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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Claste Two Sides of Solitude Small Coffee Table in Blue Mare Marble

$12,155 / item

Claste Two Sides of Solitude Small Coffee Table in Blue Mare Marble

By Claste, Quinlan Osborne

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The visual impact of this table depends on how it is positioned as it can be perceived primarily as a large monolithic block or as an extreme cantilever that seems to defy possibilit...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

70's Karl Springer Style Tessellated Fossil Stone Coffee Center Side Table

$828Sale Price|20% Off

70's Karl Springer Style Tessellated Fossil Stone Coffee Center Side Table

By Karl Springer

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a 1970's Karl Springer Maitland style tessellated fossil stone pedestal coffee side table with radiused ...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Sarreid Ltd. Brass Asian & Campaign Style Side or Coffee Table, Pair Available

$3,495 / item

Sarreid Ltd. Brass Asian & Campaign Style Side or Coffee Table, Pair Available

By Sarreid Ltd.

Located in Kennesaw, GA

Sarreid Ltd. side table date to the 1970s. It is unique in that it combines low profile modern styling with Asian and campaign influences. The table is are marked. It has been recent...

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Faux Bamboo Walnut Oval Shield Shape Compact 37" Long Coffee Side Table MINT

$2,200

Faux Bamboo Walnut Oval Shield Shape Compact 37" Long Coffee Side Table MINT

By Baker Furniture Company, Brandt

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Faux Bamboo Walnut Oval Shield Shape Compact 37" Long Coffee Side Table MINT

Category

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

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Modern Coffee Table L in White and Black marble, Designer Lorenzo Zaccarin

$9,140 / item

Modern Coffee Table L in White and Black marble, Designer Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Milan, IT

The materiality of marble gives elegance and a sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia marble, transport us to the my...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Outdoor Coffee Side Table in Teak with Brown Metal Base, Modern Patio Accent

$1,490 / item

Outdoor Coffee Side Table in Teak with Brown Metal Base, Modern Patio Accent

Located in Hialeah, FL

Available now in the U.S. with no lead time, this modern outdoor side table is crafted from solid teak and supported by a chocolate brown metal base, combining natural materials with...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

1950s Mølgaard & Hvidt AX Coffee Table Teak and Beech for Fritz Hansen

$2,500

1950s Mølgaard & Hvidt AX Coffee Table Teak and Beech for Fritz Hansen

By Fritz Hansen, Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

AX coffee table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard. 1950s. Teak with inlaid beech wood. Manufactured by Fritz Hansen A/S.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Italian Flip Top Walnut & Marquetry Inlay Square Coffee Side Table

$1,197Sale Price|33% Off

Mid Century Italian Flip Top Walnut & Marquetry Inlay Square Coffee Side Table

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid 20th century flip top marquetry coffee table. Made in Italy featuring square or rectangular form with floral and geometric matchbook inlays, central medallion and serpentine X ba...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Large Coffee Table with Magazine Rack & Double-Sided Drawer by O.M.F., 1960s

$1,718

Large Coffee Table with Magazine Rack & Double-Sided Drawer by O.M.F., 1960s

By Mahjongg

Located in Antwerpen, VAN

This table stands out thanks to the magazine rack and a practical double-sided drawer which can be pulled out from both sides.

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Dombak Coffee Table by Phase Design

$7,590 / item

Dombak Coffee Table by Phase Design

By Phase Design, Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Inspired by its namesake – Dombak – meaning small drum. This family of side and coffee tables are individually hand turned out of solid lumber, and make a powerful impression in any ...

Category

2010s American Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

Modern Side Table S in Black and White marble, Designer Lorenzo Zaccarin

$4,135 / item

Modern Side Table S in Black and White marble, Designer Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Milan, IT

The materiality of marble gives elegance and a sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia marble, transport us to the my...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Modern Side Table S in White and Black marble, Designer Lorenzo Zaccarin

$4,135 / item

Modern Side Table S in White and Black marble, Designer Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Milan, IT

The materiality of marble gives elegance and a sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia marble, transport us to the my...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

2016 Angelo Tomaiuolo for Tonin Adele Side / Coffee Table in Walnut 4x Available

$1,200 / item

2016 Angelo Tomaiuolo for Tonin Adele Side / Coffee Table in Walnut 4x Available

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Adele Coffee Table, originally designed by Angelo Tomaiuolo for Tonin. These particular examples were produced in Italy and date to the year 2016. The tables are comprised...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Stack of Cut Glass Base Round Top Side Coffee Table Arts & Crafts

$2,800

Stack of Cut Glass Base Round Top Side Coffee Table Arts & Crafts

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Decorative creatively stacked cut glass base round top side, occasional table, pedestal or stand.

Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of wrought iron and wicker side tables, 1970s.

$4,009 / set

Pair of wrought iron and wicker side tables, 1970s.

