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

Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Glass and Wood Coffee or Side Table

$2,200

Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Glass and Wood Coffee or Side Table

Located in Nantucket, MA

A very unusual Mid-Century Modern coffee or side table. It features ebonized legs in a faux horn

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table , Italy, 1950s

$8,275

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table , Italy, 1950s

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table, Italy, 1950s. Manufactured by ABV

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Lucite and Brass coffee side table attributed to Charles Hollis Jones

$2,145

Lucite and Brass coffee side table attributed to Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in BARCELONA, ES

iconic as they are innovative. In summary, purchasing this Lucite and Brass coffee side table attributed

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Modernist Rosewood and Chrome Coffee or Side Table

$1,800

Modernist Rosewood and Chrome Coffee or Side Table

By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Striking, modernist coffee or side table features a rosewood top with architectural chrome bases is

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Postmodern Side Coffe Table 1980s

$390

Postmodern Side Coffe Table 1980s

Located in Čelinac, BA

Postmodern Side Coffe table Italy 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Etienne Martin Side Table/Coffee Table

$19,500

Etienne Martin Side Table/Coffee Table

By Etienne-Henri Martin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Modernist Art Deco side table/coffee table by Etienne Martin, circa 1932, in French walnut

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nickel

Set of 3 Minimal Teak and Laminate Cube Coffee table or Side Tables

$4,200 / set

Set of 3 Minimal Teak and Laminate Cube Coffee table or Side Tables

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 3 minimal teak and black laminate side tables. Matching bonus lamp included. Dimensions

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Side or Coffee Table "Triangle"

$953 / item

Side or Coffee Table "Triangle"

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Side or coffee table "Triangle". "Triangle" is an smart coffee table with an triangular top shape

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

"Bob" Fabric and Metal Coffee Table or Side Table Indoor

$1,549 / item

"Bob" Fabric and Metal Coffee Table or Side Table Indoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Bob" fabric and metal coffee table or side table Coffee table with cone-shaped footstool with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chinese Coffee Side Table

$1,520Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Chinese Coffee Side Table

Located in Pasadena, TX

Vintage Chinese coffee side table Antique Asian table in a richly grained rosewood with giant

Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table or Coffee Table

$6,900

Andrianna Shamaris Cracked Resin Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

This cracked resin side table or coffee table is made from reclaimed teak infused with clear resin

Category

2010s Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Chinese Elm and Rattan Coffee Table, Side, Lamp, Late 20th Century

$1,358

Chinese Elm and Rattan Coffee Table, Side, Lamp, Late 20th Century

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a Chinese elm and rattan coffee table, a side table dating to the late 20th century

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables

Materials

Elm

Bamboo, Rattan and Wood Pair of Side Coffee Tables, Italy 1980s

$1,191

Bamboo, Rattan and Wood Pair of Side Coffee Tables, Italy 1980s

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of side tables in bamboo, rattan and wood. Made in Italy in the 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Straw, Rattan, Wood

Blush No.2 Round Dining Table in Jesmonite by Perler

$9,307 / item

Blush No.2 Round Dining Table in Jesmonite by Perler

Located in Geneve, CH

special collection of coffee and side tables as well as dining tables made from jesmonite. Additionally

Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Other

Rock and Roll Stage Crew 2pc. Trunks as Coffee Table and Side Table

$1,600 / set

Rock and Roll Stage Crew 2pc. Trunks as Coffee Table and Side Table

By Industrial Design

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A two-piece set of traveling rock and roll road equipment cases that are now used as a coffee table

Category

Late 20th Century American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Marble Top Coffee Table - White Marble Coffee Table - Travertine Side Table

$2,816Sale Price / item|20% Off

Marble Top Coffee Table - White Marble Coffee Table - Travertine Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

SQUARE TRAVERTINE MARBLE COFFEE TABLE Type of Marble: Travertine Dimensions: 48" x 24" x 17" Leg

Category

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble

60s 70s Coffee Table Metal Side Table Adjustable Coffee Table Design

$952

60s 70s Coffee Table Metal Side Table Adjustable Coffee Table Design

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s coffee table metal side table adjustable coffee table design 60s 70s Object: coffee

Category

Vintage 1970s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Trio of Mid Century Danish Rosewood Tables. Coffee Table and Side Table Pair

$2,499 / set

Trio of Mid Century Danish Rosewood Tables. Coffee Table and Side Table Pair

By Mobelintarsia

Located in Lutz, FL

Mid Century 1970’s Rosewood Coffee Table and Two matching Side End Tables. Lovely bookmatched

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Swedish Modern coffee table / side table, 1940s

