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.

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.

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.

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

Coffee / Side Table in the style of Peder Moos Produced in Denmark

$10,095

Coffee / Side Table in the style of Peder Moos Produced in Denmark

By Peder Moos

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare coffee / side table in the style of Peder Moos. Produced in Denmark.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian Modern Coffee or Side Table Produced in Sweden, circa 1920 - 1930s

$10,689

Scandinavian Modern Coffee or Side Table Produced in Sweden, circa 1920 - 1930s

Located in Örebro, SE

Rare coffee or side table, swedish modern, produced in Sweden ca 1920 - 1930's. Unknown designer

Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Drop Side Table

$1,840 / item

Drop Side Table

Located in Ridgewood, NY

The drop side table brings function to your furniture – a home for your daily coffee, a table lamp

Category

2010s American Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Freeform MODERNIST Side or COFFEE TABLE France 1950

$2,850

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Freeform MODERNIST Side or COFFEE TABLE France 1950

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in PARIS, FR

A small coffee or side table, Modernist, Reconstruction, Free-Form, superb structure in black

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian Silver Plated Faux Bamboo Marble Top Coffee or Side Table

$3,250

Italian Silver Plated Faux Bamboo Marble Top Coffee or Side Table

By Maison Baguès

Located in St. Louis, MO

. Arthur Elrod, the Palm Springs modernism interior decorator placed this cocktail table in a mid-1960s

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Silver Plate

Danish Mid-Century Modern Solid Thick Teak Top Square Coffee Side Table

$2,000

Danish Mid-Century Modern Solid Thick Teak Top Square Coffee Side Table

By Dux of Sweden

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid-Century Modern 2" solid teak top coffee side occasional table.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST SIDE or COFFEE TABLE by TOLIX, France 1950

$3,800

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST SIDE or COFFEE TABLE by TOLIX, France 1950

By Tolix, Jean Prouvé

Located in PARIS, FR

A rough and architectural square side table, coffee table, outdoor table, Mid-Century-Modern

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

$4,287 / item

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

Located in Milan, IT

Side Table in Black Marquinia and White Michelangelo marble Size: ⌀ 36 x 50 cm - 14.2 x 19.7 in

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

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

$4,287 / item

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

Located in Milan, IT

Side Table in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Size: ⌀ 36 x 50 cm - 14.2 x 19.7 in

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Max Kment Mid-Century Coffee Occasional Side Table, Maple, Rope, Austria, 1950s

$2,800

Max Kment Mid-Century Coffee Occasional Side Table, Maple, Rope, Austria, 1950s

By Max Kment, Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte Max Kment

Located in Vienna, AT

as a side / coffee / end or occasional table. Also usable as a flower bench or stand. Designed in

Category

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

Materials

Cord, Wicker, Rope, Glass, Wood, Maple

Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s

$850

Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s

By IKEA, Tord Bjorklund

Located in Vienna, AT

A round folding Memphis style coffee / side / occasional flip-top table in yolk-yellow. Designed in

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Collapsible Glass and Wood Side Table

$700

Midcentury Collapsible Glass and Wood Side Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This small midcentury wood and glass side table is perfect for that small accent room or home

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Brass Peacock Side or Coffee Table 1970s Glamour Vintage Hollywood Regency Daro

$3,499 / item

Brass Peacock Side or Coffee Table 1970s Glamour Vintage Hollywood Regency Daro

By Willy Daro

Located in London, GB

An elegant side or coffee table, with three black and gold patinated brass peacocks supporting a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Italian Bianco Carrara Marble Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

$3,076 / set

Set of 3 Italian Bianco Carrara Marble Coffee or Side Tables, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Stunning set of 3 Italian coffee or side tables, handcrafted out of Bianco Carrara Marble. They

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Art Deco Rubi Side Coffee Table Marble Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple

$2,137 / item

Art Deco Rubi Side Coffee Table Marble Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple

By GF Modern, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Rubi side table, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Like a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Gold Leaf

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

$5,760

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

By MARCANTONIO

Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT

Pizza nasce dall'idea dell'artista Marcantonio Malerba di rivisitare dei pezzi antichi arricchendoli con l'intervento dell'intarsio in legno, in questo caso la pizza è realizzata da...