Located in Lisboa, PT

Pair of coffee tables in wrought iron and woven rattan table top. France, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

1930s European Art Deco Walnut Veneer Square Coffee Side Table with Restored Oil

$1,557

1930s European Art Deco Walnut Veneer Square Coffee Side Table with Restored Oil

Located in Praha, CZ

This 1930s European Art Deco square coffee side table embodies the geometric elegance and refined veneer craftsmanship of the era.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Wood

French Art Deco Metalwork Round Glass Top Small Coffee Side Table Indoor/Outdoor

$1,631

French Art Deco Metalwork Round Glass Top Small Coffee Side Table Indoor/Outdoor

Located in London, GB

French Art Deco Metalwork Round Glass Top Table Suitable as a small coffee table or side table, both for indoor and outdoor use.

Category

Early 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Beautiful Coffee Table Wooden Structure with Bronzed or Smoked Mirror on Side

$5,039 / item

Beautiful Coffee Table Wooden Structure with Bronzed or Smoked Mirror on Side

Located in London, GB

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

“Portico Side Table” Collectible Riuvina Marble Side Table by Aparentment

$2,026Sale Price / item|20% Off

“Portico Side Table” Collectible Riuvina Marble Side Table by Aparentment

By Josep Vila Capdevila

Located in Terrassa, Catalonia

The Portico Side Table is a sculptural object inspired by the enduring architecture of the Mediterranean. Defined by its solid geometry and monolithic presence, the piece functions a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Hexagonal Gilded Coffee or Side Table with Four Nesting Stools with Glass Top

$2,650 / set

Hexagonal Gilded Coffee or Side Table with Four Nesting Stools with Glass Top

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Hexagonal gilded steel coffee table with four nesting stools. A beautiful low table for living room in a beautiful vintage style, ideal for a cocktail or coffee. Vintage s...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Drum Coffee Table by Dare Studio

$2,645 / item

Drum Coffee Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Drum coffee table by Dare Studio Dimensions: Ø 92 x H 30 cm Materials: Solid American black walnut Also available in European white oak in waxed oil timber finish The drum si...

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Brass and Chrome Romeo Rega Style Coffee Tables, Italy, 1970s

$2,164 / set

Pair of Brass and Chrome Romeo Rega Style Coffee Tables, Italy, 1970s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Milan, IT

Pair of large coffee tables in the style of Romeo Rega. Brass and chrome finish pieces with glass top. The squared table measures CMS 80 x 80 x H. 40.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Restored "Half-Round" Side Rattan Coffee Table Pair with Solid Mahogany Top

$1,760Sale Price / set|44% Off

Restored "Half-Round" Side Rattan Coffee Table Pair with Solid Mahogany Top

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Rare pair of half-round rattan coffee tables, the pair both feature a half circle design with a rattan base and solid mahogany top. Both tables fit together perfectly to make a compl...

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Vintage Brass and Marble Coffee Table, Italy 1950s

$962Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Brass and Marble Coffee Table, Italy 1950s

Located in Catania, CT

Good vintage condition for this brass and marble coffee or side table produced in Italy during the 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

2-Tone Geometric Art Deco Side & Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman

$6,500 / set

2-Tone Geometric Art Deco Side & Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Two-tone, two-tier Art Deco Pearwood side table and coffee table, both designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Furniture company.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pearwood

Pair of Tan Parchment Brass Coffee or Side Tables Aldo Tura, Italy, 1970

$3,000 / set

Pair of Tan Parchment Brass Coffee or Side Tables Aldo Tura, Italy, 1970

By Aldo Tura

Located in Vienna, AT

They can be used as side tables as well as coffee table. Measurements are 19.7" x 14.17" x 16.92"(h).

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee or Side Boomerang Table Style Gio Ponti Wood, Italy, circa 1955

$2,800

Coffee or Side Boomerang Table Style Gio Ponti Wood, Italy, circa 1955

By Gio Ponti

Located in Vienna, AT

Wooden boomerang table in very good condition Italy, circa 1955. Stylish table in very good original condition made from birch wood and brass; tha table top has a special coating ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Dynamic Wave Side Table by Perler

$1,832 / item

Dynamic Wave Side Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Please contact us. The DYNAMIC WAVE side table, part of the handcrafted "Waves" coffee table collection, showcases flowing lines, unique details, and an artistic flair.

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Danish Modern Chrome Base Tile Mosaic Rosewood Top Square Coffee Side Table MINT

$2,800

Danish Modern Chrome Base Tile Mosaic Rosewood Top Square Coffee Side Table MINT

By Poul Kjærholm

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice square rosewood and tiled top chrome base coffee occasional side table in style of Poul Kjaerholm.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Lahar Side Table

$6,070 / item

Lahar Side Table

By Mohdern

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The first collection by Mohdern and Studio Furthermore in collaboration with Ranieri marks a new horizon in future luxury. Hand-carved from the lava stone of active volcanoes-a natur...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Lava

Solid Teak Wood Coffee or Side Table in a Kidney Shape Mid Century Modern

$950

Solid Teak Wood Coffee or Side Table in a Kidney Shape Mid Century Modern

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, solid teak wood coffee or side table in a kidney shape. Mounted in solid teak legs which can be removed for safe and easy shipping.