$9,534

Swedish Modern coffee table / side table, 1940s

By Carl-Erik Johansson

Located in Stockholm, SE

This exquisite Swedish coffee table from the 1940s is a true masterpiece of mid-century design

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Gilded Brass Coffee Side Table, circa 1970

$2,500

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Gilded Brass Coffee Side Table, circa 1970

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Atlanta, GA

side table. The round Directoire-style pedestal table is crafted from clear Lucite and gilded brass

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Versatile Set of Coffee Table and Two Side Tables by Dunbar

$5,200 / set

Versatile Set of Coffee Table and Two Side Tables by Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Versatile set of coffee table and two side tables by Dunbar (with original sticker). The

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Spanish Rustic Coffee Table / Side Table, 1940s

$3,232

Spanish Rustic Coffee Table / Side Table, 1940s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Antique spanish rustic raised-panel window as coffee table, Spain, 1930s. A 19th century solid

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

21st Century Large Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

$1,668 / item

21st Century Large Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Pomme" large metal side table D:60 "Pomme" is the elegant collection of coffee and occasional

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Small Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

$1,549 / item

21st Century Small Metal Side and Coffee Table D:60cm Indoor Outdoor

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Pomme" small metal side table D:60 "Pomme" is the elegant collection of coffee and occasional

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Flexform Tris Coffee Table or Side Table, Walnut and Glossy Marble Calacatta

$3,021

Flexform Tris Coffee Table or Side Table, Walnut and Glossy Marble Calacatta

By Flexform

Located in Philadelphia, PA

polished calacatta gold. It can be used as a coffee table or a side table. Pairs well with any seating or

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Modern Coffee Table For Living Room - Side Table

$1,840Sale Price / item|20% Off

Epoxy Resin Coffee Table - Modern Coffee Table For Living Room - Side Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Walnut Wood Clear Epoxy Coffee Table Presenting our Epoxy Coffee Table – a true sample of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Walnut Coffee Table with Parquet Top and Mosaic Sides

$4,800

Walnut Coffee Table with Parquet Top and Mosaic Sides

Located in Greenwich, CT

Modern meets rustic with this one of a kind coffee table hand built by us at our studio in Norwalk

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Mcguire Sheaf of Wheat Bamboo Round Side End Coffee Tables a Pair 1970s

$3,500 / set

Mcguire Sheaf of Wheat Bamboo Round Side End Coffee Tables a Pair 1970s

By John and Elinor McGuire

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Large 1970s John Mcguire style sheaf of wheat bamboo round side or end, coffee tables. Pair of

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Reed

25" Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Brass and Marble Coffee Side Table

$1,520Sale Price|20% Off

25" Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Brass and Marble Coffee Side Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Pasadena, TX

McCobb for Calvin walnut and brass and marble coffee/side table Calcutta marble top Walnut and bronze

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

$1,500

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached wood modernist coffee/side table.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Peter Ghyczy Coffee or Side Table

$2,085

Peter Ghyczy Coffee or Side Table

Located in Delft, NL

Peter Ghyczy coffee or side table Born in 1940 in Hungary, Peter Ghyczy became a German designer

Category

20th Century Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Modern Craftsman Gilt Bronze Side or Coffee Table in style of Giacometti

$18,750

French Modern Craftsman Gilt Bronze Side or Coffee Table in style of Giacometti

By Alberto and Diego Giacometti

Located in New York, NY

Unique and Rare French Mid-Century Modern Side/ End or Coffee Table in the Modern Craftsman

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

$13,500

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

By René Drouet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French 1940s Art Deco low side or coffee table in gilt forged iron by Rene Drouet. Measures: 36

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Andrianna Shamaris Charred Coffee Table or Side Table

$2,980

Andrianna Shamaris Charred Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful charred mango wood coffee table or side table. Charred, sanded and sealed revealing the

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

$1,500

Bleached Wood Modernist Coffee/Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached wood modernist coffee/side table.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair or Single French Mahogany and Burl Low Side or Coffee Tables

$2,617Sale Price / set|25% Off

Pair or Single French Mahogany and Burl Low Side or Coffee Tables

Located in Miami, FL

An eye-catching elegant round flame mahogany and burl side table Having wonderful decorative

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Burl

Rare Coffee or Side Table in Glass and Walnut, 1940s

$6,554

Rare Coffee or Side Table in Glass and Walnut, 1940s

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

This rare coffee or side table, produced in Sweden during the 1940s, features a harmonious

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Set of 2 Loggia Terrazzo Side and Coffee Table

$7,126 / set

Set of 2 Loggia Terrazzo Side and Coffee Table

By Matteo Leorato

Located in Geneve, CH

can be located either on the front or side of a building and are not meant for entrance but as an out

