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

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What size should a side table be?

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

What are side tables called?

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

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.

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

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

What 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.

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

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

$3,753 / 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

Italian side or coffe tables in wood with inlay work, second part of 1700s

$6,295 / set

Italian side or coffe tables in wood with inlay work, second part of 1700s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian side or coffe tables in wood with inlay work, second part of 1700s Pair of coffee or side tables with inlaid rectangular tops, made entirely of wood.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

A Square RADICAL POSTMODERN Side on COFFEE TABLE, by PIERRE VANDEL, France 1970

$2,747

A Square RADICAL POSTMODERN Side on COFFEE TABLE, by PIERRE VANDEL, France 1970

By Pierre Vandel

Located in PARIS, FR

An elegant and rigorous square coffee table, Post-Modernist, Bauhaus, Shabby-Chic, Space-Age, structure in square section aluminum slats with a matt metal gray appearance with a ligh...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Wide Legged Mid Century Live Edge Coffee or Side Table in Solid Walnut 1950s

$3,720

Wide Legged Mid Century Live Edge Coffee or Side Table in Solid Walnut 1950s

Located in Tilburg, NL

Wide Legged Mid Century Live Edge Coffee or Side Table in Solid Walnut 1950s. A nice and distinct wide legged mid century coffee or side table in solid walnut with a wonderful live ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Dolmen Iron and Smoked Gray Glass Outdoor Side Table

$7,375 / item

Dolmen Iron and Smoked Gray Glass Outdoor Side Table

By Dante Negro

Located in Milan, IT

The Dolmen outdoor side table stands at 19.68 inches and features a distinctive rounded design characterized by smooth curves. The base is crafted from zinc-coated iron with a raw st...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

1970s Spanish Square Brass and Glass Side Table

$2,232

1970s Spanish Square Brass and Glass Side Table

By Rodolfo Dubarry

Located in Marbella, ES

1970s Spanish square brass and glass side table, made by hand working brass panels to cover a wooden frame and topped with a glass panel.

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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

$1,279 / item

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

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

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

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Concrete Coffee Side Table Silver Grey Mod. III

$1,490 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Concrete Coffee Side Table Silver Grey Mod. III

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

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

$5,116 / 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

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

$10,072 / 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 striped marble Italian coffee table by dAM Atelier

$7,268 / 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

French Style Gilt Bronze and Glass Side Table, 1970s

$2,529

French Style Gilt Bronze and Glass Side Table, 1970s

Located in Madrid, ES

Elegant round side table crafted in gilt bronze and glass during the 1970s, possibly of French manufacture. Combining refined materials with timeless design, the table embodies the l...

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Formica Red Side Coffee Table 1960s Mid Century

$1,705

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Formica Red Side Coffee Table 1960s Mid Century

By Milo Baughman

Located in London, GB

A slightly rectangular/near square side table with eye-catching coral red colour made from formica wood. This simple yet gorgeous piece has been created in the United States by Milo ...

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Coco Chanel 'Sheaf of Wheat' Coffee or Side Table with Glass Top Mid Century

$3,290

Coco Chanel 'Sheaf of Wheat' Coffee or Side Table with Glass Top Mid Century

By Robert Goossens

Located in Tilburg, NL

Coco Chanel 'Sheaf of Wheat' Coffee or Side Table with Glass Top Mid Century This is a beautiful and very distinct Coco Chanel sheaf of wheat style coffee or side table with a glass...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

$16,997 / 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

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

$5,677 / 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

'Side Table 10' Side Table by Peter Shire, 1984

Price Upon Request

'Side Table 10' Side Table by Peter Shire, 1984

By Peter Shire

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Vintage side table by Peter Shire, 1984. Birch solid core plywood and Laminate. Exact dimensions available upon request. Other models available Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Plywood

