Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Guillerme & Chambron Rectangular Coffee Table in Oak with Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coffee table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s
Charming coffee table by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, crafted in solid oak with three in...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition Expertly Refinished
over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
Stainless Steel Freeform Coffee Table in The Style of Karl Springer.
Located in New York, NY
1980's Freeform stainless steel coffee table in the style of Karl Springer.
Light surface scratches consistent with wear.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Old Japanese Keyaki Wood Craftsman's Work Table TA139
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique work table once used by a Japanese craftsman, made of solid keyaki (Japanese zelkova) wood. It is believed to date from around 1950 to 1980. The keyaki timber is e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Giuseppe Rivadossi Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, coffee table, oak, Italy, 1970s
A beautifully crafted coffee table in solid oak by Giuseppe Rivadossi. Defined by its bold architectural f...
Category
Vintage 1970s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Oak
Pair of Elephant Nightstands or Side Table in Rattan, Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare pair of Mid-Century elephant-shaped side tables with removable trays, fully made in hand-woven wicker. These stylish organic pieces were designed by Vivai del Sud ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
