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.

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.

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.

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 standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

When did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.

How much does a coffee table cost?

On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

How do I size a coffee table to my sofa?

As a general rule, choose a coffee table roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa, with the top 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat cushions.

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.

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

Indoor Croissant Large Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

$2,954 / item

Indoor Croissant Large Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

By Kenneth Cobonpue

Located in Geneve, CH

Croissant coffee table by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Abacca, nylon, steel. Glass. Dimensions: Table diameter 138.5 cm x height 35cm Glass diameter 119.5 x height 10mm. Th...

Category

2010s Philippine Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Small Layered Steel Coffee Table by Hyungshin Hwang

$10,516 / item

Small Layered Steel Coffee Table by Hyungshin Hwang

Located in Geneve, CH

Small Layered steel coffee table I by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 120 x W 72 x H 36 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang...

Category

2010s Korean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Black Modernist Angular Base Table

$3,420

Black Modernist Angular Base Table

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A deep chocolate brown painted modernist coffee table with an angular base.

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Paint

Modernist Patinaed Steel Coffee Table with Limestone Top

$8,990

Modernist Patinaed Steel Coffee Table with Limestone Top

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Modern coffee table with limestone top and geometric patinaed steel base. Designed by Brendan Bass for the Vision and Design Collection, by using high quality materials and texture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Limestone, Steel

Ultra Thin Grey Graphite Marble Squared Coffee Table

$2,959

Ultra Thin Grey Graphite Marble Squared Coffee Table

Located in Paris, FR

Inspired by the feeling of weightlessness and its connection to the space, crafted entirely in laminated stone. This advanced technique allows us to get an ultra-thin and high resis...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

STONE VALLEY Coffee table – Nunoca – Nero Maquina Marble - Organic

$5,304 / item

STONE VALLEY Coffee table – Nunoca – Nero Maquina Marble - Organic

Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR

Inspired by the contrasts revealed by pearly clouds and noctilucent birds, Nunoca projects us into this fascinating world where aestheticism becomes a sculpted decor and powerful lin...

Category

2010s Italian Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Customizable e15 Charlotte Coffee Table by Ferdinand Kramer

From $1,360 / item

+ 2 more

Customizable e15 Charlotte Coffee Table by Ferdinand Kramer

By Ferdinand Kramer, e15

Located in New York, NY

Charlotte is the second from a series of coffee tables, designed in 1951 by German functionalist architect Ferdinand Kramer during his time in America. Named after his friend, the ar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plywood

Collectible Art Deco Ebony 24K Gold Round Cocktail Table High Gloss Coffee Table

$25,500 / item

Collectible Art Deco Ebony 24K Gold Round Cocktail Table High Gloss Coffee Table

By Alexander Anisimov, Alexander's Collection

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Collectible Art Deco Ebony 24K Gold Round Cocktail Table High Gloss Coffee Table by Alexander's Collection. This unique 1/1 masterpiece scales the low-profile minimalism of Willy Riz...

Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Coffee Table – Modernist Neoclassical Style – 1960s – Brass and Smoked Glass

$2,845

Coffee Table – Modernist Neoclassical Style – 1960s – Brass and Smoked Glass

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Modernist neoclassical style coffee table, attributable to the 1960s-1970s, in the spirit of productions by Maison Jansen or Baguès.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ebonized Marble Top Coffee Table / Cocktail Table On Wheels manner of Jansen

$878

Ebonized Marble Top Coffee Table / Cocktail Table On Wheels manner of Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

A small ebonized marble top coffee table. Bronze-mounted, in the Maison Jansen manner. This coffee table is on wheels, which makes it easy to move, a perfect accent piece for any room.

Category

20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee table by Emiel Veranneman and Victor Vasarely, 1960s

$3,699

Coffee table by Emiel Veranneman and Victor Vasarely, 1960s

By Victor Vasarely, Emiel Veranneman

Located in amstelveen, NL

Coffee table by Emiel Veranneman in collaboration with the painter Victor Vasarely, 1960s The structure is formed of black lacquered wood panels, a base cut from arcatures, and a to...

