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

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

What are side tables used for?

Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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.

What size should a side table be?

A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.

What are side tables called?

Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.

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.

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.

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.

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

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.

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 center table and a coffee table?

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

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

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

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tall side table called?

A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.

What are tiny side tables called?

What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

Coffee And Side Tables

Christian Jensen

R And Y Augousti Console

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

Marble Coffee Table Danish

Metal Inlay On Table Top

Moroccan Or Moorish Coffee Tables

Made In Denmark Coffee Table

Gold Console Table With Mirror

Modern Archipen Coffee Side Table 1, Sculptural Tabouret, Light Ash, NOOM

$1,602 / item

Modern Archipen Coffee Side Table 1, Sculptural Tabouret, Light Ash, NOOM

By NOOM, Kateryna Sokolova

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table 1 continues the sculptural design of the Archipen Collection, blending

Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Large Danish teak coffee table with 2 side document holders, 1960.

$2,195

Large Danish teak coffee table with 2 side document holders, 1960.

Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR

Superb Scandinavian coffee table. Built on two levels, it features a document and magazine storage

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Modern Vintage Gold Metal Coffee Table Side Table with Smoked Glass 1970s Italy

$1,839

Modern Vintage Gold Metal Coffee Table Side Table with Smoked Glass 1970s Italy

Located in Vienna, AT

Modern vintage coffee table or side table in round shape with two swiveling glass plates from 1970s

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Square Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'White'

$1,780 / item

Square Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'White'

By Bentu Design

Located in Paris, IDF

'DING' is a collection of tables: coffee / side tables, dining tables, bar tables. The base is in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Side Tables

Materials

Concrete, Aluminum

Square Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'Black'

$1,780 / item

Square Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'Black'

By Bentu Design

Located in Paris, IDF

'DING' is a collection of tables: coffee / side tables, dining tables, bar tables. The base is in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Side Tables

Materials

Concrete, Aluminum

Round Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'Black'

$1,780 / item

Round Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'Black'

By Bentu Design

Located in Paris, IDF

'DING' is a collection of tables: coffee / side tables, dining tables, bar tables. The base is in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Side Tables

Materials

Concrete, Aluminum

Round Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'White'

$1,780 / item

Round Coffee Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum 'White'

By Bentu Design

Located in Paris, IDF

'DING' is a collection of tables: coffee / side tables, dining tables, bar tables. The base is in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Side Tables

Materials

Concrete, Aluminum

Contemporary Coffee or Side Table 'Freyja 3' by Noom, Thermo Ash

$2,718 / item

Contemporary Coffee or Side Table 'Freyja 3' by Noom, Thermo Ash

By NOOM, Kateryna Sokolova

Located in Paris, IDF

Contemporary Coffee or Side Table 'Freyja 3' by Noom Finish: Thermo Ash Designer: Kateryna Sokolova

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cockta...

Materials

Ash, Oak, Walnut

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Hand Carved Teak Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

$6,900

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Hand Carved Teak Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection with a Minimalist carving. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. Beautiful reclaimed teak wood taken from my finest collec...

Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Art Deco Vintage Walnut Coffee Table or Side Table Josef Frank, 1930s, Vienna

$9,377

Art Deco Vintage Walnut Coffee Table or Side Table Josef Frank, 1930s, Vienna

By Josef Frank

Located in Vienna, AT

Art Deco coffee table or side table designed by Josef Frank for Haus and Garten, 1930s, Vienna. A

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Coffee/Side Table Made In Rosewood By Severin Hansen From 1960s

$676

Coffee/Side Table Made In Rosewood By Severin Hansen From 1960s

By Severin Hansen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri

Located in Lejre, DK

Coffee/side table I dark wood designed by Severin Hansen and manufactured by Haslev Furniture

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Shadow Coffee Table Genuine Leather and Stainless Steel Structure

$11,276 / item

Shadow Coffee Table Genuine Leather and Stainless Steel Structure

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table with structure in polished stainless steel with black glass top. Legs covered with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Side Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

MCM Danish Teak & Tile Coffee & Side Tables 1960s Set of 3

$1,995 / set

MCM Danish Teak & Tile Coffee & Side Tables 1960s Set of 3

By Mobelfabrikken Toften

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Table: 20 1/2" high x 52 1/2" wide 20 1/2" deep Side tables: 20 1/2" high x 28 1/2" wide 20 1/2" deep

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

Max Kment Coffee Side Table, Clear Glass Wood Cord, Austria, 1950s

$3,500

Max Kment Coffee Side Table, Clear Glass Wood Cord, Austria, 1950s

By Max Kment

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

A coffee or side table designed by Austrian architect Max Kment and manufactured by Max Kment

