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

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Dining Table 130/75

$22,227

Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Dining Table 130/75

Located in Geneve, CH

measure. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Dining Table 130/75

$18,840

Oval Travertino Silver Contemporary Marble Dining Table 290/75

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Oval Travertino Silver Contemporary Marble Dining Table 290/75

$43,396

Ceramic Enameled Coffee Table, France, 1950s

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

ceramic terracotta lava stone enameled coffee low cocktail side end table or Guéridon, black metal

Category

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

Materials

Lava, Metal

Ceramic Enameled Coffee Table, France, 1950s

$4,089

Final payment 35% Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Dining Table

Located in Geneve, CH

tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are impregnated with

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Final payment 35% Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Dining Table

$28,866

Louis XV Grey Blue and Gilt Table

Located in New York, NY

Louis XV grey blue and gilt table. Louis XV style grey blue and gilt side/ low coffee/ drinks table

Category

Vintage 1930s French Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Grey Blue and Gilt Table

$1,150

Set of Large Rattan Nesting Coffee Tables, Italy

By Vivai del Sud

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Set of Large Nesting nested tables or coffee low cocktails side end tables rattan inlay marquetry

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Brass

Set of Large Rattan Nesting Coffee Tables, Italy

$7,216

Chinoiserie Lacquered Gilt Metal Jansen Style Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Forney, TX

size and proportions, ideal for use as a low coffee table, chair side table, sofa end table, cocktail

Category

Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Chinoiserie Lacquered Gilt Metal Jansen Style Coffee Table

$2,950

2nd 50% order 63167762 290cm x 160cm x 75 table in Port Saint Laurent

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

2nd 50% order 63167762 290cm x 160cm x 75 table in Port Saint Laurent

$21,986

Spanish Baroque Carved Wood Coffee Table with Green Marble Top

Located in Barcelona, ES

46 cm H. Low Table / Side Table / Center Table / Coffee Table.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Revival Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Marble

Spanish Baroque Carved Wood Coffee Table with Green Marble Top

$5,893

Sergio Rodrigues Large Mahogany Coffee Table for OCA Brazil

By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Japanese-style low dining table. The sides of this table are open, allowing for ample leg room and more

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Sergio Rodrigues Large Mahogany Coffee Table for OCA Brazil

$3,500

French Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Charles

By Maison Charles, Maison Charles et Fils

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

A wonderful French low coffee table or side table attributed to Maison Charles, France, circa 1960

Category

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

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

French Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Charles

$900

Pair of Tables Are Steel and Concrete by Stéphane Ducatteau, France, 2000s

By Stephane Ducatteau

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Contemporary brutalist creation Set of 2 or pair of coffee cocktail side end low tables in steel

Category

Early 2000s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Metal, Steel

Pair of Tables Are Steel and Concrete by Stéphane Ducatteau, France, 2000s

$3,608

Japanese Elm, Low Writing Table, Meiji Period, circa 1890

Located in San Francisco, CA

connection. A very simple form and convenient size suited for many purposes as: a low side or cocktail table

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Elm

Japanese Elm, Low Writing Table, Meiji Period, circa 1890

$750

Small Bamboo Pedestal Side Table or Plant Stand

Located in New York, NY

A small, low, bamboo pedestal side or drinks table or plant stand, circa 1970s. Table has a

Category

Vintage 1970s Chinoiserie Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Bamboo

Small Bamboo Pedestal Side Table or Plant Stand

$475

Midcentury Wicker Rattan and Wood Stool or Side Table

Located in New York, NY

A vintage midcentury round wicker stool, footstool, low side or drinks table. Piece measures

Category

Vintage 1960s American Footstools

Materials

Wood, Rattan, Wicker

Midcentury Wicker Rattan and Wood Stool or Side Table

$325

Midcentury Pair of Bamboo Rattan Gold Nightstands with Drawer and Low Shelve

Located in Miami, FL

rattan side table nightstand with grass-mat coverings, edges are finished with bentwood nails. All

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Rattan, Bentwood

Midcentury Pair of Bamboo Rattan Gold Nightstands with Drawer and Low Shelve

$2,380

1950s Pair of Paul McCobb Black Walnut Low Nightstands with Black Micarta Top

By Paul McCobb

Located in Bainbridge, NY

, Low Study End Tables or Low Library Side Tables

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Formica, Walnut

1950s Pair of Paul McCobb Black Walnut Low Nightstands with Black Micarta Top

$4,450

Modernist Wood Bench, France, 1950s

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

as a low console / side table, or as a bench at the foot of a large bed.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Benches

Modernist Wood Bench, France, 1950s

$1,082

Tommi Parzinger style Chests by Hart Associates

By Tommi Parzinger, Hart Associates 1

Located in Rochester, NY

Pair of two drawer low chests / side tables by Hart Associates in the original texture painted

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Composition, Brass

Tommi Parzinger style Chests by Hart Associates

$1,650

Brutalist Three Legged Stool in Carved Solid Elm, France, 1950s

Located in The Hague, NL

stool could also function well as a low, small side table.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Brutalist Stools

Materials

Elm

Brutalist Three Legged Stool in Carved Solid Elm, France, 1950s

$1,383

Early 20th Century Metal Trunk Set into Plinth

Located in Houston, TX

space where a small, low coffee table or side table is needed.

