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

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

What are side tables called?

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What size should a side table be?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

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

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

Why is it called a coffee table?

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

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

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

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are tiny side tables called?

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

What is a tall side table called?

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

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

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

Coffee And Side Tables

Christian Jensen

R And Y Augousti Console

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Coffee Table

Marble Coffee Table Danish

Metal Inlay On Table Top

Moroccan Or Moorish Coffee Tables

Made In Denmark Coffee Table

Gold Console Table With Mirror

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

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

Nysa L Marble Coffee Table by Lorenzo Zaccarin

$8,245 / 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

$6,379 / 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

$5,760 / 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

Mid-Century Brass & Burl Accented Glass Side Table

$650

Mid-Century Brass & Burl Accented Glass Side Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Add a touch of timeless mid-century sophistication to your interior with this elegant glass side table, beautifully accented with warm brass and richly figured burl wood. The combina...

Category

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

Materials

Burl

White Monkey Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,462 / 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

$2,405 / 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

$2,405 / 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

$2,405 / 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

Drinks Table, End or Side Table in Gilt Wrought Iron

$2,090

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

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

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

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

1960s Mid Century Danish Brazilian Rosewood Side Table

$1,500

1960s Mid Century Danish Brazilian Rosewood Side Table

Located in Las Vegas, NV

This is a stunning Danish modern side table crafted in richly figured Brazilian rosewood, circa 1960s. The square top showcases dramatic grain patterns and warm natural tones, comple...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

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

$778 / 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

$1,145 / item

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

By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen

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

Black Side Table B by Konstantin Grcic

$916 / 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

Gray Side Table B by Konstantin Grcic

$916 / item

Gray Side Table B by Konstantin Grcic

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Gio Ponti, Coffee Table, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1950s

$8,900 / set

Gio Ponti, Coffee Table, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1950s

By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo

Located in High Point, NC

A set of three black and white-lacquered wood and iron coffee or side tables designed by Gio Ponti and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy. 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

MidCentury Nickel and Brass Side Table by Lefevre for Maison Jansen, France 1970

$1,100

MidCentury Nickel and Brass Side Table by Lefevre for Maison Jansen, France 1970

By Guy Lefevre, Maison Jansen

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Mid-century nickel and brass side table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, France, 1970s. Burgundy colored glass top. Unrestored vintage conditon.

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Pewter Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

$2,200 / set

Pewter Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

Located in North Miami, FL

Contemporary, multi-purpose low side tables in gray pewter finish with a mirror top. Note: dimensions of taller table is 22.75 inches diameter and 16 inches tall, lower table is 2...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

NORDST T-Large Side Table, Italian White Mountain Marble, Danish Modern Design

$2,308Sale Price / item|20% Off

NORDST T-Large Side Table, Italian White Mountain Marble, Danish Modern Design

By NORDST

Located in Montelavar, Lisboa

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: The versatility in this design makes these tables functional and beautiful in every way. Used as a console table, side table, or even as a coffee table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Metal

NORDST T-Small Side Table, Italian Green Lightning Marble, Danish Modern Design

$1,731Sale Price / item|20% Off

NORDST T-Small Side Table, Italian Green Lightning Marble, Danish Modern Design

By NORDST

Located in Montelavar, Lisboa

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Metal

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

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

$8,314

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

Explorer 2 Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,943 / item

Explorer 2 Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Explorer 2 side table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 60 x Height 46 cm Materials: Lacquered fiberglass body. Solid turned wooden legs and lacquered. Painted glass tabletop. ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass, Wood

Explorer 1 Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$2,233 / item

Explorer 1 Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Explorer 1 side table by Jaime Hayon. Dimensions: diameter 40 x height 50 cm. Materials: lacquered fiberglass body. Solid turned wooden legs and lacquered. Painted glass tabletop. ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass, Wood

Explorer 3 Side Table by Jaime Hayon

$5,222 / item

Explorer 3 Side Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Explorer 3 side table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 100 x Height 42 cm Materials: Lacquered fiberglass body. Solid turned wooden legs and lacquered. Painted glass tabletop. ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass, Wood

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

$8,037 / item

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 Collection of side and coffee tables, a collection of moon-inspired tables, handcrafted ...