Category

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

Materials

Cord, String, Glass, Wood

Square Coffee Side Table By Paul McCobb Planner Group For Winchendon

$1,600 / item

Square Coffee Side Table By Paul McCobb Planner Group For Winchendon

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century modern, solid maple, coffee or side/end table by Paul McCobb, Planner Group for

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Odeon Art Deco Coffee Table, Maple Wood, Eight-Sided Design, 1920

$815

Odeon Art Deco Coffee Table, Maple Wood, Eight-Sided Design, 1920

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Odeon Style Art Deco Maple Coffee Table A very stylish piece of Art Deco Design, this 8 sided

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple

Trioh Danish Rosewood Square Floating Top Coffee Side Lamp Table 1979

$1,795

Trioh Danish Rosewood Square Floating Top Coffee Side Lamp Table 1979

By Trioh Møbelfabrik

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A very well made Danish rosewood floating top coffee table made by Trioh. This versatile table

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Teak Coffee / Side Table by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s

$1,365

Teak Coffee / Side Table by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s

By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen

Located in Nørre Aaby, DK

Elegant teak coffee / side table designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Daverkosen in

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Hollywood Regency Brass & Glass Faux Bamboo Round Nesting Side Coffee Table

$2,500

Hollywood Regency Brass & Glass Faux Bamboo Round Nesting Side Coffee Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

decorated black glass tops. Great for use as a coffee table or accent side table. Circa Late 20th Century

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1970s Mid century chrome and smoked Glass Coffee Table

$758Sale Price|20% Off

1970s Mid century chrome and smoked Glass Coffee Table

Located in Praha, CZ

- 1970s - good original condition with minor signs of use jr

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Maitland Smith Regency Leather Brass Nailhead Paw Feet Side Coffee Table

$895

Maitland Smith Regency Leather Brass Nailhead Paw Feet Side Coffee Table

By Maitland Smith

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A vintage Maitland Smith Regency table that will serve nicely as a coffee, end or side table. The

Category

Early 2000s American Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

In-Stock, Art Deco Style Coffee & Side Table in Copper Finish

$5,687 / set

In-Stock, Art Deco Style Coffee & Side Table in Copper Finish

Located in NEW YORK, NY

Presenting an exquisite coffee table that exudes the allure of Art Deco design in a captivating

Category

2010s Spanish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Pair Goat Skin Triangular Modular Coffee Side Tables By Aldo Tura

$4,800 / set

Pair Goat Skin Triangular Modular Coffee Side Tables By Aldo Tura

By Aldo Tura

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of spectacular and versatile, modular, triangular, lacquered goatskin side tables by Aldo Tura

Category

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

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Foliage Drinks Coffee Table / Side Table in Gilt Iron by Ferro Art, Spain 1950

$5,697

Foliage Drinks Coffee Table / Side Table in Gilt Iron by Ferro Art, Spain 1950

By Ferro Art

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Round Coffee or Cocktails Table / Side Table with Foliage Design, One of a kind Leaves

Category

20th Century Spanish Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Gold Leaf, Metal, Wrought Iron

White George Nelson Pedestal Coffee Side Table for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s

$1,044

White George Nelson Pedestal Coffee Side Table for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Vienna, AT

This iconic circular white pedestal coffee or side table was designed by George Nelson and made by

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Brutalist Solid Amorphic Teak Wood Natural Slab Coffee Side Table, 1930s

$2,136

Brutalist Solid Amorphic Teak Wood Natural Slab Coffee Side Table, 1930s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Wooden tripod tree trunk brutalist coffee side Table, 1960s. An early 20th century French burl wood

Category

Vintage 1930s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Wonderful Bamboo Oval Handpainted Tole Scalloped Side End Coffee Cocktail Tables

$950Sale Price|24% Off

Wonderful Bamboo Oval Handpainted Tole Scalloped Side End Coffee Cocktail Tables

Located in Roslyn, NY

/ Coffee / Cocktail Tables Each Sold Separately, Two Available

Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Postmodern “625” Coffee / Side Table by Peter Noever for Zanotta, 1980s

$2,184

Postmodern “625” Coffee / Side Table by Peter Noever for Zanotta, 1980s

By Zanotta

Located in Renens, CH

Coffee / side table designed by Peter Granite for Zanotta during the 1980s. Granite top with a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

Wonderful Tomlinson Sophisticate style Flip-side Burl Coffee Table Mid-Century

$2,600Sale Price|20% Off

Wonderful Tomlinson Sophisticate style Flip-side Burl Coffee Table Mid-Century

By Tomlinson

Located in Pemberton, NJ

This mid-century Tomlinson Sophisticate attributed coffee table will be the perfect addition to

