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
Roger Capron, "Shogun" coffee table, signed, 1970 , France
By Roger Capron
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 the ...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
"Freeform Too" Organic Modern Coffee Table by Last Workshop, Walnut
Located in Chicago, IL
"Freeform Too" Coffee Table by Last Workshop
In natural walnut finish with natural oak legs.
58"L x 33" x 14"H
A unique and intriguing silhouette of a modern coffee table. A thick 2...
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut
Constellation Coffee Table in Shagreen, Shell and Brass by Kifu Paris
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Ta...
Materials
Brass
1980s Extra-Large Granite Coffee Table with Pedestal Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental coffee table produced in the Netherlands during the 1980s demonstrates the period's embrace of raw, elemental materials. The design relies on pure geometric forms: a thick...
Category
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stone, Granite
PIERRE CHAPO "T18" Coffee Table
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Forest, BE
Pierre Chapo was a reknown French furniture designer and craftsman. He was initially interested in becoming a professional painter, however, after meeting with a shipbuilder who intr...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Maitland Smith Japanese Meiji Style Red Lacquered Bamboo Motif Coffee Table 48"
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite Japanese Meiji inspired Cocktail Table or Storage Chest by Maitland Smith, circa 1980s. Features a red-orange lacquered case designed with a golden painted bamboo shoot...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
$3,000 Sale Price
20% Off