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

Art Deco Pyrite Gold Leaf and Calacatta Cremo Side Table, Handmade by Greenapple

$4,000 / item

Art Deco Pyrite Gold Leaf and Calacatta Cremo Side Table, Handmade by Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Art Deco Pyrite Side Table, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Pyrite marble side table is a striking fusion of geometry and elegance. Defined by ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Gold Leaf

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

Daphne Dark Concrete Top and Dark Oak Legs Coffee Table by Eberhart Furniture

$982 / item

Daphne Dark Concrete Top and Dark Oak Legs Coffee Table by Eberhart Furniture

Located in Geneve, CH

Daphne is a beautiful and modern coffee or side table. The table has three main parts: an assembly ring, wooden legs, and a table top available in either concrete or oak.

Category

2010s Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Daphne Light Concrete Top and Light Oak Legs Coffee Table by Eberhart Furniture

$982 / item

Daphne Light Concrete Top and Light Oak Legs Coffee Table by Eberhart Furniture

Located in Geneve, CH

Daphne is a beautiful and modern coffee or side table. The table has three main parts: an assembly ring, wooden legs, and a table top available in either concrete or oak.

Category

2010s Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

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

$6,770

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

By DeCastelli, Matteo Zorzenoni

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

$1,427

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

ED/50 422 Sirio Side Table

$6,265 / item

ED/50 422 Sirio Side Table

By Zanaboni

Located in Milan, IT

Harmonious profiles reminiscent of phytomorphic elements define the sleek silhouette of this refined side table. An exclusive addition to modern decors seeking a dash of chromatic de...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Carrara marble and Ormolu side/cocktail tables

$11,900

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Carrara marble and Ormolu side/cocktail tables

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A unique and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu side/cocktail table. This wonderful low table is raised by on a circular white Carrara mar...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Side Table Attributed to Frank Kyle

$1,200

Side Table Attributed to Frank Kyle

By Frank Kyle

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this stunning side table attributed to Frank Kyle, circa 1960. Made in solid Mahogany.

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Brass and Glass Two-Tier Side Table or Nightstand, Maison Jansen, France, 1970s

$1,200

Brass and Glass Two-Tier Side Table or Nightstand, Maison Jansen, France, 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Roma, IT

Elegant and unique two-tier side table in solid brass and thick crystal glass. This stylish piece was produced in France during the 1970s and is attributed to the mastery of Maison J...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Aldo Tura Side Table in Aqua Green with Brass Legs and Bottom Drawer

$3,198

Aldo Tura Side Table in Aqua Green with Brass Legs and Bottom Drawer

By Aldo Tura

Located in Cork, IE

This original ALDO TURA coffee table or side table also makes a great nightstand due to its almost cube sized dimensions.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee Table, Brasil, 1950

$55,588

Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee Table, Brasil, 1950

By Joaquim Tenreiro

Located in Barcelona, ES

Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee table Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes Brazil, 1950 Jacaranda wood, marble “beige snake” From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Meas...

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

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

$6,080

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

By DeCastelli, Matteo Zorzenoni

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tables, Sculptural Brass Nesting Design, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Set of 3, Italy TITLE: Flocks 38 DESIGNER: Matteo Zorzenoni STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Brass DIMENSIONS: 75cm x 50...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Side Tables, Loggia Terrazzo

$6,625 / 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 evokes Classic and basic lines of Greco-floman architecture, which have influenced the...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Swedish Designer, Coffee Table, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

$2,200

Swedish Designer, Coffee Table, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A pine coffee or side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Octagon Shape Travertine Side Table Pedestal

$2,200

Octagon Shape Travertine Side Table Pedestal

By Harvey Probber

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern octagon shape travertine side end table stand.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Melt Side Table — Sculptural Contemperary Table, Custom RAL by oitoproducts

$480 / item

Melt Side Table — Sculptural Contemperary Table, Custom RAL by oitoproducts

By Oitoproducts, Ivan Voitovych

Located in Barcelona, CT

Melt is a side table built around a single striking gesture: one continuous steel leg that curves upward into an arc, forming both the structural support and a built-in handle. This ...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Side table with blue ceramics, Denmark, 1960s.