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Lacquer

Large Low Deep Green Single Form Coffee / Sofa Table - Customisable

$2,914

Large Low Deep Green Single Form Coffee / Sofa 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

Handcrafted Rosso Levanto Marble Round Coffee Table, Italian Red Stone End Table

$1,920Sale Price / item|20% Off

Handcrafted Rosso Levanto Marble Round Coffee Table, Italian Red Stone End Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

A gallery-quality statement piece, this Rosso Levanto marble coffee table captures the essence of Italian artistry and timeless modern design. Sourced from the historic quarries of I...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

Gervasoni Inout 47 Coffee Table / Pouf by Paola Navone - Anthracite

$578 / item

Gervasoni Inout 47 Coffee Table / Pouf by Paola Navone - Anthracite

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Inout 47 table by Gervasoni, designed by Paola Navone, is part of the Inout collection of outdoor coffee tables and poufs, characterized by essential forms and a strong sculptura...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Jacques Dumond 1950s Coffee Table with Glass Legs

$9,800

Jacques Dumond 1950s Coffee Table with Glass Legs

By Jacques Dumond

Located in New York, NY

Jacques Dumond (1906-1988) Modernist coffee table in mahogany stained French walnut, raised on tempered glass legs by Saint-Gobain, and nickel bronze mounts. Glass impressed Securit ...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Tessellated Horn Coffee Table with Brass Trim, Vintage Style, 1990s

$3,950

Tessellated Horn Coffee Table with Brass Trim, Vintage Style, 1990s

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Tessellated polished horn coffee table with brass trim in the manner of Maitland Smith

Category

1990s Philippine Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Horn

Coffee Table by Chiaramonte & Marin for Emu, Italy, 1980s

$671

Coffee Table by Chiaramonte & Marin for Emu, Italy, 1980s

By EMU Furniture, Chiaramonte & Marin

Located in KUTNO, PL

An elegant coffee table from the Marcel collection, designed by Chiaramonte & Marin for the Italian brand EMU, known for its high-quality designer garden furniture. The structure is...

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Outdoor Croissant Large Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

$3,305 / item

Outdoor Croissant Large Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

By Kenneth Cobonpue

Located in Geneve, CH

Croissant coffee table by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Polyethylene, steel. Glass. Dimensions: Table diameter 138.5 cm x height 35cm Glass diameter 119.5 cm x height 10mm Th...

Category

2010s Philippine Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Outdoor Croissant Medium Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

$2,503 / item

Outdoor Croissant Medium Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

By Kenneth Cobonpue

Located in Geneve, CH

Croissant coffee table by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polyethylene, steel. Glass. Dimensions: Table Diameter 118.5 cm x H 35cm Glass Diameter 100 cm x H 10mm The distincti...

Category

2010s Philippine Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Indoor Croissant Medium Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

$2,378 / item

Indoor Croissant Medium Coffee Table by Kenneth Cobonpue

By Kenneth Cobonpue

Located in Geneve, CH

Croissant coffee table by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abacca, nylon, steel. Glass. Dimensions: table diameter 118.5 cm x height 35cm glass diameter 100 x height 10 mm. Th...

Category

2010s Philippine Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Square coffee table in metal with backlit top, 1970s

$2,868

Square coffee table in metal with backlit top, 1970s

Located in Roma, RM

Square coffee table in metal with backlit top, 1970s Product Details The table features built-in internal lighting powered by electricity and is equipped with a standard European cab...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Bamboo, Wabi Sabi Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt; Belgium

$6,999

Bamboo, Wabi Sabi Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt; Belgium

By Axel Vervoordt

Located in Waasmunster, BE

Axel Vervoordt is a renowned Belgian interior designer and antique dealer known for his minimalist, yet warm and inviting design aesthetic. His use of natural materials, including ba...

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Black Tigris Side Table Black by Marble Balloon

$6,635 / item

Black Tigris Side Table Black by Marble Balloon

Located in Geneve, CH

Black Tigris side table black by Marble Balloon. Dimensions: 49.5 x 50 x H 52.5 cm. Materials: Stainless metal, marble. It consists of carrier legs made of titanium coating on ...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian Iron Coffee Table with Organic Slate Top, 1970s

$4,400

Italian Iron Coffee Table with Organic Slate Top, 1970s

Located in Chicago, IL

Sourced in Parma, Italy, this coffee table reads as both artifact and furniture—crafted with intention, shaped by time. The organic top is hand-hewn from a solid slab of slate, its s...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Iron

Leather and Brass Tusk Coffee Table by Maitland Smith

$1,400Sale Price|30% Off

Leather and Brass Tusk Coffee Table by Maitland Smith

By Maitland Smith

Located in Las Vegas, NV

This gorgeous, leather covered coffee table is an exemplary example of Classic Maitland-Smith craftsmanship. The coffee table is covered in leather with hand painted tiger striping,...

