Why is it called a coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

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 is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is 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.

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.

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 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.

Plexi Coffee Tables

1970s Lucite Side Tables

Blue Cocktail Table

Table Plexiglas

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Glacialis Model by Marco Pettinari for Superego Editions, Italy

$21,549 / item

Coffee Table Glacialis Model by Marco Pettinari for Superego Editions, Italy

By Marco Pettinari, Superego Editions

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table Glacialis designed by Marco Pettinari for Superego Editions. This sculpture/coffee

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Glacialis Model by Marco Pettinari for Superego Editions, Italy

$14,366 / item

Tavolino Nuvola Plexiglass e Piano Grigio decorato a mano in Italia da Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

"Le nuvole entrano fluttuando nella nostra vita, non più per portare pioggia o tempesta, ma per aggiungere colore ai nostri tramonti." I tavolini Cloud nascono proprio guardando una...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Tavolino Nuvola Plexiglass e Piano Grigio decorato a mano in Italia da Cupioli

$2,633

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Brass, chrome and Glass

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Brass, chrome and Glass

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Brass, chrome and Glass

$3,352

Coffee Table “Open Door” from the “Trasformatio” Collection, Italy 1930/2022

By Michele Iodice

Located in Napoli, IT

“Open Door” coffee table from the “Trasformatio” collection, design Michele Iodice exclusively for

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass, Poplar

Coffee Table “Open Door” from the “Trasformatio” Collection, Italy 1930/2022

$13,168

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Brilliant Coffee Table in Lagoon and Clear Acrylic

By Alexandra Von Furstenberg

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Brilliant Rectangle Coffee Table in Lagoon and Clear Acrylic draws

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Brilliant Coffee Table in Lagoon and Clear Acrylic

$9,900

Polycarbonate Table Coffee, Brass 1970s Faux Marble, possibly Maison Jansen

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Table coffee, 1970s Maison Jansen attributed, feet in polycarbonate, thick brass, and imitation

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Polycarbonate Table Coffee, Brass 1970s Faux Marble, possibly Maison Jansen

$2,933 Sale Price

30% Off

Maison Jansen Style Lucite Gilt Metal Tripod Coffee Table Pedestal Gueridon

By Maison Jansen, Charles Hollis Jones, Maison Charles

Located in Vienna, AT

This French round coffee table / side table from the 1970s captures the essence of the Hollywood

Category

Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Maison Jansen Style Lucite Gilt Metal Tripod Coffee Table Pedestal Gueridon

$2,400

Coffee Table Agua Azul Model by Marco Pettinari for Superego Editions, Italy

By Marco Pettinari, Superego Editions

Located in Milan, Italy

. This sculpture/coffee table made from a transparent Plexiglas block, it made by hand and with numerical

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Agua Azul Model by Marco Pettinari for Superego Editions, Italy

$14,366 / item

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Sledge Coffee Table in White and Clear Acrylic

By Alexandra Von Furstenberg

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Sledge Coffee Table in White and clear lucite is a sleek, modern

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Sledge Coffee Table in White and Clear Acrylic

$9,800

Italian Large Coffee Table With Colored Agates Designed by Superego Studio

By Studio Superego

Located in Madrid, ES

A stunning rectangular shape coffee table designed by Milanese Studio Superego. Made in plexiglas

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Italian Large Coffee Table With Colored Agates Designed by Superego Studio

$14,964

Rectangular Glass Coffee Table with Brass and Acrylic Glass Frame, Italy

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, 1980s. This coffee table features a plexiglass and brass frame with two beveled

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Rectangular Glass Coffee Table with Brass and Acrylic Glass Frame, Italy

$1,359 Sale Price

29% Off

Mid-Century Lucite Tortoiseshell Coffe Table Bronzed Mirror Top, Italy 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Roma, IT

Astonishing midcentury coffee table in lucite with tortoiseshell effect and mirrored glass. This

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Mid-Century Lucite Tortoiseshell Coffe Table Bronzed Mirror Top, Italy 1970s

$6,943

Clear Lucite Three Tier Coffee Table, Showcase or Bookcase, Italy 1980s

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Roma, IT

Fantastic Showcase or coffee table fully made in clear lucite. This gorgeous piece was produced in

Category

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

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Clear Lucite Three Tier Coffee Table, Showcase or Bookcase, Italy 1980s

$2,035

Midcentury Coffee Table in Lucite, Brass Glass by Maison Jansen, France 1970s

By Maison Baguès, Maison Jansen

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury amazing rectangular coffee table in brass, lucite and glass with sliding top shelf

