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.

Plexi Coffee Tables

1970s Lucite Side Tables

Blue Cocktail Table

Table Plexiglas

Category

1990s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

1990s Italian Circular Plexiglass Modern Coffee Table Produced by Minotti

$1,562

Italian Circular Plexiglass Modern Coffee Table Produced by Minotti, 1980s

By Minotti

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Italian circle modern coffee table or sofa table manufactured by Minotti, with plexiglass top and

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Circular Plexiglass Modern Coffee Table Produced by Minotti, 1980s

$1,742

Pair of 70s coffee tables, steel, glass and plexiglass - France

By Atelier Michel Dumas

Located in Paris, FR

Rare and pretty pair of coffee tables from the 70s. . France. . Steel structures, smoked Plexiglas

Category

Vintage 1970s European Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Pair of 70s coffee tables, steel, glass and plexiglass - France

$2,007 / set

Plexiglass Set of Coffee Tables Hollwood Regency Style 1970s Italy

Located in Oirlo, LI

Plexiglass set of coffee tables Hollwood Regency style 1970s Italy This is a nice set of two

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cut Glass, Plexiglass

Plexiglass Set of Coffee Tables Hollwood Regency Style 1970s Italy

$955 / set

Studio Superego Modern Multicolor Plexiglass and Brass Feet Italian Coffee Table

By Studio Superego

Located in Ibiza, Spain

Rectangular coffee table designed by Milanese Studio Superego, made in multi-color and transparent

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Studio Superego Modern Multicolor Plexiglass and Brass Feet Italian Coffee Table

$17,427

Italian Couple of Plexiglass Modern Coffee Table Produced by Minotti, 1990s

By Minotti

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Set of Two Italian square and circle modern coffee tables or sofa tables manufactured by Minotti

Category

1990s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Couple of Plexiglass Modern Coffee Table Produced by Minotti, 1990s

$3,124 / set

Studio Superego Modern Multicolor Plexiglass and Brass Feet Italian Coffee Table

By Studio Superego

Located in Ibiza, Spain

Rectangular coffee table designed by Milanese Studio Superego, made in multi-color and transparent

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Studio Superego Modern Multicolor Plexiglass and Brass Feet Italian Coffee Table

$17,427

Vintage Chrome, Brass, and Plexi Glass Coffee Table with Sliding Top

By Maison Jansen

Located in Chicago, IL

A large Maison Jansen brass and chrome vitrine coffee table, circa 1970. The table top measures 36

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vintage Chrome, Brass, and Plexi Glass Coffee Table with Sliding Top

$13,000

William Andrus for Steelcase Space Age Coffee Table, Fiberglass and Plexi, 1970s

By William Andrus, Steelcase

Located in Culver City, CA

Designed in the 1970s, this coffee table is considered to be one of the holy grails for Space Age

Category

Vintage 1970s American Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass, Plexiglass

William Andrus for Steelcase Space Age Coffee Table, Fiberglass and Plexi, 1970s

$5,200

Coffee Table decorated top and plexiglass legs handmade in Italy by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Coffee Table Lillac decorated top and plexiglass legs handmade in Italy . "Le nuvole entrano

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Coffee Table decorated top and plexiglass legs handmade in Italy by Cupioli

$1,129

Coffee Table, Cloud Top, Plexiglass Legs, Handmade in Italy by Cupioli Available

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

sunsets.” Cloud coffee tables born just by looking at one of the wonders of our world... The sky... that

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Coffee Table, Cloud Top, Plexiglass Legs, Handmade in Italy by Cupioli Available

$1,394

Italian space age Coffee table with lamp in smoked glass and plexiglass, 1970s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian space age Coffee table with lamp in smoked glass and plexiglass, 1970s Coffee table with

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Italian space age Coffee table with lamp in smoked glass and plexiglass, 1970s

$1,201

Grey Coffee Table Scagliola Art Top Plexiglass Legs Handmade in Italy by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Artistic coffee table handmade using scagliola art old technique for the top and transparent

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Grey Coffee Table Scagliola Art Top Plexiglass Legs Handmade in Italy by Cupioli

$1,658

Italian Space Age Coffee Table in Smoked Glass Plexiglass Base with Murano 1970

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

The Space Age Round Coffee Table with Smoked Glass, Plexiglass base, and inside Murano Glass Ball

Category

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

Materials

Murano Glass, Smoked Glass, Plexiglass

Italian Space Age Coffee Table in Smoked Glass Plexiglass Base with Murano 1970

$6,000

Late 20th Century, French Plexiglass and Light Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in LEGNY, FR

Beautiful and rare 20th century French light coffee table from the 1970s. The tabletop is made

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Late 20th Century, French Plexiglass and Light Coffee Table, 1970s

