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

Danse 68 Bronze Coffee Table by VUUN ITALIA

$2,359 / 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

Mathieu Mategot Tripod Coffee Table / Magazine Rack

$9,562

Mathieu Mategot Tripod Coffee Table / Magazine Rack

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in Soho, London, GB

Occasional table with magazine rack by Mathieu Mategot (France circa 1955). The table is made in Mategot's iconic perforated sheet metal paired with a glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Sheet Metal

Cantori Narciso Set of 3 Square Coffee table Nesting Tables -Bronzed Mirror Tops

$4,102 / item

Cantori Narciso Set of 3 Square Coffee table Nesting Tables -Bronzed Mirror Tops

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Designed by Sante Cantori, the "Narciso" set of three square nesting tables features an essential, stylized aesthetic that effortlessly elevates any modern or classic environment. Th...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Lacquered Brown Goatskin Expanding Coffee Table by Aldo Tura

$12,500

Lacquered Brown Goatskin Expanding Coffee Table by Aldo Tura

By Aldo Tura

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Designed in Italy by Aldo Tura this RARE brown, lacquered goatskin, extending coffee table is fantastic. Tura's use of goatskin makes each piece uniquely beautiful. No two pieces wi...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

"Metsidian" Unique Coffee Table/Cocktail Table in Obsidian and Copper

$32,500 / item

"Metsidian" Unique Coffee Table/Cocktail Table in Obsidian and Copper

By Janne Kyttanen

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Metsidian represents a moment in time, an eruption that melds two divergent materials together. The Prehistoric evolves into the futuristic as the organic volcanic obsidian form tran...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Cut and Fold Coffee Table by dAM Atelier

$15,046 / item

Cut and Fold Coffee Table by dAM Atelier

By dAM Atelier

Located in Geneve, CH

Cut and fold coffee table by dAM Atelier Dimensions: L78 x W48 x H40 cm. Materials: Verde Alpi Mable. Cutting and folding means creating a whole new element through the sequence of ...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

1970’s French coffee table by Guy Lefevre

$2,049

1970’s French coffee table by Guy Lefevre

By Guy Lefevre

Located in London, Lambeth

Solar eruption coffee table by Guy Lefevre in wood and lacquered melamine 1970’s French

Category

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

Materials

Lacquer

Elliot Gold Side Table

$2,590 / item

Elliot Gold Side Table

By Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie

Located in Milan, IT

This round metal side table has a striking gold finish. The round shape of the top and the converging straight elements that support it create an elegant harmony.

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Glass Coffee Table, Italy, Romeo Rega, Design, 1960s

$2,051

Glass Coffee Table, Italy, Romeo Rega, Design, 1960s

Located in Nice, FR

Glass coffee table, Italy, designer Romeo Rega, 1970, Structure in brass and black iron, smoked glass.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Aesthetic Movement Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Acid Etched Copper and Agate Coffee Table on a Black Base, Lova Creations, 1980s

$17,098

Acid Etched Copper and Agate Coffee Table on a Black Base, Lova Creations, 1980s

By Lova Creation

Located in Baambrugge, NL

Polished acid etched brass coffee table made by the Lova Creations, Belgium, 1980s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

French Art Deco Wrought Iron Coffee Table c.1930s

$2,117

French Art Deco Wrought Iron Coffee Table c.1930s

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

Art Deco Wrought Iron Coffee Table An elegant French Art Deco wrought iron coffee table dating from the 1930s, in the manner of Paul Kiss, featuring a mirrored glass top and a circu...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Marble Arc Tall Coffee Table by Sebastian Scherer

$4,200 / item

Marble Arc Tall Coffee Table by Sebastian Scherer

By Sebastian Scherer

Located in Geneve, CH

Marble arc tall coffee table by Sebastian Scherer Material: marble Also available in glass. Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 45 cm Colour: nero marquina Also available in marron emperador,...

Category

2010s German Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Marble Arc Tall Coffee Table by Sebastian Scherer

$4,200 / item

Marble Arc Tall Coffee Table by Sebastian Scherer

By Sebastian Scherer

Located in Geneve, CH

Marble arc tall coffee table by Sebastian Scherer Material: marble Also available in glass. Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 45 cm Colour: wild forest Also available in marron emperador, n...

