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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

Shogi Side Table in travertine by Collector

$20,197 / 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 presence to any living room. Its clean-lined design is highly versatile, allowing for cu...

Category

2010s Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Flowing White 80 Coffee Table by Perler

$5,037 / item

Flowing White 80 Coffee Table by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

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 low table or split them up for use as side tables, note excellent quality of wood an...

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Maple

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

$5,787

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

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

$1,177

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

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.

Category

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

Materials

Birch, Oak

Doost 18" Side Table by Phase Design

$3,920 / item

Doost 18" Side Table by Phase Design

By Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Like a true friend—Doost means just that—this piece is built to be by your side for life. Topped with natural stone, each base is hand-turned from solid wood, giving it presence, war...

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Contemporary Raiz 01 Concrete Sand Side Table

$1,195 / item

Contemporary Raiz 01 Concrete Sand Side Table

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

* Please Note Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans. As a result, slight variations in color, texture, and finish are to be expected and are part of the character and uniquen...

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Raiz 01 Concrete Clay Side Table

$1,195 / item

Contemporary Raiz 01 Concrete Clay Side Table

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

* Please Note Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans. As a result, slight variations in color, texture, and finish are to be expected and are part of the character and uniquen...

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Thayer Coggin Pisa Brushed Bronze Side Table

$2,258

Thayer Coggin Pisa Brushed Bronze Side Table

By Rick Lee, Thayer Coggin

Located in Miami, FL

Offered is a brand new, never used Thayer Coggin Pisa Drum Table in a stunning brushed bronze finish, designed by Rick Lee. This sculptural side table is part of the celebrated Pisa ...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Spanish Elephant Side Table or Drinks Table in Glazed Ceramic

$2,583

Spanish Elephant Side Table or Drinks Table in Glazed Ceramic

Located in Barcelona, ES

Measures: 51 cm W x 24 cm D x 44 cm H // 20,07 in W x 9,44 in D x 17,32 in H End table / Side Table / Drinks Table / Coffee Table / Plant Stand.

Category

20th Century Spanish Colonial Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Round Art Deco Side Table in Burl Birch and Black Lacquer, France 1930s

$3,295

Round Art Deco Side Table in Burl Birch and Black Lacquer, France 1930s

Located in Ulm, DE

A striking example of authentic Art Deco elegance, this round side table from around 1930 combines refined geometry with luxurious materials. Its clean silhouette and rich surface te...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Birch, Burl

Yngve Ekström, Coffee Table, Teak, Oak, Sweden, 1960s

$4,600

Yngve Ekström, Coffee Table, Teak, Oak, Sweden, 1960s

By Yngve Ekström

Located in High Point, NC

A teak and oak coffee table or side tables designed by Yngve Ekström and produced by Westbergs Möbler, Sweden, c. 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Oak, Teak

French Guéridon Side Table with Marble Top

$2,100

French Guéridon Side Table with Marble Top

Located in Montreal, Quebec

This French Guéridon is made up of a circular marble tabletop and a pierced bronze galerie. From the French homes of Hubert de Givenchy to the fashionable apartments of New York City...

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Modern Piedras Negras Side Table, Brushed Wood

$2,118 / item

Modern Piedras Negras Side Table, Brushed Wood

By Ricardo Velasquez

Located in Oakland Park, FL

Our Piedras Negras collection is a tribute to the enduring artistry of the ancient Maya, drawing direct inspiration from archaeological research and timeless forms. In collaboration ...

Category

2010s Guatemalan Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Me 508 Side Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, circa 1959

$22,400 / set

Me 508 Side Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, circa 1959

By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo

Located in New York, NY

The "me 508" side table was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and produced by his company L'Atelier in 1959 – the year of its inauguration. The works of the first phase of L'At...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$2,589 / item

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.

