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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Slide Coffee Table

Knick Knacks

Mid Century Sliding Glass

Maison Jansen Sliding Table

Category

2010s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Brass

Modern Concrete Brass and Walnut Coffee Table with Sliding Drawers and Stash Box

$19,774 / item

Pair Provencial Style Tables w/Drawer Slide (GMD#2241)

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair French Louis XV Provencial Style Carved, Ebonized Walnut Coffee Tables (or Low End Tables

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair Provencial Style Tables w/Drawer Slide (GMD#2241)

$800 / set

Coffee Table on Wheels

Located in Paris, FR

Johannes Andersen. Rectangular rosewood coffee table, two sliding extensions in black formica at

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table on Wheels

$1,412

Alfred Hendrickx Coffee Table for Belform, Belgium, 1950s

By Alfred Hendrickx

Located in Oslo, NO

Alfred Hendrickx coffee table with sliding tray with ceramic tiles by Artist signed Nielens for

Category

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

Materials

Beech, Ceramic, Earthenware, Mahogany

Alfred Hendrickx Coffee Table for Belform, Belgium, 1950s

$1,542

Romeo Rega Italian Brass Chrome and Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Carpi, Modena

By Italian designer Romeo Rega a large coffee table whit sliding top. Bears the signature printed

Category

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

Materials

Chrome, Brass

Romeo Rega Italian Brass Chrome and Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

$3,560

Osso C Slide Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Custom Order

Located in Union City, NJ

Walnut and resin easy glide end and coffee table by Naturalist. This clear epoxy resin c-table is

Category

2010s American Side Tables

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Walnut

Osso C Slide Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Custom Order

$2,300

Mid-Century Mimi Set of Tables or Nesting Tables, Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in Hemiksem, VAN

Dane Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960. The coffee tables slide into each other, making them easy to put

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Mimi Set of Tables or Nesting Tables, Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960

$504 / set

Midcentury Nesting Tables in Teak by Opal Möbel, Germany, 1960s

By Opal Kleinmöbel 1

Located in Hemiksem, VAN

by the German Opal Möbel, circa 1960. The coffee tables slide into each other and are therefore easy

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Nesting Tables in Teak by Opal Möbel, Germany, 1960s

$682 / set

Maison Jansen Sliding Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in London, GB

A unique version of the Maison Jansen sliding coffee table with black lacquer frame and brass trims

Category

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

Materials

Gold Leaf, Metal, Brass

Maison Jansen Sliding Coffee Table

$5,127

1980 s Lucite and Brass Sliding Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Nijlen, VAN

Lucite and brass sliding table Beautiful sliding coffee table with a lucite frame and brass

Category

Vintage 1980s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite

1980 s Lucite and Brass Sliding Coffee Table

$1,020

Maison Jansen Sliding Coffee Table in Chrome and Brass

By Maison Jansen

Located in Antwerp, BE

Sliding coffee table, Maison Jansen, France, 1970s The coffee table slides open which allows one

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Maison Jansen Sliding Coffee Table in Chrome and Brass

$3,300

Eric Maville Sliding Coffee Table with Hidden Bar

By Jean Claude Mahey, Eric Maville

Located in London, GB

An Eric Maville and Jean Claude Mahey sliding coffee table with mirrored top and clad in faux

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Eric Maville Sliding Coffee Table with Hidden Bar

$3,213

Nickeled Vitrine Sliding Coffee Table Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, 1970s

By Guy Lefevre, Maison Jansen

Located in Paris, IDF

This beautiful polished nickel vitrine sliding coffee table reflects the Chinese-inspired design

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Nickeled Vitrine Sliding Coffee Table Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, 1970s

$5,696

Eric Maville and Jean Claude Mahey Sliding Coffee Table with Hidden Bar

By Eric Maville, Jean Claude Mahey

Located in London, GB

An Eric Maville and Jean Claude Mahey sliding coffee table with mirrored top and clad in faux

Category

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

Materials

Mirror, Acrylic, Wood

Eric Maville and Jean Claude Mahey Sliding Coffee Table with Hidden Bar

$4,033

Glamorous Sliding Coffee Table

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Very nice four tiers coffee table, glass and metal frame has applied brass patina. Please look at

Category

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

Glamorous Sliding Coffee Table

$3,600

Maison Jansen Sliding Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Antwerp, BE

Impressive sliding top coffee table with interior display chromed steel / brass / black lacquer

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Maison Jansen Sliding Coffee Table

$4,800

Aldo Tura, Parchment Sliding Coffee Table

By Aldo Tura

Located in London, GB

Two-tier coffee table with sliding top in parchment by Aldo Tura, Italy, circa 1960. The table has

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Aldo Tura, Parchment Sliding Coffee Table

$9,435

1970s Italian Glam Sliding Coffee Table

Located in Antwerp, BE

Coffee table with sliding panels Black Lacquered wood hides a burl veneer A play of triangles and

