What are nesting side tables?

A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

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

What are nesting tables?

Nesting tables are small tables graduated in size so they can be stacked one on top of the other.

Can I stack nesting tables?

It depends on the design, but in most cases, you can indeed stack nesting tables. Nesting tables are a great way to maximize furniture usage while saving space in smaller areas. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of nesting tables from some of the top sellers around the world.

Who invented nesting tables?

English cabinet maker Thomas Sheraton is credited with publishing the first drawings of nesting tables in the early 19th century, but they may have been used as early as the mid-18th century.

What were nesting tables used for?

Nesting tables typically consist of several different sizes of tables designed to fit underneath one another — they were initially intended to save space in the drawing room. The tables were pulled out as needed and used for playing chess, needlepoint and engaging in other leisurely activities. Shop a collection of nesting tables on 1stDibs from top sellers worldwide.

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.

Nesting Coffee Tables

R And Y Augousti Frames

Bordeira Coffee

End Table With Granite Top

Stone And Brass Cocktail Table

Art Deco Rattan Table

Walnut And Travertine Mid Century Tables

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Granite, Marble, Brass

$9,900

Postmodern Oak Nesting Coffee Tables, Italy, 1980s

Located in Antwerp, BE

This set of three nesting coffee tables, from the 1980s, reflects the postmodern interest in geometric articulation and expressive form.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Modern Rosso Levanto Nesting Coffee Table, Arbel, Set/3 Handmade by Greenapple

$27,698 / set

Modern Rosso Levanto Nesting Coffee Table, Arbel, Set/3 Handmade by Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Arbel Nesting Coffee Table, Set of 3, Contemporary Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and C...

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Set of 3 vintage glass & steel nesting coffee tables by Galotti & Radice Italy

$802 / set

Set of 3 vintage glass & steel nesting coffee tables by Galotti & Radice Italy

By Galotti & Radice

Located in Hastings, GB

A modernist set of three glass and steel nesting coffee tables, by Galotti & Radice, Italy 1970s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking ...

Materials

Steel

Black Walnut Nesting Coffee Table Set with Clear Acrylic Bases

$6,200 / set

Black Walnut Nesting Coffee Table Set with Clear Acrylic Bases

By Kirk Van Ludwig, Autonomous Furniture

Located in Victoria, BC

Black walnut nesting coffee table set with clear acrylic bases, designed by Kirk Van Ludwig for Autonomous Furniture.

Category

2010s Canadian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Acrylic, Walnut

Contemporary Landscape Nesting Coffee Table Set/2 Travertine Handmade Greenapple

$16,527 / set

Contemporary Landscape Nesting Coffee Table Set/2 Travertine Handmade Greenapple

By Greenapple, Rute Martins

Located in Lisboa, PT

The Landscape nesting coffee table draws inspiration from the organic beauty of natural landscapes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and C...

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Granite, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

$2,022 / set

Art Deco Birds Eye Maple Nesting Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

A gorgeous and extremely well made Art Deco birds eye maple nesting coffee table. This was made in England, it dates from the 1930’s.

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

$27,783 / set

Modern Travertine Nesting Coffee Table, Arbel, Set of 3, Handmade by Greenapple

By Greenapple, Rute Martins

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Arbel Nesting Coffee Table, Set of 3, Contemporary Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and C...

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Recent Sales

French, 1960s Gilded Iron Gigogne/Nesting Coffee Tables

Unavailable

H 20.48 in W 22.05 in D 16.54 in

French, 1960s Gilded Iron Gigogne/Nesting Coffee Tables

By René Drouet

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

French elegant gigogne/nesting coffee tables in gilded iron and aged mirrored tops, circa 1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Iron

Louis XV Circular Marble Nesting Coffee Table Set '3 Tables', 20th Century

Unavailable

H 27.56 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in

Louis XV Circular Marble Nesting Coffee Table Set '3 Tables', 20th Century

Located in London, GB

A beautiful Louis XV circular marble nesting coffee table set (3 Tables), 20th century.

Category

20th Century European Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Nesting Coffee Tables, Wood and Glass, Living Room Decorative

Unavailable

H 14.97 in W 26.78 in D 17.72 in

Mid-Century Modern Nesting Coffee Tables, Wood and Glass, Living Room Decorative

By Cassina

Located in Milan, IT

Offered for sale is a beautiful set of two nesting coffee tables, crafted from solid wood (most likely walnut) with lightly smoked glass tops.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Unavailable

H 16.15 in W 32.68 in D 27.56 in

Italian 1970s Design Style Black Marble Set of Three Nesting Coffee Tables

Located in Tourcoing, FR

Graphic and Italian 1970s design style set of three coffee or nesting tables in black marble and drop shaped top.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Unavailable

H 15.75 in W 55.12 in D 11.42 in

Coffee Table Bridge

By Les Trois Garcons Interiors

Located in Wembley, GB

This set of tables of varying heights allows for flexibility of use. The taller one can be used for TV dinners or playing games. The configuration of the tables can be changed to cre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking...

Two Square Coffee Tables, Heltborg

Unavailable

H 18.9 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in

Two Square Coffee Tables, Heltborg

Located in Paris, FR

Nesting tables inlaid with rosewood. Measures: H. 45, B. 50, D. 42 cm and H. 48, B. 50, D. 50 cm.