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Spanish Baroque Bleached Side Table with Drawer

$1,800

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

Spanish Baroque Bleached Side Table with Drawer

$2,175

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

Daphne Dark Oak Coffee Table by Eberhart Furniture

$1,012 / item

Daphne Dark Oak 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

Metal

Daphne Light Oak Coffee Table by Eberhart Furniture

$1,012 / item

Daphne Light Oak 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

Metal

Art Deco Side Table in Wrought Iron and Marble Top, France, circa 1940

$2,354Sale Price|20% Off

Art Deco Side Table in Wrought Iron and Marble Top, France, circa 1940

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Elegant rectangular coffee / side table made of a very beautiful brown / taupe colored marble and a twisted wrought iron base imitating ropes.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Spanish Baroque Bleached Side Table with Drawer

$2,675

Spanish Baroque Bleached Side Table with Drawer

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century Spanish Baroque side or working table with drawer Height from the floor to the bottom drawer: 58cm

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Foliage Floral Small Gueridon or Side Table in Copper and Stone, 1950s

$5,767

Foliage Floral Small Gueridon or Side Table in Copper and Stone, 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

One of a kind handcrafted small table in copper, stone and glass depicting the Sardana dance. Spain, 1950s-1960s. Rare find. Unique piece. This outstanding table was entirely made by...

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Metal, Copper

Pair of brass side tables Italy 1970

$1,694Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair of brass side tables Italy 1970

Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest

Amazing pair of brass side tables made in Italy 1970ties. Brass frame and wood with honeycomb motif.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Side Table W Drawers End Table

$1,950

Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Side Table W Drawers End Table

By Jack Cartwright

Located in Newfoundland, PA

3-drawer side tables in a rich, dark walnut finish. Has three dovetailed drawers with sculpted walnut pulls.They are solid wood and very well made. The dovetailed drawers slide easil...

Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

Nysa L Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$8,469 / item

Nysa L Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

The materiality of marble gives elegance and a sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia marble, transport us to the my...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Nysa M Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$6,555 / item

Nysa M Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

The materiality of marble gives elegance and a sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia marble, transport us to the my...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Nysa S Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$5,920 / item

Nysa S Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

Located in Geneve, CH

The materiality of marble gives elegance and a sense of eternity; Lyris and Nysa, side and coffee tables made in Bianco Michelangelo and Nero Marquinia marble, transport us to the my...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Half & Half Side Table by Phase Design

$1,390 / item

Half & Half Side Table by Phase Design

By Phase Design, Reza Feiz

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Listed price is for the Half & Half side table in either Flat Black or Flat White with a Glass Top. Prices exclude packing. Precise bordering lines unify to create Half & Half sid...

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Hardwood, Glass

Aldo Tura Side Table in Emerald Green with Brass Legs and Two Drawers

$3,177

Aldo Tura Side Table in Emerald Green with Brass Legs and Two Drawers

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

Cesare Lacca, Coffee Table, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s

$6,400

Cesare Lacca, Coffee Table, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s

By Cesare Lacca

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and glass coffee table or side table designed and produced by Cesare Lacca, Italy, c. 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb "Plateau" Double-Sided Cocktail Table

$6,800

Paul McCobb "Plateau" Double-Sided Cocktail Table

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb "Plateau" Double-Sided Cocktail Table, features refinished black lacquer over mahogany wood with an original leather top with aluminum edge single drawer and shelf on eac...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$3,754 / item

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, patinated brass; top, patinated and waxed steel Dimensions: D 38 cm, L 68 cm, H 40 cm S...

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$3,754 / item

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.

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$2,589 / item

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.

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Star 1 Side Table with Marquina Marble

$4,445 / item

Star 1 Side Table with Marquina Marble

By Brass Brothers & Co.

Located in Milan, IT

This table is small only in dimensions, because its precious materials and bold lines give it a strong character that will make a statement in any decor. The black Marquina marble of...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Yngve Ekström, Coffee Table, Teak, Oak, Sweden, 1960s

$4,800

Yngve Ekström, Coffee Table, Teak, Oak, Sweden, 1960s

Located in High Point, NC

A teak and oak coffee table or side tables designed by Yngve Ekström and produced by Westbergs Möbler, Sweden, c. 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Geometric Solid Ash Side Table — Archipen 2 by NOOM

$1,483 / item

Geometric Solid Ash Side Table — Archipen 2 by NOOM

By NOOM, Kateryna Sokolova

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table Two by NOOM works perfectly as a side table next to lounge seating or as a compact coffee table in smaller lounge settings.

