Why is it called a coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What is the difference between a 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.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

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.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

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

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

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

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

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

Unique Coffee Tables

Antique French Iron Table

Oprah Winfrey

Teak Slab

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Unique Rosewood Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen for CF Christensen

$1,650

Very Large Unique Hewn Pine Hammered Copper Brutalist Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

A large hewn pine coffee table with hammered copper insert. Spain 1970s. - We offer free

Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Very Large Unique Hewn Pine Hammered Copper Brutalist Coffee Table

$5,121

Danish Modern Teak Coffee Table, Three Round Surfaces, Unique Design

Located in Kansas City, MO

Unusual and striking Danish solid teak coffee table. Three round teak surfaces attached to a teak

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Coffee Table, Three Round Surfaces, Unique Design

$4,500

Logniture, Rustic Sculptural Coffee Table, Burnt Black Oak Wood, Unique

By Logniture

Located in Stara Gradiška, HR

Chainsaw carved coffee table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Logniture, Rustic Sculptural Coffee Table, Burnt Black Oak Wood, Unique

$1,172

Philip Kelvin LaVerne Unique Pierced Bronze Coffee Table 1960s (Signed)

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

One-of-a-kind coffee table with Chinese figures, animals and floral motif in hand-pierced

Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Pewter, Gold Leaf

Philip Kelvin LaVerne Unique Pierced Bronze Coffee Table 1960s (Signed)

$35,000

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

By Studio Superego

Located in Milan, Italy

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

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plexiglass

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

$5,921

Philip LaVerne Rare Unique Sweeping Sculpture Coffee Table 1966 Signed

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rare unique wood sculpture table, superbly hand-crafted organic sweeping and curving form in wood

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Philip LaVerne Rare Unique Sweeping Sculpture Coffee Table 1966 Signed

$35,000

Large Mid Century Exotic Unique Live Edge Burl Wood Coffee Table

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Large Mid-Century exotic Live Edge wood Coffee Table This 1970s coffee table has a unique shape

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Large Mid Century Exotic Unique Live Edge Burl Wood Coffee Table

$3,800

Unique and Exceptionnel Coffee Table by Mia Jensen, Wood Firing, 2022

By Mia Jensen

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

An exceptionnal ceramic coffee table by Mia Jensen. Wood firing. Kaolin engobe. Signed at the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Unique and Exceptionnel Coffee Table by Mia Jensen, Wood Firing, 2022

$14,211

Unique Extendable Art Deco Coffee - Card Table, Chrome and Palisander, 1920s

By Dominique

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Unique Art Deco extendable coffee table. Architect: Gorgeous Dominique Source: France Material

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Unique Extendable Art Deco Coffee - Card Table, Chrome and Palisander, 1920s

$4,500

Mid-Century Modern Unique Teak Round Planter Coffee Table IDG, Denmark

By International Designers Group, Hans J. Wegner

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Mid-Century Modern unique teak round planter coffee table IDG. Made in Denmark. Excellent vintage

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Unique Teak Round Planter Coffee Table IDG, Denmark

$1,855

Donald Drumm, Unique Studio Coffee Table, Sand Cast Aluminium, America, 1970s

By Donald Drumm

Located in High Point, NC

A unique modernist / Brutalist coffee table by Don Drumm. Executed in the artist's studio in Akron

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Donald Drumm, Unique Studio Coffee Table, Sand Cast Aluminium, America, 1970s

$16,500

Attributed to Maison Jansen, Unique Neoclassical Coffee Table with Lacquered Top

By Maison Jansen

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

Attributed to Maison Jansen. Unique neoclassical brass coffee table with lacquered panel. The brass

Category

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Attributed to Maison Jansen, Unique Neoclassical Coffee Table with Lacquered Top

$4,974

Blue Glazed Stoneware Top and Burn Wood Coffee Table, Unique Piece

By W.H. Studio 1

Located in Paris, FR

”, Coffee table, a stoneware top glazed in blue signed with the Haguiko mark, tripod base in burnt pinewood

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Blue Glazed Stoneware Top and Burn Wood Coffee Table, Unique Piece

$17,764

Philip LaVerne Unique Sweeping Sculpture Coffee Table in Wood 1966 (Signed)

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rare unique wood sculpture table, superbly hand-crafted organic sweeping and curving form in wood

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Philip LaVerne Unique Sweeping Sculpture Coffee Table in Wood 1966 (Signed)

$45,000

Unique Mid-Century Walnut Adrian Pearsall Danish Modern Style Coffee Table

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Basel, BS

Vintage, stunning original Adrian Pearsall walnut Danish Modern style coffee / cocktail table

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Unique Mid-Century Walnut Adrian Pearsall Danish Modern Style Coffee Table

$2,984

Roland Wilhelmsson, Unique Signed Coffee Table, Pine, Studio of Artist 1968

By Roland Wilhelmsson

Located in High Point, NC

A handcrafted massive pine coffee table. Designed by Roland Wilhelmsson and executed by the hand of

