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

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

What are side tables called?

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What size should a side table be?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

Why is it called a coffee table?

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

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

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

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are tiny side tables called?

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

What is a tall side table called?

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

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

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

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

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

Coffee And Side Tables

Christian Jensen

R And Y Augousti Console

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

Marble Coffee Table Danish

Metal Inlay On Table Top

Moroccan Or Moorish Coffee Tables

Made In Denmark Coffee Table

Gold Console Table With Mirror

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

Beautiful Small Side Table Satin Gold Finish Vetrite and Smoked Mirror

$4,272 / 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

Vintage Mid-Century Rosewood Side Table

$640

Vintage Mid-Century Rosewood Side Table

By Aakjaer Jorgensen

Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL

Lovely vintage Danish mid-century modern table made of rosewood. It has a rectangular top with

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

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

19th Century Spanish Baroque ebonized side or working table with wood stretcher and top in walnut

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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

$1,675

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

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century Spanish Baroque ebonized side or working table with wood stretcher and top in walnut

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler

$5,506 / item

Creamy Cake Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$5,743 / set

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

By Lukas Friedrich

Located in Geneve, CH

Brass side table signed by Lukasz Friedrich Textured side or coffee table Materials: Legs

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Veras Coffee Table by Pedro Ávila

$7,800 / item

Veras Coffee Table by Pedro Ávila

Located in São Paulo, BR

result, Pedro created coffee tables, side tables, and armchairs, whose organic, voluminous, and harmonic

Category

2010s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass, Paint

Pair of 1970s Postmodern Side Tables

$2,375

Pair of 1970s Postmodern Side Tables

Located in Miami, FL

them versatile pieces that can serve as end tables or side tables, providing the perfect resting place

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Double Gueridon Baby Side Table with 2 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles

$1,925

Double Gueridon Baby Side Table with 2 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles

By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design

Located in Stratford, CT

and texture. We use these tiles to create tables, coffee tables, side tables and end tables. Custom

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Double Gueridon Baby Side Table with Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron

$1,925

Double Gueridon Baby Side Table with Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron

By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design

Located in Stratford, CT

and texture. We use these tiles to create tables, coffee tables, side tables and end tables. Custom

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

Pair of marble top side tables

$3,788Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair of marble top side tables

Located in Cheshire, GB

Pair of side tables, the well-figured marble tops with moulded edge, to the freeze with gilt metal

Category

Early 20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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

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

$3,322

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

By Aldo Tura

Located in Cork, IE

See our store for a wide selection of Aldo Tura designs! This original ALDO TURA coffee table or

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Glass Slab and Steel Side Table attributed to Fontana Arte, circa 1940

$4,200

Glass Slab and Steel Side Table attributed to Fontana Arte, circa 1940

By Fontana Arte

Located in Atlanta, GA

Make a bold statement with this exquisite modernist glass and metal coffee table, a rare creation

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Sculpted Side Table by Gildas Berthelot

$20,959

Sculpted Side Table by Gildas Berthelot

By Gildas Berthelot

Located in Timisoara, RO

Into The Intersection Of Art, Design, And Nature. Side Table – Ebonized Mapple. Length * Width

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

$2,076

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

Located in Barcelona, ES

diameter ) Low Table // Coffee Table // Drinks Table // Spanish Table // Iron Side Table // .

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

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

$3,441

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

By Bassano's Ebanisteria

Located in Vigonza, Padua

. Ideal as a side table, occasional table, or drinks table, this piece brings warmth, authenticity, and a

Category

Antique 1870s Louis Philippe Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nutwood

"Antelmo" Contemporary Side Table II, Handmade

$630 / item

"Antelmo" Contemporary Side Table II, Handmade

By Ad Hoc

Located in Metepec, MX

This set of coffee tables are part of a collection worked hand-by-hand with Mexican artisan Antelmo

Category

2010s Mexican Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel

René Herbst Pair of side tables/ bedside tables 1943

$1,174

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

Category

Vintage 1940s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

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

$1,020 / 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

Category

2010s Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Metal

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

$1,020 / item

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

Located in Geneve, CH

us. Daphne is a beautiful and modern coffee or side table. The table has three main parts: an

Category

2010s Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Inlaid empire side table circa 1800

$7,120

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

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

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Vivace Side Table by Laura Gonzalez

$16,677 / 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

Category

2010s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Enamel

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

workshops. The main emphasis of the collection is on dining tables, coffee tables and side tables as well

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Sandstone, Chrome

Set of Two Side Tables, Moon Shapes, Brass & HighGloss Laminate, Handcrafted - L

$9,648Sale Price / item|20% Off

Set of Two Side Tables, Moon Shapes, Brass & HighGloss Laminate, Handcrafted - L

By Jover + Valls

Located in Alcoy, Alicante

Luna Fúsion Collection - Coffee table / Side Tables / Auxiliary Tables Luna Fusión, a collection

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

Category

Late 20th Century Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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

$2,699

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

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Stool or side table, ebonized oak and clear resin by Jonathan Field.

$2,059

Stool or side table, ebonized oak and clear resin by Jonathan Field.

By Jonathan Field

Located in London, GB

coffee table picture. Finish: Ebonized and white oil top

Category

2010s English Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Oak

Spanish Drinks Table Gueridon / Side Table in Silvered Iron, 1950s

$2,729

Spanish Drinks Table Gueridon / Side Table in Silvered Iron, 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Hand-forged Tripod Drinks Table, Martini Table, End / Side Table in Silvered Iron Spain

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Wenge Oak

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

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

Located in Brooklyn, NY

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

New Air Side Table, 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

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal

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

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

ED/50 422 Sirio Side Table

$6,260 / item

ED/50 422 Sirio Side Table

By Zanaboni

Located in Milan, IT

refined side table. An exclusive addition to modern decors seeking a dash of chromatic depth, it flaunts a

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Category

Antique 19th Century American Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Walnut and Nickel Plated Steel Side Tables, Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s

$2,729 / set

Walnut and Nickel Plated Steel Side Tables, Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s

By Knoll, Warren Platner

Located in MIlano, IT

American modern wood round top coffee tables by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s Pair of round

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Art Deco Round Side Table, 1940

$1,483

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

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

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

Side table with blue ceramics, Denmark, 1960s.

$652

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. A small

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Small Side Table with onyx top, 1960s

$1,056

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

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx

August Opening Side Table by Panorammma

$1,981 / item

August Opening Side Table by Panorammma

Located in Geneve, CH

August opening side table by Panorammma Materials: wood, grey tint glass, silicone holdings

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Silicone, Wood

Pair of Side Tables, Loggia Terrazzo

$6,882 / set

Pair of Side Tables, Loggia Terrazzo

By Matteo Leorato

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Coffee And Side Tables

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

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

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

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

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

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

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