Category

20th Century American Classical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Gervasoni Inout 44 Coffee Table / Pouf by Paola Navone - Grey

$743 / item

Gervasoni Inout 44 Coffee Table / Pouf by Paola Navone - Grey

By Gervasoni, Paola Navone

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Inout 44 table by Gervasoni, designed by Paola Navone, is part of the iconic Inout collection of outdoor furniture, a series that explores essential forms and material expression...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Art Deco Coffee Table Top, Pietra Dura Marble Slab

$5,143 / item

Art Deco Coffee Table Top, Pietra Dura Marble Slab

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

A Black Marble designed as a cocktail table top 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 Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Agate, Lapis Lazuli

Gervasoni Bolla 10 Coffee Table / Stool – design Michael Sodeau - Blueberry

$797 / item

Gervasoni Bolla 10 Coffee Table / Stool – design Michael Sodeau - Blueberry

By Gervasoni, Michael Sodeau

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Gervasoni Bolla 10 low round table by Gervasoni, designed by Michael Sodeau, is part of the iconic Bolla collection, which includes tables, poufs, and floor lamps entirely handcr...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan

Square green bamboo coffee table – Mcguire San Francisco, 1970

$1,912

Square green bamboo coffee table – Mcguire San Francisco, 1970

By John and Elinor McGuire

Located in Roma, RM

Square green bamboo coffee table – Mcguire San Francisco, 1970 Product Details With leather bindings and glass top Dimensions: 90 W × 38.5 H x 90 D cm

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Glass

1970s Willy Rizzo Square Two-Tiered Coffee Table

$2,400

1970s Willy Rizzo Square Two-Tiered Coffee Table

By Willy Rizzo

Located in New York, NY

A square French two-tiered low side tables with chrome and gunmetal finish metal and smokey glass tops. By Willy Rizzo* for Linea Flaminia. From the estate of Mrs. C.Z. Guest (Mrs. W...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Italian Wrought Iron Fragment Coffee Table with Glass Top

$2,950

Italian Wrought Iron Fragment Coffee Table with Glass Top

Located in East Point, GA

A wrought iron coffee table with glass top. This rectangular shaped coffee table features 19th century Italian fragments used to make the very intricate cross stretcher. The ornately...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

"Le Tray" Curved Brass Legs, Coffee Table / Cocktail Table, Walnut/Oiled Bronze

$7,584Sale Price / item|20% Off

"Le Tray" Curved Brass Legs, Coffee Table / Cocktail Table, Walnut/Oiled Bronze

By Marie Burgos Design

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The “Le Tray” square table curved legs is a square coffee table with metal finish legs. It is a part of our Heritage collection. Designed with tradition, comfort and elegance in mind...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Bamboo coffee table – Elinor & John Mcguire San Francisco 1970

$3,186

Bamboo coffee table – Elinor & John Mcguire San Francisco 1970

By John and Elinor McGuire

Located in Roma, RM

Bamboo coffee table – Elinor & John Mcguire San Francisco 1970 Product Details Dark finish with leather bindings and a glass top. Dimensions: 120 W x 40 H x 52 D cm

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Glass

Unique Trilithon Marble Coffee Table, by OS and OOS

$24,538 / item

Unique Trilithon Marble Coffee Table, by OS and OOS

By Oskar Peet and Sophie Mensen

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique trilithon marble coffee table - by OS And OOS Dimensions: 200 x 110 x 37 cm Materials: Sahara Noir (organic shapes) and Emperador gold (rectangular shapes) Other marbles or...

