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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Pair of Side Tables, Loggia Terrazzo

$6,878 / 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

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Earth

$545 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Earth

By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl

Located in Paris, IDF

Dimensions; - Coffee table: W. 67,5 CM / D. 50 CM / H. 35 CM - Side table: W. 60 CM / D. 35 CM / H. 50 CM

Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chai

$545 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chai

By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen

Located in Paris, IDF

Dimensions; - Coffee table: W. 67,5 CM / D. 50 CM / H. 35 CM - Side table: W. 60 CM / D. 35 CM / H. 50 CM

Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chalk

$545 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'Tilt' by Norr11, Chalk

By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen

Located in Paris, IDF

Dimensions; - Coffee table: W. 67,5 CM / D. 50 CM / H. 35 CM - Side table: W. 60 CM / D. 35 CM / H. 50 CM

Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table with Handle, Gilt Iron

$2,954

Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table with Handle, Gilt Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

around the sofa. It also can be used as candle stand, smoker's table, end table or side table. The

Category

20th Century Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee Table, Brasil, 1950

$57,688

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

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian 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

David Rosén, Coffee Table, Wood, Brass, Sweden, 1950s

$3,800

David Rosén, Coffee Table, Wood, Brass, Sweden, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A wood and brass coffee table or side table designed by David Rosén and produced by Westerbergs

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Stucco Marble Spanish Side Table

$3,498

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

Category

2010s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Monarch Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,343 / 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

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Monarch Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,429 / 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

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Isamu Kenmochi, Haco Side Table, 1966

$2,609

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

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Facet Side Table by Stefan Scholten

$13,437 / 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

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century English Stump Side Table

$734

Mid-Century English Stump Side Table

Located in London, GB

An unusual naively made tree stump side table. England, c1970s. Iron tripod feet

Category

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

Materials

Iron

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

$2,194

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

Located in Barcelona, ES

decorative as an end table, side table, Martini table, candle stand, pedestal or smokers table. Place it with

Category

20th Century Spanish Gothic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

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

Category

Early 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Jewel Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,266 / 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

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Blessing Side Table by Egg Designs

$3,771 / 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

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Puzzle Side Table by Egg Designs

$3,605 / 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

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Steel

Drop Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,776 / 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

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Steel

Puzzle Side Table by Egg Designs

$3,607 / 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

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Steel

Matilda Side Table by Egg Designs

$3,652 / 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

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Cant Side Table by Egg Designs

$7,606 / item

Cant Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Cant side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 40 L X 40 D X 62 H cm Materials: Solid Oak Cant

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Taş Side Table by Rectangle Studio

$2,087 / 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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Sherpa Side Table by Egg Designs

$6,526 / item

Sherpa Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Sherpa side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 49 L x 64 D x 63 H cm Materials: Shou Sugi Ban

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Gilt Iron, 1940s

$2,284

Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Gilt Iron, 1940s

Located in Barcelona, ES

side table for parties around the sofa. The larger larger Martini table shown at the images is

Category

20th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron

1970s MidCentury Brutalist Smoked Glass Side Table

$1,167

1970s MidCentury Brutalist Smoked Glass Side Table

Located in London, GB

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

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

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. We call it

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Dos Gallos Custom Tripod Side Table

$3,090 / 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. Repurposed

Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Bell Side Table By André Fu Living

$6,108 / item

Bell Side Table By André Fu Living

By André Fu

Located in Admiralty, HK

a modern reinterpretation of classic contrasts, the bell side table is handcrafted from cast bronze

Category

2010s Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

$3,874 / set

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

Located in Seroa, PT

side table an attractively designed piece that complements any decor. Thanks to its simple round shape

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer, Wood

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

$1,518

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

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

‘IOI’ Travertine Side Table by GamFratesi for GUBI

$1,399 / item

‘IOI’ Travertine Side Table by GamFratesi for GUBI

By GamFratesi Design Studio, Gubi

Located in Glendale, CA

‘IOI’ Travertine Side Table by GamFratesi for GUBI A modern-day homage to the elegant geometry of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Travertine, Steel

