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

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

What are side tables called?

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What size should a side table be?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

Why is it called a coffee table?

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

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

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

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are tiny side tables called?

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

What is a tall side table called?

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

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

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

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

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

Coffee And Side Tables

Christian Jensen

R And Y Augousti Console

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

Marble Coffee Table Danish

Metal Inlay On Table Top

Moroccan Or Moorish Coffee Tables

Made In Denmark Coffee Table

Gold Console Table With Mirror

Pair of Italian wood and brass side tables with glass tops, 1950s

$9,145

Pair of Italian wood and brass side tables with glass tops, 1950s

Located in Piacenza, Italy

, these tables can be used together as a coffee table or separately as side tables. The combination of

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Andrianna Shamaris Organic Teak Wood and Resin Drum Side Table

$2,980 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Organic Teak Wood and Resin Drum Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful side table hand carved into a drum shape. Pale blue resin is added into the natural

Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Low Rectangular Side Table with Distressed Finish and Carved Chow Legs

$2,175

Low Rectangular Side Table with Distressed Finish and Carved Chow Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

With its sculptural silhouette and aged surface, this vintage low side table brings a grounded

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Low Cocktail Side Table

$750

Antique Low Cocktail Side Table

Located in New York, NY

hold objects to study. Today these tables are perfect small cocktail tables or as a side table

Category

Antique 1890s Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Edition Claudia Wieser 'Red and Blue' Side Table e15 Selected and von Bartha

$18,682

Edition Claudia Wieser 'Red and Blue' Side Table e15 Selected and von Bartha

By e15

Located in Tilburg, NL

Edition Claudia Wieser 'Red and Blue' Side Table for e15 Selected. New, limited edition. e15 and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian Space Age Black and White Rolling Bar Cart and Side Table, Circa 1980s

$950

Italian Space Age Black and White Rolling Bar Cart and Side Table, Circa 1980s

By Joe Colombo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cylindrical rolling bar cart and side table produced in Italy during the 1980s, designed in the

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Laminate, Paint

Sun and Moon Marble and Brass Coffee Table, Travertine, Geometric by Lara Bohinc

$23,159 / item

Sun and Moon Marble and Brass Coffee Table, Travertine, Geometric by Lara Bohinc

By Lara Bohinc

Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM

The Lunar Collection consists of the Half Moon dining table, the Sun and Moon coffee table and the

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Travertine, Brass

Tea Amber/Walnut Side Table

$3,675 / item

Tea Amber/Walnut Side Table

By Durame

Located in Milan, IT

This striking side table is comprised of a large bottom vase in colored glass (that can function as

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

High Three Rocks Black and Brass Side Table by InsidherLand

$3,361 / item

High Three Rocks Black and Brass Side Table by InsidherLand

Located in Geneve, CH

High Three Rocks Black and Brass Side Table by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 40 x W 51 x H 48 cm

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Centro Side Table Designed by Omri Revesz and Damian Tatangelo

$1,430 / item

Centro Side Table Designed by Omri Revesz and Damian Tatangelo

By Omri Revesz, Damian Tatangelo

Located in Brooklyn, NY

together. Four metal arcs support the table top and continue to join together towards a single point at the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Pierangelo Gallotti for Gallotti & Radice Glass and Brass Side Table, Italy

$1,538

Pierangelo Gallotti for Gallotti & Radice Glass and Brass Side Table, Italy

By Gallotti & Radice, Pierangelo Gallotti

Located in Voorburg, NL

An elegant and architectural side table designed by Pierangelo Gallotti for his eponymous company

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Kinoko Brass and Glass Side Table, Signed by Stefan Leo

$12,803 / item

Kinoko Brass and Glass Side Table, Signed by Stefan Leo

By Atelier Stefan Leo

Located in Geneve, CH

Kinoko brass and glass side table - Signed by Stefan Leo Brass base, Top pâte de verre Measures

Category

2010s German Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Gubi TS Outdoor Round Travertine Side Table by GamFratesi

$1,099 / item

Gubi TS Outdoor Round Travertine Side Table by GamFratesi

By GamFratesi Design Studio, Gubi

Located in New York, NY

any interior and setting. Now, the black-based TS Side and Coffee Tables are getting the outdoor

Category

2010s Danish Side Tables

Materials

Travertine

Pair of Side Tables, Loggia Terrazzo

$6,888 / set

Pair of Side Tables, Loggia Terrazzo

By Matteo Leorato

Located in Geneve, CH

Pair of side tables, Loggia Terrazzo An essential element with a strong stylistic impact that

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Arris Sculptural Side Table, Dark Emperador Marble, Hand-Crafted in Italy

