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.

Why is it called a coffee table?

Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

What 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 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.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

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

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

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

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

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

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

Patinated Coffee Table

Framed Stained Glass

Laverne Coffee Tablers

Marble Frame Mirror

Copper Slate Table

Art Deco Enamel Top Table

Axel Vervoordt Table

Minimalist Steel Table

Bronze And Bevelled Mirror

Category

Late 20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Jens Risom Style Modernica "Amoeba" Coffee Table

$950

Rare Paul Evans Custom Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Torch cut and patinated panels form the four sides of this magnificent table by Paul Evans

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Metal

Rare Paul Evans Custom Coffee Table

$18,500

Midcentury Patinated Bronze and Marble Cocktail Table

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Midcentury patinated bronze and marble cocktail table well made period midcentury low table with

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Midcentury Patinated Bronze and Marble Cocktail Table

$2,200

Vintage LaVerne Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1960's etched and patinated bronze coffee table by Laverne. Measurements: Length: 60

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage LaVerne Coffee Table

$24,000

Pair of "Brutalist" Coffee Tables, France, 1970

Located in Paris, FR

Pair of coffee or end tables made of solid steel, cut and stretched, patinated in bronze color

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Pair of "Brutalist" Coffee Tables, France, 1970

$5,718 / set

A coffee table by Chester Jones

By Chester Jones

Located in London, GB

A fine low table with a blackened steel base on brass feet. The top is made with shaped bubinga

Category

Early 2000s British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

A coffee table by Chester Jones

$10,297

Elegant Patinated Aluminum, Tole Glass Cocktail Table

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A large and very decorative Foliate Cocktail Table comprised of a scrolling frame conjoined with C

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Elegant Patinated Aluminum, Tole Glass Cocktail Table

$2,885

Connect Low Table in Customizable Ebonized Hardwood Walnut and Patinated Bronze

By Henry Norris, New Format Studio

Located in Vancouver, BC

The Connect Low Table is made from ebonized and lacquered domestic hardwood and solid bronze. It's

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Connect Low Table in Customizable Ebonized Hardwood Walnut and Patinated Bronze

$7,600 / item

Brutalist Faux Bronze Square Coffee Table, 1960s

Located in Izegem, VWV

This coffee table was created in the 1960s. It features a wood structure and a special technique

Category

Mid-20th Century European Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plaster, Plywood

Brutalist Faux Bronze Square Coffee Table, 1960s

$893

Brass Bronze Coffee Table Base Hollywood Regency

By Dominique

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, mid-century modern coffee table in brass-bronze. Base only. Hollywood

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Brass Bronze Coffee Table Base Hollywood Regency

$550

Dalia Retro Set of 2 Coffee Table

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table Dalia retro set of 2 with wooden structure covered with handcrafted hammered retro

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Dalia Retro Set of 2 Coffee Table

$16,083 / set

Phillip and Kelvin Laverne Ming Coffee Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful 'Ming' coffee table in patinated bronze and pewter with hand painted polychrome enamels

Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Pewter

Phillip and Kelvin Laverne Ming Coffee Table

$25,000

Acid-Etched and Patinated Bronze Coffee by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Montreal, QC

engraved and acid-etched, patinated and polychromed bronze, pewter and enamel by Philip and Kelvin

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Acid-Etched and Patinated Bronze Coffee by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

$12,500

Travertine Cuddle Coffee Table by Pietro Franceschini

Located in Geneve, CH

Cuddle coffee table by Pietro Franceschini Manufacturer: Coranini SRL Dimensions: Ø 76 x H 41 cm

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Travertine Cuddle Coffee Table by Pietro Franceschini

$12,545 / item

Metal Coffee Table, England, Circa 1930

Located in PARIS, FR

Nice Coffee table on three wrought iron curved legs with circular top, made of several patinated

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Wrought Iron

Metal Coffee Table, England, Circa 1930

$2,144

Contemporary Bronze Coffee Table by Pierre Salagnac

By Pierre Salagnac

Located in London, GB

Pierre Salagnac, Elan coffee table Material: Bronze, glass Dimensions: L 152 x W 74 x H 40 cm Year

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Bronze Coffee Table by Pierre Salagnac

$34,323

Coffee table by Tove Edvard Kindt Larsen

By Tove Edvard Kindt-Larsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Coffee table in teak w. pull-outs in black formica and shoes in wengé. Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Coffee table by Tove Edvard Kindt Larsen

$4,685

Onyx Coffee Table with Carved Wood Base

Located in Barcelona, ES

French Mid-Century Modern onyx & black patinated wood coffee table / side table, 1950s The onyx

Category

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

Materials

Onyx

Onyx Coffee Table with Carved Wood Base

$2,978

Chinese Elm Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Handcrafted patinated elm coffee table. Made in China circa early 20th century.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Chinese Elm Coffee Table

$5,200

Square LaVerne Coffee Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1960's patinated bronze LaVerne coffee table with silver and polychromed finish

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Square LaVerne Coffee Table

$16,000

Bronze and Oak coffee table by Jacques Jarrige "Odalisque"

