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.

What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Who invented the coffee table?

No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables .The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa , and its depth will match the seating . These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables , but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

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

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

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

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

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 is a tall side table called?

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

What are tiny side tables called?

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

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

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

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

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

$2,850

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

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

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

$2,199 / item

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

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

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

$2,419 / item

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

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

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

$2,419 / item

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

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

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

$2,419 / item

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

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

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

$2,419 / item

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

By Joaquim Ruiz Millet, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Org Coffee Table in Red and transparent glass by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini

$5,588 / item

Org Coffee Table in Red and transparent glass by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini

By Cappellini, Fabio Novembre

Located in Brooklyn, NY

At first glance, the Org table by Fabio Novembre seems an unlikely paradox: the top appears to rest

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Org Coffee Table in Black and transparent glass by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini

$5,588 / item

Org Coffee Table in Black and transparent glass by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini

By Cappellini, Fabio Novembre

Located in Brooklyn, NY

At first glance, the Org table by Fabio Novembre seems an unlikely paradox: the top appears to rest

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Org Coffee Table in white and transparent glass by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini

$5,588 / item

Org Coffee Table in white and transparent glass by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini

By Cappellini, Fabio Novembre

Located in Brooklyn, NY

At first glance, the Org table by Fabio Novembre seems an unlikely paradox: the top appears to rest

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Biedermeier Side Table

$1,490

Biedermeier Side Table

Located in Vienna, AT

Manufactured middle of the 19th century. Walnut, veneered. The tall legs rest on a triple-recessed base plate with a round top.

Category

Antique 1840s Austrian Biedermeier Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Softwood

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 Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare "Rotunda" coffee table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. Black enameled metal base with

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

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

$2,886

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

By Josep Vila Capdevila

Located in Terrassa, Catalonia

Portico is a robust, brutalist, minimalist and eternal stool/side table. The arches created by the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Vintage Marble End Table Side Table Postmodern MCM 70s 80

$1,600Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Marble End Table Side Table Postmodern MCM 70s 80

By Mario Bellini, Angelo Mangiarotti, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Stone International, Milo Baughman

Located in Palm Desert, CA

rests on the base. Can be a great coffee table for a small area. Color: Cream and light beige (hard

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

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

$1,327 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Coffee Side Table Silver Grey 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

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

$1,548 / item

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

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

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

$3,414

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

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

$1,425

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

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

Listed price is for the Dombak 15" Side Table in either walnut, white oak, or ebonized oak

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 Phase Design, Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Listed price is for the Dombak 11" side table in either walnut, white oak, or ebonized oak

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

Listed price is for the Dombak 19" Side Table in either walnut, white oak, or ebonized oak

Category

2010s American Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

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

$2,007

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

Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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

$1,714

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

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Ipanema Round Coffee Table, Natural Limed Oak and Ombre Effect white, by Duistt

$8,991 / item

Ipanema Round Coffee Table, Natural Limed Oak and Ombre Effect white, by Duistt

By Duistt

Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT

Ipanema Coffee Table, Natural Limed Oak with Ombre Effect, Handcrafted by Duistt The rounded

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

'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

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

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Plywood

Sculptural Archipen Coffee Side Table 3 Made of Ash painted in RAL by NOOM

$1,753 / item

Sculptural Archipen Coffee Side Table 3 Made of Ash painted in RAL by NOOM

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table 3 continues the sculptural design of the Archipen Collection, blending

Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Rizo Strom Editions Coffee Table Set in Molten Aged Metal and Metallic Glass

$6,750 / set

Rizo Strom Editions Coffee Table Set in Molten Aged Metal and Metallic Glass

By RIZO

Located in Mumbai, IN

sophistication of this lifestyle piece. Get inspired to decorate the living room with the Strom Coffee Table Twin

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Bronze Round Side Table

$7,007

Bronze Round Side Table

By Romain Barré

Located in PARIS, FR

This circular coffee table precisely embodies the sculptural language developed by master

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, 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

