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

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What size should a side table be?

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

What are side tables called?

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

Why is it called a coffee table?

Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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.

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

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

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

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

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.

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

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 Gubi, Joaquim Ruiz Millet

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 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 Gubi, Joaquim Ruiz Millet

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 Smoke Glass by Corsini&Ruiz Millet

$2,419 / item

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

By Gubi, Joaquim Ruiz Millet

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 Bronze Glass by Corsini&Ruiz Millet

$2,419 / item

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

By Gubi, Joaquim Ruiz Millet

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 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 Gubi, Joaquim Ruiz Millet

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

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

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

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

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

$2,390

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 a distinguished King Albert I of Belgium medallion as its visual centrepiece. Craf...

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of Regency Style Blass and Brass Side Tables

$1,598

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 tops are made of glass on a brass base. Measurements: 40 cm height x 61 cm width.

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

$3,182

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

Located in Barcelona, ES

The top has a larger surface than usual Martini tables and it allows to be used as end table, side table, coffee / cocktails table or occasional table.

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron, Copper, Iron

Peter Ghyczy brass and glass side table model T26 1970

$1,426

Peter Ghyczy brass and glass side table model T26 1970

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Oirlo, LI

Beautiful highly decorative side table designed and manufactured by Peter Ghyczy, The Netherlands 1970. This Hollywood Regency style side table is made of chromed bars connected with...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Bamboo and Smoked Glass Three-Tier Side Table, 1970s

$922Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Bamboo and Smoked Glass Three-Tier Side Table, 1970s

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Elegant vintage three-tier side table crafted from bamboo with decorative rattan bindings and three lightly smoked glass shelves, dating from the 1970s. Its clean architectural lines...

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Chain Link Floor Ashtray Drinks Table / Side Table in Wrought Iron and Brass

$2,591Sale Price|20% Off

Chain Link Floor Ashtray Drinks Table / Side Table in Wrought Iron and Brass

Located in Barcelona, ES

French chain design drinks side table / floor ashtray, wrought iron, brass France 1950s-1960s. This brutalist floor ashtray, side table or stand features an sculptural construction w...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Brass, Metal

Vintage Methacrylate or Lucite and Brass Side Table, 1970s

$2,048

Vintage Methacrylate or Lucite and Brass Side Table, 1970s

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage methacrylate or lucite and brass side table, 70s. This side table is made of Methacrylate or Lucite and Brass with a colored resin sheet on its top.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

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

Together they could make a great combination of coffee table and side table.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Black Thonet Side Table

$627

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

Peter Ghyczy Side Table

$978Sale Price|20% Off

Peter Ghyczy Side Table

Located in London, GB

Peter Ghyczy Side Table A highly decorative and stylish side table designed and manufactured by Peter Ghyczy around 1970 in the Netherlands. In a typical Hollywood Regency style, m...

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Xezette Table, Modern Metal Side Table

$1,447 / item

Xezette Table, Modern Metal Side Table

By kontra

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Elevate Your Living Space with the Xezette Table Modern Metal Side Table Add a touch of contemporary elegance to your living room with the Xezette Table Modern Metal Side Table. This...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel, Chrome

Dorchester Contemporary and Customizable Side Table by Luísa Peixoto

$2,659 / item

Dorchester Contemporary and Customizable Side Table by Luísa Peixoto

Located in PT

Dorchester contemporary side table in gold metal and dark ironwood Bespoke / Customizable Identical shapes with different sizes and finishings. All RAL colors available. (Mate / Hal...

Category

2010s Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Burr Yew Wood Military Campaign Gun Case Coffee Side Table on Original Base

$3,223Sale Price|20% Off

Rare Burr Yew Wood Military Campaign Gun Case Coffee Side Table on Original Base

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this very rare highly collectable Burr Yew Wood Military Campaign gun case with original stand formed as a coffee table This is a very fine and rare piec...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Yew

Primate circa 1950's Coffee or Side Wine Table Very Utilitarian Priced to Sell

$382Sale Price|20% Off

Primate circa 1950's Coffee or Side Wine Table Very Utilitarian Priced to Sell

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this nice primate English oak coffee table circa 1950’s A very utilitarian every day piece, this has the original finish and is a good worker day table ...

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Lyris S Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$3,721 / item

Lyris S Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

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 Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Modern Round Metal and Marble Side Table, Hope Royal

$3,308 / item

Modern Round Metal and Marble Side Table, Hope Royal

By MORADA Haute Furniture Boutique LLC

Located in Miami, FL

HOPE Royal is a side table with a round-shaped top and crossed straight metal base seamlessly welded and finished. The top is a precious marble perfectly beveled and carved, letting ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Lyris L Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$5,273 / item

Lyris L Marble Side Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

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 Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

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. 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

CITY CUBE Side Table

$8,893

CITY CUBE Side Table

By Mousarris

Located in Timisoara, RO

City Cube The Artist’s Meticulous Craftsmanship Is Evident In Every Detail, From The Intricately Modeled Skyscrapers And Bustling Thoroughfares To The Play Of Light And Shadow Withi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Superego Contemporary Modern Italian Plexiglass and Brass Side Table