By Jacques Jarrige

Located in New York, NY

The Odalisque coffee table by Jacques Jarrige is a sculptural piece that fuses strength and

Category

2010s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bronze and Oak coffee table by Jacques Jarrige "Odalisque"

$37,000

Jean-Michel Wilmotte for Academy Attila Coffee Table

By Jean-Michel Wilmotte

Located in Long Island City, NY

Gardens. The Attila table was fabricated in France using traditional techniques to give the metal base a

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Jean-Michel Wilmotte for Academy Attila Coffee Table

$6,800

Mosaic Glass Tile Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rectangular mosaic glass tile coffee table with patinated brass supports. The table features

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mosaic Glass Tile Coffee Table

$7,500

Side Coffee Table, Walnut Wood Brass Glass, 1950s

By Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Frank

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

A high quality and handmade side or coffee table manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1950

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Side Coffee Table, Walnut Wood Brass Glass, 1950s

$2,200

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

Coffee table, by Roche Bobois, France, Circa 1980

By Roche Bobois

Located in PARIS, FR

Beautiful patinated iron coffee table. The square beveled glass top rests on four marble balls

Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Coffee table, by Roche Bobois, France, Circa 1980

$1,191

Philip and Kelvin Laverne Chan Coffee Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful example of the Chan table by the iconic father and son duo, Philip and Kelvin Laverne

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Philip and Kelvin Laverne Chan Coffee Table

$27,500

Scrollwork Gilt Iron Drinks Coffee Table / Side Table with Glass Top

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Round Coffee or Cocktails Table / Side Table with Scrollwork Design, Spain, 1950s

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Scrollwork Gilt Iron Drinks Coffee Table / Side Table with Glass Top

$2,501

Model PE-11 Coffee Table by Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Dallas, TX

Welded and patinated steel PE-11 coffee table by Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 1966. Table is

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail T...

Materials

Steel

Model PE-11 Coffee Table by Paul Evans

$9,800

Bronze Coffee Table "Drop" by Erwan Boulloud At Cost Price

By Erwan Boulloud

Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR

Coffee table "Drop" in green patinated bronze. Each top has a different design. ONE PEDESTAL LEFT

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Coffee Table "Drop" by Erwan Boulloud At Cost Price

$4,169

Live edge Maple and aged copper coffee table

By Hinterland Design

Located in Vancouver, BC

This beautiful live edge maple slab coffee table is unique in the three copper legs that support it

Category

2010s Canadian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Live edge Maple and aged copper coffee table

$4,500

Bronze Frame Coffee Table Attributed to Carl Gillberg

By Carl Gillberg

Located in Stamford, CT

A bronze frame glass top coffee table having tree branch form attributed to American artist Carl

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Frame Coffee Table Attributed to Carl Gillberg

$3,900

1960 Philip And Kelvin Laverne Chan Circular Coffee Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1960 Philip and Kelvin Laverne Chan Circular Coffee Table in good vintage condition. Tabletop has a

Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

1960 Philip And Kelvin Laverne Chan Circular Coffee Table

$25,000

Jasper Coffee Table Customizable Metal, Wood and Resin

By Wüd Furniture Design

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The sleek and striking curved jasper coffee table features a black oak and bronze base, and an

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Aluminum

Jasper Coffee Table Customizable Metal, Wood and Resin

$18,000 / item

Philip And Kelvin LaVerne Spring Festival Coffee Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A gorgeous Spring Festival Coffee table from the iconic father/son duo, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Pewter

Philip And Kelvin LaVerne Spring Festival Coffee Table

$18,500

Drop Coffee Table for Marbleous by Buket Hoşcan Bazman

By Buket Hoscan Bazman

Located in Geneve, CH

Material: Lacquered wood, patinated marble Drop coffee table offers a minimal simplicity with its

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Drop Coffee Table for Marbleous by Buket Hoşcan Bazman

$8,518 / item

Modern Contemporary Brass and Claro Walnut Coffee Table

By Taylor Donsker

Located in Sebastopol, CA

of Claro walnut in the "Uncarved Block" coffee table designed and handcrafted by Taylor Donsker. This

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Modern Contemporary Brass and Claro Walnut Coffee Table

Price Upon Request

French 70 s Circular Hermes Style Coffee Table In Metal

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

An elegant circular coffee table in metal with copper patinated finish, base created as though it

Category

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

Materials

Iron

French 70 s Circular Hermes Style Coffee Table In Metal

$1,647

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Troy Zodiac Coffee Table

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Unique 'Troy Zodiac' coffee table by the dynamic father/son duo of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Troy Zodiac Coffee Table

$45,000

Faux Bamboo Bronzed Metal Base Square Coffee Table

By Mastercraft

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice tortoise finish with brass feet base coffee table with thick glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Faux Bamboo Bronzed Metal Base Square Coffee Table

$2,400

Neoclassical Style Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

Located in London, GB

Neoclassical style coffee table with Italian marble specimen top French, 20th century Dimensions

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

$38,442

Red Lacquer Laminate Patinated Brass Edges Side Table, France, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in New York, NY

