Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

Why is it called a coffee table?

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

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

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

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

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

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

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

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

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

What is a tall coffee table called?

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

What is the best height for a coffee table?

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

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

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

What is the average height of a coffee table?

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

Are glass coffee tables durable?

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

Plexi Coffee Tables

1970s Lucite Side Tables

Blue Cocktail Table

Table Plexiglas

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

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

$7,505

Coffee Table Cloud shaped Tops Plexiglass Legs Handmade in Italy by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Coffee tables, decorative cloud shape, born just by looking at one of the wonders of our world

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Coffee Table Cloud shaped Tops Plexiglass Legs Handmade in Italy by Cupioli

$3,362

Cupioli Cloud Coffee Table Scagliola art top plexiglass legs handmade in Italy

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

Scagliola, Plexiglass

Cupioli Cloud Coffee Table Scagliola art top plexiglass legs handmade in Italy

$1,527

Grey Coffee table Cloud Art Top Plexiglass Legs Handmade in Italy by Cupioli

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

Grey Coffee table Cloud Art Top Plexiglass Legs Handmade in Italy by Cupioli

$1,741

Coffe Table

Located in Madrid, ES

coffee table made in gold metal and black plexiglás. Has a mark or signature on the base

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffe Table

$1,801

Mim Luminous Low Table in Fiberglass, Fabric and Plexiglass 1970s

By MIM Roma

Located in Parma, IT

Low table with lighting by MIM Roma 1970s. Fiberglass structure, fabric-covered top and central

Category

Vintage 1970s Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Fiberglass, Plexiglass

Mim Luminous Low Table in Fiberglass, Fabric and Plexiglass 1970s

$1,861

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

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

Plexiglass, Glass and Brass Dining Table in the Style of Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in San Francisco, CA

This 1970's plexiglass, glass and brass coffee table in the style of Charles Hollis Jones has a

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Plexiglass, Glass and Brass Dining Table in the Style of Charles Hollis Jones

$2,000

A coffee table, France 80s.

Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR

This coffee table is truly original, thanks to its material and the zebra stripes all over the

Category

Vintage 1980s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

A coffee table, France 80s.

$3,602

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 French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,101

"DNA" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

"DNA" coffee table plexiglass of different colors with the brass base designed and produced by

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

"DNA" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

$6,004

"DNA" Coffee Table, Unique Piece, Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

"DNA" coffee table in transparent plexiglass with small colored plexiglass rectangles. A series of

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

"DNA" Coffee Table, Unique Piece, Studio Superego, Italy

$10,808

"Nebulosa" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

'Nebulosa' coffee table in grey and white plexiglass with sixteen brass legs designed and produced

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

"Nebulosa" Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

$4,803

Coffee Table Model DNA by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

DNA coffee table in transparent plexiglass with small colored plexiglass rectangles. A series of

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Model DNA by Studio Superego, Italy

$8,406

Midcentury Noguchi Style Biomorphic Glass Coffee Table

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Southampton, NY

Midcentury Noguchi style biomorphic glass coffee table. This 1970s biomorphic, sculptural coffee

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass, Wood

Midcentury Noguchi Style Biomorphic Glass Coffee Table

$3,200

Coffee Table Model Dna by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

DNA coffee table in multicolor plexiglass. A series of unique pieces designed and produced by

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Model Dna by Studio Superego, Italy

$10,808

Coffee Table Model DNA by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

DNA coffee table in multicolor plexiglass. A series of unique pieces designed and produced by

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Model DNA by Studio Superego, Italy

$10,808

Coffee Table Model DNA by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

"DNA" coffee table in plexiglass of different colors with the brass base designed and produced by

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table Model DNA by Studio Superego, Italy

$7,205

Coffee Table Disallineato Model by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table model Disallineato in multi-color plexiglass with an overlap of misaligned rectangular

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Disallineato Model by Studio Superego, Italy

$6,604

"Bon Bon" Coffee Table, Unique Piece, 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, Unique Piece, Studio Superego, Italy