Category

Vintage 1980s Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' Coffee Table in Walnut and Marble

$16,400

Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' Coffee Table in Walnut and Marble

By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' coffee table, walnut, marble, Sweden, design 1938 An iconic 'B 965' coffee table, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in 1938. This e...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Drone Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,562 / item

Drone Side Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Also available in European white oak in waxed oil timber finish. The drum side and coffee tables are sleek and practical occasional tables table designed by Sean Dare for Dare Stu...

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Large Sheaf of Wheat Rattan Side Tables, McGuire Style, 1970s

$3,500 / set

Pair of Large Sheaf of Wheat Rattan Side Tables, McGuire Style, 1970s

By John and Elinor McGuire

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

A sculptural pair of large vintage rattan and pencil-reed occasional tables dating to the 1970s, designed in the celebrated sheaf-of-wheat form associated with John and Elinor McGuir...

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Reed

Colonial Side Table

$1,947

Colonial Side Table

Located in Antwerp, BE

Colonial tribal side table from Congo. Diameter wood 50 cm. Diameter glass 70 cm. Height 65 cm.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Black Pawn Side Table by Perler

$4,719 / item

Black Pawn Side Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Black Pawn is a handmade ceramic table crafted by Polish artist Jakub Biewald. This versatile piece can be used as a coffee table, side table, nightstand, stool, or even as a sculptu...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Beige Crackle Side Table by Perler

$4,719 / item

Beige Crackle Side Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

A few years into blogging, my greatest dream was realized – the website expanded to include an online store featuring my unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, ...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Ivory And Black Oval Coffee Table by Perler

$6,139 / item

Ivory And Black Oval Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

A few years into blogging, my greatest dream was realized – the website expanded to include an online store featuring my unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, ...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table

$8,900

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

The Cracked Resin Collection is a revolutionary line of modern coffee tables, side tables and dining tables made from organic teak and resin.

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak

Drum Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,587 / item

Drum Side Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Drum side table by Dare Studio Dimensions: ø 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Solid American black walnut Also available in European white oak in waxed oil timber finish The Drum side...

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

$1,042Sale Price|35% Off

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

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Vienna, AT

This iconic circular white 5452 pedestal coffee or side table was designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller, USA 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Small Inside Side Table by Domkapa

$1,706 / item

Small Inside Side Table by Domkapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Also available in different materials. Inside table set includes different versions to fulfill all of your project’s needs: coffee tables, low and tall side tables.

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Art Decó Chrome Coffee Table with Fumé Glass Top and Ebonized Base

$2,040Sale Price|20% Off

Art Decó Chrome Coffee Table with Fumé Glass Top and Ebonized Base

Located in Miami, FL

Amazing side or coffee table with curved chrome pedestal leg and the base of the table is made of ebonizd wood.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

A Massive Elm MODERNIST COFFEE or SIDE TABLE by MAISON REGAIN, France 1960

$6,872

A Massive Elm MODERNIST COFFEE or SIDE TABLE by MAISON REGAIN, France 1960

By Maison Regain

Located in PARIS, FR

A small but powerful hexagonal coffee table on a tripod base; might be used also as a side table, bedside table or a headboard; Modernist, Brutalist, Folk Art, Forme-Libre, structure...

Category

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

Materials

Elm

Pair of Coffee or Side Tables by Spanish Architects Correa & Milá, 1960's

$2,703 / set

Pair of Coffee or Side Tables by Spanish Architects Correa & Milá, 1960's

Located in Barcelona, ES

Pair of Reno coffee or side tables designed in 1961 by Spanish architects Federico Correa and Alfonso Milá for the Reno restaurant in Barcelona and produced by Gres.

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Vintage Art Deco Style Maison Jansen Chrome Brass Glass Square Coffee Side Table

$800Sale Price|50% Off

Vintage Art Deco Style Maison Jansen Chrome Brass Glass Square Coffee Side Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

Stunning and elegant, the Maison Jansen Brass & Glass Coffee Table is a captivating addition to any living space. This table features sleek tubular chrome legs complemented by gr...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Gio Ponti Italian Coffee or Side Table by I.S.A. Italia circa 1950

$2,000

Gio Ponti Italian Coffee or Side Table by I.S.A. Italia circa 1950

By Gio Ponti

Located in Chicago, IL

Part of the modular segmented coffee table designed by Gio Ponti produced by I.S.A. Italia which had 7 identical tables either made of wood or white or black laminate. The metal base...

