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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Romeo Rega Mid-Century Modern Italian Coffee Table, circa 1970

$2,161

Tavolino piano decoro lilla e basi plexiglass fatto a mano in Italia da Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Tavolino piano decoro lilla e basi plexiglass fatto a mano in Italia da Cupioli. "Le nuvole

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Tavolino piano decoro lilla e basi plexiglass fatto a mano in Italia da Cupioli

$1,527

Vintage Sliding Glass Top Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Chicago, IL

This sleek vitrine table has a glass top that slides opens to reveal a storage space below. Walled

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Sliding Glass Top Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

$8,600

Square Acrylic Glass and Brass Coffee Table Hollywood Regency Style, 1970s

Located in Rīga, LV

Vintage coffee table - glass surfaces with brass and acrylic glass details. Additional information

Category

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Square Acrylic Glass and Brass Coffee Table Hollywood Regency Style, 1970s

$960

"Harry s Bar" Coffee Table by Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot, 1970s

By Massimo Papiri, Mario Sabot

Located in bruxelles, BE

Magnificent coffee table and dry bar designed by Massimo Papiri and manufactured by Mario Sabot

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

"Harry s Bar" Coffee Table by Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot, 1970s

$14,410

Coffee Table Purple Lucite Ice Effect Willy Rizzo Style, Italy 1980s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Rome, IT

Rectangular coffee table with surface in ice-effect purple lucite on four legs in transparent

Category

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

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Coffee Table Purple Lucite Ice Effect Willy Rizzo Style, Italy 1980s

$5,283

Jonathan Franc, Mid-Century Modern, Macassar Ebony, Acrylic, Coffee Table, 1970s

By Jonathan Franc

Located in Manhasset, NY

Jonathan Franc, Mid-Century Modern, Macassar Ebony, Acrylic, Coffee Table, 1970s An impressive

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass, Macassar

Jonathan Franc, Mid-Century Modern, Macassar Ebony, Acrylic, Coffee Table, 1970s

$7,200

Regency Brass and Chrome Coffee Table with Sliding Display Case, France, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Morazzone, Varese

Very elegant 1970s Regency brass and chrome coffee table with internal sliding display case in

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Regency Brass and Chrome Coffee Table with Sliding Display Case, France, 1970s

$1,441

Coffee Table with Dry Bar by Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot, 1970s

By Massimo Papiri, Mario Sabot

Located in amstelveen, NL

Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot, coffee table and dry bar, chrome, plexiglass, wood, Italy, 1970s

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Coffee Table with Dry Bar by Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot, 1970s

$16,212

Italian Mid-Century Modern Acrylic and Glass Coffee Table by Alberto Rocchi

By Alberto Rocchi

Located in New York, US

Our biomorphic style coffee table by the Italian designer, Alberto Rocchi, circa 1975, is crafted

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Plexiglass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Acrylic and Glass Coffee Table by Alberto Rocchi

$13,500

Vintage Horns Plexliglass Coffee Table with Walnut Base and Crystal Top 1970s

Located in Florence, IT

Vintage Horns Plexliglass Coffee Table with Walnut Base and Rectangular Crystal Top. The base is

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Vintage Horns Plexliglass Coffee Table with Walnut Base and Crystal Top 1970s

$1,561

Mid-20th Century Italian Brass Coffee Table

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

Cool 1960s-1970s square table with a shiny brass top and fine slim leg rods and plexiglass base

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Italian Brass Coffee Table

$1,200

Coffee Table with Two Vintage Shelves in Lucite and Brass, Italy, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Coffee table with two vintage shelves in Lucite and brass. Ground glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table with Two Vintage Shelves in Lucite and Brass, Italy, 1970s

$2,161

Maison Jansen Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf Lucite and Brass, France, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Beautiful coffee table by Maison Jansen in brass and Lucite with two glass tops from the 1970s

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Maison Jansen Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf Lucite and Brass, France, 1970s

$4,323

Square Lucite Coffee Table with Gild Lion Heads and Claw Feet, French

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

Square Lucite coffee table with gilt plastic lion heads and claw feet. The top shelf is made of

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass, Mirror, Glass, Plastic

Square Lucite Coffee Table with Gild Lion Heads and Claw Feet, French

$3,218

Midcentury Square Coffee Table in Brass and Lucite, Smoked Glass Top Italy 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Large plexiglass table and solid brass joints. Square Lucite of 6 cm. The top is in smoked glass

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Square Coffee Table in Brass and Lucite, Smoked Glass Top Italy 1970s

$3,182

Maison Jansen Lucite and Brass French Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Roma, IT

Beautiful midcentury brass and lucite coffee table with sliding shelf and four removable wheels

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Maison Jansen Lucite and Brass French Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf, 1970s

$3,242

Maison Jansen Lucite, Glass Brass French Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rome, IT

Beautiful mid-century coffee table in brass and lucite with sliding top shelf. This fantastic piece

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Maison Jansen Lucite, Glass Brass French Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf 1970s