Category

Vintage 1980s European Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

$6,520

21st Century Vintage Marcantonio Unique Piece Side Coffee Tables Inlay Wood

By MARCANTONIO

Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT

Party nasce dall'idea dell'artista Marcantonio Malerba di rivisitare dei pezzi antichi arricchendoli con l'intervento dell'intarsio in legno, in questo caso i coriandoli sono stati ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nutwood

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 Miami, FL

Available now in the U.S. with no lead time, this modern outdoor side table is crafted from solid

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Side Table

$650 / item

Contemporary Side Table

Located in Millbrook, NY

Contemporary Heavy Metal Side Table. These lozenge shaped side tables are sturdy and will not blow

Category

2010s Australian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Italy Neoclassic Side or Coffee Table, in Solid Walnut, Wax-Polished

$1,781

Midcentury Italy Neoclassic Side or Coffee Table, in Solid Walnut, Wax-Polished

By Bassano's Ebanisteria

Located in Vigonza, Padua

1940s Italian neoclassic side or coffee table, in solid blond walnut wax-polished Measures cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Round Live Edge Wood Side Coffee Table with Copper, Brass, Bronze

$2,498 / item

Contemporary Round Live Edge Wood Side Coffee Table with Copper, Brass, Bronze

By Renats Kotlevs

Located in Riga, LV

This luxury coffee table combines rich chunky wood with bright copper legs. The fine finish is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

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

$2,244 / 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

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST SIDE or COFFEE TABLE by TOLIX, France 1950

$4,275

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST SIDE or COFFEE TABLE by TOLIX, France 1950

By Tolix, Jean Prouvé

Located in PARIS, FR

A rough and architectural square side table, coffee table, outdoor table, Mid-Century-Modern

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

$15,950 / item

Claste Two Sides of Solitude Medium 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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

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

Listed price is for the Dombak coffee table in either walnut, white oak, or ebonized oak. Prices

Category

2010s American Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Coffee Side Table Red Cement Mod.I

$1,327 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Coffee Side Table Red Cement Mod.I

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

of Italian design. Coffee table part of a collection of modular system in ultra high performing

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Fusto Domestic Landscape Concrete Coffee Side Table Green Grey Cement Mod.I

$1,330 / item

Fusto Domestic Landscape Concrete Coffee Side Table Green Grey Cement Mod.I

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

design. Coffee table part of a collection of modular system in ultra high performing cement mortar. UHPC

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Mid-Century Italian Baroque Round Coffee Side Table Solid Walnut, Wax Polished

$2,256

Mid-Century Italian Baroque Round Coffee Side Table Solid Walnut, Wax Polished

By Bassano's Ebanisteria

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Mid-Century Baroque Italian round tripod coffee or side table in solid walnut, wax polished

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Black and white Mosaic Side Table, 1960s

$2,850

Black and white Mosaic Side Table, 1960s

Located in Wolfurt, AT

A striking piece from the 1960s, this oval mosaic table features a captivating design with high

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Steel

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN BRUTALIST MODERNIST Ceramic COFFEE SIDE TABLE, France 1950

$4,520

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN BRUTALIST MODERNIST Ceramic COFFEE SIDE TABLE, France 1950

Located in PARIS, FR

A rigorous coffee table or low tripod pedestal table, bedside or end table, Modernist, rigorous

Category

Vintage 1950s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava, Wrought Iron

Modernist Italian Brass and Marble Side Table

$3,600Sale Price|20% Off

Modernist Italian Brass and Marble Side Table

Located in New York, NY

Modernist Italian solid brass with rare marble top tripod side table, number 5 of a limited edition