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Roland Wilhelmsson, Unique Signed Coffee Table, Pine, Studio of Artist 1968

$13,500

Swedish Brutalist Tree Trunk Coffee Table, nice patina 1940s Handmade Unique

By Axel Vervoordt

Located in Forest, BE

table, a coffee table or a stand for a sculpture

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Swedish Brutalist Tree Trunk Coffee Table, nice patina 1940s Handmade Unique

$2,664

Philip LaVerne Rare Unique Sweeping Wood Sculpture Coffee Table 1966 (Signed)

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rare unique wood sculpture table, superbly hand-crafted organic sweeping and curving form in wood

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Philip LaVerne Rare Unique Sweeping Wood Sculpture Coffee Table 1966 (Signed)

$35,000

Majestic Schist Fossil Stone Coffee Table, antique Japanese wooden base. Unique.

Located in Forest, BE

Majestic stone coffee table. The top is made of a golden and grayish slate of schist with fossils

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Schist

Majestic Schist Fossil Stone Coffee Table, antique Japanese wooden base. Unique.

$8,882

Unique Etched Aluminium Enamel Art Coffee Table Attributed to Heinz Lilienthal

By Heinz Lilienthal

Located in Munster, NRW

A unique masterpiece from the seventies. On the artful tabletop you can discover every day

Category

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

Unique Etched Aluminium Enamel Art Coffee Table Attributed to Heinz Lilienthal

$4,000

Luxe Unique Tessellated Fossil Marble Scroll Coffee Table by Maitland Smith

By Maitland Smith, Karl Springer

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning tessellated fossil marble scroll table by Maitland Smith. This would be perfect in a

Category

Vintage 1970s Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Luxe Unique Tessellated Fossil Marble Scroll Coffee Table by Maitland Smith

$4,800

John Dickinson Unique Crate Coffee Table from the Firehouse, San Francisco 1970

By John Dickinson

Located in Chicago, IL

John Dickinson Unique Crate Coffee Table from the Firehouse, San Francisco, 1970 The only known

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

John Dickinson Unique Crate Coffee Table from the Firehouse, San Francisco 1970

$7,040

Unique Heckscher Etched Brass Abstract Artisan Made Coffee Table, Belgium 1970 s

By Christian Heckscher

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Unique one off coffee table designed and made by artist Christian Heckscher, Belgium, 1972 From

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Unique Heckscher Etched Brass Abstract Artisan Made Coffee Table, Belgium 1970 s

$10,000

CAILLETTE René-Jean, Coffee table, Unique piece, made by Charron, circa 1962

By René-Jean Caillette

Located in Paris, FR

CAILLETTE René-Jean (1919-2004) Coffee table, Unique piece, made by Charron, circa 1962 Nickel

Category

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

Materials

Metal

CAILLETTE René-Jean, Coffee table, Unique piece, made by Charron, circa 1962

$11,843

Mid Century Unique Round Coffee Table by Heinz Lilienthal in Etched Brass, 1970

By Heinz Lilienthal

Located in Berlin, DE

Crafted in 1970 by the visionary designer Heinz Lilienthal, this Mid Century Round Coffee Table

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Unique Round Coffee Table by Heinz Lilienthal in Etched Brass, 1970

$3,908

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Moment of Truth" a Unique Bronze Coffee Table, 1970s

By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

"Moment of Truth", a unique studio made hand-brazed base in heavily textured bronze with glass top

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Moment of Truth" a Unique Bronze Coffee Table, 1970s

$70,000

UNIQUE WELDED IRON SCULPTURE TABLE

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

VERY UNIQUE WELDED IRON SCULPTURE TABLE.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

UNIQUE WELDED IRON SCULPTURE TABLE

$1,600

Unique Low Table Ico Parisi

By Ico Parisi

Located in Rome, IT

Unique low table produced for a forniture in Rome, circa 1950 lacquered wood and walnut root Size

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Unique Low Table Ico Parisi

$2,131

Uniquely Detailed Pair of Rams Head Sculpture/Coffee Base

Located in Miami, FL

). These are coffee table height.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Uniquely Detailed Pair of Rams Head Sculpture/Coffee Base

$7,900

Coffee Table / Capron

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Rare Capron coffee table with unique motif.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Coffee Table / Capron

$12,000

American Coffee Table

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Unique design coffee table, featuring a wood "plank" suspended between wooded supports

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

American Coffee Table

$2,500

Unique Brass And Glass Cocktail Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This wonderfully designed brass and beveled edge glass coffee table makes a beautiful addition to

Category

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

Unique Brass And Glass Cocktail Table

$800

Lane Coffee Table

By Lane Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Uniquely shaped walnut & glass coffee table by Lane Furniture Co. Please confirm item location (NY

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Glass

Lane Coffee Table

$1,950

Unique Mid-Century Modern Kidney Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage kidney or biomorphic shaped coffee table with two layers of glass, cone legs and brass

