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.

Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Chocolate Brownie Coffee Table by Perler

$4,022 / item

Chocolate Brownie Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

A few years into blogging, my greatest dream was realized – the website expanded to include an online store featuring my unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, ...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

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

$2,742 / 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 Greenapple. The Pico Stone side table draws inspiration from the striking landscapes...

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Travertine, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

French Mid-Century Ceramic Tile and Wrought Iron Side Table from Vallauris

$1,950

French Mid-Century Ceramic Tile and Wrought Iron Side Table from Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

A charming vintage occasional table featuring six richly glazed ceramic tiles in vivid shades of orange, amber and brown. Each tile is molded with a radiating floral medallion motif,...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

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

$24,914 / item

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

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 Full Moon side table.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Metal

Small Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Wrought Iron

$1,885

Small Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Wrought Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Side Table, Wrought Iron Small Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Table Gueridon, End or Side Table. Manufactured in Spain, 1940s. This pedestal table has a wavy edged top heavily deco...

Category

20th Century Spanish Gothic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Veras Coffee Table by Pedro Ávila

$6,240Sale Price / item|20% Off

Veras Coffee Table by Pedro Ávila

Located in São Paulo, BR

As a final result, Pedro created coffee tables, side tables, and armchairs, whose organic, voluminous, and harmonic shapes refer to the biological forms of the human body and its fol...

Category

2010s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass, Paint

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler

$5,302 / item

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

A few years into blogging, my greatest dream was realized – the website expanded to include an online store featuring my unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, ...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Ziba Side Table by Phase Design

$1,920 / item

Ziba Side Table by Phase Design

By Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Minimal in form, rich in detail—the Ziba tables blend clean geometry with artisanal craft. Topped in glass or stone, each surface is set atop a sculpted wooden base joined with expos...

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Smoked Glass, Oak, Walnut

talian Murano Glass Cocktail Side Table, Amber and Brass, 21st Century

$9,714

talian Murano Glass Cocktail Side Table, Amber and Brass, 21st Century

By Giovanni Dalla Fina Gallery

Located in Villaverla, IT

Italian Murano glass cocktail side table crafted during the twenty-first century showcases opulent neoclassical Venetian furniture design. Handcrafted in Italy, this sculptural occas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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

$857

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 fittings.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Rattan Side Table, Yuzuru Yamakawa, Japan, 1960s

$3,200

Rattan Side Table, Yuzuru Yamakawa, Japan, 1960s

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

A rattan side table designed by Yuzuru Yamakawa in Japan, 1960s. The table features a gently curved square top with an intricate woven rattan surface, protected by a fitted glass top...

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

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 Alberto Donà, with a circular transparent glass top. The Murano base stands out fo...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

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

$914

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 stylish organic table is attributed to Vivai del Sud and was produced in Italy durin...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Spanish Baroque Side Table with Wood Stretcher and Rectangular Top in Walnut

$2,290

Spanish Baroque Side Table with Wood Stretcher and Rectangular Top in Walnut

Located in Miami, FL

We have a matching smaller coffee table, you can see it in the last picture.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of 1970s Postmodern Side Tables

$2,375

Pair of 1970s Postmodern Side Tables

Located in Miami, FL

Their convenient size makes them versatile pieces that can serve as end tables or side tables, providing the perfect resting place for your coffee cup or novel.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Spanish Baroque Work Side Table , Restored

$2,900

Spanish Baroque Work Side Table , Restored

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century Spanish Baroque side or working table completely restored.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Romeo Rega Étagère or Side Table in Brass and Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s

$1,657

Romeo Rega Étagère or Side Table in Brass and Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s

By Romeo Rega

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning and unique Italian Mid-Century side table or étagère in polished brass and smoked glass. This incredibly elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is attribut...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair French Cocktail Tables Louis XVI Sides

$1,154

Pair French Cocktail Tables Louis XVI Sides

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Elegant and refined pair of French side tables in the Louis XVI manner Ornate ormolu fixtures are original Such a clean and minimal design with tapered legs Good size to these which ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ormolu

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

$1,691

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 retaining its original glass top. The design is defined by a refined balance between...

