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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane 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.

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.

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.

Black Coffee Tables

Faina Furniture

Chinese Black And Gold Lacquered

Willy Rizzo Alveo

Black Walnut Furniture

Matching Side Tables

Thomas Throop

Carte Blanche

Chinese Wood Table Glass Top

Marble Coffee Table Top, Hand-Inlaid Floral Design

$5,143 / item

Marble Coffee Table Top, Hand-Inlaid Floral Design

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

A Black Marble coffee table is crafted from Black Marble and decorated with a traditional Italian floral Pietra Dura composition executed in semiprecious stone.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cockta...

Materials

Marble, Agate, Lapis Lazuli

Contemporary Flint Jesmonite Coffee Table, Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany

$13,432 / item

Contemporary Flint Jesmonite Coffee Table, Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany

By Malgorzata Bany

Located in Warsaw, PL

Contemporary Jesmonite coffee table - Pilotis Low Table by Malgorzata Bany. Pilotis Low Table, a multifunctional statement piece crafted from Jesmonite. The latest addition to the ‘...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cast Stone

Cantori Narciso Set of 2 Rectangular Coffee table Nesting Tables with bronze top

$3,664 / item

Cantori Narciso Set of 2 Rectangular Coffee table Nesting Tables with bronze top

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Specifications & Dimensions Brand: Cantori Designer: Sante Cantori Model: Narciso (Set of 2 Rectangular Nesting Tables) Product Type: Designer Nesting Tables / Luxury Coffe...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Lithea Sesi S Coffee Tables by Martinelli Venezia Marble Stone White Black Brown

$2,935 / item

Lithea Sesi S Coffee Tables by Martinelli Venezia Marble Stone White Black Brown

By Lithea, Martinelli Venezia

Located in Patti, IT

SESI C side table DESIGN MARTINELLI VENEZIA Materials: Bianco Carrara, Pietra Pece, Nero Marquinia Dimensions: 45x40x H 40 cm.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Carrara Marble

Jonas Bohlin Concrete Coffee Table for Källemo, Sweden, 1980s

$5,710

Jonas Bohlin Concrete Coffee Table for Källemo, Sweden, 1980s

By Jonas Bohlin

Located in Krefeld, DE

Jonas Bohlin “Concrete” Coffee Table for Källemo, Sweden, 1980s Rare “Concrete” coffee table by Jonas Bohlin, produced by Källemo in Sweden during the 1980s. The table reflects Bohl...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Large Deep Blue Single Form Aluminium Coffee Table - Customisable

$2,918

Large Deep Blue Single Form Aluminium Coffee Table - Customisable

By Jo Wilton and Mirka Grohn

Located in Leicester, GB

The large Single Form coffee table is an elemental design with a focus on form and function. Made in powder-coated aluminium, the Single Form coffee table looks heavy and solid but i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

American Designer, Coffee Table, Brass, Marble, USA, 1960s

$5,800

American Designer, Coffee Table, Brass, Marble, USA, 1960s

Located in High Point, NC

A black and white marble and brass coffee table designed and produced in the US, c. 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian Mid-Century Coffee Table, Ebonized Wood & Marble, 1940s

$7,850

Italian Mid-Century Coffee Table, Ebonized Wood & Marble, 1940s

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Mid-Century (1940s) ebonized narrow rectangular coffee table with in Set white Carrara marble middle section with silver-plated sabot feet. Minor repair to marble.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Shirudo Low Coffee Table by Elisa Honkanen for Mingardo

$3,231 / item

Shirudo Low Coffee Table by Elisa Honkanen for Mingardo

By Mingardo, Elisa Honkanen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Shirudo coffee table designed by Elisa Honkanen for Mingardo.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Fluted Rosso Levanto Red Marble Coffee Table - Solid Marble Center Table

$3,100

Fluted Rosso Levanto Red Marble Coffee Table - Solid Marble Center Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Rosso Levanto Marble Coffee Table – Sculptural Italian Designer Piece in Deep Red Marble Material: Authentic Italian Rosso Levanto Marble Color: Deep burgundy red with natural white...

