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.

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 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 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.

What are side tables used for?

Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are nesting side tables?

A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What size should a side table be?

A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.

What are side tables called?

Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.

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.

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

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 can you tell if a side table is antique?

To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tall side table called?

A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.

What are tiny side tables called?

What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

Low Side Tables

Shimmer Table

Dining Table With Metal Inlay

Category

20th Century Side Tables

Chic Black Lacquered and Parcel-Gilt Chinese Style Side Tables

$4,800

Antique French Style Mahogany and Kingwood Marquetry Inlaid Low Side Table

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique French style side table offers mahogany construction with kingwood inlaid foliate

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Kingwood, Mahogany

Antique French Style Mahogany and Kingwood Marquetry Inlaid Low Side Table

$600

Pair of Henredon Scene Two Burled Olive Wood Low Side End Tables Parsons Style

By Henredon

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Pair of Henredon scene two burled olive wood low side tables. Item features patchwork burl wood

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Pair of Henredon Scene Two Burled Olive Wood Low Side End Tables Parsons Style

$1,350 / set

Pair of French 1950 s Brass and Glass Side Tables

Located in Doylestown, PA

Pair of 1950’s French low side tables in the manner of Jansen, with brass bases and inset smoked

Category

Vintage 1950s French Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of French 1950 s Brass and Glass Side Tables

$4,950

Mirror Top Side Table with Tripod Arrow Foot Base

Located in Troy, MI

Circa 1940s low side table has a round mirrored table top with decorative rope twist metal rim and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Mirror Top Side Table with Tripod Arrow Foot Base

$995

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Ebonized Low Side Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Wilmington, DE

What a find! Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern end table designed by Paul McCobb for Planner

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Ebonized Low Side Table

$695

Burnt Wood Side Table, Made in England

Located in Culver City, CA

Burnt Wood Side Table Made in England Low side table cut and shaped from a mature ash tree

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Side Tables

Materials

Ash

Burnt Wood Side Table, Made in England

$7,200

a pair of Ico Parisi tables

Located in New York, NY

a pair of low side tables

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Side Tables

a pair of Ico Parisi tables

$8,000

Pine and Oak Side Table

Located in Baltimore, MD

A sturdy low side table with four round legs and a painted pine base and polished oak top. The

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Side Tables

Materials

Oak, Pine

Pine and Oak Side Table

$995

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Cork Sculpted Walnut Glass Square Low Side Tables

Located in Philadelphia, PA

form. Can be used as side tables or would even be cool to push both together and use as a coffee table

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Cork

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Cork Sculpted Walnut Glass Square Low Side Tables

$1,025 / set

Pair of English 1870s Black and Gold Chinoiserie Low Pedestal Side Tables

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of English black and gold chinoiserie low side tables from the late 19th century, with

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Side Tables

Materials

Giltwood, Wood

Pair of English 1870s Black and Gold Chinoiserie Low Pedestal Side Tables

$4,500 / set

A LaVerne Chinoserie Style Acid Etched Side Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in New York, NY

A rectangle serpentine edge low side table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, with tapering in swept

Category

Vintage 1960s Chinoiserie Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

A LaVerne Chinoserie Style Acid Etched Side Table

$6,800

Prefacto Side Tables by Pierre Guariche for Trefac

By Pierre Guariche

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

The Prefacto low side table was designed by Pierre Guariche and made by Trefac in the early 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Prefacto Side Tables by Pierre Guariche for Trefac

$1,016

Vintage Gold Gilt Italian Hollywood Regency Palm Leaf Sheaf of Wheat Side Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage gold gilt Italian Hollywood Regency palm leaf sheaf of wheat low side table. Item features

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Vintage Gold Gilt Italian Hollywood Regency Palm Leaf Sheaf of Wheat Side Table

$1,350

Dutch Primitive Bark Raw Live Edge Stool / Side Table

Located in Bristol, GB

Mid 20th century primitive stool / side table from the Netherlands with a raw natural live bark

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Dutch Primitive Bark Raw Live Edge Stool / Side Table

$431

Rare Swedish Low Stool or Sidetable in Teak

Located in Waalwijk, NL

has a low height and may be used as stool as well as a low side table.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Rare Swedish Low Stool or Sidetable in Teak

$2,475

Side Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s

By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet

Located in Greding, DE

Low side table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for A.B. Nordiska Kompaniet. The triangular tabletop

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Side Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s

$4,303

Brutalist French Wood Turned Wine Press Side Table, 1950s

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Zaandam, NL

Stunning French low side table or pedestal dating from the 1940s- 1950s constructed in blond oak

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Brutalist French Wood Turned Wine Press Side Table, 1950s

$687

Michael Taylor for Baker s Far East Collection

By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Square low side table of walnut and oak. Recently refinished, exhibiting a modernist style with

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Michael Taylor for Baker s Far East Collection

$650

ClassiCon Height Adjustable Sax Side Table by Christoph Böninger

Located in New York, NY

table‘s edge. A small turn of the hand changes sax from a low side table into a high serving trolley and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