Category

Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Metal Trunk Set into Plinth

$1,900

Chinese Peony and Lotus Garden Seat

Located in Chicago, IL

surroundings, and can be used as a low seat or side table indoors or out.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Peony and Lotus Garden Seat

$3,280

Pair of Low Side Tables by Osvaldo Borsani

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in New York, NY

Low square tables of mahogany with fluted facing on all four sides. One small center drawer per

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Low Side Tables by Osvaldo Borsani

$12,500 / set

Low Hexagonal Side Table by Phillip Lloyd Powell

Located in New York, NY

Low Hexagonal Side Table by Phillip Lloyd Powell in walnut with inset slate top.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Side Tables

Materials

Slate

Low Hexagonal Side Table by Phillip Lloyd Powell

Low "African Stool" table by Karl Springer

By Karl Springer

Located in New York, NY

this stool into an interesting side table. *To see our entire inventory, please visit www.donzella.com

Category

Late 20th Century American Side Tables

Low "African Stool" table by Karl Springer

$5,800

Low cone table by Phillip Lloyd Powell

Located in New York, NY

A chip carved occasional table in a low conical form with a rosewood top. Hand carved and gilt by

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Side Tables

Low cone table by Phillip Lloyd Powell

James Mont, Gilt Low Table, USA, 1963

By James Mont

Located in New York, NY

Gilt low table by James Mont. Square top decorated with chinoiserie fretwork carved apron on a

Category

Vintage 1960s American Side Tables

Materials

Wood

James Mont, Gilt Low Table, USA, 1963

"Interlocking Circles" Rare Low Table by Philip Kelvin LaVerne

Located in New York, NY

Rare and early side table with faux-bamboo legs and abstract patterned top. Bronze and pewter.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Side Tables

"Interlocking Circles" Rare Low Table by Philip Kelvin LaVerne

Pair of Side Tables by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb

Located in New York, NY

Pair of dark-stained, parsons-style side tables, with low shelf. Simple design with great

Category

Vintage 1940s American Side Tables

Pair of Side Tables by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb

$6,500

Pair of Low Side Chests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Low Side Chests From the "New World Collection" in Dark Stained Mahogany w/ Inverted Drawer

Category

Vintage 1940s American End Tables

Pair of Low Side Chests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Pair of Capiz Shell Tables

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low triangular side tables with dark mahogany legs. Stunning shell tops.

Category

Vintage 1960s American End Tables

Materials

Shell, Mahogany

Pair of Capiz Shell Tables

$2,800

Cocktail Table #5632N by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in New York, NY

Walnut, Natzler Tiles. Long low table with bowed sides & 5 circular ceramic Natzler tiles inset on

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Cocktail Table #5632N by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$16,500

Paul Frankl Side Tables

By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl

Located in New York, NY

Pair of low side tables by Paul Frankl. Petite side tables, designed for Johnson furniture company

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Paul Frankl Side Tables

$6,800

Osvaldo Borsani Low Tables

By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in New York, NY

Pair of mirrored-top, low side tables by Osvaldo Borsani. Low square tables of mahogany and inset

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Osvaldo Borsani Low Tables

$10,500

French Dark Stained Low Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French dark stained low side table with cylindrical played legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Oak

French Dark Stained Low Side Table

$1,400

19th C. English Walnut Low Side Table

Located in New York, NY

English Walnut Low Side Table with Buttom Feet

Category

Antique 19th Century English Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th C. English Walnut Low Side Table

$2,900

Pair of Anglo-Indian Low Side Tables

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Complementary pair of stunning hand lacquered etched metal Anglo-Indian style low side tables

Category

Vintage 1950s American Anglo-Indian Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Anglo-Indian Low Side Tables

$1,895

French Oak Scalloped Low Side Tables with Tapered Legs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French oak scalloped low side tables with tapered legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Side Tables

French Oak Scalloped Low Side Tables with Tapered Legs

$600 / item

Vintage Primitive Willow and Wood Painted Low Side Table

Located in Oakland Park, FL

Vintage primitive willow and wood painted low side table. Could be use as a low stool. Sturdy

Category

Vintage 1970s Canadian Adirondack Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Willow

Vintage Primitive Willow and Wood Painted Low Side Table

$290

A Pair Of Low Side-tables By Jean-claude Mahey.