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Unique Mid-Century Modern Kidney Table

$1,250

Bamboo Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Unique vintage coffee table with bamboo frame, colorful inset panels, and ebonized wood legs. Top

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Bamboo Coffee Table

$3,600

Industrial Coffee Table

Located in Calgary, Alberta

Lovely industrial coffee table made by Uniquities using 19th century cast iron industrial bases and

Category

20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Industrial Coffee Table

$1,100

Exquisite Hand Painted Unique Low Table

By Protex

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Exquisite hand painted low table manufactured by "Protex" in the '50s. The painting reminds of

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Exquisite Hand Painted Unique Low Table

$2,605

1970s Slate Table with Unique Features

Located in Copenhagen, DK

One of a kind slate table. Mid-Century Modern table in black stone marble and rosewood finish.

Category

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

Materials

Marble

1970s Slate Table with Unique Features

$1,658

1940s Unique Southwestern Mosaic Tile Table

Located in Water Mill, NY

Western desert scene tile table-Folk Art.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1940s Unique Southwestern Mosaic Tile Table

$2,400

Unique Adjustable Height Walnut and Chrome Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Houston, TX

, easily adjusts from 16" high to 22" and 28" configurations. Can transform from a coffee table, occasional

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Unique Adjustable Height Walnut and Chrome Table

$1,800

French 1950 s Brutalist Unique Martini Table

Located in Aspen, CO

French 1950's Brutalist Unique Martini Table

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

French 1950 s Brutalist Unique Martini Table

$3,200

Unique Bicolor Brass Chrome Coffee in the Manner of Romeo Rega

By Romeo Rega

Located in Munster, NRW

Unique bicolor brass chrome coffee in the manner of Romeo Rega with brown smoked glass. The

Category

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

Unique Bicolor Brass Chrome Coffee in the Manner of Romeo Rega

$2,500

White Marble Coffee Table

Located in New Orleans, LA

Unique, small coffee table. Looks best with other small tables.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

White Marble Coffee Table

$529

Rustic Painted Coffee Table

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

Unique English coffee table made from old, reclaimed pieces with a painted, distressed finish and a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Rustic Painted Coffee Table

$2,490

Italian Parchment Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Most unique 20th century parchment coffee table, Italian, late 1940s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Parchment Coffee Table

$3,800

Osvaldo and Valeria Borsani Unique Occasional Table

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Chicago, IL

Osvaldo and Valeria Borsani unique occasional table for Tecno Provenance Ziuta Gerstenzang Akston

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Osvaldo and Valeria Borsani Unique Occasional Table

$85,000

Italian Marble Coffee Table

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Unique 1950's Italian marble coffee table with unique 4 drawers Walnut base with marble top

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Coffee Table

$11,500

French resin coffee table

Located in Chicago, IL

Unique Low coffee table of resin coated granite with brass inlay accent

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French resin coffee table

$1,800

Vintage French Coffee Table

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

Unique vintage French coffee table with chrome and brass frame, glass top and leather shelf.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Brass

Vintage French Coffee Table

$3,850

Black Marble Coffee Table

Located in New Orleans, LA

Stunning coffee table with unique legs that face different directions. The black marble has

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Black Marble Coffee Table

$1,481

Italian Bamboo Coffee Table

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Uniquely shaped Italian bamboo coffee table with angular loop legs Two tiers with shelf for books.

Category

Vintage 1950s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Italian Bamboo Coffee Table

$4,200

Roberto Sorrondeguy Coffee Table

By Roberto Sorrondeguy

Located in Chicago, IL

Unique handcrafted coffee table with rosewood top on a chrome-plated metal base by Uruguayan

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Roberto Sorrondeguy Coffee Table

$4,500

Vintage Leather Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Raleigh, NC

A unique leather topped coffee table with patinated steel legs. Sleek and industrial with a great

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Vintage Leather Coffee Table

$2,495

Crespi Style Coffee Table

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Incredibly unique rattan stacked coffee table with intricate design of rattan stacked in pyramid

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Crespi Style Coffee Table

$5,500

Italian Bamboo Coffee Table

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Unique Italian bamboo coffee table circa 1950s with circular shaped legs wrapped with rattan

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Glass

Italian Bamboo Coffee Table

$5,500

Mid Century Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Unique walnut coffee table featuring magazine slots and concealed storage drawer. Please confirm

Category

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

Mid Century Coffee Table

$1,200

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Unique Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of unique coffee tables for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct unique coffee tables — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. There are 215 antique and vintage unique coffee tables for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 82 modern editions to choose from as well. Unique coffee tables have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco unique coffee tables are consistently popular styles. Unique coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Jörg Pietschmann, Studio Superego and Philip and Kelvin LaVerne are consistently popular.

How Much are Unique Coffee Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $3,975, while they’re typically $475 on the low end and $180,000 highest priced.

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 Unique Coffee Tables

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

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

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a 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.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
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.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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