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.

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.

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

What is the difference between a 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.

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of 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.

When did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.

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.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Modernist Coffee Table

Rietveld Wim

1970 Glass Chrome Table

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Mid Century Formica Table

Midcentury White Formica Table

Side Tables Bleached Wood

Metal Table Formica Top

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

Materials

Steel

Dutch Modernist Coffee Table with Square Rod Base and Teak Top, 1950s

$1,450

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST COFFEE TABLE att. to GUSTAVE GAUTIER, France 1950

By Jacques Adnet, Gustave Gautier

Located in PARIS, FR

An elegant architectural and square rectangular coffee table, Mod-Century-Modern, Modernist

Category

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

Materials

Metal

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST COFFEE TABLE att. to GUSTAVE GAUTIER, France 1950

$4,563

Italian Birds Eye Maple and Black Glass Cocktail Table, circa 1970

Located in New York, NY

A sleek Italian modernist coffee table, the black glass top with an X shaped inset motif of red and

Category

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

Materials

Cut Glass, Birdseye Maple

Italian Birds Eye Maple and Black Glass Cocktail Table, circa 1970

$7,000

German Artdeco Oak Root Wood Veneer Modernist Coffee Table by Bruno Paul 1920s

By Bruno Paul

Located in Halle, DE

A Modernist Coffeetable by German Designer Bruno Paul The wooden structure of this Artdeco -meets

Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

German Artdeco Oak Root Wood Veneer Modernist Coffee Table by Bruno Paul 1920s

$3,362

Mid-Century Modernist Coffee Table with Black Frame, Glass Top and Rattan Basket

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century rectangular glass coffee table with lower woven wicker basket on black enameled metal

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modernist Coffee Table with Black Frame, Glass Top and Rattan Basket

$2,250

Modernist "Rokato" Rattan Glass Coffee Table by Gebr. Jonkers, 1970

By Gijs Bakker

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Captivating 1970s Dutch modernist coffee table from the acclaimed Rokato collection, attributed to

Category

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

Materials

Rattan, Smoked Glass, Wood

Modernist "Rokato" Rattan Glass Coffee Table by Gebr. Jonkers, 1970

$1,850

New in Box Cees Braakman "TU04" Coffee Table with Reversible Top for Pastoe

By Cees Braakman, Pastoe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

From the original owners family comes this rare, never used "TU04" modernist coffee table, designed

Category

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

Materials

Metal

New in Box Cees Braakman "TU04" Coffee Table with Reversible Top for Pastoe

$1,400

Square Coffee Table in Steel and Glass

By Horst Bruning, Kill International

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Coffee table, steel and glass, The Netherlands, 1970s Modernist coffee table in chrome plated

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Square Coffee Table in Steel and Glass

$1,650

Henning Norgaard Rosewood Coffee Table, 1960s

By Komfort, Henning Norgaard

Located in London, England

Henning Norgaard - Coffee Table, 1960s A striking, modernist coffee table from lesser-known Danish

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Henning Norgaard Rosewood Coffee Table, 1960s

$6,196

Swedish Modern coffee table with brass inlays, Sweden, 1940s

Located in Forserum, SE

Swedish 1940s modernist coffee table constructed from a hexagonal tabletop with upturned edges

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Swedish Modern coffee table with brass inlays, Sweden, 1940s

$3,362 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage Mid-Century Italian Modern Brass Coffee Table with Stone Top, 1970s

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

This modernist coffee table was manufactured in Italy during the 1970s. The tabletop, crafted from

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Italian Modern Brass Coffee Table with Stone Top, 1970s

$2,035

Vintage Mid-Century German Modern Round Rosewood Coffee Table from Ilse Möbel

By Ilse Möbel

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

This rare, modernist coffee table was produced by the German manufacturer Ilse Möbel during the

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century German Modern Round Rosewood Coffee Table from Ilse Möbel

$1,436 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Santambrogio and De Berti

By Ettore Sottsass, Santambrogio De Berti

Located in Milano, IT

Step into the world of timeless elegance with this exquisite modernist coffee table, a true

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Santambrogio and De Berti

$2,402 Sale Price

20% Off

Brazilian Mid-Century Center Table in Hardwood, by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios

By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

This stunning Brazilian modernist coffee table, attributed to the renowned Liceu de Artes e Ofícios

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Brazilian Mid-Century Center Table in Hardwood, by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios

$6,900

Italian Modernist Travertine Coffee Table

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Beautiful Italian modernist travertine coffee table designed in Italy, circa 1970s. The combination

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Modernist Travertine Coffee Table

$4,200

Large Modernist Brass Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Large modernist brass coffee table. Stylized bamboo motif. Glass and brass.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Modernist Brass Coffee Table

$7,800

1930s Modernist Octagonal Coffee Table

Located in Marseille, FR

Octagonal coffee table 1930 modernist dimension to take dimension height 38 cm for u tray diameter

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

1930s Modernist Octagonal Coffee Table

$624

Modernist ceramic coffee table, circa 1960

Located in LYON, FR

Maison Lecan presents Modernist ceramic coffee table, circa 1960 Rectangular coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist ceramic coffee table, circa 1960