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Midcentury Coffee Table in Lucite, Brass Glass by Maison Jansen, France 1970s

$5,183

Large Square French Midcentury Double Tier Lucite Brass Coffee Table by Vandel

By Pierre Vandel

Located in New York, NY

An Elegant, Large, Square, French Mid-Century Modern, double level cocktail table in Lucite and

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Square French Midcentury Double Tier Lucite Brass Coffee Table by Vandel

$5,530

Rare French Prototype Mid-Century Coffee or End Table in Lucite, Maria Pergay

By Maria Pergay

Located in New York, NY

A Rare French Mid-Century Modern Prototype Lucite Cocktail / Coffee or End Table in the Style of

Category

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

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass, Glass, Acrylic

Rare French Prototype Mid-Century Coffee or End Table in Lucite, Maria Pergay

$7,250

Coffee Table Lucite, Brass, Ceramic and Smoked Glass Charles Hollis Jones Style

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury amazing squared coffee table double shelved in lucite, brass, smoked glass and ceramic

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Coffee Table Lucite, Brass, Ceramic and Smoked Glass Charles Hollis Jones Style

$4,070

Midcentury Lucite and Brass Italian Coffee Table with Snake Head Details, 1970s

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Roma, IT

Midcentury Lucite and brass coffee table with snakehead details. This elegant item was designed

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Lucite and Brass Italian Coffee Table with Snake Head Details, 1970s

$2,633

Mid-Century Lucite and Brass Italian Coffee Table with Snake Head Details, 1970s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Mid-Century Lucite and brass coffee table with snake head detail. This elegant object was designed

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Lucite and Brass Italian Coffee Table with Snake Head Details, 1970s

$1,915

Lucite, Wood and Brass Coffee Table with Snake Head Details, Italy, 1970s

Located in Rome, IT

Coffee side table with snakehead brass corners composed of two shelves, one in Lucite and one in

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Lucite, Wood and Brass Coffee Table with Snake Head Details, Italy, 1970s

$2,394

Aluminum with Plexiglass Top Patio Side/Coffee Table

Located in Pasadena, TX

This outdoor patio side/coffee table is made of aluminum. The top is made of plexiglass. It would

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Aluminum with Plexiglass Top Patio Side/Coffee Table

$720 Sale Price

20% Off

Table IKB by Yves Klein

By Yves Klein

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Yves Klein Estate in Paris, France has overseen the production of this coffee table edition. We work

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Table IKB by Yves Klein

$23,000 / item

Table Monopink by Yves Klein

By Yves Klein

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Yves Klein Estate in Paris, France has overseen the production of this coffee table edition. We work

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Table Monopink by Yves Klein

$24,000 / item

Table Monogold by Yves Klein

By Yves Klein

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Yves Klein Archives has overseen the production of this coffee table and there has only ever been the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold, Steel, Gold Leaf

Table Monogold by Yves Klein

$27,000 / item

"Flower" Contemporary Cocktail table, silver pattern, silvered Glass, plexy Legs

By Sabrina Landini

Located in Pietrasanta, IT

FLOWER coffee - dining - console table Enhance your elegance and radiate brilliance with our

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Art Glass, Plexiglass

"Flower" Contemporary Cocktail table, silver pattern, silvered Glass, plexy Legs

$23,943 / item

Yves Klein Gold "Monogold" Glass Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Yves Klein Gold "Monogold" Table Made with 3,000 sheets of gold leaf, glass, Plexiglas and steel

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Yves Klein Gold "Monogold" Glass Table, Made in France

$28,000 / item

Yves Klein Pink "Monopink" Glass Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

production of this coffee table edition. Made in France.

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Yves Klein Pink "Monopink" Glass Table, Made in France

$25,000 / item

Handcrafted mix of Amazonian and Italian woods Table by Hillsideout

By Rossana Orlandi, Hillsideout

Located in Milan, IT

The “Lines Under the Forest” Table is part of the homonymous collection. This piece is the result

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

Handcrafted mix of Amazonian and Italian woods Table by Hillsideout

$7,458

Set of 2 Yves Klein Monopink Blue IKB Tables

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

the present, the Yves Klein Estate in Paris, France has overseen the production of this coffee table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 2 Yves Klein Monopink Blue IKB Tables

$49,000 / set

1990 s Production of Table Monogold by Yves Klein

By Yves Klein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1990's Production of Table Monogold by Yves Klein (France, 1928-1962) H 14.5" x L 49" x W 39.5