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl, Lacquer

1970s Italian Glam Sliding Coffee Table

$3,200

Aldo Tura Two-Tier Sliding Coffee Table

By Aldo Tura

Located in Antwerp, BE

Post-modern two-tone coffee table by Aldo Tura Lacquered parchment Italy, 1970s The top slides

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Aldo Tura Two-Tier Sliding Coffee Table

$9,000

Maison Jansen Mastercraft Sliding Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Antwerp, BE

Chromed steel sliding coffee table. Black lacquered wood brass book or magazine vitrine

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Maison Jansen Mastercraft Sliding Table

$3,450

Sliding coffee table with hidden bar, Belgo Chrom

By Belgo Chrome

Located in Brussel, BE

Vintage Black Glass & Brass Coffee Table – Geometric Design, 1970s Modernist Elegance by Belgian

Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Sliding coffee table with hidden bar, Belgo Chrom

$5,815

1970s Marble Sliding Top Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

1970s travertine top sliding coffee table with mirrored interior bar. The bar is composed of two

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Travertine

1970s Marble Sliding Top Coffee Table

$5,000

Red Lacquer Sliding Coffee Table by Jean Claude Mahey

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Antwerp, BE

Jean Claude Mahey sliding bar coffee table, France, 1980s. Burgundy red lacquer, brass inside

Category

Vintage 1980s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Red Lacquer Sliding Coffee Table by Jean Claude Mahey

$2,800

Maison Jansen, Sliding Coffee Table, Brass and Glass, France, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Greding, DE

Large rectangular coffee table by Maison Jansen in the 1970s. Made of brass and glass with a

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen, Sliding Coffee Table, Brass and Glass, France, 1970s

$3,085

Aldo Tura two tier sliding coffee table with hidden bar

By Aldo Tura

Located in Antwerp, BE

Coffee table by Aldo Tura in Mint Condition In goatskin lacquer Italy, 1970s The top slides open

Category

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

Materials

Goatskin, Mirror

Aldo Tura two tier sliding coffee table with hidden bar

$9,500

Romeo Rega Brass and Chrome Sliding Coffe Table, Italy 1960s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Naples, IT

Brass, chrome-plated metal and glass coffee table/window, signed Romeo Rega. The top functions as a

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Romeo Rega Brass and Chrome Sliding Coffe Table, Italy 1960s

$5,933

Aldo Tura Two-Tone and Two-Tier Sliding Coffee Table

By Aldo Tura

Located in Antwerp, BE

Postmodern coffee table in lacquered parchment by Aldo Tura, Italy, 1970s. High end piece with a

Category

Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Lacquer

Aldo Tura Two-Tone and Two-Tier Sliding Coffee Table

$8,000

Vintage Chrome and Brass Sliding Coffee Table from Maison Jansen, France, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

Large square glass table with sliding top by Maison Jansen. The coffee table has the ability to

Category

Vintage 1970s French Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vintage Chrome and Brass Sliding Coffee Table from Maison Jansen, France, 1970s

$3,738

A Burl Wood Sliding Coffee Table or Bar by Paul Michel, Belgium c.1970

By Paul Michel

Located in Chicago, IL

A sophisticated Italian Midcentury Modern cocktail table and dry bar by Paul Michel. The table

Category

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

Materials

Steel

A Burl Wood Sliding Coffee Table or Bar by Paul Michel, Belgium c.1970

$9,200

Burl wood coffee table with bar by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois, 1980s

By Roche Bobois, Paul Michel

Located in Lyon, FR

Gorgeous sliding coffee table with a full mirrored bar and feet, designed by Paul Michel for Roche

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Burl wood coffee table with bar by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois, 1980s

$3,560

Burl wood coffee table with bar by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois, France, 1980s

By Roche Bobois, Paul Michel

Located in Lyon, FR

Gorgeous sliding coffee table with a full mirrored bar, designed by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois

Category

Vintage 1980s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Elm

Burl wood coffee table with bar by Paul Michel for Roche Bobois, France, 1980s

$3,560

20th Century Chrome Sliding Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Nijlen, VAN

Beautiful sliding coffee table in a Maison Jansen style. The sliding table is perfect to display

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Furniture

Materials

Steel

20th Century Chrome Sliding Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

$771

1980 s Goldplated Sliding Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Nijlen, VAN

Maison Jansen (attr.) sliding table Beautiful sliding coffee table in a Maison Jansen style. The

Category

Vintage 1980s French Lounge Chairs

Materials

Gold Plate

1980 s Goldplated Sliding Table Attributed to Maison Jansen

$1,068

Vivai del Sud 1970s Sofa in Bouclé Wool and Rattan

Located in Antwerp, BE

impressive quality and dimensions. They are presented in the added picture together with a sliding coffee

Category

Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Rattan

Vivai del Sud 1970s Sofa in Bouclé Wool and Rattan

$18,000

Tropicalist "Ours Polaire" Club Chair by Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Antwerp, BE

picture together with a sliding coffee table by Aldo Tura. The new perfectly executed bouclé wool

