Who invented the coffee table?

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.

What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why is it called a coffee table?

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.

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?

The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables .The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa , and its depth will match the seating . These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables , but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

1979 Coffee Table

Small Cocktail Tables

Vintage 70s

Brass Flower Table

Glass And Copper Tables

Trunk Tables

Willy Ballez

Table Plexiglas

French Modernist Table

Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood

$18,600

Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood

By Roger Capron

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Beech

Coffee Table, Expanding Table Top, Stroage Space After Johannes Andersen, 1970's

$2,995

Coffee Table, Expanding Table Top, Stroage Space After Johannes Andersen, 1970's

By Johannes Andersen

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a truly extraordinary expansion coffee table constructed from a mix of solid and veneered Burmese teak with out-of-this-world variegated woodgrains. Featuring a sleek exp...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Unique Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Coffee Table

$1,800

Unique Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous vintage modern coffee table features a unique base and smooth rounded edges along the top. The unusually large tabletop has beautiful teak wood grain adding to the allu...

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

1970's Solid Brass Round Coffee Table from Mastercraft

$10,750

1970's Solid Brass Round Coffee Table from Mastercraft

Located in North Canton, OH

Iconic Piece from Mastercraft, circa 1970's. Incredibly rare find and nearly impossible to replicate. One of a kind. Very well taken care of with little signs of aging. Extraordinary...

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s-1970s Teak Coffee Table Side Table Ilse Möbel Danish Modern Design

$899

1960s-1970s Teak Coffee Table Side Table Ilse Möbel Danish Modern Design

By Ilse Möbel

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s-1970s teak coffee table side table Ilse Möbel Danish Modern Design Object: coffee table Manufacturer: Ilse Möbel Condition: good - vintage Age: around 1960-1970 ...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Rare Giallo Siena Marble Waterfall Style Coffee Table

$12,800

Rare Giallo Siena Marble Waterfall Style Coffee Table

Located in North Miami, FL

This is an OUTSTANDING oversized waterfall style marble coffee table. It is solid and in wonderful condition. Ready to place in your home! The Marble Giallo Siena is one of the mo...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Siena Marble

Angelo Mangiarotti Carrara Marble Coffee Table, Italy 1970's

$7,744

Angelo Mangiarotti Carrara Marble Coffee Table, Italy 1970's

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

Italian coffee table designed by Angelo Mangiarotti, executed in solid white Carrara marble with characteristic natural veining. The table presents a substantial rectangular top supp...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

1970s Milo Baughman Style Parson Zinc Coffee Table

$2,350

1970s Milo Baughman Style Parson Zinc Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, coffee table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best,...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Zinc

Vintage Midcentury Knoll Style Burled Top Coffee Table

$2,175Sale Price|25% Off

Vintage Midcentury Knoll Style Burled Top Coffee Table

By Florence Knoll

Located in Pasadena, TX

7" vintage burled top coffee table. This table features a beautiful burled wood top and a right angle ebonized steel base. Measures: Width 37.5" x depth 37.5" x height 19".

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl

French Midcentury Metal and Brass Coffee Table, 1970s

$3,188

French Midcentury Metal and Brass Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Paris, IDF

This metal, brass, and glass coffee table has the sleek, yet decadent, look that’s reminiscent of French designer Georges Geffroy. The smooth light metal legs are crossed and kept to...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Coffee Table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova, Italy 1970s.

$2,562

Coffee Table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova, Italy 1970s.

Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE

Coffee Table in wood with two four-legged base in bent brushed steel. New varnish, visible marks. With original stickers, Designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova, Italy 1978. ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Brass and Chrome Sliding Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen

$6,500

Brass and Chrome Sliding Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in New York, NY

Brass and Chrome Sliding Top Coffee Table in by Maison Jansen, 1970s. This coffee table has a sliding function on the top table top which turns it into a display table.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

1970s Mid Century Brutalist Coffee Table by Silas Seandel

$2,500

1970s Mid Century Brutalist Coffee Table by Silas Seandel

By Silas Seandel

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Silas Seandel sculptural coffee table designed and manufactured in the United States, circa 1970s. This exceptional piece embodies the bold artistic vision and sculptural approach th...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Striking Modern Chippendale Style Coffee Table in Bamboo

$3,600

Striking Modern Chippendale Style Coffee Table in Bamboo

Located in Atlanta, GA

A fabulous vintage bamboo coffee table, circa 1970s. A Fine, expertly made piece with wonderful warmth and patina. A dynamic focal point for any room. Excellent restored condition, t...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table by Lane

$1,600

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table by Lane

By Lane Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This striking walnut finish coffee table features a glass top and stylish Mid-Century Modern design. Simple yet unique design by Lane Furniture makes an impressive centre table for h...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Coffee Table–Vintage MCM U-Base Low Table.

$1,245

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Coffee Table–Vintage MCM U-Base Low Table.

Located in Seattle, WA

Infuse timeless Scandinavian-modern elegance into your living space with this striking vintage mid-century modern walnut coffee table. Defined by its exceptionally dramatic, sculptur...

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Scandinavian Minimalist Solid Pine Coffee Tables, 1970s

$1,184

Pair of Scandinavian Minimalist Solid Pine Coffee Tables, 1970s

Located in TOURS, FR

This pair of solid pine coffee tables exemplifies the purity and honesty of Scandinavian design from the 1970s. Crafted in thick, well-joined pine boards, each table presents a clean...

Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Coffee Table in Sculptural Bronze by Willy Daro

$11,161

Coffee Table in Sculptural Bronze by Willy Daro

By Willy Daro

Located in Brussels, BE

Rare and one of a kind Coffee table in sculptural bronze, brass and steel by Willy Daro from 70s. in original and very good condition, with a top glass. Dimension : 71x36hcm. Dimen...

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

Fine Acid Etched Coffee Table by Lova Creation

$14,500Sale Price|25% Off

Fine Acid Etched Coffee Table by Lova Creation

By Lova Creation

Located in Montreal, QC

Fine Belgian acid etched square brass coffee table inset with an agate stone by Lova Creation.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Henri Fernandez Brutalist Gold Bronze ‘Octo' Coffee Table

$6,739

Henri Fernandez Brutalist Gold Bronze ‘Octo' Coffee Table

By Henri Fernandez

Located in Hastings, GB

Henri Fernandez Brutalist Bronze ‘Octo’ centre or coffee table. This stunning hand crafted table in gilt and raw bronze dates to the early 1970’s and is with it’s original large oval...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Bronze "Starburst" Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

$10,995

Mid-Century Bronze "Starburst" Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

By Daniel Gluck

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century bronze “Starburst” coffee table designed by Daniel Gluck in the United States, circa 1970s. This base has a design that stands out from the rest and perfectly complements...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul McCobb

$1,600

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul McCobb

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A beautiful vintage modern cocktail table by Paul McCobb with a black matte finish over wood and beveled edges. The iconic splayed and tapered legs add to the midcentury appeal. This...

Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage Baker Badge Burl Amboyna Coffee/ Coctail Table

$1,500Sale Price|20% Off

Large Vintage Baker Badge Burl Amboyna Coffee/ Coctail Table

Located in Opa Locka, FL

Lovely Vintage Coffee. Cocktail Table in Burl Ambyna. Beautiful Baker Badge table.