Category

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

French Sculptural Free-Form Solid Walnut Coffee Table, 1950s

$2,100

French Sculptural Free-Form Solid Walnut Coffee Table, 1950s

Located in Almelo, NL

French Sculptural Free-Form Solid Walnut Coffee Table, 1950s Exceptional sculptural free-form coffee table, handcrafted in France during the 1950s. The table features a substantial...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Black Walnut

Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Dark Resin

$32,000

Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Dark Resin

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jean Claude Dresse, large coffee table, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, late 1970s This eccentric coffee table is a masterful creation by Belgian designer Jean Claude Dresse.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Arcade Coffee Table Aged Brass and Marble Top

$20,448 / item

Arcade Coffee Table Aged Brass and Marble Top

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table Arcade with brushed aged brass structure and marble Nero Marquina top. Also available on request in Side Table Arcade.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

V8 Motor Block Coffee Table, Unique Industrial Statement Piece

$8,882

V8 Motor Block Coffee Table, Unique Industrial Statement Piece

Located in Nottingham, GB

A truly distinctive piece of automotive art, this V8 Engine Coffee is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, engineering, and statement furniture. Finish...

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian Neoclassic Scagliola Coffee Table, Ebonized Base, Circa 1750

$18,000

Italian Neoclassic Scagliola Coffee Table, Ebonized Base, Circa 1750

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Neoclassic-style scagliola table top coffee table with a centered classical scene with a black and white border on an ebonized contemporary base.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail T...

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Moss Brown Formless Fiberglass Coffee Table by kar

$4,340 / item

Moss Brown Formless Fiberglass Coffee Table by kar

Located in Geneve, CH

Moss Brown Formless Fiberglass Coffee Table by kar Unique Piece Dimensions: D 85 x H 33 cm. Materials: Fiberglass. Available in Moss Brown or Jade colors. Please contact us. As eac...

Category

2010s Chinese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Gold Shark Coffee Table by Giulia Maria Ligresti

$9,298 / item

Gold Shark Coffee Table by Giulia Maria Ligresti

Located in Geneve, CH

Gold Shark Coffee Table by Giulia Maria Ligresti Dimensions: D 79 x W 35 x H 38 cm. Materials: Iron. This all-gold iron coffee table exudes elegance and luxury. The entire table, in...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Dark Green Maryland Occasional Coffee Table by Somaschini

$8,750 / item

Dark Green Maryland Occasional Coffee Table by Somaschini

Located in Geneve, CH

Dark Green Maryland Occasional Coffee Table by Somaschini Dimensions: D 120 x H 27 cm Materials: Lightened mdf monolithic structure with emptying. S32 Nuanced dark green polyester la...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Coffee Table Of Cast Iron And Glass Top

$1,427

Coffee Table Of Cast Iron And Glass Top

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Coffee / salon table with a base of heavy riveted cast iron with an Italian crystal glass top. The cast iron base was made around 1870.

Category

Early 2000s French Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Acerbis Medium Menhir Coffee Table in Green/Black Marble Base & Dark Green Top

$8,426 / item

Acerbis Medium Menhir Coffee Table in Green/Black Marble Base & Dark Green Top

By Acerbis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed in 1983 by Giotto Stoppino and Lodovico Acerbis, the Menhir collection is inspired by the stone monoliths of the British Isles and France, which are the archetype of the col...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Acerbis Medium Menhir Coffee Table in Green/Black Marble Base & Dark Green Top

$8,546 / item

Acerbis Medium Menhir Coffee Table in Green/Black Marble Base & Dark Green Top

By Lodovico Acerbis and Giotto Stoppino, Acerbis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed in 1983 by Giotto Stoppino and Lodovico Acerbis, the Menhir collection is inspired by the stone monoliths of the British Isles and France, which are the archetype of the col...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Acerbis Large Menhir Coffee Table in Green/Black Marble Base & Dark Walnut Top

$9,492 / item

Acerbis Large Menhir Coffee Table in Green/Black Marble Base & Dark Walnut Top

By Lodovico Acerbis and Giotto Stoppino, Acerbis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed in 1983 by Giotto Stoppino and Lodovico Acerbis, the Menhir collection is inspired by the stone monoliths of the British Isles and France, which are the archetype of the col...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Gervasoni Inout 42 Coffee Table by Paola Navone - Anthracite

