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
Elegant Oak Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa for Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
A stunning coffee table designed by Paolo Buffa for Permanente Mobili Cantù, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance typical of Buffa’s work.
The table’s sculptur...
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Warren Platner Black Bronze Glass Coffee Table for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A hard to find very well crafted black bronzed welded vertical steel wire rod coffee table with thick fine beveled edged glass top. Manufactured by Knoll International this vintage t...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Chrome / Glass Coffee Table in the style of Milo Baughman
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A chromed Mid Century metal flat bar coffee table with a raised floating section with a drop in glass top . A very clean sophisticated form in th...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Olof Ottelin 'Americano' Coffee Table, Circa 1952
By Olof Ottelin
Located in New York, NY
Olof Ottelin (Finland, 1917-1971)
Olof Ottelin, a 1952 'Americano' coffee table made to order for Oy Stockmann Ab, Keravan Cabinetmaker. Mahogany, birch and elm wood.
Made to order f...
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Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Travertine and Walnut Coffee Table by Erwin Lambeth, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
Polished travertine and walnut coffee table by Erwin Lambeth, circa 1950s. Expertly restored by Stamford Modern, the solid walnut base has been refinished in a deep, rich walnut tone...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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"Borghèse" Coffee Table, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
The Borghese coffee table, designed by French designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, is a statement piece that seamlessly blends art and functionality. Inspired by the iconic umbrella pin...
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2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Metal