$1,669

1970s Danish Modernist Pedestal Coffee Table

Located in High Point, NC

This 1970s Danish Modernist pedestal coffee table embodies the clean lines and refined simplicity

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Danish Modernist Pedestal Coffee Table

$2,195

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table. Circa 1970

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This modernist chrome coffee table with triple feet is made of chrome with 2 glass shelves. This is

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table. Circa 1970

$3,795 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage French Modernist Glass Coffee Table

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This is a lovely 1960's French glass-top coffee table with its clean lines and slick design. The

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage French Modernist Glass Coffee Table

$2,060

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached wood modernist coffee/side table.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

$1,500

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached wood modernist coffee/side table.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

$1,500

Modernist Brass Coffee Table with Travertine Top

Located in Chicago, IL

20th century Modernist style coffee table with brass base and travertine top.

Category

20th Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Modernist Brass Coffee Table with Travertine Top

$6,200

Modernist mahogany coffee table from the 1930s

Located in MONTESSON, FR

This modernist mahogany coffee table dates from the 1930s. It features three levels of top. This

Category

Vintage 1930s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Modernist mahogany coffee table from the 1930s

$1,501

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table from the 1970s

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table from the 1970s Large Mid Century Chrome and Glass Designer Coffee

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Chrome Coffee Table from the 1970s

$3,304

Modernist Gilt Iron and Glass Coffee Table

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A modernist gilt iron and glass coffee table. The base is constructed of gilt forged iron in

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Modernist Gilt Iron and Glass Coffee Table

$3,900

Modernist Italian Travertine and Brass Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Modernist Italian travertine and brass coffee table. The frame of table is brass with an oval

Category

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

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Modernist Italian Travertine and Brass Coffee Table

$6,800

Large Custom Made Modernist Mod Coffee Table

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Large custom made modernist mod coffee table featuring a large MDF top and welded tubular steel

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Large Custom Made Modernist Mod Coffee Table

$1,104 Sale Price

31% Off

Italian Modernist Brass and Lucite Coffee Table

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Exceptional vintage Italian modernist brass and lucite coffee table designed and manufactured in

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Modernist Brass and Lucite Coffee Table

$4,995

Italian Modernist Live Edge Travertine Coffee Table

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful Italian modernist edge travertine coffee tables designed and manufactured in Italy, circa

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Italian Modernist Live Edge Travertine Coffee Table

$3,695

Modernist square coffee table in oak, 1970s

Located in LYON, FR

Pretty little coffee table, very decorative to match a warm interior. Completely matt varnished

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Modernist square coffee table in oak, 1970s

$278 Sale Price

20% Off

Modernist Light Up Tulip Style Coffee Table

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Rare light up midcentury table fashioned after the knoll tulip table. The table features a light-up

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Acrylic

Modernist Light Up Tulip Style Coffee Table

$1,242 Sale Price

31% Off

Modernist Free-Form Brass Coffee Table, Karl Springer Style

Located in Pasadena, CA

This is a striking modernist solid brass amorphous-form coffee table. The coffee table dates to the

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Modernist Free-Form Brass Coffee Table, Karl Springer Style

$2,950

Charles Dudouyt large Modernist walnut coffee table 1940

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Paris, IDF

This large modernist Charles Dudouyt coffee table made in solid walnut wood is sure to add an

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Charles Dudouyt large Modernist walnut coffee table 1940

$15,012

Modernist Rosewood and Chrome Coffee or Side Table

By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Striking, modernist coffee or side table features a rosewood top with architectural chrome bases is

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Rosewood and Chrome Coffee or Side Table

$1,800

Modernist Bleached Lychee Wood Coffee Table or Bench

Located in Dallas, TX

Part of Brendan Bass’s globally curated Le Monde collection, this one-of-a-kind seating piece highlights rare craftsmanship and enduring design. The collection includes vintage Europ...

Category

20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Modernist Bleached Lychee Wood Coffee Table or Bench

$8,190

Modernist Romeo Rega Sliding Top Brass Coffee Table

By Romeo Rega

Located in Voorburg, NL

Spectacular modernist Romeo Rega coffee table with sliding top made in Italy. The heavy metal frame

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Metal

Modernist Romeo Rega Sliding Top Brass Coffee Table

$3,723

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

Modernist Formica and Aluminum Coffee Table after Mayen

By Paul Mayen

Located in New York, NY

Chic architectural coffee table having a rectangular faux marble formica top, on rectangular

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Modernist Formica and Aluminum Coffee Table after Mayen

$2,240 Sale Price

20% Off

A Modernist Slate Stone Coffee Table France 1950 s

Located in HYÈRES, FR

A Modernist Slate Stone Coffee Table France 1950's. Anonymous French work. Nice proportions

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Metal

A Modernist Slate Stone Coffee Table France 1950 s

$2,642

Modernist Chrome And Brass Coffee Table By Maison Charles

By Maison Charles

Located in Austin, TX

Coffee table, French, in the Modernist style by Maison Charles. The iconic coffee table features a

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Modernist Chrome And Brass Coffee Table By Maison Charles

