Table, circa 1959

$5,950

Japanese Vintage Zataku, Wabi sabi black long low table, coffee table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Japanese vintage Zataku (low table) , manufactured circa 1950s to 70s, estimate from the style

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Japanese Vintage Zataku, Wabi sabi black long low table, coffee table

$1,840 / item

Low Round Tricolumn Coffee Table by MSJ Furniture Studio

Located in Vancouver, BC

Our Tri-Column Coffee Table is made from solid beech in our Vancouver based furniture studio

Category

2010s North American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Low Round Tricolumn Coffee Table by MSJ Furniture Studio

$8,200 / item

Rene Drouet French Forties low coffee or side table

By René Drouet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Forties coffee table/low side table by Rene Drouet, lat 1940s, in gilt forged iron. 30.5

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Rene Drouet French Forties low coffee or side table

$9,250

19th Century Asian Low Table or Coffee Table From Architectural Elements

Located in Milford, NH

This interesting and super cool low table or coffee table is constructed from 19th century Asian

Category

Antique 19th Century Asian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Asian Low Table or Coffee Table From Architectural Elements

$1,600

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Low Burl Wood Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A beautiful vintage modern burl coffee table designed in the style of Milo Baughman. A convenient

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Low Burl Wood Coffee Table

$1,600

Japanese Antique Low Table / Coffee Table / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei

Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture

This is an old Japanese low table, which is believed to have been used for reading and writing in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Low Table / Coffee Table / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei

$1,000

Large Low Ice Blue Single Form Coffee / Sofa Table - Customisable

By Jo Wilton and Mirka Grohn

Located in Leicester, GB

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Large Low Ice Blue Single Form Coffee / Sofa Table - Customisable

$2,473

Rustic Natural Cleaned Solid Oak Round Coffee Table or Low Table

Located in Casteren, NL

This authentic round coffee table was made from reclaimed oak beams. It is a piece of family

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Rustic Natural Cleaned Solid Oak Round Coffee Table or Low Table

$3,867

Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Coffee Table by Paola Navone

Located in Geneve, CH

Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Coffee Table by Paola Navone Dimensions: D 74 x W 90 x H 35 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Coffee Table by Paola Navone

$1,701 / 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.
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.
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.
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 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 a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

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