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Italian Coffee Tables Bamboo top, Chrome and Gilded Brass Frame

$3,739 / set

Pair of Italian Coffee Tables Bamboo top, Chrome and Gilded Brass Frame

Located in London, GB

Pair of Square coffee tables, Italian circa 1970. The top is executed in intricate bamboo marquetry in parquet design with glass on top, framed in a polished chrome and brass base wi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Square Solid Brass Bar Profile Base Rectangle Smoked Glass Top Coffee Side Table

$2,800

Square Solid Brass Bar Profile Base Rectangle Smoked Glass Top Coffee Side Table

By Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Square Solid Brass Bar Profile Base Rectangle Smoked Glass Top Coffee Side Table. Glass Measures 1/2'' in thickness.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

A Lucite ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Side or COFFEE TABLE, France 1970

$4,123

A Lucite ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Side or COFFEE TABLE, France 1970

Located in PARIS, FR

A superb rectangular Art-Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic coffee or side table, X-shaped structure in solid plexiglass with a square section, rectangular top decorated with golden pi...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite

Glas Italia The Dark Side of the Moon Rectangular Coffee Table Piero Lissoni Sf.

$2,647 / item

Glas Italia The Dark Side of the Moon Rectangular Coffee Table Piero Lissoni Sf.

By Piero Lissoni, Glas Italia

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Dark Side of the Moon coffee table by Glas Italia, designed by Piero Lissoni, is a striking example of contemporary craftsmanship and artistic design.

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Cony Marble Coffee Table R30, Solid Oak Wood And Marble, Hand-Crafted

$580 / item

Cony Marble Coffee Table R30, Solid Oak Wood And Marble, Hand-Crafted

Located in Ankara, TR

Meet the Cony coffee table family. With three different sizes and three tabletop options, it will always be a fine companion in your most enjoyable moments. Crafted entirely from sol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

New Coffee or Side Table in Champagne Color with Smoked Mirrored Glass Top

$1,260

New Coffee or Side Table in Champagne Color with Smoked Mirrored Glass Top

Located in Miami, FL

New coffee or side table in champagne color with smoked mirrored glass top.

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

SESTO Modern and sculptural striped marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

$7,273 / item

SESTO Modern and sculptural striped marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

By dAM Atelier

Located in San Paolo D'argon, BG

The Sesto Collection explores the concept of subtraction in solid matter. Inspired by architectural arches, each piece is conceived as a monolithic volume carved by precise cuts that...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Stone, Alabaster, Travertine

SESTO Modern and sculptural calacatta marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

$10,079 / item

SESTO Modern and sculptural calacatta marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

By dAM Atelier

Located in San Paolo D'argon, BG

The Sesto Collection explores the concept of subtraction in solid matter. Inspired by architectural arches, each piece is conceived as a monolithic volume carved by precise cuts that...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Stone, Alabaster, Travertine

SESTO Modern and sculptural in travertine Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

$5,120 / item

SESTO Modern and sculptural in travertine Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

By dAM Atelier

Located in San Paolo D'argon, BG

The Sesto Collection explores the concept of subtraction in solid matter. Inspired by architectural arches, each piece is conceived as a monolithic volume carved by precise cuts that...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Stone, Alabaster, Travertine

Cleaving Side Table

$2,560Sale Price / item|20% Off

Cleaving Side Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Each piece is hand made by the Artist to order. The series explores the geology of form found in mineral formations. Hard linear facets accentuate the gestural forms creating dramati...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel, Sheet Metal

A Pair of RADICAL POSTMODERN Side or COFFEE TABLES, by KAPPA, France 1970

$13,745

A Pair of RADICAL POSTMODERN Side or COFFEE TABLES, by KAPPA, France 1970

By Kappa

Located in PARIS, FR

A pair of rare, elegant and architectural '"T" square coffee tables, Post-Modernist, Bauhaus, Space-Age, massive cubic structures, thick square inox metal tops, in the spirit of the ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

MCM Rosewood & Chrome Coffee or Side Table in the Manner of Milo Baughman

$1,600

MCM Rosewood & Chrome Coffee or Side Table in the Manner of Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Grand Cayman, KY

Beautiful square rosewood coffee table from the 1950s-1960s. Square tube chrome legs. Provenance: it had been styled seamlessly next to a Milo Baughman rosewood case sofa, also wi...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

1950s Finn Juhl Model FD 535 Teak Coffee/Side Table for France & Son, Denmark.

$1,450

1950s Finn Juhl Model FD 535 Teak Coffee/Side Table for France & Son, Denmark.

By France & Søn, Finn Juhl

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Finn Juhl in 1958, the Model FD 535 is part of his celebrated 500 series of tables, conceived during one of the most important periods of his collaboration with the Franc...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

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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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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