Category

Vintage 1950s Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Dabney Coffee Tables in Calacatta Viola Marble

Unavailable

H 12.5 in W 35.4 in D 35.4 in

Dabney Coffee Tables in Calacatta Viola Marble

Located in Coulsdon, GB

The Dabney Coffee Table features a lustrous marble surface that adds a touch of opulence to any space. The varying sizes allow for a nested arrangement, providing a dynamic visual ap...

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Marble

Antique Walnut and Chinoiserie Decorated Coffee Table

Unavailable

H 16 in W 27 in D 18 in

Antique Walnut and Chinoiserie Decorated Coffee Table

Located in Wakefield, GB

Offered for sale is this antique walnut and chinoiserie decorated coffee table Kidney shaped top being walnut veneered having painted chinoiserie decoration, standing on slender c...

Category

Early 20th Century Great Britain (UK) Edwardian Nesting Tables and Stack...

Materials

Walnut

Nest of British G-Plan Coffee Tables

Unavailable

Unavailable

$7,523 / item

H 17 in Dm 37 in

Italian Mid Century Modern Round Chrome Brass Glass Top Center Coffee Table MINT

By Mastercraft, Pace Collection, Brueton, Maison Jansen, Maison Baguès

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Italian Mid Century Modern Round Chrome Brass Glass Top Center Coffee Table MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

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Very Rare Pair of Leather and steel Lounge Chairs by Paul Geoffroy for Uginox

$27,356 / set

H 29.93 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in

Very Rare Pair of Leather and steel Lounge Chairs by Paul Geoffroy for Uginox

By Uginox, Paul Geoffroy

Located in Echt, NL

Iconic pair of lounge chairs in excellent condition. Deigned by Paul Geoffroy and manufactured by Uginox in the 1970s in France. Striking design composed of curved stainless steel ...

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

$1,750 / item

H 33 in W 18.5 in D 19 in

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak

Rosso Glass Wall Mirror

$2,900 / item

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in

Rosso Glass Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

Located in Milan, IT

Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...

Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Materials

Glass

$4,559 / item

H 47.25 in W 31.11 in D 1.19 in

Midcentury Murano Oval Silver Art Glass and Brass Italian Wall Mirror, 2020

Located in Roma, Lazio

Stunning mirror in blazing silver color Murano glass, Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The Murano furnaces create an indisputable timeless design, simp...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Bend Bedside Table, Onyx Brass, Handmade Portugal Greenapple

$5,488 / item

H 25.6 in W 23.63 in D 17.33 in

Mid-Century Modern Bend Bedside Table, Onyx Brass, Handmade Portugal Greenapple

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Mid-Century Modern Bend Bedside Table, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Bend bedside table brings a harmonious balance of elegance and function...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Onyx, Statuary Marble, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Brass

Brass and Murano Glass Sconces, Mid-Century Modern Style, Italy, New Design

$4,250 / set

H 15.75 in W 5 in D 3 in

Brass and Murano Glass Sconces, Mid-Century Modern Style, Italy, New Design

Located in Austin, TX

Petite sconces from Murano, Italy made with smoked glass stamped into a lovely curved shape with texture. The brass structure has been newly wired to fit US standards. This pair is...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Twins Daybed, DEDAR Mohair, Oak, Handmade by Greenapple

$13,148 / item

H 23.63 in W 76.78 in D 39.38 in

Mid-Century Modern Twins Daybed, DEDAR Mohair, Oak, Handmade by Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple, Dedar

Located in Lisboa, PT

Mid-Century Modern Twins Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins daybed and its matching curved sofa share the same genes, yet eac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Alpaca, Mohair, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut

Italian Art Deco Credenza, Wood, Large Console Design, Italy, 1930s

$5,642

H 41.54 in W 84.85 in D 17.72 in

Italian Art Deco Credenza, Wood, Large Console Design, Italy, 1930s

Located in Hellouw, NL

Impressive and large Italian Art Deco Credenza. This unique piece is a mix between a credenza and a console. It features two doors in the middle leading to a shelve that is open on b...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Credenzas

Materials

Wood

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Nesting Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of nesting coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct nesting coffee tables — often made from metal, wood and brass — can elevate any home. We have 213 antique and vintage nesting coffee tables in-stock, while there are 65 modern editions to choose from as well. Nesting coffee tables have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Modern nesting coffee tables are consistently popular styles. Nesting coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by R & Y Augousti, Maison Charles et Fils and Fernweh Woodworking are consistently popular.

How Much are Nesting Coffee Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $3,314, while they’re typically $524 on the low end and $47,403 highest priced.

Finding the Right Tables for You

The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.

Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.

Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.

Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.

The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.

Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.

No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .

Questions About Nesting Coffee Tables

What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
What are nesting tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Nesting tables are small tables graduated in size so they can be stacked one on top of the other.
Can I stack nesting tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
It depends on the design, but in most cases, you can indeed stack nesting tables. Nesting tables are a great way to maximize furniture usage while saving space in smaller areas. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of nesting tables from some of the top sellers around the world.
Who invented nesting tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
English cabinet maker Thomas Sheraton is credited with publishing the first drawings of nesting tables in the early 19th century, but they may have been used as early as the mid-18th century.
What were nesting tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Nesting tables typically consist of several different sizes of tables designed to fit underneath one another — they were initially intended to save space in the drawing room. The tables were pulled out as needed and used for playing chess, needlepoint and engaging in other leisurely activities. Shop a collection of nesting tables on 1stDibs from top sellers worldwide.
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.

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