ClassiCon Height Adjustable Sax Side Table by Christoph Böninger

$2,742 / item

Indian Silver Repoussé Side Table or Drinks Table

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A beautiful, Indian, Mid-20th Century, low side table or drinks table. The table features an

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Side Tables

Materials

Silver Plate, Nickel

Indian Silver Repoussé Side Table or Drinks Table

$750

Swedish Bruno Mathsson Coffee Table Annika Made of Ash by Karl Mathsson, Sweden

By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Low side table or coffee table model Annika designed by the Swedish furniture designer and

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ash

Swedish Bruno Mathsson Coffee Table Annika Made of Ash by Karl Mathsson, Sweden

$1,189

Contemporary Ceramic Furniture, Table, 2020, Rutger de Regt, the Netherlands

By Rutger de Regt

Located in The Hague, NL

Contemporary ceramic furniture, low side table, hand build by the artist in 2020. The unique

Category

2010s European Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Epoxy Resin

Contemporary Ceramic Furniture, Table, 2020, Rutger de Regt, the Netherlands

$2,211

Rare Version of 1960s Tulip Side Table by Maurice Burke for Arkana, UK

By Arkana Furniture, Maurice Burke

Located in Stow on the Wold, GB

low side table. White Formica top with anodized aluminum rim and glass inset. The glass is removable

Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Rare Version of 1960s Tulip Side Table by Maurice Burke for Arkana, UK

$615

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Teak Wood Side Table or Mirror

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

placed in the center or a thick piece of glass over the entire top flat section for a low side table. We

Category

Vintage 1950s Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood, Shell, Glass

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Teak Wood Side Table or Mirror

$2,900

Art Deco Mirrored Pedestal Table, c. 1930s

Located in Chicago, IL

that defined Art Deco furniture design. Dated to the 1930s, the low side table has a striking

Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Art Deco Mirrored Pedestal Table, c. 1930s

$2,180

side table by Gugliemlo Ulrich

Located in New York, NY

beautiful handmade low side table

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian End Tables

Materials

Rosewood

side table by Gugliemlo Ulrich

$13,500

Pair of Arne Vodder Low Two-Drawer Rosewood Side Tables

By Arne Vodder, N.C. Møbler 1

Located in Little Burstead, Essex

Stunning pair of rosewood low side tables, in beautiful rosewood and in fantastic condition. One

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Pair of Arne Vodder Low Two-Drawer Rosewood Side Tables

$6,491

SPANISH LATE 18TH CENTURY SIDE TABLE

Located in Los Angeles, CA

BEUTEFUL WALNUT LOW SIDE TABLE.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish End Tables

Materials

Walnut

SPANISH LATE 18TH CENTURY SIDE TABLE

Scandinavian Modern Teak Red Lacquered Stool / Side Table by Illum Wikkelsø

By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen

Located in Odense, DK

combined in different ways. This piece can either be used as a low side table or a seating module with the

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Teak

Scandinavian Modern Teak Red Lacquered Stool / Side Table by Illum Wikkelsø

$2,271

Vintage Baker Furniture Fruitwood Side Table

Located in Mt Kisco, NY

A perfect example of the quality of Baker Furniture. Solid wood low side table trimmed in brass.

Category

Vintage 1950s American End Tables

Vintage Baker Furniture Fruitwood Side Table

$1,200

Louis XV Style Early 20th Century Dough Bin Petite Table with Floral Carving

Located in Atlanta, GA

would serve beautifully as a low side table, perhaps a drinks table.

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Style Early 20th Century Dough Bin Petite Table with Floral Carving

$2,100

Pair of Empire-style side tables

Located in New York, NY

Pair of three leg Empire-style oval top low side tables with one drawer and gilt metal mounts.

Category

Vintage 1940s French End Tables

Pair of Empire-style side tables

$6,800

Pair Of 50s Side Low Tables

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Pair of side low tables, manufactured in the '50s. Wooden top, iron structure.

Category

Vintage 1950s Side Tables

Pair Of 50s Side Low Tables

$1,075

Side table circa 1960

Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR

Very decorative low side table in carved wood with a mirrored top circa 1960. Great quality and

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Side table circa 1960

$1,374

Vintage French Low Profile Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A low leveled vintage French side table with beautiful black lacquered paint. Versatile and sturdy

Category

Mid-20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Low Profile Side Table

$975 / item

Pair of Cerused Oak Side Tables

Located in Doylestown, PA

A simple but elegant pair of cerused oak low side tables, French, circa 1950. The tables are nice

Category

Vintage 1950s French End Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of Cerused Oak Side Tables

$3,300

Antique Georgian Low Boy Side Table

Located in London, GB

A smart and useful antique George III period lowboy. This dates from around the 1790’s period. It is of extremely fine quality, made from solid wood and is a useful size. There ar...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Georgian Low Boy Side Table

$1,332

Side Tables Dieter Rams Low Table Progam 010

By Dieter Rams

Located in Den Haag, NL

This rare set of 2 nesting tables is called the modular 'Low Table Program 010'. It was designed by

