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Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

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

1 Answer
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.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
Rare Jean Claude Dresse Mosaic Coffee Table in Hematite
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, resin, hematite, lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s Jean Claude Dresse’s work is typically characterized by brass and resin; his use of hematite is un...
Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Slab' coffee table, English walnut, United States, 1964 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of ...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1960s Roger Capron Style Brutalist Oak Coffee Table, Red Ceramic Tiles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oak frame construction supports a grid of red-glazed ceramic tiles in varying hues. Chunky rectangular legs provide architectural support beneath the low-profile form. The tile surfa...
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Roger Capron, "Shogun" coffee table, signed, 1960 , France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Roger Capron "Shogun" Coffee Table, 1960s French Design, Ceramic & Wood, Japandi Style Description: This iconic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, created in France during ...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Large Rectangular Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Mixed Hardwood Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large & impressive rectangular coffee table from Brazil. Solid wood top consisting of mixed hardwoods shoeing their natural organic form. Extremely heavy & well made.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Brutalist Round Coffee Table in Black Stone Look Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail table, resin, Northern-Europe, 1970s. This deep brown robust coffee or cocktail table is from the 1970s. The thick round shaped top is supported by a smaller column with ar...
Category

Vintage 1970s European Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

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