'Side Table 9' Side Table by Peter Shire, 1984

Price Upon Request

'Side Table 9' Side Table by Peter Shire, 1984

By Peter Shire

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Vintage side table by Peter Shire, 1984. Birch solid core plywood and laminate. Exact dimensions avail. Upon request. *other models available Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an LA...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Plywood

Milestone Side Table #2

$5,030 / item

Milestone Side Table #2

By Carpanese Home Italia

Located in Milan, IT

The Milestone Side Table epitomizes modern elegance with its innovative design. Characterized by a bold milestone-like base crafted from natural stone, this table offers a unique ble...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

C. 1970s Robert Pittfield Lovett Walnut Side / Coffee / End Table 13 x 21 x 30"

$3,500

C. 1970s Robert Pittfield Lovett Walnut Side / Coffee / End Table 13 x 21 x 30"

By Robert Lovett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a studio-made side or coffee table, executed by New Hope woodworker Robert Pitfield Lovett in the 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Eberhart Daphne Coffee Table

$1,207 / item

Eberhart Daphne Coffee Table

By Eberhart Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Daphne is a simple and stylish coffee or side table. The table is constructed by three sub elements: The assembly ring, wooden legs and table top in either concrete, oak or birch.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

A NEO-CLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Side or COFFEE TABLE by MAISON RAMSEY, France 1970

$4,349

A NEO-CLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Side or COFFEE TABLE by MAISON RAMSEY, France 1970

By Roger Thibier

Located in PARIS, FR

The right-angled legs give all its character to this coffee table, which can be used at the end of a sofa, side table, bedside table, etc.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Gubi Pedrera Coﬀee Table In Brass Base and Glass by Corsini&Ruiz Millet

$2,419 / item

Gubi Pedrera Coﬀee Table In Brass Base and Glass by Corsini&Ruiz Millet

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed by Barba Corsini in 1955, the Gaudí-inspired Pedrera Coffee Table features a sculptural steel base and organically rounded glass top, echoing the undulating forms of Casa Mi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Gubi Pedrera Coﬀee Table In Chrome Base and Glass by Corsini&Ruiz Millet

$2,419 / item

Gubi Pedrera Coﬀee Table In Chrome Base and Glass by Corsini&Ruiz Millet

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed by Barba Corsini in 1955, the Gaudí-inspired Pedrera Coffee Table features a sculptural steel base and organically rounded glass top, echoing the undulating forms of Casa Mi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Swedish Designer, Coffee Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s

$5,800

Swedish Designer, Coffee Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s

Located in High Point, NC

A birch coffee or side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Baker Oval Walnut Top Burl Base Thick Queen Ann Leg Coffee Side Occasional Table

$2,800

Baker Oval Walnut Top Burl Base Thick Queen Ann Leg Coffee Side Occasional Table

By Baker Furniture Company, Henredon

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Baker Oval Walnut Top Burl Base Thick Queen Ann Leg Coffee Side Occasional Table MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Modern C Side Resin Epoxy End Table - Living Room Side Table

$1,500 / item

Modern C Side Resin Epoxy End Table - Living Room Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Epoxy Resin C Side End Table Presenting our Epoxy Coffee Table – a true sample of craftsmanship and elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Square Cube Walnut Base Glass Top Coffee Side End Lamp Table

$2,800

Mid Century Modern Square Cube Walnut Base Glass Top Coffee Side End Lamp Table

By Jens Risom, Harvey Probber, George Nelson, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid Century Modern Square Cube Walnut Base Glass Top Coffee Side End Lamp Table Stand Mint.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1970's Brutalist Square Solid Slate Stone Top on Steel Base Coffee / Side Table

$2,880

1970's Brutalist Square Solid Slate Stone Top on Steel Base Coffee / Side Table

By Paul Kingma

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

1970's Dutch Square Brutalist Coffee or Side Table with Solid Slate top on Brown Enamelled Steel Base Nice organic looking rusty brown fossiled Slate Stone top carved from 1 thick ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Steel

Square Glass and Chrome Coffee Table by Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s

