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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Unique Coffee Tables

Antique French Iron Table

Oprah Winfrey

Teak Slab

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mid century wooden coffee table, 1970s

$1,781

Memphis Geometric Coffee Table, Italy, 1980s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Unique 1980s Memphis coffee table, crafted from pine wood, featuring bold geometric shapes

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Pine

Memphis Geometric Coffee Table, Italy, 1980s

$5,550

Travertine and glass Coffee Table 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Unique oval travertine and glass coffee table. The table top consists of a ying & yang shaped top

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Travertine and glass Coffee Table 1970s

$2,316

Mid-Century Oak and Glass Coffee Table

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Raleigh, NC

Unique mid-century glass top coffee table in the manner of Adrian Pearsall. Rectangular shaped top

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood, Oak

Mid-Century Oak and Glass Coffee Table

$2,640

Vanilla Pie Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Vanilla Pie Coffee Table by Perler Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 40 cm. Materials: Jesmonite. Weight: 35-40

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Vanilla Pie Coffee Table by Perler

$4,180 / item

Chocolate Brownie Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

store featuring my unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, and table sets. Today

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Chocolate Brownie Coffee Table by Perler

$4,180 / item

Studio Style Free Form Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Unique free- form coffee table featuring a collage-top made up of off-cuts. This piece will make a

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Studio Style Free Form Coffee Table

$1,500

Mid-Century Modern Round Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Unique mid-century coffee table with side flares. Built from beautiful maple wood which is less

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Round Coffee Table

$1,100

Organic Flow Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Organic Flow Coffee Table by Perler Dimensions: Ø 140 x H 40 cm. Materials: Jesmonite. Weight: 50

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Organic Flow Coffee Table by Perler

$8,515 / item

Square Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A unique vintage modern coffee table that boasts a tile-top with brass trim. Stylish design with

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Brass

Square Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

$2,100

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 40 cm. Materials: Jesmonite. Weight: 35-40

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler

$5,510 / item

Modern French Stainless Steel Glass Coffee table

Located in Marseille, FR

Unique anonymous coffee table designed and made in Limoges, France, circa 1980. This coffee table

Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern French Stainless Steel Glass Coffee table

$1,710 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage Lucite and Chrome Coffee Table

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Mid-Century Modern coffee table features unique Lucite and chrome base in the style of Charles

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Lucite and Chrome Coffee Table

$1,200

Solid Birch Coffee Table by Petra Madalena

Located in Geneve, CH

meticulously finished edges to the smooth, polished surface. With its unique design, this coffee table

Category

2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Solid Birch Coffee Table by Petra Madalena

$7,886 / item

Illum Wikkelsø Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table

By Illum Wikkelsø

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This sculpted jacks style coffee table features unique mid-century design with a wonderful natural

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Illum Wikkelsø Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table

$2,300

Pierre Coffee Table by Barlas Baylar

By Hudson Furniture, Barlas Baylar

Located in New York, NY

The unique Pierre Coffee table by Barlas Baylar has an eclectic elegance featuring an H9 wood top

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Stainless Steel

Pierre Coffee Table by Barlas Baylar

Price Upon Request

Unique Round Table Solace 47: Solid Walnut, Hand-Finished Elegance

By Joel Escalona

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Sculptural Coffee Table Made of Solid Wood, Center Table Solace S47 by Joel Escalona The Solace

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Unique Round Table Solace 47: Solid Walnut, Hand-Finished Elegance

$11,273 Sale Price / item

15% Off

Unique Circular Table Solace 41: Artisan Craftsmanship in Solid Walnut

By Joel Escalona

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Sculptural Coffee Table Made of Solid Wood, Center Table Solace S41 by Joel Escalona The Solace

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Unique Circular Table Solace 41: Artisan Craftsmanship in Solid Walnut

$11,273 Sale Price / item

15% Off

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous vintage modern coffee table features unique carved legs with stretchers on each side

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table

$1,600

Round Mid-Century Chrome Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique circular coffee table features brass-plated chrome finish with heavy Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Round Mid-Century Chrome Coffee Table

$1,000

Italian Design Square Coffee Table, 1970s RESTORED

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

combines elegance and practicality, making this coffee table truly unique. The combination of walnut

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Design Square Coffee Table, 1970s RESTORED

$1,900

Sculptural Metal Coffee Table JD Tucker 1989

Located in Miami, FL

A unique sculptural coffee table.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Metal Coffee Table JD Tucker 1989

$9,500

Vintage Brass and Wood Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique designer coffee table features an offset glass tabletop mounted on a brass and carved

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass and Wood Coffee Table

$2,000

Italian Design Wooden Coffee Table, 1970s RESTORED

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

often combines elegance and practicality, making this coffee table truly unique. The combination of

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Design Wooden Coffee Table, 1970s RESTORED

$2,149

David Hacker Steel Table. Pieced and Welded Steel. Unique. Waxed finish.