$7,805

Pierre Vandel / Paris, Large Square Coffee Table, 1970

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Catonvielle, FR

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

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Pierre Vandel / Paris, Large Square Coffee Table, 1970

$2,161

Charles Hollis Jones plexiglass and Brass Square Cocktail Table, Two-Tier Glass

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Roma, IT

Two-storey coffee table in plexiglass and polished brass. In the style of Charles Hollis Jones

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Charles Hollis Jones plexiglass and Brass Square Cocktail Table, Two-Tier Glass

$2,641

"Tormalina" Coffee Table 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

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

$6,004

Coffee Table Model Post Rural by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table model Post Rural designed and produced by Studio Superego. Colored plexiglass table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Plexiglass

Coffee Table Model Post Rural by Studio Superego, Italy

$5,404

Clear Lucite Rectangular "Napkin" Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful mid-century coffee or cocktail table in clear lucite. This amazing table was produced in

Category

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

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Clear Lucite Rectangular "Napkin" Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

$1,537

Contemporary Modern Italian Coffee Table 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

Contemporary Modern Italian Coffee Table Designed by Superego Studio

$20,415

Model Tormalina Bench or Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

A beautiful bench or coffee table in transparent plexiglass with color pink and with ten brass legs

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Model Tormalina Bench or Coffee Table by Studio Superego, Italy

$6,004

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

$2,641

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

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

Coffee table model Quartz with plexiglass and brass top and with three legs in brass and quartz and

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Quartz, Brass

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

$10,207

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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Sliding Glass Top Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

$5,500

Set Tavolini Nuvola con basi plexiglass fatto a mano in Italia da Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

into our life, no longer to carry rain or storm, but to add color to our sunsets.” Cloud coffee tables

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Scagliola

Set Tavolini Nuvola con basi plexiglass fatto a mano in Italia da Cupioli

$5,103

Coffee Table Lucite and Glass Maison Romeo, France, 1970s

By Maison Romeo

Located in Rome, IT

Coffee table in Lucite structure and glass by the French house Maison Romeo, circa 1970. Two

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Resin, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Coffee Table Lucite and Glass Maison Romeo, France, 1970s

$7,805

Mid-Century Modern French Lucite and Glass Coffee Occasional Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

Lovely modernist crystal clear Lucite coffee Table. Round base with four geometric thick legs

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Lucite, Plexiglass

Mid-Century Modern French Lucite and Glass Coffee Occasional Table

$1,950

1970s Large Snail Coffee Table Lucite Base and Glass Tabletop

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant 1970s round coffee or side table. Snail or spiral extra thick clear Lucite base with clear

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

1970s Large Snail Coffee Table Lucite Base and Glass Tabletop

$3,600

Italian Coffee Table or Stool in Tortoiseshell Lucite, Willy Rizzo, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Roma, IT

Marvelous midcentury square coffee table or stool in lucite with tortoiseshell effect. This

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Italian Coffee Table or Stool in Tortoiseshell Lucite, Willy Rizzo, 1970s

$1,801

Square Acrylic and Glass Coffee Cocktail Table, Modern Two-Tier, Interlude Home

By Interlude

Located in Manhasset, NY

Modern two-tier square acrylic and glass coffee / cocktail table, Interlude home. Handsome and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Square Acrylic and Glass Coffee Cocktail Table, Modern Two-Tier, Interlude Home

$6,500

Square Acrylic and Glass Coffee Cocktail Table, Modern Two-Tier, Interlude Home

By Interlude

Located in Manhasset, NY

Modern two-tier square acrylic and glass coffee / cocktail table, Interlude home. Handsome and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Square Acrylic and Glass Coffee Cocktail Table, Modern Two-Tier, Interlude Home

$6,500

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

$15,011

French Tortoiseshell Brass Coffee Side Tables in Christian Dior Style, 1970s

By Christian Dior

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of elegant side/coffee tables in faux tortoiseshell lucite and brass details. They feature an

Category

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

Materials

Brass

French Tortoiseshell Brass Coffee Side Tables in Christian Dior Style, 1970s

$5,404

Coffee Table in Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite, Christian Dior Style, France, 1970s