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

$11,640 / item

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 Collection of side and coffee tables, a collection of moon-inspired tables, handcrafted ...

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

$9,977 / 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 Collection of side and coffee tables, a collection of moon-inspired tables, handcrafted ...

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

Belgian Marble + Oak Side Table, 1976 - 2 Available

$4,000 / item

Belgian Marble + Oak Side Table, 1976 - 2 Available

Located in Chicago, IL

A Belgian side table from 1976, where material contrast and proportion define the design. Low and grounded, the form is deliberately compact, scaled to sit beside a chair or float w...

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Pair 1970s Italian Travertine Pedestal Side Tables

$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair 1970s Italian Travertine Pedestal Side Tables

Located in Pasadena, TX

Travertine pedestal side tables 1970s Square top with an ogee edge. Base consists of 4 slabs that attach into a star configuration.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Cortes, Round Side Table with Marble Top

$6,974 / item

Cortes, Round Side Table with Marble Top

By Clan Milano, Alessandro La Spada

Located in Barlassina, Monza-Brianza

A group of people with diverse specialized skills bonded by the single objective of bringing design beauty. This is the founding idea of CLAN. This philospy is reflected on the CORT...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

ERW Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

$4,800

ERW Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

Elegant form side table with rock crystal top. Antique brass finish. Created by Phoenix Gallery, NYC. Custom size and finish upon request.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal

ERS Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

$4,800

ERS Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

Elegant form side table with smoky rock crystal top. Antique brass finish. Created by Phoenix Gallery, NYC. Custom size and finish upon request.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal

ERW Rock Crystal Side Tables by Phoenix

$9,600 / set

ERW Rock Crystal Side Tables by Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

Pair of elegant form side tables with rock crystal tops. Antique brass finish. Created by Phoenix Gallery, NYC. Custom size and finish upon request.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal

ERS Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

$4,800 / item

ERS Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

Elegant form side table with smoky gray rock crystal top. Antique brass finish. Created by Phoenix Gallery, NYC. Custom size and finish upon request. Two Available.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal

ERS Rock Crystal Side Tables by Phoenix

$9,600 / set

ERS Rock Crystal Side Tables by Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

Pair of elegant form side tables with smoky rock crystal tops. Antique brass finish. Created by Phoenix Gallery, NYC. Custom size and finish upon request.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal

Midcentury Italian Wooden Console or Long Side Table

$1,946

Midcentury Italian Wooden Console or Long Side Table

By Dassi Mobili Moderni

Located in Madrid, ES

Versatile long mahogany side / coffee table, console or bench with tapering legs.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

$3,023 / item

Brass Side Table Signed by Lukasz Friedrich

By Lukas Friedrich

Located in Geneve, CH

Brass side table signed by Lukasz Friedrich. Side rable "Drops" Materials: patinated, carved brass, Finish: Polished Brass, Waxed Dimensions: D 40 cm H 55 cm Can be made to order in...

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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

$44,800 / set

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

By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin

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

Rosewood, Glass

Riley Over/Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,461 / item

Riley Over/Side Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Riley over/side table by Dare Studio, 2018 Dimensions: H 36 x D 26 x W 75 cm Materials: American black walnut, powder-coated frame in black RAL 9005 Also available in European w...