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

$4,513

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

By Roger Thibier

Located in PARIS, FR

An elegant low and square side or coffee table, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Chinese-inspired cubic

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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 Henredon, Baker Furniture Company

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

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

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Steel

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

Category

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

Materials

Stone

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 Adrian Pearsall, Jens Risom, Harvey Probber, George Nelson

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

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 Peter Shelton, Lee Mindel, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a SM Coffee Table, initially designed by Peter Shelton and Lee Mindel for Knoll Studio in

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

MCM Milo Baughman Burled Olive Wood Coffee & Side Table Set By Rowe - Set Of 2

$2,154 / set

MCM Milo Baughman Burled Olive Wood Coffee & Side Table Set By Rowe - Set Of 2

Located in Chicago, IL

two tables offers versatility, serving as both coffee tables and side tables, while their durable

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Large Rustic 19th Century Round Iron & Zink Garden Patio Coffee side Table LA CA

$2,175Sale Price|25% Off

Large Rustic 19th Century Round Iron & Zink Garden Patio Coffee side Table LA CA

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Large Rustic 19th Century Round Iron & Zink Garden Patio Coffee side Table LA CA . Hand Crafted

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail T...

Materials

Metal, Iron, Zinc

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

guéridon side table in style to François Linke, (1855-1946). The beleveled top has a fine inlay, the apron

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Lyris S Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$3,871 / item

Lyris S Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Lyris L Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$5,487 / item

Lyris L Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

Lyris L Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin Dimensions: D 36 x H 65 cm Materials: Bianco

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

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

$4,513

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

Category

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

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

$1,303

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

By Liberty & Co., Liberty of London

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely large Liberty’s London 1905 Japanese mahogany side

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Elliot Gold Side Table

$2,240 / 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

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Flowing Black And White 90 Coffee Table by Perler

$5,083 / item

Flowing Black And White 90 Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

designs such as coffee tables, side tables, and table sets. Today, our offerings also encompass applied

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Flowing Black And White 100 Coffee Table by Perler

$5,083 / item

Flowing Black And White 100 Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, and table sets. Today, our offerings also

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

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

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Gio Ponti, Side Table, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1950s

$2,600

Gio Ponti, Side Table, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1950s

By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti

Located in High Point, NC

A wood and iron coffee or side table designed by Gio Ponti and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian 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

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

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 coffee table is made from teak wood infused with resin. A dramatic piece due to

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

KING ALBERT I OF BELGIUM OCCASIONAL SIDE END COFFEE TABLE CARVED OAK CiRCA 1900

$2,400

KING ALBERT I OF BELGIUM OCCASIONAL SIDE END COFFEE TABLE CARVED OAK CiRCA 1900

Located in Pulborough, GB

Antiques of London An exquisite Victorian-era centre table featuring masterful hand carving and

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

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

five pieces in total: a larger round coffee table and four quartered side tables that neatly tuck under

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Regency Style Blass and Brass Side Tables

$1,662

Pair of Regency Style Blass and Brass Side Tables

Located in Antwerp, BE

Stunning pair of Hollywood Regency side tables. The tables are just stunning and elegant, the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Spanish Drinks Table, Gueridon or Side Table in Wrought Iron and Copper

$3,325

Spanish Drinks Table, Gueridon or Side Table in Wrought Iron and Copper

Located in Barcelona, ES

Martini tables and it allows to be used as end table, side table, coffee / cocktails table or occasional

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron, Copper, Iron

Ebonized Wood, Glass and Chrome Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern

$2,600

Ebonized Wood, Glass and Chrome Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern

Located in Nantucket, MA

of coffee table and side table.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Peter Ghyczy Side Table

$1,227

Peter Ghyczy Side Table

Located in London, GB

Peter Ghyczy Side Table A highly decorative and stylish side table designed and manufactured by

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Black Thonet Side Table

$653

Black Thonet Side Table

By Thonet

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Black Thonet side table. Professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Vienna Secession 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 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.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
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 is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
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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