$18,150 / set

Superego Contemporary Modern Italian Plexiglass and Brass Side Table

By Studio Superego

Located in Madrid, ES

Side tables designed and produced by Studio Superego. Made of plexiglass of ten centimeters thickness, with agates inlaid and legs in brass. Made in Italy. The project Superego was ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

Textile Sketch side Table

$3,635 / item

Textile Sketch side Table

By Kiki van Eijk, Kiki & Joost

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Kiki van Eijk designs a highly conceptual collection of furniture that uses metal to capture the delicate nature of fabric. This collection looks like it's made of textiles but is in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Lacquered Parchment Coffee or Side Table in the Style of Aldo Tura, Italy 1970's

$3,196

Lacquered Parchment Coffee or Side Table in the Style of Aldo Tura, Italy 1970's

By Aldo Tura

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

This elegant Italian coffee or side table, crafted in lacquered parchment, is designed in the distinctive style of Aldo Tura and dates to the 1970’s.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Export Black and Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Table

$2,290

19th Century Chinese Export Black and Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Table

Located in Dallas, TX

An exquisite 19th-century Chinese Export black and gold lacquer side table featuring intricate hand-painted gilt Chinoiserie scenes depicting traditional Chinese landscapes, architec...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Sun and Moon Marble and Metal Coffee Table, Alpine, by Lara Bohinc

$22,259 / item

Sun and Moon Marble and Metal Coffee Table, Alpine, by Lara Bohinc

By Lara Bohinc

Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM

The Lunar Collection introduces the Half Moon dining table, the Sun and Moon coffee table and the Full Moon side table.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Sun and Moon Marble and Metal Coffee Table, Dune, by Lara Bohinc

$22,259 / item

Sun and Moon Marble and Metal Coffee Table, Dune, by Lara Bohinc

By Lara Bohinc

Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM

The Lunar Collection introduces the Half Moon dining table, the Sun and Moon coffee table and the Full Moon side table.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Sun and Moon Marble and Metal Coffee Table, Snow, by Lara Bohinc

$24,885 / item

Sun and Moon Marble and Metal Coffee Table, Snow, by Lara Bohinc

By Lara Bohinc

Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM

The Lunar Collection introduces the Half Moon dining table, the Sun and Moon coffee table and the Full Moon side table.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

1940's Italian Side Table

$9,800

1940's Italian Side Table

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Stunning 1940's Italian table in the syle of Paolo Buffa Beautiful angular tapered legs that gracefully curve and a mirrored top surface

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

French 1960s Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table with Two Drawers

$3,073

French 1960s Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table with Two Drawers

Located in London, GB

A French 1970s bamboo and rattan coffee or low side table with two drawers on the front edge each with black metal handles.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Offset' by LINTELOO, 190-70, Oak and Marble

$5,753 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Offset' by LINTELOO, 190-70, Oak and Marble

By Linteloo

Located in Paris, IDF

Every edge, surface, and connection is executed with precision, as the purity of the design leaves no room for imperfections. Available as both a side and coffee table, Offset works...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Warren Platner for Knoll Side-End Table, 1960

$1,800

Warren Platner for Knoll Side-End Table, 1960

By Warren Platner

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

The uniqueness of the furniture and its harmonious shapes are the product of welding curved steel rods, creating a moiré effect and achieving the decorative, soft and graceful qualit...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Indian Rosewood Round Inlaid Side Table with Bird and Floral Design

$2,725

Indian Rosewood Round Inlaid Side Table with Bird and Floral Design

Located in Nottingham, GB

It would make an impressive coffee table, centre table, occasional table or statement piece within a traditional, eclectic or globally inspired interior.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal and Glass Coffee Table 1960s

$1,255

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal and Glass Coffee Table 1960s

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern vintage chromed metal and glass coffee table / side table with a greenish glass top.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Free-Form Wicker and Rattan Side Table, 1960s–1970s

$1,118

Mid-Century Free-Form Wicker and Rattan Side Table, 1960s–1970s

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Sculptural Mid-Century side table featuring an unusual biomorphic free-form woven wicker top and an elaborate rattan base, circa 1960s–1970s. The distinctive top is entirely hand-wov...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

Leather and Bronze Leaf Side Table by Artist Florian Roeper

$3,950 / set

Leather and Bronze Leaf Side Table by Artist Florian Roeper

By Studio Roeper

Located in Napa, CA

Floor model with very light use, overall in excellent condition. Florian Roeper, senior craftsman and founder of the company, drew inspiration for this design from leather bags and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Epoxy Resin

T178/S Hexagonal Small Coffee Table with Gold Base and Marble Top by Zanaboni

$5,325

T178/S Hexagonal Small Coffee Table with Gold Base and Marble Top by Zanaboni

By Zanaboni

Located in MEDA, IT

The sleek and contemporary T178/S small coffee table features a subtle and elegant metal base gold finish with marble top, to fit any classy interior adding a touch of elegance thank...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Metal

T178/H Hexagonal Tall Coffee Table with Gold Base and Marble Top by Zanaboni

$5,507

T178/H Hexagonal Tall Coffee Table with Gold Base and Marble Top by Zanaboni

By Zanaboni

Located in MEDA, IT

The sleek and contemporary T178/H tall coffee table features a subtle and elegant metal base gold finish with marble top, to fit any classy interior adding a touch of elegance thanks...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Gio Ponti Style Side Table

$3,500

Gio Ponti Style Side Table

By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori

Located in Red Lion, PA

Elegant side table feautring a yellow porcelin design with white flowers and a glass top with brass details Attributed to: Designer Gio Ponti Manufacturer Richard Ginori Pair Availa...