$9,500

Modernist Patinaed Steel Coffee Table with Limestone Top

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Modern coffee table with limestone top and geometric patinaed steel base. Designed by Brendan

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Limestone, Steel

Modernist Patinaed Steel Coffee Table with Limestone Top

$8,990

Modernist Aurora Coffee Table in Wooden, Metal and Marble

Located in Freamunde, PT

Aurora Coffee Table is a bold yet elegant centerpiece, designed to bring sculptural sophistication

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Marble, Metal

Modernist Aurora Coffee Table in Wooden, Metal and Marble

$12,676 / item

MARCUSO model Modernist Design Coffee Table, Italy 1970 s

By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Modernist Italian Design "MARCUSO" model Coffee Table in the manner of Marco Zanuso for

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

MARCUSO model Modernist Design Coffee Table, Italy 1970 s

$1,201 Sale Price

20% Off

Modernist Transparent Coffee Table attributed to David Lange, 1970s

By David Lange

Located in Rouen, FR

Rare table basse rectangulaire attribuée au designer français David Lange, vers les années 1970

Category

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Modernist Transparent Coffee Table attributed to David Lange, 1970s

$1,441

Classic Modernist Coffee / Cocktail Table Attributed to Jens Risom

By Charlotte Perriand, Jens Risom

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Modernist coffee / cocktail table attributed to Jens Risom, Reminiscent of designs by

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Classic Modernist Coffee / Cocktail Table Attributed to Jens Risom

$1,680

Sculptural Modernist Vintage Chromed Metal Glass Coffee Table Side Table 1960s

Located in Vienna, AT

Modernist sculptural circular like vintage coffee table from chromed metal base and a greenish

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Sculptural Modernist Vintage Chromed Metal Glass Coffee Table Side Table 1960s

$3,542

Modernist Blonde Mahogany Coffee / Magazine Table, X-Sides, Robsjohn

By Founders Furniture Company, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in Buffalo, NY

Modernist blonde mahogany coffee / magazine table. X-sides. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings, Classic

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Modernist Blonde Mahogany Coffee / Magazine Table, X-Sides, Robsjohn

$1,850

Romeo Rega, Modernist Brass and Black Laminate Coffee Table, 1960s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Chic Italian modern coffee table from the 1970s featuring a bold geometric composition in black

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Romeo Rega, Modernist Brass and Black Laminate Coffee Table, 1960s

$1,400

Modernist Ebonized Steel and End Cut Oak Coffee Table

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Modernist Ebonized Steel and End Cut Oak Coffee Table Designed by Brendan Bass for the Vision and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Modernist Ebonized Steel and End Cut Oak Coffee Table

$8,990

Art Deco Modernist Style Oak and Metal Coffee Table

Located in Queens, NY

"Art Deco Constructivist-style rectangular coffee table with stained oak sides and a top with a

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Modernist Style Oak and Metal Coffee Table

$9,500

Modernist Free-Edge Figured Walnut Coffee Table, Griff Logan

By Griff Logan

Located in Buffalo, NY

Figured walnut modernist table Griff Logan exhibits: 2013 Arts Council For Wyoming County, Perry

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Modernist Free-Edge Figured Walnut Coffee Table, Griff Logan

$3,200

Danish Modernist Teak Coffee Table Made by Dyrlund, 1960s

By Dyrlund

Located in Oirlo, LI

Danish modern table with pass-through drawers with bow tie by Dyrlund, 1960s, made in teak, fitted

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modernist Teak Coffee Table Made by Dyrlund, 1960s

$1,393 Sale Price

20% Off

Modernist Vintage Steel Glass Coffee Table Francois Monnet 1970s France

By François Monnet

Located in Vienna, AT

Modernist vintage square coffee table by Francois Monnet from stainless steel and glass 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modernist Vintage Steel Glass Coffee Table Francois Monnet 1970s France

$8,286

1953 Modernist Blond Birch "M795G" Coffee Table by Heywood Wakefield

By Heywood-Wakefield Co.

Located in Van Nuys, CA

. This table is a classic example of cutting-edge late modernist design with its minimalist look and

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

1953 Modernist Blond Birch "M795G" Coffee Table by Heywood Wakefield

$1,125 Sale Price

40% Off

Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Modernist Glass Coffee Table, 1930

By Pietro Chiesa

Located in CA, CA

Pietro Chiesa coffee table, ebonised wood, glass and mirrored glass. Production Fontana Arte 1930.

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Modernist Glass Coffee Table, 1930

$8,400

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Modernist Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the modernist coffee table you’re looking for. A modernist coffee table — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. Find 437 options for an antique or vintage modernist coffee table now, or shop our selection of 32 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect modernist coffee table — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A modernist coffee table made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Modern — is very popular. A well-made modernist coffee table has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Peter Sandback, Cramer Studio and Arturo Pani are consistently popular.

How Much is a Modernist Coffee Table?

The average selling price for a modernist coffee table at 1stDibs is $3,500, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $24,975 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Coffee-tables-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 Modernist Coffee Table

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

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

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

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of 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.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
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.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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