Elegant square deed burgundy laminate coffee or side table with patinated brass edges. In the style

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Red Lacquer Laminate Patinated Brass Edges Side Table, France, 1970s

$4,800

French Ormolu Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

Located in London, GB

French ormolu coffee table with Italian marble specimen top French and Italian, 20th Century

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French Ormolu Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

$38,442

Brass Bonsai Tree Coffee Table

By Willy Daro

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Patinated brass bonsai tree coffee table by Willy Daro. Measures are for the base only. Glass top

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Bonsai Tree Coffee Table

$5,800 Sale Price

20% Off

Coffee Table in Oak and Bronze by Tinatin Kilaberidze

By Tinatin Kilaberidze

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and perfectly proportioned coffee table by Tinatin Kilaberidze. A reversed V shaped leg

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Coffee Table in Oak and Bronze by Tinatin Kilaberidze

$18,000

Alentejo Medium Coffee Table Acrylic Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa

By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand

Located in Maia, Porto

Alentejo coffee tables are a glimpse over the South of Portugal where thousands of cork oaks trees

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Alentejo Medium Coffee Table Acrylic Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa

$2,391 Sale Price / item

19% Off

Alentejo Low Coffee Table Estremoz Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa

By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand

Located in Maia, Porto

Alentejo coffee tables are a glimpse over the South of Portugal where thousands of cork oaks trees

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Alentejo Low Coffee Table Estremoz Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa

$1,620 Sale Price / item

20% Off

Egyptian-Inspired Nautical Bronze Coffee Table Base with Verdigris Patina

Located in Yonkers, NY

Evoking the silhouette of an ancient vessel, this sculptural bronze coffee table base draws on both

Category

Late 20th Century Egyptian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Egyptian-Inspired Nautical Bronze Coffee Table Base with Verdigris Patina

$5,800

"8 Dry Drops" coffee table in bronze by Erwan Boulloud.

By Erwan Boulloud

Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR

"8 Dry Drops" coffee table in sculpted and patinated bronze. Numbered and signed piece by the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

"8 Dry Drops" coffee table in bronze by Erwan Boulloud.

$41,460 / item

Patinated Wooden Naga Table, Crafted in India, Early 20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, NL

This exceptional Naga coffee table, handcrafted from a single piece of wood, embodies the rich

Category

Early 20th Century Indian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Patinated Wooden Naga Table, Crafted in India, Early 20th Century

$4,825

H. A. Larson Brutalist Patchwork Coffee Table with Slate Top

By H.A. Larson

Located in Chicago, IL

Studio made coffee table with patchwork copper and brass clad surface. The metal pieces are

Category

Vintage 1970s Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

H. A. Larson Brutalist Patchwork Coffee Table with Slate Top

$3,800

Modular T Tables for Cocktail and Coffee Table, Made of Darkened Stainless Steel

By Christopher Gentner

Located in Chicago, IL

The T Table collection consists of two different sizes of t-shaped tables creating multidimensional

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modular T Tables for Cocktail and Coffee Table, Made of Darkened Stainless Steel

$9,784 / item

Vintage Rectangular Black Wood and Patinated Copper Turquoise Top Cocktail Table

Located in North Miami, FL

This vintage elongated rectangular cocktail table is black stained oak with an artistic top of

Category

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

Materials

Copper

Vintage Rectangular Black Wood and Patinated Copper Turquoise Top Cocktail Table

$5,800

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Bronze and Marble Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A very handsome French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated verdigris bronze and marble coffee

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Bronze and Marble Coffee Table

$17,800

Italian 19th Century Mecca and Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A sensational and large scale Italian 19th century mecca and specimen marble coffee table. The

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Italian 19th Century Mecca and Specimen Marble Coffee Table

$22,800

Vintage Metal Rectangular Coffee Table in the Manner of Giacometti

By Paul Evans, Diego Giacometti, Alberto and Diego Giacometti

Located in Bensalem, PA

Glass is nice and edge is beveled feel free to reach out with any questions

Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Vintage Metal Rectangular Coffee Table in the Manner of Giacometti

$2,800

Handmade Hagstone Coffee Table Cluster, Textured Brass Rare British Marble

By Richy Almond

Located in Washington, GB

A handmade Hagstone coffee table cluster, with textured brass bases & rare British marble stone top

Category

2010s British Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Handmade Hagstone Coffee Table Cluster, Textured Brass Rare British Marble

$51,279 / item

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Patinated Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the patinated coffee table you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A patinated coffee table — often made from metal, wood and bronze — can elevate any home. Find 1153 options for an antique or vintage patinated coffee table now, or shop our selection of 309 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect patinated coffee table — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A patinated coffee table made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made patinated coffee table over the years, but those crafted by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Novocastrian and Richy Almond are often thought to be among the most beautiful. If space is limited, at least one smaller piece of patinated coffee table, measuring 4 across, is available.

How Much is a Patinated Coffee Table?

Prices for a patinated coffee table start at $10 and top out at $201,623 with the average selling for $4,932.

Finding the Right Coffee And Cocktail Tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About Patinated Coffee Table

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.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What 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 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.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

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