Category

1990s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

1990 s Production of Table Monogold by Yves Klein

$35,000

1990 s Production of Table Bleu by Yves Klein

By Yves Klein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1990's Production of Table Bleu by Yves Klein (France, 1928-1962) H 14.5" x L 49" x W 39.5

Category

1990s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

1990 s Production of Table Bleu by Yves Klein

$27,000

Yves Klein Blue "IKB" Glass Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Yves Klein Blue "IKB" Pigment glass table This brand new and iconic Yves Klein IKB blue table is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Yves Klein Blue "IKB" Glass Table, Made in France

$24,000 / item

Mario Bellini Set 4 Nestin /Stackable Tables “Quattro Gatti”, 1960, Italy

By Mario Bellini

Located in Milano, IT

Mario Bellini set 4 nestin /stackable tables “Quattro Gatti”, 1960, Italy.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Mario Bellini Set 4 Nestin /Stackable Tables “Quattro Gatti”, 1960, Italy

$2,992 / set

Set of 3 Yves Klein Monopink Monogold Blue IKB Tables

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

, France has overseen the production of this coffee table edition. Pigment, Glass & stainless steel. Made

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel, Gold Leaf

Set of 3 Yves Klein Monopink Monogold Blue IKB Tables

$77,000

Hollywood Regency Lucite, Brass and Glass Italian Square Cocktail Table, 1970s

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful mid-century Hollywood Regency coffee or cocktail table with two glass shelves. This

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Hollywood Regency Lucite, Brass and Glass Italian Square Cocktail Table, 1970s

$2,154

Squared Table in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Steel Italy 1970s Faux Tortoise Shell

Located in Rome, IT

Squared Midcentury table made of a tortoiseshell Lucite surface and a chrome "X" structure. Italy

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Squared Table in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Steel Italy 1970s Faux Tortoise Shell

$3,352

Italian modern coffee table transparent plexiglass and aluminum structure, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern coffee table transparent plexiglass and aluminum structure, 1980s Coffee table with

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern coffee table transparent plexiglass and aluminum structure, 1980s

$478

Italian modern coffee table transparent plexiglass and aluminum structure, 1980s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern coffee table transparent plexiglass and aluminum structure, 1980s Coffee table with

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern coffee table transparent plexiglass and aluminum structure, 1980s

$419

"On the Road" Coffe Table Made of Plexiglass and Steel Base by Superego Studio

By Studio Superego

Located in Ibiza, Spain

Mod. "On the Road" coffee table with stainless steel structure and transparent plexiglass top with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Center Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

"On the Road" Coffe Table Made of Plexiglass and Steel Base by Superego Studio

$14,219

70s Regency Side Coffee Table Made of a Thick Tree Slice and Plexiglass Legs

Located in München, DE

Beautiful 70s Regency design side coffee table made of a thick tree slice with bark on the

Category

Vintage 1970s European Regency Sofa Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

70s Regency Side Coffee Table Made of a Thick Tree Slice and Plexiglass Legs

$2,298 Sale Price

20% Off

Coffee Table Horizonte Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Acrylic glass construction reduced to basic geometric shapes, rectangular table top with agate

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Console Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Coffee Table Horizonte Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$5,387

Coffee Table Horizonte Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Acrylic glass construction reduced to basic geometric shapes, rectangular table top with agate

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Console Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Coffee Table Horizonte Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$5,387

Contemporary Modern Pair of Italian Coffee Tables Designed by Superego Studio

By Studio Superego

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of Italian coffee tables designed by Studio Superego. Base composed of six solid brass legs

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Center Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Contemporary Modern Pair of Italian Coffee Tables Designed by Superego Studio

$14,605 / set

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Gilded Brass Coffee Side Table, circa 1970

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Atlanta, GA

Charles Hollis Jones designed this exceptional Mid-Century modernist Lucite and brass coffee or

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Gilded Brass Coffee Side Table, circa 1970

$2,500

Romeo Rega XXL Brass Glass Chrome Coffee Table Sliding Top to Display 1970 Italy

By Romeo Rega

Located in Munster, NRW

coffee table by Romeo Rega has a shelf which is an enclosed display area; ideal for displaying

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Sofa Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Romeo Rega XXL Brass Glass Chrome Coffee Table Sliding Top to Display 1970 Italy

$4,668

Vintage Italian Desk or Coffee Table Set in Plexiglass and Brass

Located in Prato, Tuscany

or coffee table set made of plexiglass and brass; the set is composed by a square ashtray with brass