$4,631 / item

Arris Sculptural Side Table, Dark Emperador Marble, Hand-Crafted in Italy

By Secolo

Located in Paris, IDF

table and side table sizes, Arris is customisable in both the metal and the stone options. Featured in

Category

2010s Italian Other Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Gubi TS Outdoor Side Table in Neutral White Travertine by GamFratesi

$1,209 / item

Gubi TS Outdoor Side Table in Neutral White Travertine by GamFratesi

By GamFratesi Design Studio, Gubi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

any interior and setting. Now, the black-based TS Side and Coffee Tables are getting the outdoor

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Arris Sculptural Side Table, Green Alpi Marble, Hand-Crafted in Italy

$4,631 / item

Arris Sculptural Side Table, Green Alpi Marble, Hand-Crafted in Italy

By Secolo

Located in Paris, IDF

table and side table sizes, Arris is customisable in both the metal and the stone options. Featured in

Category

2010s Italian Other Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Tony Duquette Style “Taffy” Side Table

$1,800

Tony Duquette Style “Taffy” Side Table

By Tony Duquette

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Cast resin side table with an openwork base composed of intertwined, ribbon-like forms, finished in

Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Resin

Spanish Side Table with Gold Sun and Leaf Motif + Glass Top

$1,533

Spanish Side Table with Gold Sun and Leaf Motif + Glass Top

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Spanish small-sized coffee table with glass top from the mid 20th century. This vintage table

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Side table with ceramics, Denmark, 1960s.

$653

Side table with ceramics, Denmark, 1960s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

Teak coffee/side table with ceramic top. Manufactured in the mid-20th century in Denmark. A small

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak, Ceramic

Old Country Small Table or Side Table, Solid Larch Restored and Finished to Wax

$1,543

Old Country Small Table or Side Table, Solid Larch Restored and Finished to Wax

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Old country Art deco age, small coffee table or side table, solid larch restored and finished to

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Country Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fir

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tier Brass and Glass Rectangular Side Table

$2,475

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tier Brass and Glass Rectangular Side Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-Century Modern two-tier brass and mirror beveled glass side table in Maison Jansen style with

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Modern Pico Brass and Travertine Side Table, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

$2,850 / item

Modern Pico Brass and Travertine Side Table, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Contemporary Pico Stone Side Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and C...

Materials

Stone, Travertine, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

1940s Vintage French Handcrafted Wood and Wrought Iron Side Table

$1,600

1940s Vintage French Handcrafted Wood and Wrought Iron Side Table

Located in Stamford, CT

Handcrafted wood top table with handwrought iron frame.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Side Table by Paolo Buffa

$11,200Sale Price|20% Off

Side Table by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Italian side table by Paolo Buffa for the Hotel Bristol. Etched rectangular glass with stars and

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Artifort Side Table or Trolley Table, 1970's

$1,413 / item

Artifort Side Table or Trolley Table, 1970's

By Artifort

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice side table or coffee table, fabricated by Artifort in the 70's. 4 wheels with a metal

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pair of Brutalist coffee tables, 1970s

$1,662Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair of Brutalist coffee tables, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Pair of sculptural cut steel and brass coffee tables or side tables with a smoked glass top. Real

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Cut Steel

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with White and Wenge Oak

$1,055Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with White and Wenge Oak

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood topis an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

Coffee table by Branco e Preto

$41,568

Coffee table by Branco e Preto

By Branco & Preto

Located in Barcelona, ES

Coffee table Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia Brazil, 1950s Wood, ebonized wooden structure

Category

Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with White and Natural Oak

$1,055Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with White and Natural Oak

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Black and Wenge Oak

$1,055Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Black and Wenge Oak

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Copper and Estremoz

$1,726Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Copper and Estremoz

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with White Metal and Estremoz

$1,726Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with White Metal and Estremoz

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with White and Natural Walnut

$1,055Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with White and Natural Walnut

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Black Metal and Estremoz

$1,726Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Black Metal and Estremoz

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Black and Natural Oak

$1,055Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Black and Natural Oak

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Brass and Estremoz

$1,726Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Brass and Estremoz

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Black and Natural Walnut

$1,055Sale Price / item|20% Off

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Black and Natural Walnut

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

Modern Stripe Design Round Coffee Table with Glass Top, Multi Colors

$6,140

Modern Stripe Design Round Coffee Table with Glass Top, Multi Colors

By Alexander's Collection, Alexander Anisimov

Located in Hong Kong, HK

includes a coffee table and additional side tables. This particular design is an experimental piece, with

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Side Tables

Materials

Gold Plate

Compose Side Table Smoked Oak Brass Black by Warm Nordic

$771 / item

Compose Side Table Smoked Oak Brass Black by Warm Nordic

Located in Geneve, CH

different finishes. Please contact us. Stylish coffee table and side table with a unique combination of

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Compose Side Table White Oiled Oak Black by Warm Nordic