$1,802

French Double Level Plexi-glass Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Double Level Coffee Table in Plexi-Glass with Brass Hardware. Shown without glass tops.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

French Double Level Plexi-glass Cocktail Table

Large Double Level Plexi-glass Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Modern Classical Double Level Coffee Table with Clean Pure Lines; Suitable for Modern and

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Double Level Plexi-glass Cocktail Table

Chrome and Plexi Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great coffee table to complement your abode...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Chrome and Plexi Table

Vintage Chrome, Brass, and Plexi Glass Coffee Table with Sliding Top

By Maison Jansen

Located in Chicago, IL

A large Maison Jansen brass and chrome vitrine coffee table, circa 1970. The table top measures 36

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Chrome, Brass, and Plexi Glass Coffee Table with Sliding Top

$12,800

3 Lucite Plexiglass Design French Mid-Century Modern Tables

Located in Sofia, BG

3 Lucite Plexiglass design French Mid-Century Modern tables.

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass

3 Lucite Plexiglass Design French Mid-Century Modern Tables

$6,971

A coffee table

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

A coffee table

Italian Painted Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Painted plexiglas to perk up your penthouse!

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Painted Coffee Table

William Andrus for Steelcase Space Age Side Table, Fiberglass and Plexi, 1970s

By William Andrus, Steelcase

Located in Culver City, CA

Age and modern design enthusiasts alike. This coffee table is stunning .With its curved body, rounded

Category

Vintage 1970s American Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass, Plexiglass

William Andrus for Steelcase Space Age Side Table, Fiberglass and Plexi, 1970s

$2,800

Butterflies Blue Coffee Table

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee Table Butterflies Blue with plexiglass top frame and with clear glass top. With around 247

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Butterflies Blue Coffee Table

$41,946

1960s Midcentury Coffee Table

Located in MIlano, IT

1960s midcentury coffee table, with plexiglass tabletop and beech and brass legs.

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass, Beech

1960s Midcentury Coffee Table

$480 / item

Vintage sliding top coffee table or display coffee table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage display coffee table with a sliding glass top. This luxurious coffee table is made from

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage sliding top coffee table or display coffee table, 1970s

$1,802

French Plexiglass Brass and Crystal Top Table, 1980s

Located in IT

Parisienne table with structure made in brass and plexiglas and double crystal shelves. Found in

Category

Vintage 1980s European Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Plexiglass Brass and Crystal Top Table, 1980s

$1,322

Blue Butterflies Coffee Table

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table blue butterflies with plexiglass top frame and with clear glass top. With around 330

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Blue Butterflies Coffee Table

$34,254

COFFEE TABLE "CLOUD TABLE" SIGNED GUY DE ROUGEMONT

Located in Jersey City, NJ

CLOUD TABLE IN POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL AND BEIGE PLEXIGLASS WITH INTERIOR LIGHTING; SIGNED GUY DE

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

COFFEE TABLE "CLOUD TABLE" SIGNED GUY DE ROUGEMONT

$52,000

Coffee Table Glass Italy 1970s

Located in Milano, IT

Coffee table with double top, Plexiglas, transparent glass, mirrored glass, brass.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Glass Italy 1970s

$1,201

Unique Murano Illuminated Coffee Table

Located in Bochum, NRW

Unusual Murano glass coffee table with two smokey crystal panels. Illuminated middle sphere in

Category

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

Materials

Murano Glass, Plexiglass

Unique Murano Illuminated Coffee Table

$3,365

Coffee Table "cloud Table" Signed Guy De Rougemont

Located in Jersey City, NJ

CLOUD TABLE IN POLISHED COPPER AND BLUE PLEXIGLASS WITH INTERIOR LIGHTING; SIGNED GUY DE ROUGEMONT

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Coffee Table "cloud Table" Signed Guy De Rougemont

$65,000

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage display coffee table with a sliding glass top. This luxurious coffee table is made from

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,103

70s rectangular glass and plexiglass coffee table

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Tavolino vintage da salotto con struttura in plexiglass e ottone e doppio piano in vetro.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

70s rectangular glass and plexiglass coffee table

$1,201

20th Century Design Glass Coffee Table

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

Coffee table of the 20th century of Italian design. Furniture with glass tops, plexiglass structure

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Design Glass Coffee Table

$817

"Rainbow" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

'Rainbow' coffee table in multicolor plexiglass with brass legs designed and produced by Studio

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

"Rainbow" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

$4,807

"Mou" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

'Mou' coffee table in fluorescent green plexiglass with brass legs designed and produced by Studio

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

"Mou" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

$4,807

Marble sphere coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

By Roche Bobois

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

this coffee table instead of the original plexi glass one. This table comes from Roche Bobois a luxury

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Marble sphere coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