$4,203

Solid Black Marble Coffee Table with Glass Top, Italy 1980s

By Roger Rougier

Located in DE MEERN, NL

SOLID MARBLE AND PLEXIGLASS BASE COFFEE TABLE WITH GLASS TOP, NETHERLANDS 1980S Beautiful design

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble

Solid Black Marble Coffee Table with Glass Top, Italy 1980s

$2,280

Monogold Table Yves Klein Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Made with 3,000 sheets of gold leaf, glass, Plexiglas, wood, and steel. This iconic table is

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Monogold Table Yves Klein Table, Made in France

$20,800 / item

MonoPink Table Yves Klein Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

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

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

MonoPink Table Yves Klein Table, Made in France

$19,125 / item

Vintage Italian Bar Table, 1980s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Chich Italian plexiglass and brass details bar table made in Italy 1980.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Bar Table, 1980s

$2,800

Francois Monnet Stainless Steel Table

By François Monnet

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

EDITION KAPPA

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Francois Monnet Stainless Steel Table

A low table by J.J. Hervy

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

blue marble from birmany. the marble is in marketry. the base is in plexiglass

Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

A low table by J.J. Hervy

$5,500

Oval Tulip Low Table by Eero Saarinen by Knoll stamp , 1970s

By Knoll, Eero Saarinen

Located in La xara, VC

Tulip Oval Coffee Table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll An iconic piece of mid-century design, this oval

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass

Oval Tulip Low Table by Eero Saarinen by Knoll stamp , 1970s

$1,335

Rare Glass Top Round Table by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller

Located in Astoria, NY

A very rare Art Deco round coffee table by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. It has hollow

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Glass Top Round Table by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller

$5,500

Blue IKB Yves Klein Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This brand new and iconic Yves Klein IKB blue table is from an edition that begun in 1963 under the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Blue IKB Yves Klein Table, Made in France

$18,000 / item

Smoked lucite side table by Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois, France, 1970

By Michel Dumas, Roche Bobois

Located in Lyon, FR

Beautiful plexiglass side table, designed by Michel Dumas in the 1970 for Roche Bobois, in France

Category

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass

Smoked lucite side table by Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois, France, 1970

$1,441

Massimo Papiri Cocktail Table by Mario Sabot Italy, 1970

By Mario Sabot, Massimo Papiri

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

. Yes, this coffee table has all the things it needs to be utterly luxurious. Often sold as a design by

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Massimo Papiri Cocktail Table by Mario Sabot Italy, 1970

$18,613

Maison Jansen Sliding Glass Top Table in Chrome

By Maison Jansen

Located in Berlin, BE

Large square glass table with sliding top by Maison Jansen. Frame has an original chrome-plated

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Maison Jansen Sliding Glass Top Table in Chrome

$6,905

Very Rare Maison Jansen Sliding Glass Top Table in Gold

By Maison Jansen

Located in Berlin, BE

Large square glass table with sliding top by Maison Jansen. Frame has an total original gold-plated

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Very Rare Maison Jansen Sliding Glass Top Table in Gold

$6,450

20th Century Sofa Table Enamelled Leather geometrical pattern on the top

Located in IT

create a geometrical pattern on the top. The condition of the table are excellent and coherent with prior

Category

Vintage 1970s Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Plexiglass

20th Century Sofa Table Enamelled Leather geometrical pattern on the top

$3,362

Illuminated Sculptural Table by Ph Jean for Galerie Eric and Xiane Germain Paris

By Philippe Jean

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Beautiful and super rare illuminated coffee table by French sculptor Philippe Jean edited by the

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Stainless Steel

Illuminated Sculptural Table by Ph Jean for Galerie Eric and Xiane Germain Paris

$5,500

Large French Double Tier Lucite and Glass Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

Chic large French Mid-Century Modern, rectangular, double level coffee table in plexi glass and

Category

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

Large French Double Tier Lucite and Glass Cocktail Table

Italian modern orange plastic coffee table with plexiglass clear top, 2000s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern orange plastic coffee table with plexiglass clear top, 2000s Coffee table or bedside

Category

Early 2000s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian modern orange plastic coffee table with plexiglass clear top, 2000s

$420

Contemporary Modern Italian Coffee Table Designed by Studio Superego

By Studio Superego

Located in Madrid, ES

Small coffee table designed and produced by Superego Studio in Italy. Made of a 12 cm thick

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Center Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Modern Italian Coffee Table Designed by Studio Superego

$6,725

Italian Square Lucite And Chrome Coffee Or Cocktail Table

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Vintage Italian coffee or cocktail table with amazing 2 inch thick plexiglass and chrome hardware.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Chrome

Italian Square Lucite And Chrome Coffee Or Cocktail Table

$6,900

Made in Italy by Raventos, 1970/80 s Hollywood Regency, Coffee Table, Side Table

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Hoogeveen, NL

with recessed glass shelves (fixed). Cool as a side table as a coffee table or, for example, as a TV

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Center Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Made in Italy by Raventos, 1970/80 s Hollywood Regency, Coffee Table, Side Table