Category

Early 2000s German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Side Tables Dieter Rams Low Table Progam 010

$2,092 / set

Pair of Side Tables with Drawers

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of black lacquered low side tables from provincial China with a single drawer, brass hardware

Category

Antique 19th Century Tables

Pair of Side Tables with Drawers

$3,360

Low inlaid side table by Louis Majorelle

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low inlaid side table by Louis Majorelle

Category

Early 20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Mother-of-Pearl

Low inlaid side table by Louis Majorelle

$3,000

Antique Burr Walnut Low Boy Side Table

Located in London, GB

A charming antique lowboy side table, beautifully made from walnut & dating from around the 1890

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Low Boy Side Table

$1,503

Low Cricket Table as Side Table or Small Coffee Table

Located in Houston, TX

Low cricket table as side table or small coffee table. Georgian cricket table, circa 1740-1760

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Folk Art Side Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Pine

Low Cricket Table as Side Table or Small Coffee Table

$3,400

Low Pink Glass Side Table, by Tokujin Yoshioka

By Tokujin Yoshioka

Located in Miami, FL

Contemporary low Murano pink glass side table, in stock by Tokujin Yoshioka Pink Murano textured

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Low Pink Glass Side Table, by Tokujin Yoshioka

$2,400

Antique Georgian Style Low Boy Side Table / Desk

Located in London, GB

A beautiful and very well made antique low boy side table in the Georgian style. This was made in

Category

Vintage 1930s English Georgian Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Georgian Style Low Boy Side Table / Desk

$1,503

Christian Liaigre Nuage Side Table Low (size 1)

By Christian Liaigre

Located in Vancouver, BC

The side table Nuage whose top is in marble and the structure in nickel-plated bronze, is born from

Category

2010s French Side Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Christian Liaigre Nuage Side Table Low (size 1)

$17,987

Small Pair of Low Wrought-Iron Side Tables

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Charming pair of round side tables from the 1950s. Top is of perforated sheet metal with a

Category

20th Century French Side Tables

Small Pair of Low Wrought-Iron Side Tables

$1,912

1940 s Swiss Hi Low Double Side Table

Located in New York, NY

This side table has many multiple functions. It opens, as you can see, to reveal two different

Category

Vintage 1940s Side Tables

1940 s Swiss Hi Low Double Side Table

$2,650

Japanese antique wabi-sabi wooden low table / 1800s / side table

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Finally, the wait is over - a wooden low table filled with wabi-sabi charm! This wooden low table

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Side Tables

Materials

Cedar

Japanese antique wabi-sabi wooden low table / 1800s / side table

$1,000

Zebra Wood Tiered Low Bookcase Side or End Table

Located in Miami, FL

Zebra wood tiered low bookcase side or end table Offered for sale is a low zebra wood tiered

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Zebra Wood

Zebra Wood Tiered Low Bookcase Side or End Table

$316

19th Century English Parquetry Oak Low Boy Side Table

Located in San Marino, CA

Parquetry Oak low boy 19th Century English Side table with round inlay on front side.

Category

Antique 19th Century Side Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Parquetry Oak Low Boy Side Table

$3,200

English George III Oak Fruitwood Side Table / Low Boy

Located in Staffordshire, GB

Circa 1770 George III Provincial oak & fruitwood side table / low boy Pegged construction with

Category

Antique 1770s English Side Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

English George III Oak Fruitwood Side Table / Low Boy

$4,441

Pair of Italian Wheat Sheaf Low or Side Tables

Located in Austin, TX

A pair of Italian cocktail or coffee low tables, each featuring a round glass top set upon a

Category

20th Century Italian Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Pair of Italian Wheat Sheaf Low or Side Tables

$2,495

Poul Jensen Danish Modern Teak Side Table

By Poul Jensen, Selig

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish modern, 3 sided, teak, coffee table or low side table with turned up edges and woven rattan

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Walnut

Poul Jensen Danish Modern Teak Side Table

$1,200

low table

Located in New York, NY

a low round table

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Wood

low table

$2,500

low table

Located in New York, NY

a low table with a shelf and drawer

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Parchment Paper

low table

$11,000

Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Series Side Table

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Rare low side table by Angelo Mangiarotti with beautiful Italian black marquina marble. Part of the

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Series Side Table

$7,800

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Low Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of low side tables available for sale. Each of these unique low side tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and glass. There are 345 antique and vintage low side tables for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 94 modern editions to choose from as well. Low side tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Low side tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but Modern, Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small low side tables measuring 6 inches across. Low side tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Angelo Mangiarotti, ClassiCon and Dessie Studio are consistently popular.

How Much are Low Side Tables?

Prices for low side tables start at $55 and top out at $36,894 with the average selling for $2,207.

Finding the Right Tables for You

The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.

Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.

Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.

Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.

The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.

Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.

No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .

Questions About Low Side Tables

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.
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 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 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.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
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.
Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
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 can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

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