By David Hacker

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

David Hacker is an American Sculptor and Painter. This Table is made with Welded Pieces of Steel

Category

1990s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

David Hacker Steel Table. Pieced and Welded Steel. Unique. Waxed finish.

$8,500

Vintage Coastal Bamboo Coffee Tables - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

of delightful bamboo coffee tables. Crafted from natural bamboo poles, each table features a sturdy

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Coastal Bamboo Coffee Tables - A Pair

$1,950 / set

Circular End/Side Table Unique Organic Rust Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel

By J.M. Szymanski

Located in Bronx, NY

TABLE NO. 15 - SIDE TABLE / CORTEN J.M. Szymanski d. 2021 This unique finish is achieved by

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Circular End/Side Table Unique Organic Rust Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel

$6,735 / item

Unique Bauhaus Small Tall Side Table, Chrome and Makasar, Kovona, 1950s

By Kovona

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Unusual bauhaus table. Completely professionally restored Source: Czech Maker: Kovona Period

Category

20th Century Czech Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Unique Bauhaus Small Tall Side Table, Chrome and Makasar, Kovona, 1950s

$950

Antique Art Deco rectangular walnut coffee table

Located in Asheville, NC

Vintage Art Deco unique walnut coffee table, dating back around 1930s , entirely made of solid wood

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Art Deco rectangular walnut coffee table

$1,420

Circular End/Side Table Unique Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel

By J.M. Szymanski

Located in Bronx, NY

TABLE NO. 15 - SIDE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 This Noguchi-inspired side table is handcrafted

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Circular End/Side Table Unique Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel

$5,856 / item

Travertine and glass Coffee Table 1970s, Italy

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Unique oval travertine and glass coffee table. The table top consists of a ying & yang shaped top

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Travertine and glass Coffee Table 1970s, Italy

$2,316

Exotic American Studio Craft Sculptural Coffee Table

Located in Rochester, NY

A unique handmade sculptural coffee table. Designed after the mask of the Egyptian king Tutankhamun

Category

20th Century North American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cherry

Exotic American Studio Craft Sculptural Coffee Table

$9,800

Stitch Coffee Table in Big Leaf Maple

By Uhuru Design

Located in Denver, PA

The Stitch coffee table showcases the rich grain of gorgeous Big Leaf Maple slab. Each coffee table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Stitch Coffee Table in Big Leaf Maple

$10,500 / item

Massive Matte Black Elm Low Coffee Table

Located in San Angelo, TX

such a unique piece of art and coffee table. This can go with so many different design spaces and can

Category

20th Century French Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Massive Matte Black Elm Low Coffee Table

$6,297 Sale Price

29% Off

Flowing White 80 Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, and table sets. Today, our offerings also

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Flowing White 80 Coffee Table by Perler

$5,083 / item

Danish Midcentury Illums Bolighus Rosewood Coffee Table

By Illums Bolighus

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A beautiful vintage modern coffee table with uniquely shaped tapered legs and elegant rosewood wood

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Midcentury Illums Bolighus Rosewood Coffee Table

$2,100

Modern Italian Resin and Bamboo Coffee Table

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Modern coffee table, unique fusion of modern and natural elements. Each piece of natural bamboo is

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Resin

Modern Italian Resin and Bamboo Coffee Table

$4,394

Long Danish Modern Two-Tier Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique vintage teak coffee table makes a substantial addition to any interior. At almost six

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Long Danish Modern Two-Tier Coffee Table

$2,600

Unique No. 523 table set by Peter Hvidt und Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen

By France Daverkosen, Hvidt Mølgaard

Located in Munich, DE

Unique and wonderful set of 6 Hvidt & Mølgaard black lacquered tables. Directly from the factory

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Unique No. 523 table set by Peter Hvidt und Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen

$10,689 / set

Unique Extra Large Carl Auböck Mahogany Tree Trunk Table No.21

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Čelinac, BA

Carl Aubock Mahogany TreeTrunk Table No 21 Austria 1950s

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Unique Extra Large Carl Auböck Mahogany Tree Trunk Table No.21

$19,840 Sale Price

20% Off

1970s Silas Seandel Bronze Sculptural Coffee Table, Signed

By Paul Evans, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Silas Seandel

Located in Raleigh, NC

This extraordinary Silas Seandel coffee table, a unique example, exemplifies the renowned