Category

2010s Dutch Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Modern Armona Marble Coffee Table, Calacatta Bianco, Handmade by Greenapple

$8,194 / item

Modern Armona Marble Coffee Table, Calacatta Bianco, Handmade by Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Armona Marble Coffee Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble, Stainless Steel

Hexa Oval Coffee Table in White Carrara Marble Top & Matt Black Base, Enzo Berti

$3,594 / item

Hexa Oval Coffee Table in White Carrara Marble Top & Matt Black Base, Enzo Berti

By Enzo Berti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The project takes its inspiration from the concept of our memory, reimagining simple and iconic forms with echoes from the past. Central to the design is the upright hexagonal struct...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hexa Large Round Coffee Table in Walnut Veneer Top & Matt Black Base, Enzo Berti

$1,868 / item

Hexa Large Round Coffee Table in Walnut Veneer Top & Matt Black Base, Enzo Berti

By Enzo Berti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The project takes its inspiration from the concept of our memory, reimagining simple and iconic forms with echoes from the past. Central to the design is the upright hexagonal struct...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hexa Oval Coffee Table in Emperador Dark Marble Top & Matt Black Leg, Enzo Berti

$3,912 / item

Hexa Oval Coffee Table in Emperador Dark Marble Top & Matt Black Leg, Enzo Berti

By Enzo Berti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The project takes its inspiration from the concept of our memory, reimagining simple and iconic forms with echoes from the past. Central to the design is the upright hexagonal struct...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Matek Rooted Coffee Table in Recycled Composite by Project Materia

$4,632 / item

Matek Rooted Coffee Table in Recycled Composite by Project Materia

Located in Geneve, CH

Matek Rooted Coffee Table in Recycled Composite by Project Materia. Designed by Oliver Thygesen. Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 35,5 cm Materials: MATEK™ recycled composite. A coffee table co...

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Composite

Customizable Modular Resin Coffee Table in Matte Bronze Finish

$7,018 / item

Customizable Modular Resin Coffee Table in Matte Bronze Finish

By Albino Miranda

Located in New York, NY

Introducing the innovative Modular Resin Coffee Table, a versatile and handcrafted centerpiece for any modern living space. This unique coffee table comprises three distinct pieces, ...

Category

2010s Portuguese Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

1980s Sculptural Eye Shaped Coffee Table in Fossil Marble

$1,903

1980s Sculptural Eye Shaped Coffee Table in Fossil Marble

Located in London, London

A sculptural low table in dark fossil stone or marble, dating to the late 20th century. The organically shaped top is supported by four substantial cylindrical and panel-form legs, ...

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Gervasoni Bolla 15 Coffee Table / Pouf - design Michael Sodeau - Blueberry

$1,259 / item

Gervasoni Bolla 15 Coffee Table / Pouf - design Michael Sodeau - Blueberry

By Gervasoni, Michael Sodeau

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Bolla 15 by Gervasoni, designed by Michael Sodeau, is a distinctive piece that combines the functionality of a coffee table and pouf with a strong artisanal identity. Entirely c...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan

Andrianna Shamaris Volcanic Glass Coffee Table, Organic Modern Design

$14,900 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Volcanic Glass Coffee Table, Organic Modern Design

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Impressive volcanic glass coffee table or large side table. Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock millions of years old. Extremely mul...

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

1960's Smoke Glass Maison Jansen Style Brass Coffee Table

$1,995

1960's Smoke Glass Maison Jansen Style Brass Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

A superb solid brass coffee table dating to the 1960s, designed in the sophisticated French neoclassical manner closely associated with Maison Jansen.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Directoire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Concrete Caldera Coffee Table by Opiary (29"H)

$6,340 / item

Concrete Caldera Coffee Table by Opiary (29"H)

By Robert Remer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Giulio Lazzotti Megeia coffee table pair Italy 1979

$6,544 / set

Giulio Lazzotti Megeia coffee table pair Italy 1979

By Giulio Lazzotti

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Nice pair of coffee tables by Gulio Lazzotti and manufactured by Megeia, italy 1979.