Category

2010s German Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Grafts L Carpanese Home Italia Lacquered Oval Coffee Table

$5,642 / item

Grafts L Carpanese Home Italia Lacquered Oval Coffee Table

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Designed by Matteo Zorzenoni for Carpanese Home, Grafts L is a coffee table in which the shaped contours of the large oval tabletop reveal the structure of the legs, redefining the a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Grafts M Carpanese Home Italia Lacquered Hexagonal Coffee Table

$4,844 / item

Grafts M Carpanese Home Italia Lacquered Hexagonal Coffee Table

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Designed by Matteo Zorzenoni for Carpanese Home, Grafts M is a coffee table in which the shaped hexagonal tabletop reveals the structure of the legs, redefining the architecture of c...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Danse 68 Bronze Coffee Table by VUUN ITALIA

$2,359 / 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

Customizable Albedo N.Y. Coffee Table by Carlo Cumini

$3,980 / item

Customizable Albedo N.Y. Coffee Table by Carlo Cumini

By Carlo Cumini

Located in New York, NY

Coffee table 90×90 x H 25 and L 120 x P 90 x H 25 cm Top with housing for 2 removable lacquered trays 30×30 and 30×60.

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage 1960s Ceramic, Steel and Brass Coffee Table

$945

Vintage 1960s Ceramic, Steel and Brass Coffee Table

Located in London, London

Ceramic topped coffee table Black painted steel base Brass feet 1960s-1970s.

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Paul Cobb Coffee Planner Table in Black Iron and Solid Maple Top by Winchendon

$3,362

Paul Cobb Coffee Planner Table in Black Iron and Solid Maple Top by Winchendon

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

Vintage and fully restored Paul McCobb Coffee Table by Winchendon Planner Group in excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Geometrico Dark Brown Monolite 5050 Coffee Table by Disain1971

$1,869 / item

Geometrico Dark Brown Monolite 5050 Coffee Table by Disain1971

Located in Geneve, CH

Geometrico Dark Brown Monolite 5050 Coffee Table by Disain1971 Dimensions: W 50 x D 50 x H 38 cm Materials: Dark Brown. Weight: 9 kg. Code: DT1021 Rectangular coffee tables decorat...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Pair of navette coffee table by Roger Capron

$15,502 / set

Pair of navette coffee table by Roger Capron

By Roger Capron

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Paire de tables navettes par Roger Capron, Les dimensions sont pour la grande : hauteur 30 cm Profondeur : 41 cm Longueur : 121 cm La petite : Hauteur : 39 cm Longueur : 81 cm P...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Space Coffee Table by Rectangle Studio

$19,560 / item

Space Coffee Table by Rectangle Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Space coffee table by Rectangle Studio Dimensions: W 156 x D 80 x H 60 cm Materials: Massive oak, natural wood oil, transparent tempered glass, black wheel Space coffee table r...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

Deep Navy Lacquer Coffee Table by NO AGE STUDIO

$4,274 / item

Deep Navy Lacquer Coffee Table by NO AGE STUDIO

Located in Geneve, CH

Deep Navy Lacquer Coffee Table by NO AGE STUDIO Dimensions: D 106 x W 106 x H 38 cm Materials: Lacquer Bold navy blue meets timeless minimalism in this lacquer coffee table. The hig...

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Black Thonet Side Table

$626

Black Thonet Side Table

By Thonet

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Black Thonet side table. Professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Vienna Secession Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Calacatta Gold Marble Coffee Table, Made in Italy

$2,530 / item

Calacatta Gold Marble Coffee Table, Made in Italy

Located in Lentate Sul Seveso, IT

The Tinian coffee table is produced with an oak wood base and Carrara Gold marble top from Tuscany caves . The top is circular and 60cm in diameter, while the base is obtained by glu...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Oval Coffee Table, Lacquered Base/ Marble Top

$6,875 / item

Contemporary Oval Coffee Table, Lacquered Base/ Marble Top

Located in New York, NY

This coffee table is a testament to the beauty of natural simplicity, conceptualized to embody a timeless form that transcends conventional design norms. Its organically clean lines ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Oval Coffee Table, Lacquered Base/ Marble Top

$6,875 / item

Contemporary Oval Coffee Table, Lacquered Base/ Marble Top

Located in New York, NY

This coffee table is a testament to the beauty of natural simplicity, conceptualized to embody a timeless form that transcends conventional design norms. Its organically clean lines ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

French 1960s Shadowbox Coffee Table with Brass Detail

$4,800

French 1960s Shadowbox Coffee Table with Brass Detail

Located in New York, NY

French 1960s shadowbox coffee table has removable top, for access to interior box. Showcase objets d'art, or customize as desired. Frame and plinth base are formica with brass detail...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table with Colourful Enameled Top, France, 1950s

$4,103

Coffee Table with Colourful Enameled Top, France, 1950s

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Funky little coffee table with a charming green enameled lava top with a splash of colourful red, white and yellow flowers. Supported by a tripod iron base with splayed legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Monumental Coffee Table by Thomas Pheasant for Baker, 1990s

$1,450

Monumental Coffee Table by Thomas Pheasant for Baker, 1990s

By Baker Furniture Company, Thomas Pheasant

Located in Hamburg, PA

A monumental stunning black lacquer-painted coffee or cocktail table designed by Thomas Pheasant for Baker.