$613 / item

Gervasoni Inout 42 Coffee Table by Paola Navone - Anthracite

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Inout 42 table by Gervasoni, designed by Paola Navone, is part of the Inout 41/42/43 collection of outdoor coffee tables and poufs, defined by essential geometric volumes and a s...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Double Coffee Table in Handcrafted Colorless Varnished Steel

$4,854 / item

Double Coffee Table in Handcrafted Colorless Varnished Steel

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table double in handcrafted steel, dark finish. French manufacture, colorless varnished, custom-made available.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

EÆ Pyramid Halo Coffee Table in Laminated Finland Birch Plywood and Black Glass

$6,900

EÆ Pyramid Halo Coffee Table in Laminated Finland Birch Plywood and Black Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

EÆ Pyramid Halo table in laminated Finland Birch plywood and black glass. An exercise in intersecting geometry and materials. The pyramid base appears to pierce through the smoked gl...

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Birch

Acerbis Menhir Rectangle Coffee Table with Red/Black Marble Base & Brick Red Top

$10,956 / item

Acerbis Menhir Rectangle Coffee Table with Red/Black Marble Base & Brick Red Top

By Lodovico Acerbis and Giotto Stoppino, Acerbis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed in 1983 by Giotto Stoppino and Lodovico Acerbis, the Menhir collection is inspired by the stone monoliths of the British Isles and France, which are the archetype of the col...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Coffee Table with 24-Inch Teak Top and Black Base, Organic Design – Pantê Line

$888 / item

Coffee Table with 24-Inch Teak Top and Black Base, Organic Design – Pantê Line

By Uultis Design

Located in Hialeah, FL

Designed by Uultis Studio, the Pantê coffee table beautifully marries contemporary design with the organic elegance of nature.

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Saba Ziggy Barrel Coffee Table in Glossy Gray & White Black by Emilio Nanni

$658 / item

Saba Ziggy Barrel Coffee Table in Glossy Gray & White Black by Emilio Nanni

By EMILIO NANNI, Saba Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A collection of poufs and coffee tables made in metal rods and woven nautical cords, mixed together like the paints on an artist’s palette.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Fusion Glass Nested Coffee Tables with Bronze Base

$7,986 / set

Fusion Glass Nested Coffee Tables with Bronze Base

Located in New York, NY

A study in contrast and reflection, this pair of nested coffee tables combines fluid glass artistry with architectural structure. Each table is crowned with hand-fused textured glass...

Category

2010s Greek Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Amoris Tall Side Table in Blue Roma Quartzite & Moka Ash

$5,735 / item

Amoris Tall Side Table in Blue Roma Quartzite & Moka Ash

By Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie

Located in Milan, IT

Illusory weightlessness is the fascinating key feature of this stunning low table from the Amoris series. An intriguing interlocking design makes this illusion possible, enhancing th...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Gervasoni BRISE 46 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - Blue

$2,654 / item

Gervasoni BRISE 46 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - Blue

By Federica Biasi, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Brise 46, designed by Federica Biasi for Gervasoni, is a round coffee table featuring a cylindrical base and a removable top, combining sculptural simplicity with functional versatil...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Jaguar V8 Engine Block Coffee Table, Unique Automotive Art

$10,248

Jaguar V8 Engine Block Coffee Table, Unique Automotive Art

Located in Nottingham, GB

A truly distinctive piece of automotive art, this Jaguar V8 Engine Coffee Table is an exceptional statement piece for any motor enthusiast, collector, home, garage, or contemporary i...

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Inout 41 Coffee Table by Paola Navone - Anthracite

$635 / item

Gervasoni Inout 41 Coffee Table by Paola Navone - Anthracite

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Inout 41 table by Gervasoni, designed by Paola Navone, is part of the Inout 41/42/43 family of sculptural outdoor coffee tables and poufs, defined by essential geometric volumes ...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table

$4,800

Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table

Located in Queens, NY

Asian Chinese export (mid-20th Century) hong (black) wood low rectangular coffee table with cabriole legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee table in chromed metal and dark glass.

$1,919

Coffee table in chromed metal and dark glass.