$628

Side table with blue ceramics, Denmark, 1960s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

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

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

19th Century Italian Walnut Tripod Table, Round Top Side Table

$3,312

19th Century Italian Walnut Tripod Table, Round Top Side Table

By Bassano's Ebanisteria

Located in Vigonza, Padua

An elegant and timeless 19th-century Italian walnut tripod table, defined by its harmonious proportions and refined simplicity. The circular top, beautifully figured with natural wa...

Category

Antique 1870s Louis Philippe Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nutwood

20th Mariano Garcia Spanish Side Table with Highly Carved Top and Legs

$2,650

20th Mariano Garcia Spanish Side Table with Highly Carved Top and Legs

Located in Miami, FL

An Italian Rococo style round side table with a richly carved top and base from the 20th century. The apron is adorned on all sides with typical Mariano Garcia motifs . The table is ...

Category

Early 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Contemporary Stucco Marble Spanish Side Table

$3,369

Contemporary Stucco Marble Spanish Side Table

Located in Ibiza, Spain

Round side table handmade in stucco marble. Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of 10 craftsmen in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery request...

Category

2010s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Monarch Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,294 / item

Monarch Side Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Monarch side table by Dare Studio, 2012 Dimensions: H 55/40 x D 35 x W 55/40 cm Materials: European white oak Features: Can be used in vertical or horizontal positions Also ava...

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Monarch Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,376 / item

Monarch Side Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Monarch side table by Dare Studio, 2012 Dimensions: H 55/40 x D 35 x W 55/40 cm Materials: American black walnut Features: Can be used in vertical or horizontal positions Also ...

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century English Stump Side Table

$731

Mid-Century English Stump Side Table

Located in London, GB

An unusual naively made tree stump side table. England, c1970s. Iron tripod feet. Naively made but good condition. Location: London Gallery. Dimensions: 33 Diamet...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Facet Side Table by Stefan Scholten

$12,942 / item

Facet Side Table by Stefan Scholten

Located in Geneve, CH

Facet side table by Stefan Scholten Dimensions: L 82 x W 80 x H 35 cm Materials: Grigio Collemandina Stefan Scholten is a Dutch designer born in 1972. After graduating from the ...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Dos Gallos Custom Tripod Side Table

$5,100 / item

Dos Gallos Custom Tripod Side Table

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom hand-forged iron, light and narrow profile, side tables or cocktail tables. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gallos Studio. CUSTOM PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO FLUCTUATING MA...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Modern Round Coffee Table with Mirror Top and Metal Base by Ercole Home

$2,400 / item

Modern Round Coffee Table with Mirror Top and Metal Base by Ercole Home

By Ercole Home

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This New Design By Ercole Home is available to any sizes of coffee, sides and dining height tables. The hand painted reverse glass and the eglomise mirror is cut by hand into organic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Earth

$525 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Earth

By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl

Located in Paris, IDF

The 'Tilt' Side Table by Norr11, Earth Design: Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl, 2024 Material: The table is made from a blend of concrete and magnesium oxide Variations: Ch...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chai

$525 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chai

By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen

Located in Paris, IDF

The 'Tilt' Side Table by Norr11, Chai Design: Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl, 2024 Material: The table is made from a blend of concrete and magnesium oxide Variations: Cha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chalk

$525 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chalk

By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl

Located in Paris, IDF

The 'Tilt' Side Table by Norr11, Chalk Design: Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl, 2024 Material: The table is made from a blend of concrete and magnesium oxide Variations: Ch...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Concrete