Category

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

Materials

Fruitwood, Burl

Square Art Deco design side/coffee table in properly used condition

$1,109

Square Art Deco design side/coffee table in properly used condition

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This Art Deco table is from the top Dutch brand Schuitema and comes from the Decoforma series. It

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Resin Interior and Exterior Coffee Table PÍXIDE by ACOOCOORO

$2,800 / item

Contemporary Resin Interior and Exterior Coffee Table PÍXIDE by ACOOCOORO

By ACOOCOORO

Located in Mexico City, MX

Píxide is a simple and sculptural resin coffee table. Material and shape combine to give it an

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin

STUNNING EX SHOWROOM MARBLE IRON & BLUE AGATE STONE SiDE COFFEE TABLES

$890 / set

STUNNING EX SHOWROOM MARBLE IRON & BLUE AGATE STONE SiDE COFFEE TABLES

Located in Pulborough, GB

We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Marble Iron & Blue Agate Stone Side Coffee Table

Category

20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Marble, Iron

Square Concave Sides Tapered Triangle Aluminum Legs Coffee Table Scratch Coat

$3,000

Square Concave Sides Tapered Triangle Aluminum Legs Coffee Table Scratch Coat

By Philippe Starck

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Square concave sides tapered triangle aluminum legs coffee table scratch coat patern top.

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Very Fine Carved Solid Mahogany Round Occasional Coffee Side Center Table

$3,000

Very Fine Carved Solid Mahogany Round Occasional Coffee Side Center Table

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Decorative c.1970's extremely fine carved round solid mahogany coffee side occasional table.

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Minimalist Brueton Polished Stainless Steel and Granite Coffee Table

$2,350

Minimalist Brueton Polished Stainless Steel and Granite Coffee Table

By Brueton

Located in Dallas, TX

Exceptional Brueton quality! Simple design this circular PBLR table constructed of mirror like

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Granite

Mastercraft Mid Century Modern Hexagon Top Faux Bamboo Legs Coffee Side Table

$1,800

Mastercraft Mid Century Modern Hexagon Top Faux Bamboo Legs Coffee Side Table

By Mastercraft

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mastercraft Mid Century Modern Hexagon Top Faux Bamboo Legs Coffee Side Table

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Teak solid coffee table/ side table By Niels Bach for Randers Möbel, 1960

$1,186

Danish Teak solid coffee table/ side table By Niels Bach for Randers Möbel, 1960

By Niels Bach, Randers Møbelfabrik

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Danish Teak solid coffee table/ side table By Niels Bach for Randers Möbel,1960s Design year

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Unusual tessellated stone and brass coffee table

$12,500

Unusual tessellated stone and brass coffee table

Located in New York, NY

Unusual tessellated stone and brass side/coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Brass

Charcoal Blocks, Sculptural, Geometric, Shou Sugi Ban Coffee or Side Tables

$5,000 / set

Charcoal Blocks, Sculptural, Geometric, Shou Sugi Ban Coffee or Side Tables

By Yvonne Mouser

Located in Oakland, CA

The Charcoal Blocks are a grouping of five upright and angled tables. Each of the individual pieces

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Fir, Reclaimed Wood

Habersham Wooden Plantation Campaign Trunk Style Side Coffee Table w/ Brass Trim

$650

Habersham Wooden Plantation Campaign Trunk Style Side Coffee Table w/ Brass Trim

By Habersham

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Habersham Wooden Plantation Campaign Trunk Style Small Coffee Table/Side Table with Brass Trim

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century Renaissance Florentine 'Fratino' Coffee Side Table Lyre Legs Walnut

$3,323

18th Century Renaissance Florentine 'Fratino' Coffee Side Table Lyre Legs Walnut

Located in Vigonza, Padua

18th century Renaissance Florentine coffee or side table, 'Fratino' with lyre legs in dark walnut

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Renaissance Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Outdoor Coffee Metal and Marble Table for Cassina

$9,792 / item

Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Outdoor Coffee Metal and Marble Table for Cassina

By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

VIDALENTA COFFEE TABLE DESIGN BY PATRICIA URQUIOLA, 2025 TABLE MODEL Square table 120x120 cm h.30

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Belgian Coffee Table in Black Resin and Agate Stones, 1970s

$2,611

Belgian Coffee Table in Black Resin and Agate Stones, 1970s

By Philippe Barbier, Christian Krekels, Jean Claude Dresse, Marc D'haenens, Christian Heckscher

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Coffee table in black resin and agates - created in Belgium during the 1970 Top in black tinted