Category

Vintage 1940s French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Small Side Table Satin Gold Finish Vetrite and Smoked Mirror

$4,114 / item

Beautiful Small Side Table Satin Gold Finish Vetrite and Smoked Mirror

By sicis

Located in London, GB

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Soapstone Pilar Side Table, Giorgio Bonaguro

$7,028 / item

Soapstone Pilar Side Table, Giorgio Bonaguro

By Giorgio Bonaguro

Located in Geneve, CH

Soapstone Pilar Side Table, Giorgio Bonaguro Limited Edition of 12 + 1 AP Dimensions: W 40 × D 40 × H 40 cm Materials: Soapstone Collection of tables characterized by curved metal ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Soapstone

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

$2,000

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

Located in Barcelona, ES

It has a nice aged patina. This Martini table or Gueridon is also useful as side table, smokers table, coffee table or candle Stand.

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

"Antelmo" Contemporary Side Table II, Handmade

$630 / item

"Antelmo" Contemporary Side Table II, Handmade

By Ad Hoc

Located in Metepec, MX

About the pieces: “Mesas Antelmo” “Antelmo Coffee Tables”: Tall side table “Antelmo I”: banak solid wood and stainless steel.

Category

2010s Mexican Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel

Compose Side Table Smoked Oak Brass Black by Warm Nordic

$742 / item

Compose Side Table Smoked Oak Brass Black by Warm Nordic

Located in Geneve, CH

Please contact us. 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

Brass, Steel

Compose Side Table White Oiled Oak Black by Warm Nordic

$742 / 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

Spanish Baroque Work Side Table , Restored

$2,795

Spanish Baroque Work Side Table , Restored

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century Spanish Baroque side or working table completely restored.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Spanish Baroque Work Side Table , Restored

$2,200

Spanish Baroque Work Side Table , Restored

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century Spanish Baroque side or working table completely restored.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Golden Grey Inox and Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$3,268 / item

Golden Grey Inox and Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

By Lukas Friedrich

Located in Geneve, CH

Brass side table signed by Lukasz Friedrich. Materials: Solid Brass and Stainless steel. Brass legs gently textured and patinated Stainless top with special treatment and grey pat...

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Radius Side Table, Made from Brass

$6,515 / item

Radius Side Table, Made from Brass

By Christopher Gentner

Located in Chicago, IL

Radius Side Table

Category

2010s American Modern 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 Donghia, Kravet Furniture

Located in Las Vegas, NV

The configuration of these tables is endless. Use them as a coffee table in a circle or as a rectangle as shown in pictures Use some of them as a coffee table and some as side tabl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Two Tier Side Square Table, Glass and Bamboo, Italy, 1970s

$822

Mid-Century Two Tier Side Square Table, Glass and Bamboo, Italy, 1970s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning Mid-Century square side table fully made in bamboo and hand-woven wicker, completed with two crystal glass tops. This delightful organic piece was produced in Italy during t...

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass, Smoked Glass

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

$2,742

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 enriched by a refined Breccia Pontificia marble top. The oval top, framed by a shape...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

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

Modern Stripe Design Round Coffee Table with Glass Top, Multi Colors, in Stock Introducing our modern side table, a truly unique piece of art furniture that is a part of a living roo...

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Side Tables

Materials

Gold Plate

New Modern Side Table in Black and Green Marble, Creator Chekerdjian

$5,619

New Modern Side Table in Black and Green Marble, Creator Chekerdjian

By Karen Chekerdjian

Located in Milan, IT

Life force, futuristic dynamism, ancestral power. With a cylindrical base and an interchangeable tip aimed at the ground or the sky, Karen Chekerdjian’s creation never belies its mar...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Funnel-Shaped Lacquered Side Table Pair in White and Pastel Pink

$4,450 / set

Funnel-Shaped Lacquered Side Table Pair in White and Pastel Pink

By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home

Located in Greenwich, CT

This pair of funnel-shaped side tables is finished in high-gloss lacquer, one in white and one in pastel pink, with a solid hardwood core supporting each tapered base. Together they ...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple

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 Gubi, GamFratesi Design Studio