Midcentury Wood and Brass Italian Side Table with Two Crystal Shelves, 1970s

$1,462

Midcentury Wood and Brass Italian Side Table with Two Crystal Shelves, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Amazing midcentury side table in lacquered black wood with half-century brass and two crystal shelves. This fantastic side table was produced in Italy during the 1970s. This side...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Jewel Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,456 / item

Jewel Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Jewel side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 40 L X 40 D X 66 H cm Materials: solid oak cant, copper plated steel, glass. Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and R...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Blessing Side Table by Egg Designs

$4,194 / item

Blessing Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Blessing Side Table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 60 L X 60 D X 65 H cm Materials: Chiseled Alien Wood, Bronze Coated Steel Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and R...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Drop Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,891 / item

Drop Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Drop side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 60 L X 60 D X 58 H cm Materials: Antique copper plated steel, stained oak top Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and R...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Steel

Puzzle Side Table by Egg Designs

$4,720 / item

Puzzle Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Puzzle side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 61.5 L x 45 D x 63.5 H cm Materials: Antique copper, plated steel. Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and Roche Dry ...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Steel

Matilda Side Table by Egg Designs

$7,942 / item

Matilda Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Matilda Side Table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 72 L X 65 D X 54 H cm Materials: Composite Casting, Bronze Coated Steel, Etched Solid Brass, Timber Founded by South Africans and ...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Puzzle Side Table by Egg Designs

$4,717 / item

Puzzle Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Puzzle side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 61.5 L X 45 D X 63.5 H cm Materials: Antique Copper, Plated Steel. Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and Roche Dry ...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Steel

Blok Side Table by Egg Designs

$8,487 / item

Blok Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Blok side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 40 L X 40 D X 62 H cm Materials: Solid Oak Cant, Brass, Hand Blown Glass Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and Roche Dry ...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Side Table / Martini Table, 1950s

$2,114

Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Side Table / Martini Table, 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish drinks table on a tripod base, Spain, 1950s Entirely made in hand forged iron, gilt finish. It has a clean design with Gothic style accents. The round top has a small rim, ...

Category

20th Century Spanish Gothic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

Taş Side Table by Rectangle Studio

$2,010 / item

Taş Side Table by Rectangle Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Tas side table by Rectangle Studio Dimensions: W 42 x D 50 x H 60 cm Materials: Massive walnut, natural wood oil, natüre black leather Coating: Black paint on metal Inspired b...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Gubi TS Outdoor Large Side Table in Neutral White Travertine by GamFratesi

$2,418 / item

Gubi TS Outdoor Large Side Table in Neutral White Travertine by GamFratesi

By GamFratesi Design Studio, Gubi

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

Sintel Side Table by Egg Designs

$8,784 / item

Sintel Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Sintel side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 49 L x 64 D x 63 H cm Materials: Shou Sugi Ban hardwood timber, solid cast polished brass, brass, amethyst crystal Founded by South Afr...

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Modern Set Drum Side Tables made with wood, lacquer and glass, Handmade

$3,732 / set

Modern Set Drum Side Tables made with wood, lacquer and glass, Handmade

Located in Seroa, PT

Measurement Units Large - D 80 x H 50 cm Small - D 60 x H 50 cm. A collection that delivers the nobility of the materials and the high quality of the Stylish Club pieces, the Drum c...

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer, Wood

Isamu Kenmochi, Haco Side Table, 1966

$2,596

Isamu Kenmochi, Haco Side Table, 1966

By Isamu Kenmochi

Located in London, GB

Very good overall condition with little signs of wear. Please note: this is not a new factory object. It has been used and therefore is not in perfect condition. Signs of wear may n...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Maison Regain Square Side Tables in Elm

$4,950 / set

Maison Regain Square Side Tables in Elm

By Maison Regain

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Maison Regain, pair of side tables, elm, France, 1970s These side tables by Maison Regain, made in France in the 1970s, reflect a focus on solid construction and functional design. ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Spanish Brutalist Side Table / Drinks Table in Wrought Iron, 1950s