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Travertine Coffee Table By Angelo Mangiarotti, Up&up Edition

$5,153

Travertine Coffee Table By Angelo Mangiarotti, Up&up Edition

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Charmes, FR

Travertine coffee table by Angelo Mangiarotti, Up&Up edition. 1970s, in good condition

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Italian Chrome & Smoked Glass square coffee table, 1970s Italy

$2,847

Italian Chrome & Smoked Glass square coffee table, 1970s Italy

Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District

A striking example of Italian modernism from the 1970s, this square coffee table pairs a sculptural chromed steel base with an elegant smoked glass top. The bent chrome legs form a f...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Coffee Table with Steel Frame and Marble Top

$7,500

French Coffee Table with Steel Frame and Marble Top

Located in Austin, TX

Coffee table from France. The structure of the table is steel with a six-armed stretcher. The top is a striking black and white intact marble slab with the most striking white veinin...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage Neoclassical Style Coffee Table with Removable Glass Top.

$1,795

Vintage Neoclassical Style Coffee Table with Removable Glass Top.

Located in Seattle, WA

This vintage coffee table features a rectangular wood frame fitted with a removable inset glass top, allowing the raftsmanship of the base and apron to remain visible while providing...

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

"Bazaar" Round Coffee Table By Superstudio For Giovanetti, 1968

$6,491

"Bazaar" Round Coffee Table By Superstudio For Giovanetti, 1968

By Superstudio

Located in Brussels, BE

"Bazaar" Round Coffee Table By Superstudio For Giovanetti, 1968

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Neoclassical Coffee Table Lucite Marble Glass 1970s

$2,171Sale Price|25% Off

Italian Neoclassical Coffee Table Lucite Marble Glass 1970s

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage 1970s Italian N...

Category

Vintage 1970s Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian White Marble and Brass 1970s Square Coffee Table

$1,127

Italian White Marble and Brass 1970s Square Coffee Table

Located in Varese, Lombardia

This elegant coffee table was produced in Italy around the 1970s. It is made from a brass structure with a white marble top. The table remains in very good vintage condition: unifor...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Mid Century Lucite and Glass Square Coffee Table

$2,695 / set

Mid Century Lucite and Glass Square Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid Century Lucite and glass square coffee table. This table measures: 40 wide x 40 deep x 17 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage c...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

1970s pine coffee table in the style of Maison Regain

$444

1970s pine coffee table in the style of Maison Regain

By Maison Regain

Located in CHAPONOST, FR

Old pine coffee table from the 1970s, influenced by Maison Regain. We love its clean, timeless design, the slat details and the wood joints, which create a nice graphic look. This ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Vintage Signed Les Prismatiques Lucite & Glass Cocktail Coffee Table

$5,400

Vintage Signed Les Prismatiques Lucite & Glass Cocktail Coffee Table

By Les Prismatiques

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage square lucite coffee cocktail table. Signed Les Prismatiques. Inset glass top. New glass was cut for this table. Lucite has been hand polished, there are some scratches and m...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Vintage ash wood coffee table by Paul Michel, 1970s

$2,548

Vintage ash wood coffee table by Paul Michel, 1970s

By Paul Michel

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Ash wood coffee table designed by Paul Michel. This luxurious coffee table is cleverly designed and slides open to reveal a mirrored spacious looking dry bar with the original plexi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Ash

Van Bennekom Slate Mosaic and Oak Coffee Table, Netherlands, 1970s

$1,537

Van Bennekom Slate Mosaic and Oak Coffee Table, Netherlands, 1970s

Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL

A Dutch coffee table from the 1970s, produced by Van Bennekom Meubelfabriek in Stadskanaal, with a top made as a mosaic of natural slate and a solid oak base. It belongs to the famil...

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate

Mid Century Lucite and Brass Tusk Coffee Table

$2,695 / set

Mid Century Lucite and Brass Tusk Coffee Table

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid century Lucite and brass tusk coffee table This table measures: 44 wide x 44 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage condi...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Teak Coffee Table Model 5362, Fredericia, 1970s

$1,230

Børge Mogensen Teak Coffee Table Model 5362, Fredericia, 1970s

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Praha, CZ

A classic Scandinavian modern coffee table designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark in the 1970s. Model 5362 exemplifies Mogensen’s philosophy of ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Modernist Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1970s