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Slabs Amarone Red Laquered Top & Travertine Side Table

$5,050 / item

Slabs Amarone Red Laquered Top & Travertine Side Table

By Carpanese Home Italia

Located in Milan, IT

Slabs side table presents a sculptural design with interlocking flat panels that create a harmonious volume, blending base and tabletop without clear interruptions. The tabletop feat...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Cubism' by Norr11, Small, Travertine

$800 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Cubism' by Norr11, Small, Travertine

By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl

Located in Paris, IDF

Cubism comes in two sizes and is suitable for many purposes, such as coffee tables, side tables, and podiums for exhibiting objects.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Cubism' by Norr11, Large, Travertine

$1,177 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Cubism' by Norr11, Large, Travertine

By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl

Located in Paris, IDF

Cubism comes in two sizes and is suitable for many purposes, such as coffee tables, side tables, and podiums for exhibiting objects.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Side Table

$588

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Side Table

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Elegant and graceful side table. It is a round model with a glass top and a copper base. The copperwork has fluted legs. The table is in good condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Sedimento 1.3 side table in pigmented concrete and brass by Duccio Maria Gambi

$6,473

Sedimento 1.3 side table in pigmented concrete and brass by Duccio Maria Gambi

By Duccio Maria Gambi

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The concrete blocks place themselves in between furniture and the architectural elements. Lines left on the surface by the pouring technic are then shadows of the surrounding. Polish...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Brass

White Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,530 / item

White Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

White Monkey side table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 40 x W 59 x H 60 cm Materials: Side table manufactured in one solid piece of architectural concrete in grey, black or white. I...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Gray Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,471 / item

Gray Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Gray monkey side table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 40 x W 59 x H 60 cm Materials: Side table manufactured in one solid piece of architectural concrete in grey, black or white. In...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Gray Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,471 / item

Gray Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Gray monkey side table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 40 x W 59 x H 60 cm Materials: Side table manufactured in one solid piece of architectural concrete in grey, black or white. In...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Black Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,471 / item

Black Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Black monkey side table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 40 x W 59 x H 60 cm Materials: Side table manufactured in one solid piece of architectural concrete in grey, black or white. I...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Walnut Stool/Side Table with Tall Cushion

$1,274 / item

Walnut Stool/Side Table with Tall Cushion

Located in Northfield, MN

A versatile piece that can be used for additional seating in any beautiful room. It sits comfortably and is standard chair seating height. The cushion is not fastened and can be remo...

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Sculptural Brass Side Table by Pace Collection

$2,500

Sculptural Brass Side Table by Pace Collection

By Pace Collection

Located in Miami, FL

Stunning Post-Modern brass colored round side table with glass top, circa 1970s-1980s by Pace. This sculptural architectural occasional table is designed with a brass column support ...

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Octagonal Drinks Side Table / Martini Table in Parcel Gilt Iron, Spain 1950s

$2,177

Octagonal Drinks Side Table / Martini Table in Parcel Gilt Iron, Spain 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Use it as end table or side table, drinks table, coffee table or occassional table for parties arround the sofa.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Modern New Side Side Cocktail Table Blue Sodalite Marble Karen Chekerdjian STOCK

$21,820

Modern New Side Side Cocktail Table Blue Sodalite Marble Karen Chekerdjian STOCK

By Karen Chekerdjian

Located in Milan, IT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE UNPACKING AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS Life force, futuristic dynamism, ancestral power. With a cylindrical base and an interchangeable tip aimed at the grou...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Black Side Table B by Konstantin Grcic

$941 / item

Black Side Table B by Konstantin Grcic

Located in Geneve, CH

Black side table B by Konstantin Grcic Dimensions: Diameter 40 x height 51 cm Materials: A solid architectural piece in grey or black. Incorporated with regulatory glides. Availab...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Art Deco Design Side Table, France 1930's

$1,942

Art Deco Design Side Table, France 1930's

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Art Deco Design Round Side Table. Made in France, 1930's period. Wood constructed side table with cloud shaped black stained base and slender support with walnut finish on th...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Drinks Table, End or Side Table in Gilt Wrought Iron

$1,718Sale Price|20% Off

Drinks Table, End or Side Table in Gilt Wrought Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

Belgian Side Table / End Table / Drinks Table, 1930s Hand-Hammered iron pedestal table, stand or drinks table Art Deco Period. In the style of Hugo Berger. This Industrial pedestal o...

Category

20th Century Belgian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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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