$2,079Sale Price|20% Off

Spanish Brutalist Side Table / Drinks Table in Wrought Iron, 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Brutalist Side Table Gueridon in wrought iron, Spain 1950s Rare find. This eye-catching table was handcrafted in wrought iron and shows a gorgeous blacksmith's design combini...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Set of two Spanish Baroque Side Tables with Wood Stretcher and rectangular top

$2,975 / set

Set of two Spanish Baroque Side Tables with Wood Stretcher and rectangular top

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

Set of Three Wood and Metal Side Tables France or Italy, 1950s

$2,857 / item

Set of Three Wood and Metal Side Tables France or Italy, 1950s

Located in Milan, IT

Set of three wood and metal side tables France or Italy, 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Square Side Table With Polished Chrome Frame & Sandstone Top by Draenert

$1,926Sale Price|20% Off

Square Side Table With Polished Chrome Frame & Sandstone Top by Draenert

By Peter Draenert

Located in Chicago, IL

The main emphasis of the collection is on dining tables, coffee tables and side tables as well as chairs matching in form and style, which also have innovative mechanisms.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Sandstone, Chrome

Small Side Table with onyx top, 1960s

$1,016

Small Side Table with onyx top, 1960s

Located in Palermo, IT

Small side table with onyx top, 1960s Diameter 41 cm (35 cm for the onyx top). Gilded beech wood frame. Intact and in good condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx

Sculptural Brushed Stainless Steel Side Table — Heart Table by oitoproducts

$1,990 / item

Sculptural Brushed Stainless Steel Side Table — Heart Table by oitoproducts

By Oitoproducts, Ivan Voitovych

Located in Barcelona, CT

Heart is a solid, monolithic side table handcrafted entirely from brushed stainless steel — a piece designed to outlast trends, interiors, and generations. The form says everything ...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Dolmen Glass Side Table by Margherita Rui

$7,075 / item

Dolmen Glass Side Table by Margherita Rui

By Dante Negro

Located in Milan, IT

A fascinating solution for enriching an outdoor space, this small round table was designed with femininity and resistance in mind. Rich in sinuous curves, the galvanized iron structu...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

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

$2,600

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

Located in Miami, FL

19th century Spanish Baroque ebonized side table with wood stretcher and top in walnut.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1970s MidCentury Brutalist Smoked Glass Side Table

$1,161

1970s MidCentury Brutalist Smoked Glass Side Table

Located in London, England

A simple but beautiful side sofa table in its brutalist bold wooden frame and square smoked glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Brass, Italy, 1950s

$5,800

Italian Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Brass, Italy, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A wood and brass coffee table or side table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Teak, Brass and Cast Iron Tripod Side Table by Digsmed, Denmark

$1,171

Midcentury Teak, Brass and Cast Iron Tripod Side Table by Digsmed, Denmark

By Digsmed

Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW

This round vintage tripod side table was made in Denmark in the 1950s to 1960s by Digsmed. It has a black lacquered cast iron string style base, a teak table top and brass details.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Live Edge Round Side Table, Modern Organic Blue Sputnik Table

$650 / item

Live Edge Round Side Table, Modern Organic Blue Sputnik Table

By Alabama Sawyer

Located in Birmingham, AL

This live edge round side Table is an occasional table, a coffee table, or a side table.

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Set of Three Colorful Side Tables

$2,500

Set of Three Colorful Side Tables

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Unique set of 3 colorful tables of varying colors, shapes and sizes. If you have a modern room in need of a splash of color these would do nicely. Please confirm item location (NY or...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Modern Square Low Side Table of Chrome and Brass with Smoked Glass Top

$2,895

French Modern Square Low Side Table of Chrome and Brass with Smoked Glass Top

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome large French Modern square low side table (or cocktail table) featuring a handsome chrome and brass frame with an inset square smoked glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

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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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