$771 / item

Compose Side Table White Oiled Oak Black by Warm Nordic

Located in Geneve, CH

. Stylish coffee table and side table with a unique combination of wood and metal for a distinct lightness

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Unique Bauhaus Small Tall Side Table, Chrome and Makasar, Kovona, 1950s

$950

Unique Bauhaus Small Tall Side Table, Chrome and Makasar, Kovona, 1950s

By Kovona

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Unusual bauhaus table. Completely professionally restored Source: Czech Maker: Kovona Period

Category

20th Century Czech Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Set

$2,400 / set

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Set

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique coffee table set includes one wide coffee table and two smaller side tables. A unique

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Hexagonal Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Gilt Iron

$2,672

Hexagonal Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Gilt Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

top this table is a rare find. Use it as end table or side table, drinks table, coffee table or

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Metal

Pair of Round Side Tables in Brass, Mirror and Black Lacquer

$7,066 / set

Pair of Round Side Tables in Brass, Mirror and Black Lacquer

Located in Barcelona, ES

Pair of brass and black lacquered iron side tables with mirror tops from Niza Disco in Barcelona

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Elissa Lacoste Contemporary Coffee Table i Model Shagreen, Steel and Resin

$22,423

Elissa Lacoste Contemporary Coffee Table i Model Shagreen, Steel and Resin

By Elissa Lacoste

Located in Barcelona, ES

Coffee table I From the series "Shagreen" Manufactured by Elissa Lacoste France, 2022 Steel

Category

2010s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Elissa Lacoste Contemporary Coffee Table ii Model Shagreen, Steel and Resin

$19,620

Elissa Lacoste Contemporary Coffee Table ii Model Shagreen, Steel and Resin

By Elissa Lacoste

Located in Barcelona, ES

Coffee Table II From the series "Shagreen" Manufactured by Elissa Lacoste France, 2022 Steel

Category

2010s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Lace, 21st Century Low Side Carrara and Rosso Verona Marble Table

$6,852

Lace, 21st Century Low Side Carrara and Rosso Verona Marble Table

Located in Cologna Veneta, IT

Made in collaboration with the architect Stefano Calchi Novati, Lace is a coffee table made

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Side Table in Bamboo, Wicker and Glass, Vivai del Sud, 1970s

$950

Italian Side Table in Bamboo, Wicker and Glass, Vivai del Sud, 1970s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful square-shaped side table in bamboo and hand-woven wicker with a crystal glass top. This

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Round Modern Side Tables, Pair

$3,800 / set

Round Modern Side Tables, Pair

Located in Greenwich, CT

Our stiletto cocktail side tables are lacquered in white and pastel pink. Together or apart they

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple

French Bleached Oak Side Table with Glass Top and Brass Detail, 1940s

$2,826

French Bleached Oak Side Table with Glass Top and Brass Detail, 1940s

Located in Brescia, Brescia

Elegant French side table from the 1940s, crafted in solid oak with a softly bleached finish and

Category

Vintage 1940s French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Donghia Kravet Forma Coffee Table in Polished Chrome and Smoked Glass - 6 Pieces

$8,500 / set

Donghia Kravet Forma Coffee Table in Polished Chrome and Smoked Glass - 6 Pieces

By Kravet Furniture, Donghia

Located in Las Vegas, NV

coffee table in a circle or as a rectangle as shown in pictures Use some of them as a coffee table and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Sculptural Side Table by Alberto Dona

$4,500

Sculptural Side Table by Alberto Dona

By Alberto Donà

Located in Red Lion, PA

This elegant side table combines a handcrafted Murano glass base, designed by renowned glass master

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Neoclassical Italian Walnut Side Table With Marble Top And Vienna Straw Shelf

$2,850

Neoclassical Italian Walnut Side Table With Marble Top And Vienna Straw Shelf

Located in Prato, Tuscany

Elegant Italian side table from the early 20th century, crafted in finely worked solid walnut and

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Vanilla Pie Coffee Table by Perler

$4,180 / item

Vanilla Pie Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

Vanilla Pie Coffee Table by Perler Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 40 cm. Materials: Jesmonite. Weight: 35-40

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Ziba Side Table by Phase Design

$1,920 / item

Ziba Side Table by Phase Design

By Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

name: Ziba, meaning beautiful. **Prices exclude packing. Listed price is for the Ziba Coffee Table

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Smoked Glass, Oak, Walnut

Mid-century Scandinavian drop-leaf side table, teak and brass, Sweden 1950s

$890

Mid-century Scandinavian drop-leaf side table, teak and brass, Sweden 1950s

Located in Forserum, SE

A neat drop-leaf side table or coffee table, made from solid teak and teak veneer with brass

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern 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.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

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

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

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