$1,602

Square Glass and Chrome Coffee Table by Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s

By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso

Located in Roma, IT

Marco Zanuso square coffee table for Zanotta. Italy, 1960s. Chrome-plated glass top. Measures: 67.5 x 67.5 x 32 cm in height.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Late 19th Empire Style Rectangular Coffee or Side Table in François Linke Style

$2,380Sale Price|20% Off

Late 19th Empire Style Rectangular Coffee or Side Table in François Linke Style

Located in Miami, FL

A very fine French 19th-20th century Louis XVI style mahogany and gilt bronze (Ormolu) mounted guéridon side table in style to François Linke, (1855-1946). The beleveled top has a fi...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

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

$5,866 / item

New Modern Side Table L 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

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

$5,866 / item

New Modern Side 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

2 NEO-CLASSICAL ART-DECO Side or COFFEE TABLES by MAISON BAGUES, France 1960

$4,349

2 NEO-CLASSICAL ART-DECO Side or COFFEE TABLES by MAISON BAGUES, France 1960

By Maison Baguès

Located in PARIS, FR

A luxurious asymmetrical pair of coffee or side tables or rectangular bedside tables, Art-Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, rectangular structures in patinated gilded bronze with bam...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

"Sanmarco" Steel and Glass Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, Italy, 1980s

$892

"Sanmarco" Steel and Glass Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, Italy, 1980s

By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti

Located in Milan, IT

"Sanmarco" model 685 coffee table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta. Chrome-plated frame and long movable glass top.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Postmodern Glass, Brass and Wood Side Table, Germany, 1980s

$1,934

Postmodern Glass, Brass and Wood Side Table, Germany, 1980s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Striking postmodern side table produced in Germany in the 1980s, combining architectural form with refined, luxurious materials. The circular glass tabletop rests on a bold central ...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Liberty's London Three Monkey Hear See Speak No Evil Carved Coffee Side Table

$1,296

Liberty's London Three Monkey Hear See Speak No Evil Carved Coffee Side Table

By Liberty of London, Liberty & Co.

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely large Liberty’s London 1905 Japanese mahogany side table depicting the three monkeys in the "Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil" ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

1970s Pair of Two Tiers Square Brass and Glass Structural Coffee tables, French

$7,643 / set

1970s Pair of Two Tiers Square Brass and Glass Structural Coffee tables, French

By Guy Lefevre

Located in London, GB

Pair of geometric Neoclassical two-tier brass coffee tables/side tables in the manner of Guy Lefevre, with clear glass tops and mirrored lower tiers.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

2010s Shelton Mindel SM Coffee Side Table in Stainless Steel with 30" Glass Top

$3,500

2010s Shelton Mindel SM Coffee Side Table in Stainless Steel with 30" Glass Top

By Lee Mindel, Knoll, Peter Shelton

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a SM Coffee Table, initially designed by Peter Shelton and Lee Mindel for Knoll Studio in 2006. This piece dates to the 2010s. The design was purportedly inspired by the work...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Fine French 1950s Solid Oak and Glass Coffee Table by Louis Sognot

$3,200

Fine French 1950s Solid Oak and Glass Coffee Table by Louis Sognot

By Louis Sognot

Located in Long Island City, NY

A fine French Mid-Century solid oak sculptural side table by Louis Sognot with a glass tops and chrome details.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

2 ceramic side tables/stools

$1,716 / set

2 ceramic side tables/stools

Located in Brecht, BE

warm red for these glazed ceramic side tables/coffee tables ... love the organic shape ... current production so can be ordered...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Art Deco side table

$2,174

Vintage Art Deco side table

Located in MILL, NL

Art Deco coffee table / side table Made from oak. Inlaid with a star motif.