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Fancy, Noble Bar Table or Side Table

$2,568

Fancy, Noble Bar Table or Side Table

Located in Berlin, DE

Fancy, noble bar table / serving table / side table. Solid wood with inlaid veneer. Straight frame base on conical square legs in bronze caps ending with rolls. Deep drawer on the s...

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Drexel Eastrend Pecan and Burl Biedermeier Style Pedestal Cocktail Side Table

$1,195

Drexel Eastrend Pecan and Burl Biedermeier Style Pedestal Cocktail Side Table

By Henredon, John Van Koert, Drexel, Karl Johan

Located in Chattanooga, TN

In mid‑century formality with modern flair, this Drexel Eastrend occasional table unfolds as a luxurious fusion of Art Deco grandeur, the restrained elegance of Biedermeier, and the ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Chic French 1940s Iron and Marble Side Table (2 Available)

$2,739 / item

Chic French 1940s Iron and Marble Side Table (2 Available)

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Very lovely, almost-pair of side or coffee tables. The wrought iron bases have elaborate curlicue motifs, and are painted dark green, with details picked out in gold.

Category

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

English side table ca. 1900

$1,136

English side table ca. 1900

Located in MILL, NL

English side table. Ca. 1900. Made of solid oak. In very good condition. Dimensions: 61H x 60,5ø

Category

Antique Early 1900s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Side Table by John Tapp

$1,864Sale Price|20% Off

Side Table by John Tapp

By Johan Tapp

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare side table designed and manufactured by Johan Tapp. This side or end table is complemented by a thick glass top. The table is signed, affirming its authenticity and making it a ...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of 1980s Spanish Bamboo and Lace Wicker Side Tables

$1,655 / set

Pair of 1980s Spanish Bamboo and Lace Wicker Side Tables

Located in Marbella, ES

Spanish made pair of bamboo and lace wicker side tables with a glass top.

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

French Side Tables of Chrome and Brass by Maison Jansen (Two Available)

$3,695 / item

French Side Tables of Chrome and Brass by Maison Jansen (Two Available)

By Maison Jansen

Located in Austin, TX

Great together - for use as a pair of coffee or cocktail tables or side-to-side next to club chairs.

Category

20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Dorchester Navy Contemporary and Customizable Side Table by Luísa Peixoto

$2,659 / item

Dorchester Navy Contemporary and Customizable Side Table by Luísa Peixoto

By Luísa Peixoto

Located in PT

Dorchester contemporary side table in gold metal and navy ironwood Bespoke / Customizable Identical shapes with different sizes and finishings. All RAL colors available. (Mate /...

Category

2010s Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table in Teak & Resin

$5,900 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table in Teak & Resin

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

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

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak

C. 2010 Shelton Mindel for Knoll SM Coffee Side Table in Steel w/ 24" Glass Top

$1,600 / item

C. 2010 Shelton Mindel for Knoll SM Coffee Side Table in Steel w/ 24" Glass Top

By Peter Shelton, Knoll, Lee Mindel

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a SM Side or Coffee Table, initially designed by Peter Shelton and Lee Mindel for Knoll Studio in 2006.

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Chromed Steel and Glass Side Table, Spain, 1960s

$1,780Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-Century Modern Chromed Steel and Glass Side Table, Spain, 1960s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Interesting to be used as side or end table, occasional table or coffee table near your sofa.

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Alfonso Marina Wrought Iron and Parquetry Wood Top Side Table

$1,677Sale Price|25% Off

Alfonso Marina Wrought Iron and Parquetry Wood Top Side Table

By Alfonso Marina

Located in Germantown, MD

Beautifully crafted wrought iron and parquetry wood top side table in great condition. Variety of wood species parquetry work. Measures 30.25 inches in width, 16.5 inches in depth ...

Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

E238/SE - High Side Table

$1,681 / item

E238/SE - High Side Table

By CPRN HOMOOD

Located in Ponsacco, IT

A high side table featuring a sleek metal top and a velvet lacquered base. The contrast between the shiny metal surface and the soft, luxurious velvet finish of the base creates a so...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Customizable Marble Top Tacchini Colonna Side Table by Roberto Sironi

$4,052 / item

Customizable Marble Top Tacchini Colonna Side Table by Roberto Sironi

By Tacchini

Located in New York, NY

Colonna reinterprets the architectural archetype from which it takes its name as a pair of side and coffee tables, reaffirming Roberto Sironi’s ability to combine function, narrative...

Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Marble

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Coffee And Side Tables

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.
Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
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.
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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