$1,194

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 made of solid brass and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Center Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Contemporary Modern Pair of Italian Coffee Tables Designed by Superego Studio

$16,572 / set

Made in Italy by Raventos, 1970/80 s Hollywood Regency, Coffee Center Side Table

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Hoogeveen, NL

with recessed glass shelves (fixed). Cool as a side table or, for example, also as a coffee table

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Regency Revival Center Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Made in Italy by Raventos, 1970/80 s Hollywood Regency, Coffee Center Side Table

$714 / item

Italian Floor Lamps in White Plexiglass, 1970s

Located in MIlano, IT

, useful like coffee tables. Electric cablage verified, good condition. Measures: 31 x 45 x 40 H cm.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Plexiglass

Italian Floor Lamps in White Plexiglass, 1970s

$624 / item

Italian Set of Two Floor Lamps in White Plexiglass, 1970s

Located in MIlano, IT

floor lamps, useful like coffee tables. Electric cablage verified, good condition. Measures: 31 x 45 x

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Plexiglass

Italian Set of Two Floor Lamps in White Plexiglass, 1970s

$1,248 / set

Plexiglass Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

A beautiful black and transparent plexiglass table designed and produced by Studio Superego in 2015

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Plexiglass Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

$2,401

Pierre Vandel / Paris, Plexiglas Coffee Table, 1970

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Pierre Vandel / Paris 1970, Large square coffee table with plexiglass base, gilded metal and double

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Pierre Vandel / Paris, Plexiglas Coffee Table, 1970

$2,161

Plexiglass Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Unique Piece, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

A beautiful black and transparent plexiglass table designed and produced by Studio Superego in 2015

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Plexiglass Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Unique Piece, Italy

$2,401

Rattan and Plexi Coffee Table with Smoked Glass Top

By Martin Visser

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Round glass coffee table with clear plexi legs and lower woven rattan basket shelf. In original

Category

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

Materials

Rattan, Smoked Glass, Plexiglass

Rattan and Plexi Coffee Table with Smoked Glass Top

$1,150

Plexiglass Coffee Table, Unique Piece, circa 1980, Italy

Located in Milan, Italy

Green and transparent plexiglass table. The green top has a blurred effect and the legs are in

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Center Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Plexiglass Coffee Table, Unique Piece, circa 1980, Italy

$2,401

Joe Colombo Illuminated Rosewood Coffee Table, 1963, Original Bernini Label

By Joe Colombo

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Rare and stunning illuminated rosewood and acrylic (plexiglass) coffee table by visionary Italian

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Joe Colombo Illuminated Rosewood Coffee Table, 1963, Original Bernini Label

$8,800

Large Modern Square Lucite Glasstop Cocktail Table By Plexi-Craft

By Plexi-Craft

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large modern square King George-model cocktail table. by Plexi-craft. Up to 4 inch thick hand

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Acrylic

Large Modern Square Lucite Glasstop Cocktail Table By Plexi-Craft

$1,990

Midcentury Italian Coffee Table in Plexiglass

Located in Houston, TX

Rectangular tabletop is made out of red plexiglass surrounded by the chrome trimming. It could be

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Italian Coffee Table in Plexiglass

$4,900

Mid-Century Italian Coffee Table from Plexiglass

Located in Houston, TX

pole has decorative brass element on top and bottom. Coffee table is made out of thick plexiglass, but

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass

Mid-Century Italian Coffee Table from Plexiglass

$4,900

Plexiglass and glass coffee table, Michel Dumas, 1970s

By Michel Dumas

Located in PARIS, FR

Coffee table in plexiglass and glass by Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois, 1970s. Smoked thermoformed

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Plexiglass and glass coffee table, Michel Dumas, 1970s

$3,062

Art Deco Plexiglass and Brass Coffee Table, 1940s

Located in Florence, IT

Art Deco plexiglass and brass coffee table, the structure is made of plexiglass, the two shelves

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Plexiglass and Brass Coffee Table, 1940s

$1,140

Midcentury Plexiglass, Rattan and Smoked Glass Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

MOD round smoked glass coffee table with plexiglass legs and lower rattan basket. In original

Category

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

Materials

Wicker, Glass, Plexiglass

Midcentury Plexiglass, Rattan and Smoked Glass Coffee Table

$950

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

By Minotti

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Italian square 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 Square Plexiglass Modern Coffee Table Produced by Minotti, 1980s

$1,621

French Vintage Coffee Table, Glass Plexiglas and Chrome, circa 1970

By Michel Dumas

Located in Labrit, Landes

Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois French Mid-Century modern coffee table with glass top and plexiglas

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

French Vintage Coffee Table, Glass Plexiglas and Chrome, circa 1970

$2,521

Michel Dumas coffee table in plexiglass and smoked glass - France - 70s - 1970

By Michel Dumas

Located in Paris, FR

Delightful, minimalist and large coffee table by designer Michel Dumas dating from the 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Michel Dumas coffee table in plexiglass and smoked glass - France - 70s - 1970

$7,505

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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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