$1,953

Coffee Table Model Mou by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

"Mou" coffee table in violet plexiglass with brass legs designed and produced by Studio Superego

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Model Mou by Studio Superego, Italy

$4,807

Coffee Table Model Mou by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

"Mou" coffee table in emerald green plexiglass with brass legs designed and produced by Studio

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Model Mou by Studio Superego, Italy

$4,807

Coffee Table Model Glacial by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Low table in purple plexiglass and brass leg designed and produced by Studio Superego. Unique piece

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Model Glacial by Studio Superego, Italy

$7,211

Two-Tiered 1970s Lucite and Glass Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful two-tiered glass coffee table with four clear Lucite legs. Ultra chic, original condition

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass

Two-Tiered 1970s Lucite and Glass Coffee Table

$995

Brass Horsehead Coffee Table by Maison Charles, 1970

By Maison Charles

Located in Florence, IT

Brass horsehead coffee table by Maison Charles. The table features a two-tiered brass frame. The

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Brass Horsehead Coffee Table by Maison Charles, 1970

$2,163

French Coffee Table Lucite and Glass Maison Romeo, 1970s

By Maison Romeo

Located in Oirlo, LI

A beautiful coffee table in Lucite structure and glass from the French design house Maison Romeo

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass

French Coffee Table Lucite and Glass Maison Romeo, 1970s

$3,185

French Coffee Table Lucite and Glass Maison Romeo, 1970s

By Maison Romeo

Located in Oirlo, LI

A beautiful coffee table in Lucite structure and glass by the French design house Maison Romeo. The

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

French Coffee Table Lucite and Glass Maison Romeo, 1970s

$7,842

Brass and Faux Tortoise Coffee Table JC Mahey, 1970s

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Paris, IDF

Heighten the modern look of your living area with this sophisticated coffee table in brass and

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Brass and Faux Tortoise Coffee Table JC Mahey, 1970s

$1,442

Coffee Table Model Tormalina by Studio Superego, Unique Piece, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

A Tormalina coffee table has a structure composed of translucent and polychrome plexiglass blocks

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Model Tormalina by Studio Superego, Unique Piece, Italy

$6,009

Glass And Clear And Sculpted Lucite With Black Plexi Designed Cocktail Table

By Acrylicore Co.

Located in Westport, CT

Signed Acrylicore 1996 glass and sculptured free form frosted and clear Lucite cocktail table

Category

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Glass And Clear And Sculpted Lucite With Black Plexi Designed Cocktail Table

$3,600

Tavolino nuvola in scagliola, basi plexiglass fatto a mano in italia disponibile

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

sunsets.” Cloud coffee tables born just by looking at one of the wonders of our world. The sky... that

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Tavolino nuvola in scagliola, basi plexiglass fatto a mano in italia disponibile

$2,644

Large Italian 1970s Coffee Table With Coloured Glass Top

Located in London, GB

This superb table was made in Italy in the 1970s. A unique design, it is crafted from strips of

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Large Italian 1970s Coffee Table With Coloured Glass Top

$5,163

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage display coffee table with a sliding glass top. This luxurious coffee table is made from

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen, 1970s

$2,838

Two levels travertine coffee table made in France in the 1980s

Located in Lyon, FR

Gorgeous and large square travertine coffee table made in the 1980s in France. Two levels table

Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Two levels travertine coffee table made in France in the 1980s

$4,374

Coffee Table On the Road Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

On the Road model coffee table with stainless steel structure and transparent plexiglass top with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Coffee Table On the Road Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$18,028

Stunning Karl Springer lucite legs and thick glass coffee table

By Comatec

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Striking large Karl Springer lucite & glass coffee table. The 4 transparent lucite bases can be

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass, Glass

Stunning Karl Springer lucite legs and thick glass coffee table

$4,500

Mid-Century Modern Unique Murano Illuminated Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

By RIMA

Located in Bochum, NRW

Mid-Century Modern unique Murano illuminated coffee table, executed by the design studio RIMA

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Plexiglass

Mid-Century Modern Unique Murano Illuminated Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$2,253

Table basse ronde vintage en verre et plexiglas style Space Age des années 70

Located in BESANÇON, FR

Table basse vintage des années 70, style Space Age, plateau rond en verre fumé, pied en plexiglas

Category

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Smoked Glass

Table basse ronde vintage en verre et plexiglas style Space Age des années 70

$1,322

Hollywood Regency Coffee or Side Table with Solid Copper Corners, 1970s

Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland

Rare Hollywood Regency coffee table. Probably French manufacturing. Glass tops with plexiglass

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Hollywood Regency Coffee or Side Table with Solid Copper Corners, 1970s

$480

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Plexi Coffee Tables", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.
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.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was

Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.

Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings

Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.