$1,412

Modernist Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1970s

By Marco Zanuso

Located in DE KWAKEL, NL

A refined 1970s coffee table designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. The white melamine top with softly rounded corners rests on four substantial chrome-plated cylindrical supports, gi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

McGuire Hollywood Regency Bamboo Pedestal Coffee Table, Circa 1970s

$2,295

McGuire Hollywood Regency Bamboo Pedestal Coffee Table, Circa 1970s

By McGuire

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous mid-century Hollywood Regency Organic Modern pedestal coffee table By McGuire of San Francisco USA, Circa 1970s Bamboo base in sheaf of wheat form, with thick beveled g...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Glass

1970s Danish Modern Square Coffee Table in Solid Teak, Canada

$1,195

1970s Danish Modern Square Coffee Table in Solid Teak, Canada

By Dyrlund

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Premium quality vintage Danish Modern square coffee table or large side table. This piece is built like a champ! Outstanding quality, solid teak throughout. The Danish Modern coffee ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Birch Burl Coffee Table with Brass Inlays, 1970

$1,366

Vintage Birch Burl Coffee Table with Brass Inlays, 1970

Located in Florence, IT

Square Vintage Birch Burl Coffee Table with Brass Inlays, 1970. Good vintage condition. If you are interested please ask the shipping quote to the seller in order to compare the pr...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Modern Coffee Table Attributed to Milo Baughman

$1,900

Vintage Modern Coffee Table Attributed to Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Well crafted octagonal coffee table attributed to Milo Baughman features heavy weight chrome and glass top. Perfect center table for home or business seating area. Please confirm ite...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Sculptural "Starburst" Bronze Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

$12,000

Vintage Sculptural "Starburst" Bronze Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

By Daniel Gluck

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This sculptural bronze “Starburst” coffee table by Daniel Gluck stands as a testament to 1970s American design at its most ambitious. More than ordinary furniture, this piece represe...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Paul Evans Style Mid-Century Steel Coffee Table

$5,195 / set

Paul Evans Style Mid-Century Steel Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul Evans style mid-century steel coffee table. The table measures: 36 wide x 17 deep x 15 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage con...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

1970s Vintage Stylish Italian Travertine Stone Cube Coffee Table

$3,812

1970s Vintage Stylish Italian Travertine Stone Cube Coffee Table

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

1970s Vintage Stylish Italian Travertine Stone Cube Coffee Table Vintage Italian Travertine cube coffee table, made in Italy and dating from the 1970’s, a large coffee or cocktail...

Category

Vintage 1970s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Lane Coffee Table by Warren Church

$1,500

Mid-Century Lane Coffee Table by Warren Church

By Lane Furniture, Warren C. Church

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This uniquely sculpted coffee table features a single drawer with basket woven details, as well as a stylish table base. Oak banded top further showcases Warren Church's iconic desig...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Italian Brass and Glass Yin Tang Coffee Table

$2,200Sale Price|20% Off

Italian Brass and Glass Yin Tang Coffee Table

By Pace Collection

Located in Chicago, IL

Italian brass coffee table in the distinctive "Yin Yang" shape and in the manner of Pace Collection. Each tear drop shaped section can be paired together or stand alone as side table...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Brass

Plaster Coffee Table Post Modern Grey, Pink, White, 1970

$2,800

Plaster Coffee Table Post Modern Grey, Pink, White, 1970

Located in Chicago, IL

Postmodern gray, pink, & white Plaster Coffee Table, 1970. Original

Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plaster

Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Horn Style Coffee Table

$895

Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Horn Style Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Polished Brass, Original Glass Top

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Silas Seandel, Coffee Table, Enameled Metal, Glass, USA, 1970s

$6,800

Silas Seandel, Coffee Table, Enameled Metal, Glass, USA, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A beige-enameled metal and glass coffee table designed and produced by Silas Seandel, New York, USA, 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.0"H x ...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Enamel