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Desk or Coffee Table Set in Plexiglass and Brass

$622 / set

Midcentury Christian Dior Octagonal Lucite and Brass Coffee Table with Tray

By Christian Dior

Located in Roma, IT

Amazing foldable octagonal crystal lucite and brass frame with tray. This amazing piece was designed in France after Christian Dior. The shape of this piece is just outstanding, i...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Christian Dior Octagonal Lucite and Brass Coffee Table with Tray

$1,436

Michael Coffey "Encounter" Coffee Table

By Michael Coffey

Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA

, geometric shapes, and the interplay of materials. The "Encounter" coffee table reflects the essence of

Category

Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass, Wood

Michael Coffey "Encounter" Coffee Table

$20,000

Georgis Mirgorodsky, Moghul Agate, Cocktail Table, USA, 2022

By Georgis Mirgorodsky

Located in New York, NY

Inspired by the Moghul courts of India, this cocktail table is fabricated with a semi-precious

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate

Georgis Mirgorodsky, Moghul Agate, Cocktail Table, USA, 2022

$36,000

Georgis Mirgorodsky, Moghul Lapis, Cocktail Table, USA, 2022

By Georgis Mirgorodsky

Located in New York, NY

Inspired by the Moghul courts of India, this cocktail table is fabricated with a semi-precious

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Georgis Mirgorodsky, Moghul Lapis, Cocktail Table, USA, 2022

$38,000

Bon Bon Coffee Table XL Model Studio Superego Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

A beautiful coffee table with a structure of colored sequences of plexiglass modules that are

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Bon Bon Coffee Table XL Model Studio Superego Italy

$9,577

Coffee Table DNA Model by Studio Superego for Superego Editions

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table in plexiglass of different colors with the brass base designed by Studio Superego for

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table DNA Model by Studio Superego for Superego Editions

$12,570 / item

Coffee Table Olimpia Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table Olimpia model in plexiglas with base in various colors and with 6 cylindrical legs in

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Olimpia Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$10,774

Coffee Table Black Hole Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table in plexiglass with sixteen brass legs designed by Studio Superego for Superego

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Black Hole Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$5,985

Coffee Table Black Hole Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table in plexiglass with sixteen brass legs designed by Studio Superego for Superego

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Black Hole Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$5,985

Coffee Table Space Dust Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

"Space Dust" coffee table in multicolor plexiglass with sixteen brass legs designed by Studio

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Space Dust Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$5,985

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Plexi Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of plexi coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct plexi coffee tables — often made from plastic, plexiglass and metal — can elevate any home. There are 106 antique and vintage plexi coffee tables for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 79 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of plexi coffee tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Plexi coffee tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but Modern, Mid-Century Modern and Hollywood Regency styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Studio Superego, Yves Klein and Minotti each produced beautiful plexi coffee tables that are worth considering.

How Much are Plexi Coffee Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $5,550, while they’re typically $381 on the low end and $175,000 highest priced.

Materials: Plastic Furniture

Arguably the world’s most ubiquitous man-made material, plastic has impacted nearly every industry. In contemporary spaces, new and vintage plastic furniture is quite popular and its use pairs well with a range of design styles.

From the Italian lighting artisans at Fontana Arte to venturesome Scandinavian modernists such as Verner Panton, who created groundbreaking interiors as much as he did seating — see his revolutionary Panton chair — to contemporary multidisciplinary artists like Faye Toogood, furniture designers have been pushing the boundaries of plastic forever.

When The Graduate's Mr. McGuire proclaimed, “There’s a great future in plastics,” it was more than a laugh line. The iconic quote is an allusion both to society’s reliance on and its love affair with plastic. Before the material became an integral part of our lives — used in everything from clothing to storage to beauty and beyond — people relied on earthly elements for manufacturing, a process as time-consuming as it was costly.

Soon after American inventor John Wesley Hyatt created celluloid, which could mimic luxury products like tortoiseshell and ivory, production hit fever pitch, and the floodgates opened for others to explore plastic’s full potential. The material altered the history of design — mid-century modern legends Charles and Ray Eames, Joe Colombo and Eero Saarinen regularly experimented with plastics in the development of tables and chairs, and today plastic furnishings and decorative objects are seen as often indoors as they are outside.

Find vintage plastic lounge chairs, outdoor furniture, lighting and more on 1stDibs.

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 Plexi Coffee Tables

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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 is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is 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.
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.
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 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.

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