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Terrazzo

Lucite column coffee table or side table, 1970s

$1,132

Lucite column coffee table or side table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Lovely lucite column and clear beveled glass top coffee table. Thick plexiglass base. Good

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Table

$1,906

Charles Hollis Jones Style Lucite and Glass Coffee Side Table

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Barcelona, ES

Measures: 40,5 cm W x 40.5 cm D x 45 cm H More side tables and coffee tables are avaliable at our 1stdibs

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Antique Georgian Style Occasional Side Table / Coffee Table

$717

Antique Georgian Style Occasional Side Table / Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

A lovely antique occasional side table / coffee table. This was made in England, it dates from

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Georgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Wooden Side Table - Custom Sofa Table - Custom Coffee Table

$1,200Sale Price / item|20% Off

Wooden Side Table - Custom Sofa Table - Custom Coffee Table

Located in İnegöl, TR

Epoxy Resin C Side End Table Presenting our Epoxy Coffee Table – a true sample of craftsmanship

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Walnut

Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Coffee Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy, 1960s

$1,906

Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Coffee Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy, 1960s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury amazing elephant-shaped coffee table / side table in hand-braided rattan with wood tusks

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Coffee table by Audoux Minnet

$1,430

Coffee table by Audoux Minnet

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet

Located in Saint Ouen, France

"Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet were a French duo who worked together in the mid-20th century. They are known for their innovative use of natural materials, including rope, wicker a...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Rattan

French Art Deco Rosewood Chrome and Glass Guéridon side coffee table circa 1930

$6,392Sale Price|20% Off

French Art Deco Rosewood Chrome and Glass Guéridon side coffee table circa 1930

By Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere for Maison Dominique

Located in Brooklyn, NY

French Art Deco Rosewood Chrome and Glass Guéridon side coffee table circa 1930 attributed to

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Italian, 1970s Sculptural Coffee or Side Table Nickel-Plated Steel, Wood & Glass

$2,400

Italian, 1970s Sculptural Coffee or Side Table Nickel-Plated Steel, Wood & Glass

By Roberto Gabetti and Aimaro Isola

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

High quality manufactured Italian coffee or side table with sculptural shaped nickel-plated solid

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Giovannozzi Home, Coffe Table+Side Table "Saturn" Marble and Metal Brass Finish

$14,539 / set

Giovannozzi Home, Coffe Table+Side Table "Saturn" Marble and Metal Brass Finish

Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma

. - Metal structure brass finishing. - Shelf of the coffee table composed with central side in wood , round

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

$713

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

By Glostrup Møbelfabrik

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark Item: Side table

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

$478

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark

By Glostrup Møbelfabrik

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

1960s/70s teak coffee table and side table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik Denmark Item: Side table

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Coffee / Side Table

$930

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Coffee / Side Table

Located in London, GB

A stunning antique Swedish Biedermeier coffee / occasional table, dating from around the 1840’s

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Small lucite coffee table or side table, 1970s

$339

Small lucite coffee table or side table, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Lovely lucite and glass top coffee table or side table with brass screws. Very good condition

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Sculptural, Brutalistic, Monolithic Coffee Table /Side Table/ Object

$3,764

Sculptural, Brutalistic, Monolithic Coffee Table /Side Table/ Object

By Jan Paul

Located in Maastricht, NL

GRIP coffee Sculptural, brutalistic, monolithic Coffee table /side table/ object design: JAN PAUL

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

French Riviera Side or Coffee Table in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s

$1,185

French Riviera Side or Coffee Table in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s

By Tito Agnoli

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning midcentury Italian coffee or side table in rattan, bamboo and wicker. This unique piece

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Cane

20th Century French Art Deco Iron and Marble Side or Small Coffee Table

$930

20th Century French Art Deco Iron and Marble Side or Small Coffee Table

Located in Doylestown, PA

side or small coffee table indoors or on your patio/terrace. It is sturdy and in good condition with

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Mid-Century Space Age French Chrome and Glass Joker Coffee Side Table, 1960s

$1,759

Mid-Century Space Age French Chrome and Glass Joker Coffee Side Table, 1960s

By Olivier Mourgue

Located in Hamburg, DE

Chrome and glass Coffee Table from the French manufacturer Airborne according to a design by

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Coffee Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy, 1960s

$1,906

Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Coffee Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy, 1960s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Rome, IT

Amazing Midcentury Elephant-shaped coffee table / side table in hand-braided rattan with wood tusks

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Chrome and smoked glass coffee table and side table attributed to Milo Baughman

$1,450 / set

Chrome and smoked glass coffee table and side table attributed to Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Nice set of chrome tables attributed to Milo Baughman. This simple design using chrome and smoke

Category

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

Materials

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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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