Category

Vintage 1970s Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

1970s Silas Seandel Bronze Sculptural Coffee Table, Signed

$8,500

Hollywood Regency Coffee Table White Ceramic Tommaso Barbi

By Tommaso Barbi

Located in Buxton, GB

This vintage large Tommaso Barbi coffee table in white ceramic and brass is a stunning addition to

Category

20th Century French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Hollywood Regency Coffee Table White Ceramic Tommaso Barbi

$4,455

Italian rose crystalline alabaster coffee table late 1970s

Located in Paris, IDF

Unique rose crystalline alabaster coffee table made in Italy, in the Romagna region, in the late

Category

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

Materials

Alabaster

Italian rose crystalline alabaster coffee table late 1970s

$17,221

Indian Walnut Coffee Table with Black Leather Fringe

By Enrico Pellizzoni

Located in Milan, IT

Modern and unique, the Indian Coffee Table is a striking centerpiece that will create a statement

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Indian Walnut Coffee Table with Black Leather Fringe

$3,278 / item

French Bronze Figural Coffee Table with Travertine Top

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bronze Figural Coffee Table with Travertine Top A unique and sculptural bronze coffee table

Category

Early 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Bronze

French Bronze Figural Coffee Table with Travertine Top

$2,400 Sale Price

43% Off

André Kulesza Architect. Unique Light Table, Wrought Iron, Glass Crystals 1960s

Located in leucate, FR

Exceptional light coffee table by the architect André Kulesza, hammered wrought iron and polychrome

Category

Vintage 1960s French Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

André Kulesza Architect. Unique Light Table, Wrought Iron, Glass Crystals 1960s

$19,478

A vintage acacia wood coffee table - France - 1970s

By Alexandre Noll

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

and unique, this coffee table is perfect for adding a warm, retro touch to your living space, offering

Category

Vintage 1970s French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

A vintage acacia wood coffee table - France - 1970s

$2,292

Fabulous Piero Fornasetti Italian Cameo Medallion Coffee Table

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Unique mid century modern Italian coffee table by Piero Fornasetti. Cameo medallions gold leaf on

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Fabulous Piero Fornasetti Italian Cameo Medallion Coffee Table

$6,900

Octave Grey Coffee Table with Brass Sheet Base

Located in New York, NY

A grey octave coffee table with an eight-face bone inlay line design is a striking piece that

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Octave Grey Coffee Table with Brass Sheet Base

$3,280 / item

Ico Parisi Style Large Round Italian Coffee Table

By Ico Parisi

Located in Prato, Tuscany

distinctive, eccentric, and unique design. The coffee table has a larger size than normal coffee tables. The

Category

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

Materials

Sapele Wood

Ico Parisi Style Large Round Italian Coffee Table

$2,375 Sale Price

20% Off

Marquetry Marble Design Table Unique Piece Joaquín Moll Meddel Spain in Stock

By Joaquín Moll, Meddel

Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL

Marquetry Marble Design Table Unique Piece Joaquín Moll Meddel Spain in Stock The Marquetry Marble

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Marquetry Marble Design Table Unique Piece Joaquín Moll Meddel Spain in Stock

$6,781

Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Shell Inlaid Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful century old teak log was repurposed into this one of a kind coffee table whilst

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood, Shell

Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Shell Inlaid Coffee Table

$2,900

Belgian brutalist ceramic lacquer coffee table Erik Deforce 1977

Located in Paris, IDF

Unique brutalist coffee table by Belgian architect and designer Erik Deforce in 1977. Solid black

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Belgian brutalist ceramic lacquer coffee table Erik Deforce 1977

$12,114 Sale Price

40% Off

Unique Travertine Walnut and Brass Cocktail Table Designed by Phillip Enfield

By Phillip Enfield

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

beautifully made cocktail table constructed of solid walnut and brass, featuring a Travertine marble top. The

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Unique Travertine Walnut and Brass Cocktail Table Designed by Phillip Enfield

$3,600 Sale Price

25% Off

Sculptural Bronze Coffee Table with Glass Top 1970 s

Located in London, GB

This unique sculptural brutalist bronze coffee table is a work of art. It is a master piece of

Category

Vintage 1970s European Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Sculptural Bronze Coffee Table with Glass Top 1970 s

$30,159

Mid-Century modern 1960s extendable coffee table by Nathan

Located in London, GB

A unique Mid-Century coffee table with an extendable top, made by English manufacturer Nathan. The

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Mid-Century modern 1960s extendable coffee table by Nathan

$801

Italian Design Wooden Coffee Table with Bar Compartment, 1970s

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

combines elegance and practicality, making this coffee table truly unique. Its rectangular shape

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Plywood

Italian Design Wooden Coffee Table with Bar Compartment, 1970s

$2,256

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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

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.
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.
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.

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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.
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.

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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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.

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