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Salvante S1 Side Table by Piotr Dąbrowa

$10,547 / item

Salvante S1 Side Table by Piotr Dąbrowa

Located in Geneve, CH

Salvante S1 side table by Piotr Dabrowa Unique Piece Dimensions: D 50 x H 50 cm Materials: Calacatta Viola marble, walnut burl. Also available: Botticino marble, Rosa Peralba mar...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Salvante S1 Side Table by Piotr Dąbrowa

$5,382 / item

Salvante S1 Side Table by Piotr Dąbrowa

Located in Geneve, CH

Salvante S1 side table by Piotr Dabrowa Unique Piece Dimensions: D 50 x H 50 cm Materials: Rosa Portogallo marble, Rosa Peralba marble. Also available in other marbles. Salvan...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

BBN Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

$6,700

BBN Rock Crystal Side Table by Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

Organic form smoky rock crystal top side table with hammered antique brass frame. the twig inspired bronze legs Create by Phoenix Gallery. Two in stock. Custom size upon request.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rock Crystal

Stylish Wooden Side Table in Lacquered Finish

$2,233

Stylish Wooden Side Table in Lacquered Finish

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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Marble Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

$1,763 / item

Marble Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

Located in Geneve, CH

Marble side table by Joseph Vila Capdevila Material: Marble Dimensions: 33 x 47 cm Weight: 19.1kg Low table composed of a circular envelope of treated marble, supported on four...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Plus Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

$1,763 / item

Plus Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

Located in Geneve, CH

Plus side table by Joseph Vila Capdevila Material: Marble Dimensions: 33 x 47 cm Weight: 19.1kg Low table composed of a circular envelope of treated marble, supported on four...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Plus Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

$1,763 / item

Plus Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

Located in Geneve, CH

Plus side table by Joseph Vila Capdevila Material: Marble Dimensions: 33 x 47 cm Weight: 19.1kg Low table composed of a circular envelope of treated marble, supported on four...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Column Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

$1,511 / item

Column Side Table by Joseph Vila Capdevila

Located in Geneve, CH

Column side table by Joseph Vila Capdevila.. Material: marble Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 46 cm. Weight: 15.5kg. Low table made of lacquered metal oval envelope that is supported b...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Side Table 'SOHO' by Norr11, Grey Travertine

$618 / item

Contemporary Side Table 'SOHO' by Norr11, Grey Travertine

By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen

Located in Paris, IDF

SOHO COFFEE TABLE BY NORR11 IN GREY TAVERTINE Design: Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl, 2023 Side table Materials: Artificial stone grey travertine slabs base with filt fini...

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Boogie Nights Side Table by Egg Designs

$14,727 / item

Boogie Nights Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Boogie Nights Side Table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 51 L X 51 D X 56 H cm Materials: Antique Copper Coated, Solid Copper, Verdigris, Handmade Ceramic Tiles Founded by South Afr...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Stellar Float Side Table by Egg Designs

$6,986 / item

Stellar Float Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Stellar Float side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 75 L X 38.5 D X 56 H cm Materials: Walnut Timber, Handmade Ceramic, Polished Brass Founded by South Africans and life partne...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Namib 2 Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,588 / item

Namib 2 Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Namib 2 side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 38 L X 33 D X 57 H cm Materials: Composite Casting, Solid Brass, Bronze Coated Steel Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Namib 3 Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,611 / item

Namib 3 Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Namib 3 side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 46 x 30 x 60H CM Materials: Composite Casting, Solid Brass, Bronze Coated Steel Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and R...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

So Disco Side Table by Egg Designs

$27,417 / item

So Disco Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

So Disco side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 56 L X 51 D X 52 H cm Materials: Smokey Glass, Walnut Timber, Brass, Handmade Ceramic Founded by South Africans and life partners...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Namib 1 Side Table by Egg Designs

$2,611 / item

Namib 1 Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Namib 1 side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 46 L x 33 D x 60 H cm Materials: Composite casting, solid brass, bronze coated steel Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Stellar Cube Side Table by Egg Designs

$17,224 / item

Stellar Cube Side Table by Egg Designs

Located in Geneve, CH

Stellar cube side table by Egg Designs Dimensions: 56 L x 56 D x 50 H cm Materials: Walnut timber, handmade Ceramic, Verdigris solid copper Founded by South Africans and life p...

Category

2010s South African Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

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Coffee And Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much are Coffee And Side Tables?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Coffee And Side Tables

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

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

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

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

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