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Madrid, Madrid

A pair of ivory-lacquered low side-tables, inlaid with copper geometric-decorations.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Side Tables

Materials

Copper

A Pair Of Low Side-tables By Jean-claude Mahey.

$6,723

Mid 20th century low side table, round top with Checkerboard

Located in New York, NY

A mid 20th century low side table, round top with Checkerboard parquetry, 4 small drawer, 4 tubular

Category

20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid 20th century low side table, round top with Checkerboard

$5,800

Set of 4 Painted Low Side Tables/Stools - British (Bristol), c1960s

Located in London, GB

Set of 4 Painted Low Side Tables/Stools - British (Bristol), c1960s Made by Functional in Bristol

Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Set of 4 Painted Low Side Tables/Stools - British (Bristol), c1960s

$310 / set

Weathered Low Side Table

Located in By Appointment Only, Ontario

Wonderful Primitive table with weathered gray patina. Top is 5" thick. New England, 1920.

Category

Vintage 1920s American Rustic Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Weathered Low Side Table

$875

Pair of Early 20th Century Gilt Metal and Marble Low Side Tables

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

An attractive pair of early 20th century gilt metal and marble low side tables. With breche

Category

Early 20th Century English Side Tables

Pair of Early 20th Century Gilt Metal and Marble Low Side Tables

$2,205

Low Side Table by Pierre Paulin

Located in New York, NY

A low side table with glass top and anodized aluminum base by Pierre Paulin

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Low Side Table by Pierre Paulin

Pair of Low Side tables by Merrow Associates, circa 1960

By Merrow Associates

Located in Paddock Wood, Kent

Pair of low side tables by Merrow Associates, circa 1960. A pair of low rosewood shelf side tables

Category

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Pair of Low Side tables by Merrow Associates, circa 1960

$3,652

Charming 18th Century Low Side Table

Located in New York, NY

Charming 18th Century low side table. Wide overhang resting on turned legs, stretchers and

Category

Antique 18th Century End Tables

Materials

Wood

Charming 18th Century Low Side Table

$1,000

Copper-Clad Low Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A winsome, compact, copper-clad side table. A simple, right-angled, wooden sub-structure clad in

Category

Vintage 1960s American Side Tables

Materials

Copper

Copper-Clad Low Side Table

$1,800

Harvey Probber Style Low Side Tables, Pair

By Harvey Probber

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of high-gloss black hexagonal side tables in the style of Harvey Probber.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Harvey Probber Style Low Side Tables, Pair

$2,700

Low Side Table by Nanda Vigo, 1980s

By Nanda Vigo

Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles

Designer - Nanda Vigo Design Period - Eighties Measurements - Width 43 cm x Depth 40 cm x Height 28 cm Materials - Metal, glass Color - Blue, clear, black Light wear consistent...

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Low Side Table by Nanda Vigo, 1980s

$1,503

Interesting Low Side Table With Sunburst Veneer

Located in New Orleans, LA

The circular top in a sunburst pattern with an inlaid veneer circular band , raised on four circular tapering legs.

Category

20th Century Unknown Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Interesting Low Side Table With Sunburst Veneer

$3,450

Early Solid Core Eames LTR Low Side Tables

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

Great vintage condition A few flea bites on the edge.

Category

Vintage 1950s Side Tables

Early Solid Core Eames LTR Low Side Tables

$1,650 / set

Moroccan Rustic Artisanal Vintage Hand-Painted Low Side Table

Located in Oakland Park, FL

Hexagonal shape rustic artisanal vintage side hand painted table. Multi-color handmade and hand

Category

Vintage 1970s Moroccan Rustic Side Tables

Materials

Paint, Fruitwood

Moroccan Rustic Artisanal Vintage Hand-Painted Low Side Table

$325

Vintage Bamboo Round Low Side Table with Rattan Details

Located in Oakland Park, FL

Vintage bamboo round side table Bamboo vintage round small side table with slatted bamboo top

Category

Vintage 1970s French Bohemian Side Tables

Materials

Rattan, Bamboo

Vintage Bamboo Round Low Side Table with Rattan Details

$55

Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper Low Side Table Mod. Eros

By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper

Located in Morbio Inferiore, CH

Very nice and sexy side table in white Carrara marble Possibility of a second one in taller size.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper Low Side Table Mod. Eros

$5,773

Mid-Century Modern Style Pierced White Low Side Table

By Lynne Meade Ceramics

Located in Oakland, CA

Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the pierced side table is wheel thrown and hand pierced in

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Mid-Century Modern Style Pierced White Low Side Table

$700

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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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