Questions & Answers
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Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
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.
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
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Shop for Coffee Tables and Cocktail Tables on 1stDibs
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Emergence Collection Rosewood Oval or Round Coffee Table by Aaron Saxton
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The Emergence collection released January 2026 by Aaron Saxton, designed and built in the USA. As shown 54x36x15 3/8" tall. There is a separate listing for the walnut model, while th...
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2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Unique 54-inch Oval Walnut Coffee Table by Aaron Saxton
Located in South Charleston, WV
New images and video added 23 Jan 2026. Coffee Table 36x54x16" tall. May be reduced to 15.25" if required, This model is the prototype and was produced for a series we are releasing ...
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Set Bold Blend Coffee Table Large + Medium + Small
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$14,896 / item
Antique Italian Walnut Burl Inlay Console Side Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
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20th Century Italian Renaissance Side Tables
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