By Christian Dior

Located in Rome, IT

Squared coffee table entirely in faux tortoiseshell Lucite in Christian Dior Home style, 1970s

Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Coffee Table in Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite, Christian Dior Style, France, 1970s

$1,561

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

Located in Rome, IT

Coffee side table in Lucite with snakehead-shaped brass corners. Made in Italy in the 1970s

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

$2,401

French Tortoiseshell Brass Coffee Side Tables in Christian Dior Style, 1970s

By Christian Dior

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of elegant side/coffee tables in faux tortoiseshell Lucite and brass details. They feature a

Category

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

Materials

Brass

French Tortoiseshell Brass Coffee Side Tables in Christian Dior Style, 1970s

$5,644

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Artisan Studio Crafted Free Form Organic Coffee Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Artisan Studio crafted free form organic coffee table. Item features

Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass, Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Artisan Studio Crafted Free Form Organic Coffee Table

$3,200

1970s Vladimir Kagan Style Lucite and Glass Snail Coffee Table, a Pair

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant pair of round coffee or side tables in the style of Vladimir Kagan famous snail table

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

1970s Vladimir Kagan Style Lucite and Glass Snail Coffee Table, a Pair

$3,200

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

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rome, IT

Beautiful mid-century 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

$5,644

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

By Maison Jansen

Located in Roma, 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 and Brass French Coffee Table with Sliding Shelf, 1970s

$3,482

Coffee Side Table Romeo Rega in Chrome, Glass, Lucite and Brass, Italy, 1970s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Rome, IT

Coffee side table by the Italian designer Romeo Rega in chrome, Lucite and brass, Italy, 1970s.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Coffee Side Table Romeo Rega in Chrome, Glass, Lucite and Brass, Italy, 1970s

$1,537

Massimo Papiri Rotating Coffee / Dry Bar Produced by Mario Sabot in Italy

By Massimo Papiri

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare rotating coffee / bar table with inside lighting designed by Massimo Papiri. Produced by Mario

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Massimo Papiri Rotating Coffee / Dry Bar Produced by Mario Sabot in Italy

$13,810

Table Klein Blue by Yves Klein

By Yves Klein

Located in Jersey City, NJ

coffee table edition. We work directly with the estate and the tables we sell have a signed and numbered

Category

2010s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Table Klein Blue by Yves Klein

$22,000

Table Monogold 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

Gold, Steel, Gold Leaf

Table Monogold by Yves Klein

$26,000

Table Monogol 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

Gold, Steel, Gold Leaf

Table Monogol by Yves Klein

$26,000

Pierre Vandel Paris, Rectangular Living Room Table, France, 1970

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Large rectangular living room table in plexiglass, glass and gold metal double tray signed on the

Category

Vintage 1970s French International Style Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Pierre Vandel Paris, Rectangular Living Room Table, France, 1970

$2,401

Pair Neal Small Clear Blue Lucite Op Art "Origami" Occasional Tables

By Neal Small

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Classic pair Neal Small translucent Pale Blue Perspex Origami Tables, Side by Side Coffee Tables

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

Pair Neal Small Clear Blue Lucite Op Art "Origami" Occasional Tables

$4,000

In Stock in Los Angeles, Yves Klein Gold "Monogold" Glass Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

, Plexiglas and steel. This iconic table is from an edition begun in 1963 under the supervision of Yves

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

In Stock in Los Angeles, Yves Klein Gold "Monogold" Glass Table, Made in France

$23,800

Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot ‘Harry’s Bar’ Cocktail Table with Dry Bar

By Massimo Papiri, Mario Sabot

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot, coffee table with dry bar, brushed aluminum, plexiglass, lacquered

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Massimo Papiri for Mario Sabot ‘Harry’s Bar’ Cocktail Table with Dry Bar

$13,800

In Stock in Los Angeles, Yves Klein Pink "Monopink" Glass Table, Made in France

By Yves Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

overseen the production of this coffee table edition. Made in France

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

In Stock in Los Angeles, Yves Klein Pink "Monopink" Glass Table, Made in France

$21,250

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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

Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

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

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

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