By Cidue

Located in Roma, RM

Coffee table in chromed metal and dark glass Product details Dimensions: 95 W x 35 H x 95 D cm

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Chinese Wood Coffee Table with Chinoiserie Painted Decoration

$3,180

Chinese Wood Coffee Table with Chinoiserie Painted Decoration

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Black Chinese wood coffee table with chinoiserie painted decoration.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Kupoli Coffee Table 12 by Cameron Design House

$14,850 / item

Kupoli Coffee Table 12 by Cameron Design House

Located in Geneve, CH

Kupoli Coffee Table 12 by Cameron Design House Dimensions: D 98.3 x H 40 cm. Materials: Steel, glass. Available in other dimensions. Available in paint or pigmented chrome finishes....

Category

2010s English Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian Pietra Dura Multi-Marble & Specimen Table-Top/Coffee Table

$92,600

Italian Pietra Dura Multi-Marble & Specimen Table-Top/Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

A Large and Quite Rare Italian Pietra Dura Multi-Marble Table-Top/coffee table/low table/center table. The square top is richly inlaid with an extensive array of colored marbles and ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marb...

Aura Coffee Table in Polished Stainless Steel and Brass

$24,000

Aura Coffee Table in Polished Stainless Steel and Brass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Aura Coffee Table pairs a mirror-polished stainless steel exterior with a hidden brushed brass interior, creating a striking contrast between a cool, reflective shell and a warm,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1980s small modular rattan coffee tables/side tables -a pair

$700Sale Price|24% Off

Vintage 1980s small modular rattan coffee tables/side tables -a pair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage rattan side or end tables or small coffee table with glass tops. Made in America in the late 1980s A large version of these are also available.

Category

Vintage 1980s North American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan

Pia Manu Brutalist Coffee Table with Sculptural Pewter Top

$13,137

Pia Manu Brutalist Coffee Table with Sculptural Pewter Top

By Pia Manu

Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR

Rare Belgian coffee table by Pia Manu, dating from circa 1970. The rectangular concrete top is covered with a richly textured metal surface featuring an abstract composition of fish...

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Metal, Iron

Vintage MCM Salterini “Radar” Iron and Glass Coffee Table

$2,450

Vintage MCM Salterini “Radar” Iron and Glass Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage MCM Salterini “Radar” Iron and Glass Coffee Table brings a clean mid-century profile to a living room, lounge, or covered outdoor setting. Its round glass top rests on a...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Waterfall Walnut Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Modern Center Table

$4,350 / item

Waterfall Walnut Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Modern Center Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Waterfall Walnut Wood Black Epoxy Coffee Table Presenting our Epoxy Waterfall Table – a true sample of craftsmanship and elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktai...

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Nefes Coffee Table by Rectangle Studio

$4,398 / item

Nefes Coffee Table by Rectangle Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Nefes coffee table by Rectangle Studio Dimensions: Squad: W 64 x D 64 x H 53 cm Round: 48 x 46 cm Materials: Massive walnut, natural wood oil Coating: Black paint on metal NEFES c...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gervasoni Inout 43 Coffee Table by Paola Navone - Anthracite

$605 / item

Gervasoni Inout 43 Coffee Table by Paola Navone - Anthracite

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Inout 43 table by Gervasoni, designed by Paola Navone, is part of the Inout 41/42/43 collection of outdoor coffee tables and poufs, defined by essential geometric volumes and a s...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Emirgan Coffee Table by Rectangle Studio

$6,534 / item

Emirgan Coffee Table by Rectangle Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Emirgan coffee table by Rectangle Studio Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 34 cm Materials: Massive oak, natural wood oil and black marble Emirgan coffee table, for larger spaces...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Jo Carlsson Swedish Modern Teak Coffee Table, 1960.

$1,370 / item

Jo Carlsson Swedish Modern Teak Coffee Table, 1960.