Category

1990s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Paint

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.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage Diamond Coffee Table by Knut Hesterberg, 1960s

$1,103

Vintage Diamond Coffee Table by Knut Hesterberg, 1960s

By Knut Hesterberg

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Midcentury 'diamond' coffee table by Knut Hesterberg for Ronald Schmitt. The table has a clear round glass top with a sculptural aluminium base. Timeless design. Good condit...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Glass Bipolar Coffee Table by OS and OOS

$5,015 / item

Glass Bipolar Coffee Table by OS and OOS

By Oskar Peet and Sophie Mensen

Located in Geneve, CH

Bipolar coffee table by OS and OOS Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 46 cm Materials: glass and flterd laminated Another option: Large version coffee table: 110 x 45 x 30 Weight: Coffee ta...

Category

2010s Dutch Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Vintage granite coffee table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

$1,310

Vintage granite coffee table by Willy Ballez, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Architectural coffee table made from a solid travertine base. The table was designed by Willy Ballez. All these tables are hand made, so they are always a bit different. The mode...

Category

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

Materials

Granite

La Cividina "U" Coffee Table by La Cividina

$483

La Cividina "U" Coffee Table by La Cividina

By La Cividina

Located in Boston, MA

Their main distinctive feature is U-shaped support made of bent aluminum. Its soft curves inspired the rounded appearance of the tops. The sculpturesque style with minimalist lines m...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Ico Parisi Style Large Round Italian Coffee Table

$2,279Sale Price|20% Off

Ico Parisi Style Large Round Italian Coffee Table

By Ico Parisi

Located in Prato, Tuscany

We kindly suggest that you read the whole description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects Refine...

Category

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

Materials

Sapele Wood

McGuire Mid Century Rattan and Brass Coffee Table

$3,147

McGuire Mid Century Rattan and Brass Coffee Table

By McGuire

Located in Franklin Park, IL

McGuire Mid Century Rattan and Brass Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 17.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as mu...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

French Modernist Coffee Table with Twisted Iron Base

$3,400

French Modernist Coffee Table with Twisted Iron Base

Located in Buchanan, NY

An exceptional French Modernist coffee table from the 1940s, masterfully crafted in wrought iron and clear glass. The clear glass top, featuring rounded corners, is securely held in ...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Grafts S Carpanese Home Italia Lacquered Ceramic Coffee Table

$3,476 / item

Grafts S Carpanese Home Italia Lacquered Ceramic Coffee Table

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Designed by Matteo Zorzenoni for Carpanese Home, Grafts S is a compact coffee table in which the shaped contours of the tabletop reveal the structure of the leg, redefining the archi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Lacquer

Ettore Sottsass "Park Lane" Marble Coffee Table for Memphis Milano

$10,986 / item

Ettore Sottsass "Park Lane" Marble Coffee Table for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Applications: Statement coffee table, centerpiece residential accent, and highly collectible museum-quality design art.

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Brass Coffee Table with 2 Nesting Tables That Can Be Used as Side Tables

$2,598Sale Price|20% Off

Brass Coffee Table with 2 Nesting Tables That Can Be Used as Side Tables

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This coffee table is made of brass with glass tops. It is composed of 2 nesting tables that can be used as side tables. This is a French work, circa 1970.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Joe D'Urso Coffee / Side Table for Knoll

$12,500

Joe D'Urso Coffee / Side Table for Knoll

By Joseph D'Urso, Knoll

Located in Chicago, IL

Joe D'Urso Coffee / Side Table for Knoll A practical size that can be used as either a coffee table or side occasional table. Shows age wear mainly to underside. The metal itself i...

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unusual Wrought Iron & Marble Coffee Table - France, 1940s

$2,051

Unusual Wrought Iron & Marble Coffee Table - France, 1940s

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Chic late Art Deco period rectangular coffee table with a wrought iron base painted dark green. Brass details. Original marble top.

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Concrete Cantilever Coffee Table

$1,400

Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Concrete Cantilever Coffee Table

By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti

Located in Jensen Beach, FL

Rare coffee table designed in the late 1970s by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia.