Category

Early 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid-20th Century Antique Coffee Table with Gold Leaf Top and Teak

$1,144

Mid-20th Century Antique Coffee Table with Gold Leaf Top and Teak

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

This little table has an ancient wooden capital as its base, on which a wooden sphere has been fixed. The top is made of wood with gold leaf. I put wheels on it for ease of moving, b...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Other Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut and Stone Side Table

$2,595

Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut and Stone Side Table

By Harvey Probber

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut and Stone Side Table This side table measures: 32 wide x 20 deep x 18.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Very Minor Wear on Table Base. Ston...

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Flowing Black And White 90 Coffee Table by Perler

$4,898 / item

Flowing Black And White 90 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

Flowing Black And White 100 Coffee Table by Perler

$4,898 / item

Flowing Black And White 100 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

Elliot Gold Side Table

$2,590 / item

Elliot Gold Side Table

By Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie

Located in Milan, IT

This round metal side table has a striking gold finish. The round shape of the top and the converging straight elements that support it create an elegant harmony.

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin and Teak Wood Coffee Table

$15,800 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin and Teak Wood Coffee 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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak

Geometric German Glass and Brass Coffee Table by Peter Ghyczy, 1980's

$1,373

Geometric German Glass and Brass Coffee Table by Peter Ghyczy, 1980's

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

Original glass table from the 1980's - Germany.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Friso Kramer "Rotunda" Black Metal and Glass Coffee Table by Ahrend de Cirkel

$1,495 / item

Friso Kramer "Rotunda" Black Metal and Glass Coffee Table by Ahrend de Cirkel

By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare "Rotunda" coffee table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. Black enameled metal base with magazine shelf and glass top. In good original condition with some signs of wear to f...

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Roger Capron Side Table

$4,500

Roger Capron Side Table

By Roger Capron

Located in Chicago, IL

Roger Capron Le Village"" Coffee Table Made in France, 1970 glazed ceramic tile, oak Titled underside (Roger Capron "Le Village" ca. 1970) Dimensions: 18¾ h × 29 w × 19¼ d in

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Dombak 15" Side Table by Phase Design

$3,430 / item

Dombak 15" Side 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

Dombak 11" Side Table by Phase Design

$3,240 / item

Dombak 11" Side Table by Phase Design

By Reza Feiz, Phase Design

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

Dombak 19" Side Table by Phase Design

$3,630 / item

Dombak 19" Side 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

Clavo- Small side table

$2,490

Clavo- Small side table

By mob estudio

Located in Mexico City, MX

Side table made of solid-turned wood with an oil finish. Their circular design allows for easy placement and enhances the flow of the room, making them perfect for living areas, bedr...

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Brutalist Oak Side Table with Tiles, Denmark, 1960s

$629

Brutalist Oak Side Table with Tiles, Denmark, 1960s

Located in Nørre Aaby, DK

Light and versatile in form, it can be used both as a coffee table and a side table, making it suitable for a range of interiors.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Sven Engström + Gunnar Myrstrand rare pair of slate and wood coffee tables 1950s

$6,261 / set

Sven Engström + Gunnar Myrstrand rare pair of slate and wood coffee tables 1950s

By Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand

Located in Forest, BE

Paire de table en pierre posées sur un élégant piètement en teak. Il y à des petits rebords pour maintenir la pierre en place. Vous pouvez apercevoir une photo dans un catalogue de l...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Stone

French Modern Brass Coffee Table and Nesting Tables Ensemble with Clear Glass

$2,850 / set

French Modern Brass Coffee Table and Nesting Tables Ensemble with Clear Glass

Located in Buchanan, NY

The table is composed of five pieces in total: a larger round coffee table and four quartered side tables that neatly tuck under the main table when not in use.

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1950's Brass and Glass Side Tables with Shell Decoration

$1,800

1950's Brass and Glass Side Tables with Shell Decoration

Located in Essex, MA

A pair of 1950s brass and glass top tables. Heavy, quality brass with scallop decoration at the four top corners visible through the heavy, quality, beveled glass tops. Four-column ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Coffee And Side Tables

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
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.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.
What 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.

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