By J.O. Carlsson

Located in Brussels, BE

Vintage 1960s Jo Carlsson Swedish Modern coffee table crafted in teak with a sleek black Formica top and elegant brass details.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Modern Square Coffee Table by Jonathan Adler

$1,300

Contemporary Modern Square Coffee Table by Jonathan Adler

By Jonathan Adler

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful Mid-Century style coffee table features a black and white zebra patterned design.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1960s Square Coffee Table with a Green Marble Top

$1,542

1960s Square Coffee Table with a Green Marble Top

Located in Beerse, VAN

Beautiful sleek coffee table from the 1960s. The table consists of a black metal frame with a green marble top.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Contemporary Sculptural Wood Stump Coffee Table in Smoked Walnut

$14,991

Contemporary Sculptural Wood Stump Coffee Table in Smoked Walnut

By Studio Roeper

Located in Napa, CA

After thoroughly seasoning it for over a decade, I shaped it and cleaned it up into this bookmatch coffee table which is a display of how mind-blowing California Black Walnut can be.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Coffee Table in Fossil Marble and Orange Lacquer, 1970s

$2,684

Coffee Table in Fossil Marble and Orange Lacquer, 1970s

Located in Antwerpen, BE

A striking French coffee table from the 1970s, combining the natural beauty of fossil marble with the bold geometric language of mid-century modern design. The generous rectangular ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Large Slate & Steel Coffee Table, Belgium 1960's

$16,500

Large Slate & Steel Coffee Table, Belgium 1960's

By Pia Manu

Located in New York, NY

Beautifully crafted steel coffee table by Pia Manu with a deep metal patina, the top is a patchwork of grey-toned slate slices.

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Steel

Emperor Dark Marble Coffee Table, Made in Italy

$2,987 / item

Emperor Dark Marble Coffee Table, Made in Italy

Located in Lentate Sul Seveso, IT

The Tinian coffee table is produced with an oak wood base and an Emperador Dark marble top. The top is circular and 60cm in diameter, while the base is obtained by gluing oak planks ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Pair of Copper Coffee Tables, France, circa 1970s

$3,655 / set

Pair of Copper Coffee Tables, France, circa 1970s

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Fun pair of round coffee tables with a drop center. The tops are covered in sheet copper with a patinated effect and nailhead trim, and the bases are black-painted metal, with decora...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Antique Italian Marble and Brass Coffee Table Hand-Painted

$3,500

Antique Italian Marble and Brass Coffee Table Hand-Painted

Located in New York, NY

Antique (early 20th century) Italian coffee table with case brass legs and variegated green marble top with faux pietra dura inlaid still life scene, finely hand-painted, depicting v...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Layer Stone Coffee Table in Lime Plaster by Plature

$6,945 / item

Layer Stone Coffee Table in Lime Plaster by Plature

Located in Geneve, CH

Layer Stone Coffee Table in Lime Plaster by Plature Dimensions: L 110 x D 95 x H 33 cm.

Category

2010s South Korean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Biomorphic Grasscloth and Carrara Marble-Top Coffee Table

$26,000

Biomorphic Grasscloth and Carrara Marble-Top Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Biomorphic Grasscloth and Carrara marble-top coffee table. The tables have grasscloth bases and can be used together or separately as end tables.

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Danse 68 Bronze Coffee Table by VUUN ITALIA

$2,364 / item

Danse 68 Bronze Coffee Table by VUUN ITALIA

Located in Geneve, CH

Danse 68 Bronze Coffee Table by VUUN ITALIA Dimensions: Ø 68 x H 48 cm. Materials: Bronze glass. Available in different finishes and sizes. Please contact us. VUUN Italia creates ...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Vintage Mid Century Coffee Table From France, Circa 1960

$4,200

Vintage Mid Century Coffee Table From France, Circa 1960

Located in Nashville, TN

Mid Century Coffee Table From France, Circa 1960. Oak and formica top on a steel base. Very good condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

1950s Mid-Century Modern Hammered Wrought Iron Coffee Table

$4,800

1950s Mid-Century Modern Hammered Wrought Iron Coffee Table

Located in Spencertown, NY

The mid-century modern coffee table with cabriole legs, X-frame stretcher and glass top.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Streamlined Moderne Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

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Black Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of black coffee tables for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique black coffee tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and glass. Find 2984 antique and vintage black coffee tables at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 1229 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Black coffee tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Black coffee tables bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small black coffee tables measuring 1 inches across. Black coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Willy Rizzo, Paul Evans and Emeco are consistently popular.

How Much are Black Coffee Tables?

Prices for black coffee tables start at $1 and top out at $125,000 with the average selling for $3,326.

Finding the Right Coffee And 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 Black Coffee Tables

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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane 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.
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.
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.

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