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Marble, Brass

Large Mid Century Tripod Coffee or Side Table by FRC Mobel, Austria 70s

$1,484 / item

Large Mid Century Tripod Coffee or Side Table by FRC Mobel, Austria 70s

Located in Lucija, SI

Nice tripod triangle table. Made in Austria by F.R.C Mobel It can by use as coffee or side table

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bronze Dolphin Feet Green Marble Top Side Coffee Cocktail Table, 1980s Belgium

$2,420

Bronze Dolphin Feet Green Marble Top Side Coffee Cocktail Table, 1980s Belgium

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is a 1980s Cocktail Coffee Table gilt bronze Koi or Dolphin Base Organic Design green

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Marble, Bronze

Drum Coffee Table by Dare Studio

$2,743 / 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

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

$7,541 / 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

$10,451 / 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

$5,308 / 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

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

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Illuminated Music Muses Crystal Side Coffee Table Luigi Brusotti Italy 1940’s

$13,658

Illuminated Music Muses Crystal Side Coffee Table Luigi Brusotti Italy 1940’s

By Luigi Brusotti

Located in Sacile, PN

Coffee table dated 1940, in engraved plate glass, with “Music Muses” subject. Tripodal ebonized

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal

Poolkes Signed Belgian Coffee or Side Table with Etched Patinated Copper Top

$2,800Sale Price|37% Off

Poolkes Signed Belgian Coffee or Side Table with Etched Patinated Copper Top

By W. Poolkes 1

Located in Chicago, IL

A large etched abstract scene Belgian signed coffee table on a black wood base. The undulating

Category

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

Materials

Copper

Cyclia Side Table

$2,494 / item

Cyclia Side Table

Located in Paris, FR

Side Table Cylia with base structure in solid aluminium in antique brass finish and with white and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Aluminum, 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 Brandt, Baker Furniture Company

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

Dynamic Wave Side Table by Perler

$1,900 / item

Dynamic Wave Side Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Dynamic Wave Side Table by Perler Dimensions: D 35 x W 52 x H 40 cm. Materials: Jesmonite. Weight

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Wrought Iron Coffee / Side Table by Rene Drouet

$11,900

French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Wrought Iron Coffee / Side Table by Rene Drouet

By René Drouet

Located in New York, NY

An Iconic French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical gilt wrought iron round cocktail table or side

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

$1,292Sale Price|20% Off

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

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Drone Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,619 / item

Drone Side 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

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

$15,950 / item

Claste Two Sides of Solitude Large 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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Black Pawn Side Table by Perler

$4,893 / item

Black Pawn Side Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

versatile piece can be used as a coffee table, side table, nightstand, stool, or even as a sculpture. Its

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

TOTEM Modern and sculptural solid marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

$17,637 / item

TOTEM Modern and sculptural solid marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

By dAM Atelier

Located in San Paolo D'argon, BG

The “Totem” collection explores the concept of monumentality and lightness through the use of white travertine, a material symbolizing timeless elegance: geometric, stacked legs serv...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Stone, Alabaster, Travertine

Beige Crackle Side Table by Perler

$4,893 / item

Beige Crackle Side Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

store featuring my unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, and table sets. Today

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

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

$5,890 / item

SESTO Modern and sculptural green 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

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Panthera Marquetry Side Table

$7,957 / item

Panthera Marquetry Side Table

Located in Windermere, GB

The Panthera Side Table was designed as a sculptural marquetry table that balances bold

Category

2010s Omani Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Drum Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,646 / item

Drum 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

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Lovely Wrought Iron Strap Work Studded Hardwood Small Coffee Large Side Table

$1,303

Lovely Wrought Iron Strap Work Studded Hardwood Small Coffee Large Side Table

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

mahogany frame small coffee table or large side table A very good looking well made and decorative piece

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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 side table is made from teak infused with resin. A dramatic piece due to the

Category

2010s Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed 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 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.
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.
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.

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