Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Related Questions
- Can a coffee table be too low?1 Answer
- Who invented the coffee table?1 Answer
- What size should a coffee table be?1 Answer
- Is an ottoman a coffee table?1 Answer
- What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?1 Answer
Shop for Coffee Tables and Cocktail Tables on 1stDibs
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST Rattan SIDE TABLE by Janine ABRAHAM, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A superb Modernist, Freeform, Brutalist, Folk Art pedestal table or side table, with a four-legged black lacquered metal frame and an impressive woven wicker top, creating a warm and...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Coffee or Cocktail Table
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Cocktail Table
Category
1990s American Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Stack 880 Green Round Glass Coffee Table by Niccolò Devetag
Located in Milan, IT
Stack 880 by Niccolò Devetag is a green round glass coffee table from the Stack collection, featuring modular elements that can be stacked t...
Category
2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Glass
Elegant Coffee Table Crafted from Oak Wood with Lacquered Ball Accents By JLC
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This elegant coffee table offers a harmonious blend of refined design and tactile charm. Both its generous rectangular tabletop and sturdy base are meticulously crafted from cerused ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Edition Claudia Wieser 'Red and Blue' Side Table e15 Selected and von Bartha
By e15
Located in Tilburg, NL
Edition Claudia Wieser 'Red and Blue' Side Table for e15 Selected. New, limited edition.
e15 and gallery von Bartha proudly present EDITION CLAUDIA WIESER – a striking collection of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Art Deco coffee table
Located in Barnstaple, GB
A beautiful Art Deco Coffee table in a lovely mellow walnut. The circular top has a darker walnut inset panel down its centre, which is repeated on the 2 lower tiers also. The protec...
Category
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
$1,791