Category

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

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Vintage coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

$1,310

Vintage coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

By Roche Bobois

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage wooden and black glass coffee table by Roche Bobois with storage space and bottle holders.

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

High Ondea Verde Alpi Marble and Laguna Oak Coffee Table

$2,845 / item

High Ondea Verde Alpi Marble and Laguna Oak Coffee Table

By Morica Design

Located in Milan, IT

A sculptural low profile and generous round silhouette define this high coffee table, where a cylindrical MDF base veneered in real Laguna oak supports a Verde Alpi marble top with a...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Crystallized Quartz Coffee Table with Ebonized Wood Base

$15,440 / item

Crystallized Quartz Coffee Table with Ebonized Wood Base

By Venfield

Located in New York, NY

Custom crystallized quartz coffee table with ebonized wood base. Customization is available in different sizes, base finishes and quartz tops.

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Quartz

Jean-Pierre Ryckaert, coffee table base, France 1960

$797

Jean-Pierre Ryckaert, coffee table base, France 1960

By Jean-Pierre Ryckaert

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Jean-Pierre Ryckaert, wrought iron and leather coffee table base, France 1950. Tripod-shaped, this creation combines heavy-section wrought iron and fawn leather parts enhanced with l...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Green Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK

$26,935 / item

Green Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK

Located in Geneve, CH

Green Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 125 x D 60 x H 40 cm. Materials: Green Levanto Marble. Can be customized upon request. About: Design, in particu...

Category

2010s Turkish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Rosso Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK

$26,935 / item

Rosso Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK

Located in Geneve, CH

Rosso Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 125 x D 60 x H 40 cm. Materials: Rosso Levanto Marble. Can be customized upon request. About: Design, in particu...

Category

2010s Turkish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Coffee Table Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra, Italy, 1960s

$729Sale Price|20% Off

Coffee Table Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra, Italy, 1960s

Located in Torino, IT

Coffee Table Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra, Italy, 1960s Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Italy Design Period – 1960 Production Period – 1960 Style – Midcentury Mate...

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Olivia Emperador Neave Coffee Table by Nish Studio

$9,358 / item

Olivia Emperador Neave Coffee Table by Nish Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Olivia Emperador Neave Coffee Table by Nish Studio Dimensions: W 41.8 x D87.4 x H 34.6 cm. Materials: Olivia emperador marble. N I S H is a Cape Town based Fashion and Furniture des...

Category

2010s South African Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

STONE VALLEY Coffee Table – VALLEYRA – Nero Maquina Marble - Elliptical

$7,546 / item

STONE VALLEY Coffee Table – VALLEYRA – Nero Maquina Marble - Elliptical

Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR

Here, we propose it to you as a coffee table in Nero Maquina marble. Nero Maquina marble is a high quality black marble, extracted from the region of Markina, in northern Spain.

Category

2010s Italian International Style Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Bust Coffee Table by Three One Four Studio

$48,422 / item

Bust Coffee Table by Three One Four Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Bust Coffee Table by Three One Four Studio Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 100 x W 170 x H 40 cm. Materials: Recycled modelboard, liquid metal, and lacquer. Four Bust forms dance below ...

Category

2010s English Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other, Metal

Olivia Emperador Neave Coffee Table by Nish Studio

$9,358 / item

Olivia Emperador Neave Coffee Table by Nish Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Olivia Emperador Neave Coffee Table by Nish Studio Dimensions: W 87.4 x D 41.8 x H 34.6 cm.

Category

2010s South African Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Welded Polychrome Steel "Skyline" Coffee Table by Paul Evans

$34,500

Welded Polychrome Steel "Skyline" Coffee Table by Paul Evans

Located in Montreal, QC

Welded polychrome steel "Skyline" coffee table by Paul Evans Circa: USA, 1968. Welded signature and date to base ‘Paul Evans 68’ with initial 'D'. provenance: Acquired directly from ...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Leather Coffee Table after Jacques Adnet, France, 1950

$7,600Sale Price|20% Off

Midcentury Leather Coffee Table after Jacques Adnet, France, 1950

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Midcentury coffee table after Jacques Adnet, France, 1950. Good vintage condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

James de Wulf Customizable Block Coffee Table, 60"

$18,800 / item

James de Wulf Customizable Block Coffee Table, 60"

By James de Wulf

Located in Paia, HI

Cast carbon fiber-reinforced concrete Block Coffee Table. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Table will develop a gradual patina over time adding to the uniqueness of the materia...

Category

2010s American Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

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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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