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Agate

Knoll Studio "Saarinen" Tulip Side Coffee Table - In Nero Marquina Marble

$3,123

Knoll Studio "Saarinen" Tulip Side Coffee Table - In Nero Marquina Marble

Located in Barrowford, GB

On offer on this occasion is a sublime, immaculately-presented "Saarinen" Side/Coffee table in Nero

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Fine French 1970s Chrome and Glass Coffee Table with Brass details

$3,200

Fine French 1970s Chrome and Glass Coffee Table with Brass details

By Maison Jansen

Located in Long Island City, NY

Maison Jansen (attributed to) - A fine French oval doucine edged glass top coffee table with a

Category

Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Indian Star Shape Wooden and Brass Low Coffee Table 1950s

$1,650

Indian Star Shape Wooden and Brass Low Coffee Table 1950s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Indian wooden low coffee table in the shape of 8 pointed star decorated with embossed brass accents

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Dark Hardwood Bevan Funnell Coffee Table or Large Side End Lamp Wine Table

$753

Dark Hardwood Bevan Funnell Coffee Table or Large Side End Lamp Wine Table

By Bevan Funnell Ltd.

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

coffee table This was bought as an ex display piece directly from the Bevan Funnell warehouse, it is

Category

20th Century English Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

21st Century Contemporary Tapered Waterfall Style Steel Coffee / Side Table (2)

$2,240Sale Price / item|20% Off

21st Century Contemporary Tapered Waterfall Style Steel Coffee / Side Table (2)

Located in Wainscott, NY

Contemporary Waterfall Tapered Steel Table Two Available, Sold Individually Dimensions: Length 47

Category

2010s Israeli Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Nice Early Milo Baughman Burl Coffee or Side End Parsons Table

$2,950

Nice Early Milo Baughman Burl Coffee or Side End Parsons Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Chicago, IL

Milo Baughman burl coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table in Rhodochrosite and Resin Attributed to Etienne Allemeersch

$12,107

Coffee Table in Rhodochrosite and Resin Attributed to Etienne Allemeersch

By Etienne Allemeersch

Located in Brussels, BE

Coffee table in Rhodochrosite and Resin attributed to Etienne Allemeersch, Belgium, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Side Tables

Materials

Resin

IDE Coffee Table SET Of 3 in Red Travertine, Travertine Stone Round Side Tables

$2,720 / set

IDE Coffee Table SET Of 3 in Red Travertine, Travertine Stone Round Side Tables

Located in St Petersburg, US

aesthetics with functionality. Usage Areas: • Side Table: Ideal for holding your coffee, books, or

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine

Vintage Italian Rattan Coffee or Side Table With New Glass Plate, 1970s

$1,649

Vintage Italian Rattan Coffee or Side Table With New Glass Plate, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Lovely round coffee or side table, fabricated in Italy in the 70's. This very nice table is hand

Category

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

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Andrianna Shamaris Organic Cracked Resin and Teak Wood Side Table

$3,200 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Organic Cracked Resin and Teak Wood Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

to any space. The Cracked Resin Collection is a revolutionary line of modern coffee tables, side

Category

2010s Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

2 Faux Bamboo Grey Marble Side Coffee Tables Mid-Century ModernHollywoodRegency

$2,260 / item

2 Faux Bamboo Grey Marble Side Coffee Tables Mid-Century ModernHollywoodRegency

Located in London, GB

Unique pair of large faux-bamboo side tables with a grey, veined marble top. Solid and heavy pair

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Umbrella Medium Side Table (Black)

$1,150

Umbrella Medium Side Table (Black)

Located in Bilkent, TR

Umbrella's, which evoke a modern-mystical effect with their design, can be used as a coffee table

Category

2010s Turkish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

2x 60s 70s Jean Charles Coffee Table Chrome & Brass Side Table Space Age Design

$2,955 / set

2x 60s 70s Jean Charles Coffee Table Chrome & Brass Side Table Space Age Design

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

2x 60s 70s Jean Charles Coffee Table Chrome & Brass Side Table Space Age Design Object: 2x coffee

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Danish Art Deco Wooden Side / Coffee Table with a Shelf, 1930s–40s

$1,980

Danish Art Deco Wooden Side / Coffee Table with a Shelf, 1930s–40s

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant example of Dansih Art Deco furniture, this dark wood coffee table reflects the clean

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of coffee and side tables is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and glass, all coffee and side tables available were constructed with great care. We have 1434 antique and vintage coffee and side tables in-stock, while there are 386 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of coffee and side tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco coffee and side tables are consistently popular styles. Andrianna Shamaris, Peter Ghyczy and Angelo Mangiarotti each produced beautiful coffee and side tables that are worth considering.

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,200, while they’re typically $100 on the low end and $53,719 highest priced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Coffee And Side Tables

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side 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.
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.
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.
Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
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.
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 center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

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