Category

Late 20th Century European Hollywood Regency Club Chairs

Materials

Wool, Rattan

Tropicalist "Ours Polaire" Club Chair by Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970s

$9,500 / item

Vivai del Sud Seventies Living Room Set in Bouclé Wool and Rattan

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Antwerp, BE

couch. They are presented in the added picture together with a sliding coffee table by Aldo Tura. The

Category

Late 20th Century European Hollywood Regency Living Room Sets

Materials

Bouclé, Rattan

Vivai del Sud Seventies Living Room Set in Bouclé Wool and Rattan

$37,000

Brass and Lucite Living Room Set by Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Antwerp, BE

-seat, one large sliding coffee table, one side table and two ottoman. Fits well in an eclectic

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Brass

Brass and Lucite Living Room Set by Charles Hollis Jones

$24,000 / set

Brass and Lucite Living Room Set by Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Antwerp, BE

seater, one large sliding coffee table, one side table and two ottoman. Fits well in an eclectic

Category

Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Living Room Sets

Materials

Brass

Brass and Lucite Living Room Set by Charles Hollis Jones

$26,000

Coffee table with sliding top

Located in New York, NY

A Karl Springer style, coffee table with imitation goat skin finish and sliding top that permits to

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee table with sliding top

$1,600

1970s Sliding Top Vitrine Coffe Table

By Romeo Rega

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

1970s sliding top coffe table in the manner of Romeo Rega sliding tables. Table top can be opened

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

1970s Sliding Top Vitrine Coffe Table

$3,700

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

$1,780

Italian Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

Elegant coffee table with two levels in glass and brass. The top slides to the sides so that you

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,966

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

$2,076

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brass and chrome sliding top coffee table by maison jansen. This luxurious coffee table is ideal

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,195

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

$1,780

Vintage Brass Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

By belgochrom

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brass sliding top coffee table. This luxurious coffee table is ideal to store magazines or

Category

Vintage 1970s European Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,314

Maison Jansen Coffee Table with Sliding Top

By Maison Jansen

Located in Miami, FL

Coffee table in polished steel, glass, perspex and cream enamel with mirror bottom by Maison Jansen

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Maison Jansen Coffee Table with Sliding Top

$17,500

Vintage Brass Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage square brass coffee table with a sliding beveled glass top. This luxurious appeal table

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,136

Vintage Brass Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage rectangular brass coffee table with a sliding beveled glass top and Lucite legs. This

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970s

$2,367

Sliding Top Coffee Table Glass and Brass

By Maison Jansen

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

Italian table with a sliding top in brass and chrome. Smoked mirror glass at the bottom of the

Category

20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Sliding Top Coffee Table Glass and Brass

$2,136

Rectangular Parchment Coffee Table w/ Sliding Mirrored Top

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Glamorous 1970's Rectangular Parchment Coffee Table With Sliding Mirrored Top.

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Parchment Paper

Rectangular Parchment Coffee Table w/ Sliding Mirrored Top

$1,850

Aldo Tura Sliding Open Coffee Table, Italy, 1960s

By Aldo Tura

Located in New York, NY

1960s Italian Aldo Tura sliding open coffee table. Brown with cream stripe. Excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Aldo Tura Sliding Open Coffee Table, Italy, 1960s

$8,950

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table by Belgochrom, 1970s

By Belgo Chrome

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

Metal, Brass

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table by Belgochrom, 1970s

$1,892

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table By Belgochrom, 1970s

By Belgo Chrome

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

Metal, Brass

Vintage Sliding Top Coffee Table By Belgochrom, 1970s

$2,195

Maison Jansen Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970 s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

A lovely display coffee table attributed to Maison Jansen, France, circa 1970. The chrome and brass

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Maison Jansen Sliding Top Coffee Table, 1970 s

$4,153

Walnut Slide Top Coffee Table By John Keal

Located in Chicago, IL

Versatile coffee table made of walnut with sliding top to reveal a laminate surface for dining

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Laminate

Walnut Slide Top Coffee Table By John Keal

$3,450

Walnut Slide Top Coffee Table By John Keal

Located in Chicago, IL

Versatile coffee table made of walnut with sliding top to reveal a black laminate surface for

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Laminate

Walnut Slide Top Coffee Table By John Keal

$3,450

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Slide Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic slide coffee table available at 1stDibs. A slide coffee table — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. There are 123 variations of the antique or vintage slide coffee table you’re looking for, while we also have 7 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer slide coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each slide coffee table bearing Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made slide coffee table over the years, but those crafted by Maison Jansen, Aldo Tura and belgochrom are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Slide Coffee Table?

Prices for a slide coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $600 and can go as high as $27,500, while the average can fetch as much as $3,872.

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 Slide Coffee Table

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 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 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 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.
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.
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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