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Now, the black-based TS Side and Coffee Tables are getting the outdoor treatment.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Sculpted Side Table by Gildas Berthelot

$20,185

Sculpted Side Table by Gildas Berthelot

By Gildas Berthelot

Located in Timisoara, RO

La Petite Chimere Noir 2 From Sleek And Minimalist Sculptures To Intricate And Ornate Decorative Pieces, Every Creation Showcases The Unparalleled Versatility Of Maple Wood As A ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Inlaid empire side table circa 1800

$6,857

Inlaid empire side table circa 1800

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Inlaid empire side table circa 1800 professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Antique Early 1800s Austrian Empire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

René Herbst Pair of side tables/ bedside tables 1943

$1,131

René Herbst Pair of side tables/ bedside tables 1943

Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

René Herbst Pair of side tables/ bedside tables Designed and produced for the Maison de la Chimie in Paris Gray lacquered metal Good used condition 60 h x 45 w x 33 d cms 1943 9...

Category

Vintage 1940s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Minimalist Side Table

$4,500 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Minimalist Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

A century old mortar originally used to grind rice is repurposed into this one of a kind side table featuring our unique minimalist carving. We added a translucent chocolate stain re...

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

47.5" Live Edge Side Console Table

$1,120Sale Price|20% Off

47.5" Live Edge Side Console Table

Located in Pasadena, TX

47.5" Live Edge Side Console Table Pedestal base all live edge table great for entry or a side table.

Category

Late 20th Century Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Brutalistic, Monolithic sculpture /Side Table / Object

$3,888 / item

Brutalistic, Monolithic sculpture /Side Table / Object

By Jan Paul

Located in Maastricht, NL

GRIP Brutalist, monolithic sculpture / side table/ object design: JAN PAUL Four shapes flow to the center to swirl, weave, and grip each other. Firmly holding on to form “GRIP” A ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Vivace Side Table by Laura Gonzalez

$16,061 / item

Vivace Side Table by Laura Gonzalez

By laura gonzalez

Located in Paris, FR

Lacquered wooden side table decorated with enameled, hand-painted ceramic leaves hand-crafted by the French artist Véronique Rivemale with a tabletop made of polished, forest green M...

Category

2010s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Enamel

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

$5,100

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

By Matteo Zorzenoni, DeCastelli

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tables, Sculptural Brass Nesting Design, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Set of 3, Italy TITLE: Flocks 45 DESIGNER: Matteo Zorzenoni STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Brass DIMENSIONS: 50cm x 50...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rustic Vintage Side Table with Drawer

$700

Rustic Vintage Side Table with Drawer

Located in Asheville, NC

Country style farm table with drawer in apron, coffee table height, distressed green milk paint finish on pine.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

$6,770

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

By Matteo Zorzenoni, DeCastelli

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tables, Sculptural Brass Nesting Design, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Set of 3, Italy TITLE: Flocks 32 DESIGNER: Matteo Zorzenoni STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Brass DIMENSIONS: 89cm x 58...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Art Deco Round Side Table, 1940

$1,428

Art Deco Round Side Table, 1940

Located in Antwerp, BE

Original Art Deco round three-legged side table or gueridon in glass and bronze. Mde in Belgium Dimensions: H 47 cm x Ø 60 cm.

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Copper and Nero Marquina

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

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Copper and Nero Marquina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Rosa

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

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

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Copper and Natural Oak

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

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Copper 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 combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Brass and Wenge Oak

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

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Brass 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 combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Nero Marquina

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

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with White Metal and Nero Marquina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Brass and Natural Walnut

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

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Brass 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 combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Nero Marquina

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

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Black Metal and Nero Marquina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Rosa

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

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

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Nero Marquina

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

New Air Side Table, Mable Top with Polished Brass and Nero Marquina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Rosa

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

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

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

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 Rosa

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

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

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The new air side table with stone top or wood top is an elegant modem side table, pairing a combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Copper and Natural Walnut

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

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Copper 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 combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Brass and Natural Oak

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

New Air Side Table, Wood Top with Polished Brass 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 combination of natural stone or wood and metal foot finishes.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

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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.
Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
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.

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