1970's Tessellated Stone Hollywood Regency Coffee Table

$1,519Sale Price|20% Off

1970's Tessellated Stone Hollywood Regency Coffee Table

By Maitland Smith

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage Hollywood Regency coffee table for sale. Manufactured in the 1970's, and made of tessellated stone and smoked glass. It has an Art Deco flare with a patched-work stone aesthe...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Danish Oak Coffee Table by Fritz Hansen, 1970s

$895

Mid-Century Danish Oak Coffee Table by Fritz Hansen, 1970s

By Fritz Hansen

Located in Puslinch, ON

Mid-century Danish oak coffee table produced by Fritz Hansen, circa 1970. The rectangular oak top has a softly rounded edge profile and rests on a slim wood base, giving the table a ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Vintage Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Les Prismatiques

$3,850

Vintage Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Les Prismatiques

By Les Prismatiques

Located in North Hollywood, CA

✨ Mid-Century Lucite & Glass Coffee Table by Les Prismatiques ✨ Designed and manufactured in the United States during the 1970s, this stunning Lucite coffee table by Les Prismatique...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Hollywood Regency Round Lucite and Brass Coffee table

$3,450

Hollywood Regency Round Lucite and Brass Coffee table

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in St. Louis, MO

Circa 1970s Hollywood Regency style round coffee table with Lucite legs and brass support bars. Brass has patina, can be polished for addition cost. Lucite and glass have light scuf...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Spanish 1980s Rodolfo Dubarry's Signed Octagonal Coffee Table

$2,619

Spanish 1980s Rodolfo Dubarry's Signed Octagonal Coffee Table

By Rodolfo Dubarry

Located in Marbella, ES

Spanish 1980s Rodolfo Dubarry's signed octagonal coffee table Hand crafted with fine brass sheets etched over a wooden frame and covered in mirrors. Rodolfo Dubarry arrived in the...

Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pierre Chapo T08 Coffee Table in Patinated Elm, France, 1970s

$11,985

Pierre Chapo T08 Coffee Table in Patinated Elm, France, 1970s

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Almelo, NL

Pierre Chapo T08 Coffee Table in Patinated Elm, France, 1970s A sculptural coffee table by Pierre Chapo, model T08, made in France in the 1970s. Its long, low silhouette and express...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Hollywood Regency Smoked Glass Coffee Table – Modular Brass Construction

$2,350 / item

Hollywood Regency Smoked Glass Coffee Table – Modular Brass Construction

Located in Dronten, NL

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly distinctive coffee table that embodies the glamour and architectural wit of Hollywood Regency design. Crafted with polished brass clamps...

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

70s Bentwood Coffee Table with Glass Top – Mid Century Modern Black Side Table

$683Sale Price|20% Off

70s Bentwood Coffee Table with Glass Top – Mid Century Modern Black Side Table

Located in Ljubljana, SI

Sleek and sculptural vintage coffee table featuring a smoked glass top and striking bentwood frame in a matte black finish. Designed in the style of 1970s Italian modernism, this pie...

Category

Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Hardwood, Plywood

Mid-Century Italian Marble and Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

$1,110

Mid-Century Italian Marble and Glass Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Italy / 1970 / coffee table / marble, glass, plexiglass / Memphis / Vintage design / Mid-Century Sleek square Italian coffee table with stunning contemporary design made in the 197...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

20th Century Faux Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table

$748

20th Century Faux Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table

Located in Bagshot, GB

A stunning looking 1970s faux bamboo and rattan table with heavy glass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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1979 Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the 1979 coffee table you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, glass and brass, every 1979 coffee table was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect 1979 coffee table — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A 1979 coffee table made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Hollywood Regency — is very popular. A well-made 1979 coffee table has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Willy Rizzo, Maison Jansen and Paul Evans are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1979 Coffee Table?

Prices for a 1979 coffee table start at $1 and top out at $180,000 with the average selling for $2,998.

Finding the Right Coffee-tables-cocktail-tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About 1979 Coffee Table

Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
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.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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