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

$2,372Sale Price / item|20% Off

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

Spanish Baroque Bleached Side Table with Drawer

$3,150

Spanish Baroque Bleached Side Table with Drawer

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century Spanish Baroque side or working table with drawer

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1930s Secession Mahogany Round Side Table

$687

1930s Secession Mahogany Round Side Table

Located in Praha, CZ

- Carefully refurbished

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Vienna Secession Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

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

1960s Side or Coofee Table , Czechoslovakia

$450

1960s Side or Coofee Table , Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

- beech legs and veneered top desk with oak veneer - good /very good original condition

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Oak, Beech

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

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Pair of side tables by Joaquim Tenreiro

Price Upon Request

Pair of side tables by Joaquim Tenreiro

By Joaquim Tenreiro

Located in London, England

Pair of side tables by Joaquim Tenreiro.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

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

$1,215

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

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Unique Olive Wood Side Table by BehaghelFoiny

$4,625 / item

Unique Olive Wood Side Table by BehaghelFoiny

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique olive wood side table by BehaghelFoiny Unique From the series "Design Brut Philia &

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Contemporary Café Side Table in Marble

$5,544 / item

Brazilian Contemporary Café Side Table in Marble

By Noemi Saga Atelier

Located in Sao Paulo, BR

The café side table is made of marble and has simple geometric shapes. Its design with two circular

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Shogi Side Table in travertine by Collector

$20,352 / item

Shogi Side Table in travertine by Collector

Located in Castelo da Maia, PT

Characterized by its straight and essential form, this center table brings a strong geometric

Category

2010s Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Brass Side Table Attributed to Arturo Pani

$1,500

Brass Side Table Attributed to Arturo Pani

By Arturo Pani

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this brass side table attributed to Arturo Pani. Circa 1960.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

$5,831

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

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

Flowing White 80 Coffee Table by Perler

$5,076 / item

Flowing White 80 Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

unique furniture designs such as coffee tables, side tables, and table sets. Today, our offerings also

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Side table with removable black lacquered top and white stripe - Art Deco - 20th

$1,186

Side table with removable black lacquered top and white stripe - Art Deco - 20th

Located in Madrid, España

Side table with removable black lacquered top and white stripe - Art Deco - 20th century

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Single Vintage Coffee Table, Brass/Steel, Full or Half Moon, Handcrafted, Size S

$6,658Sale Price / item|20% Off

Single Vintage Coffee Table, Brass/Steel, Full or Half Moon, Handcrafted, Size S

By Jover + Valls

Located in Alcoy, Alicante

Luna Brass/Steel Collection - Coffee table / Side Tables / Auxiliary Tables Luna Brass/Steel

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

Single Vintage Coffee Table, Brass/Steel, Full or Half Moon, Handcrafted, Size L

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

Single Vintage Coffee Table, Brass/Steel, Full or Half Moon, Handcrafted, Size L

By Jover + Valls

Located in Alcoy, Alicante

Luna Brass/Steel Collection - Coffee table / Side Tables / Auxiliary Tables Luna Brass/Steel

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

Single Vintage Coffee Table, Brass/Steel, Full or Half Moon, Handcrafted, Size M

$10,338 / item

Single Vintage Coffee Table, Brass/Steel, Full or Half Moon, Handcrafted, Size M

By Jover + Valls

Located in Alcoy, Alicante

Luna Brass/Steel Collection - Coffee table / Side Tables / Auxiliary Tables Luna Brass/Steel

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

French Art Deco Low Table/Pair Of Side Tables

$6,600 / set

French Art Deco Low Table/Pair Of Side Tables

By Michel Dufet

Located in Westport, CT

Pair of Art Deco side tables in rosewood and Carpathian elm, put them together to create one long

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Maple

Swedish Designer, Coffee Table, Oak, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

$2,900

Swedish Designer, Coffee Table, Oak, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

An oak and birch coffee table or side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Legs have

Category

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

Materials

Birch, Oak

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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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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