Category

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

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble

Philippe Starck Volage Ex-S Coffee Table For Cassina

$8,137 / item

Philippe Starck Volage Ex-S Coffee Table For Cassina

By Philippe Starck

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

BASE Feet in extruded cast aluminum with matte white or black finish. FEET In plastic. This versatile coffee table designed by Philippe Starck with luxury finishes is perfect for ...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Philippe Starck Volage Ex-S Coffee Table For Cassina

$12,292 / item

Philippe Starck Volage Ex-S Coffee Table For Cassina

By Philippe Starck

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

BASE Feet in extruded cast aluminum with matte white or black finish. FEET In plastic. This versatile coffee table designed by Philippe Starck with luxury finishes is perfect for ...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

ClassiCon Bow Coffee Table No. 3 by Guilherme Torres

$4,501 / item

ClassiCon Bow Coffee Table No. 3 by Guilherme Torres

By Guilherme Torres

Located in New York, NY

Coffee table made of burnished solid brass sheet, with clear varnish.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Lithoscape sculptural stone coffee table by dAM Atelier

$26,177

Lithoscape sculptural stone coffee table by dAM Atelier

By dAM Atelier

Located in San Paolo D'argon, BG

🖤 DAM Atelier Sculptural Stone Landscape Lithoscape is more than a name—it’s a poetic crasis, a seamless fusion of lithos (stone) and landscape, embodying the dialogue between the ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Travertine, Marble

Large French 1970s Faux Crocodile Pressed Leather Coffee Table

$4,141

Large French 1970s Faux Crocodile Pressed Leather Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

This fabulous coffee table was made in France in the 1970s. Crafted from a rich deep brown coloured leather, the surface has been pressed to resemble crocodile skin. It has then be...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Victorian Papier Mache Coffee Table by Jas Shoolbred & Co., 1875

$4,039

Victorian Papier Mache Coffee Table by Jas Shoolbred & Co., 1875

By Jas Shoolbred & Co.

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

An Exceptional Quality Mid 19th Century Papier Mache Tray On Stand, Or Coffee Table, The Rectangular Removable Tray With Superb Hand Painted And Gilded Decoration To Black And Green ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Angelo Mangiarotti, Eros Coffee Table, Skipper Marble 70s Italian Design

$13,656

Angelo Mangiarotti, Eros Coffee Table, Skipper Marble 70s Italian Design

By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper

Located in Krefeld, DE

Angelo Mangiarotti “Eros” coffee table for Skipper, Italy, 1970s. Black marble, four-leg construction.

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Williams Hairpin Coffee Table Oval Walnut Brassy Gold

$840 / item

Williams Hairpin Coffee Table Oval Walnut Brassy Gold

Located in Cincinnati, US

A thin, elegant and light table that can be customized to any shape, size and color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Steel

Leather and Chrome Coffee Table by Stanley Jay Friedman

$17,000

Leather and Chrome Coffee Table by Stanley Jay Friedman

Located in New York, NY

Leather and chrome coffee table by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton. The table is dark blue leather and the base has three round weighted chrome balls.

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare One-Off Lighting Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$3,733

Rare One-Off Lighting Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

Located in Milan, IT

One-off lighting table. Enameled blue metal frame support a bottom up mirrored glass pyramid with a light in the lower part. Adjustable feet and thick transparent glass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Roy Klipp Post-Modern Coffee Table with Granite Top

$3,500

Roy Klipp Post-Modern Coffee Table with Granite Top

Located in Highland, IN

This dramatic design by noteworthy Chicago designer Roy Klipp features an asymmetrical arrangement of two legs made of wood covered in black high gloss mica which support a top of ri...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

Marema Stackable Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1967

$4,256 / set

Marema Stackable Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1967

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Marema stackable coffee tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1967. The project expresses Frattini’s research on functionality, modularity and construction quality, central el...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic

A Campaign Style Brass Coffee / Side Table by Sarreid

$2,950

A Campaign Style Brass Coffee / Side Table by Sarreid

By Mastercraft, Sarreid Ltd.

Located in Chicago, IL

A Campaign Style Brass Coffee / Side Table by Sarreid Plenty of wear and Patina to the brass as shown. These usually clean up beautifully as they are brass. or can be left as is in...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Marble-Top Ram's-Head Coffee Table, Attributed to Maison Ramsay

$1,910

Marble-Top Ram's-Head Coffee Table, Attributed to Maison Ramsay

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Marble-Top Ram's-Head Coffee Table, Attributed to Maison Ramsay A neoclassical brass and bronze coffee table, attributed to Maison Ramsay, probably French and dating to circa 1950. A...

Category

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

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Brass, Bronze

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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

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.
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.
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.
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 standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
How do I size a coffee table to my sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
As a general rule, choose a coffee table roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa, with the top 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat cushions.
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.

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