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.

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

What is the difference between a 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.

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.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Coffee Table Canada

Round Glass And Marble Table

Materials

Plywood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

$2,000

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage coffee table combines a large solid top with a unique geometric base. Made with Mid-Century craftsmanship by Nordic Furniture. Please confirm item location with seller (...

Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Ledge Coffee Table by Simon Johns

$7,500 / item

$8,000

$9,950

Modern Oak Coffee Table with Integrated Pullout Ottomans

By Carrocel

Located in North York, ON

Maximize style and functionality with this sleek and simple modern coffee table. Hand-crafted in natural oak, it features beautiful porcelain corner accent motifs. Ingeniously design...

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Porcelain, Oak

$9,000 / item

Walnut Coffee Table with Nesting C Side Table, Blackened Steel Base

By Autonomous Furniture, Kirk Van Ludwig

Located in Victoria, BC

Walnut nesting coffee table set with blackened steel base, handcrafted in Canada.

Category

2010s Canadian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Metal

Round Torched Oak Coffee Table by Autonomous Furniture

$3,300 / item

$6,500 / item

Solid Ash Round Nesting Coffee Table Set, Organic Modern

By Autonomous Furniture, Kirk Van Ludwig

Located in Victoria, BC

Solid ash nesting coffee table set comprising two handcrafted round coffee tables designed for contemporary and Organic Modern interiors.

Category

2010s Canadian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Alar Solid Hardwood Coffee Table by Izm Design

$3,900 / item

Alar Solid Hardwood Coffee Table by Izm Design

By Izm Design

Located in Edmonton, Alberta

42" square by 14" high solid wood coffee table featuring leather cord feet. 100% hardwood with smooth round on all edges. Small shelves in two of the corners add visual interest and ...

Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Book Nook Coffee Table from Redline Design Furniture

$928Sale Price / item|20% Off

Book Nook Coffee Table from Redline Design Furniture

Located in Toronto, CA

Handcrafted from solid oak and finished with ultra-clear ½” low-iron tempered glass, this table is a quiet statement on beauty, imperfection, and purpose.At the heart of this piece i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Co...

Materials

Glass, Oak

Oak Large Crescenttown Coffee Table by Hollis & Morris

$1,887 / item

Oak Large Crescenttown Coffee Table by Hollis & Morris

Located in Geneve, CH

Oak large crescenttown coffee table by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: Diameter 42" x height 14" Materials: Solid wood. Cold rolled steel. Hardwax oil. Powder-coated metal. Also avai...

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Recent Sales

Large Rare Canadian Mid-Century Biomorphic, Triple Stepped Coffee Table

Unavailable

H 16 in W 46 in D 66 in

Large Rare Canadian Mid-Century Biomorphic, Triple Stepped Coffee Table

Located in Port Hope, ON

This fabulous, large and very rare Canadian Mid-Century biomorphic two-tone coffee table was produced in the early 50's by custom furniture designers and cabinet makers,The Bernard W...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

'XY' Coffee Table

Unavailable

H 16 in W 22.5 in D 48 in

'XY' Coffee Table

By AdrianMartinus

Located in Calgary, CA

This updated version of our mid-century modern inspired coffee table showcases a vibrant recycled skateboard top adorned with refined edge details, paired with robust splayed solid w...

Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple, Sapele Wood

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Pink Ivory Wood Coffee Table

Unavailable

H 17.5 in W 76.25 in D 23.5 in

Pink Ivory Wood Coffee Table

Located in Mississauga, ON

A modern pink ivory wood coffee table designed by Nick Malcolm. Signed.

Materials

Walnut

Unavailable

H 22 in W 75.5 in D 26 in

Long Coffee Table with Bamboo Turned legs

Located in Woodbury, CT

Long coffee table with bamboo style turned legs

Category

Early 20th Century Canadian French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Black Walnut Live Edge Coffee Table on Steel

Unavailable

H 16 in W 18 in D 36 in

Black Walnut Live Edge Coffee Table on Steel

By Bois & Design

Located in Quebec, CA

This black walnut coffee table uses a single live edge slab. This coffee table is made to order. The legs are made using steel flat bars 3in wide so even perpendicular, the table is ...

Category

2010s Canadian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Unavailable

H 15 in W 40 in D 40 in

Modern Walnut Loki Coffee Table from the Signature Series by Pompous Fox

Located in Barrie, ON

The Loki coffee table was designed for spaces where a typical rectangular coffee table just won't work. The 2" thick top features a functional and aesthetically pleasing lip around t...

Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Beat Round Coffee Table with Cotton Top and Bronze Base by Powell & Bonnell

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 22.75 in W 50 in D 38 in

Limited Edition Le Galerie cocktail table

By William Switzer

Located in Vancouver, BC

Limited Edition Hand crafted Le Galerie cocktail table

Materials

Resin

Marble and Onyx Patchwork Pedestal Table

Unavailable

H 19 in W 26 in D 26 in

Marble and Onyx Patchwork Pedestal Table

Located in Montréal, QC

Patchwork Pedestal Table, made in Montreal, 2025. This octagonal table is made with a mix of marble and stone in a bold checkerboard pattern. Its pedestal base and warm, neutral tone...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

$4,400

H 18 in W 38.5 in D 56 in

Foundation Coffee Table, Modern, Solid Fir - Fully Customizable

Located in Portland, OR

Material's Foundation Coffee Table is handmade from thick planks of solid clear fir sustainably and locally sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Each plank is fully joined with a soli...

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fir

$4,300

H 15 in W 35.5 in D 19 in

Vintage Maison Regain Coffee Table From France, Circa 1970

Located in Nashville, TN

Vintage Maison Regain Coffee Table From France, Circa 1970. Solid elm construction with very light wear and use.

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

$17,159

H 13.98 in W 66.93 in D 47.25 in

Free-form wood coffee table

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

France, circa 1970 Coffee table made of solid wood, featuring an organic, asymmetrical shape. The tabletop has a free-form, flowing outline, with softly rounded and irregular edges. ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Wooden Low Table by Luigi Gorgoni, 1974

$4,575

H 16.15 in W 55.12 in D 24.02 in

Wooden Low Table by Luigi Gorgoni, 1974

By Luigi Gorgoni

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Low table by Luigi Gorgoni From 1974, elmwood (the Milanese designer and architect Luigi Gorgoni, who has talentedly designed many emblematic pieces of furniture. For Luigi Gorg...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

People Also Browsed

Carl Auböck Vice Versa Floor Lamp

$2,590 / item

H 56 in Dm 11.5 in

Carl Auböck Vice Versa Floor Lamp

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Wiener Werkstätte

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck vice versa floor lamp. These iconic and Minimalist Viennese floor lamps are executed in brass, wicker and cast aluminum designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, cir...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass, Iron

Shell Dining Chair, Linen Schwarzwald Dedar, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland

$1,143 / item

H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in

Shell Dining Chair, Linen Schwarzwald Dedar, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...

Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Bouclé, Beech, Velvet

Soda Blown Murano Glass Oval Coffee Table in Petrol by Yiannis Ghikas

$3,830 / item

H 11.82 in W 27.56 in D 17.72 in

Soda Blown Murano Glass Oval Coffee Table in Petrol by Yiannis Ghikas

By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Give or take a stem or two: this time Soda has only two stems, and its top takes on an elongated shape. Smooth as a surfboard, it evokes the fluidity of 1950s French design, but with...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases

$3,800 / set

H 29 in Dm 19 in

Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases

Located in New York, NY

large bamboo pair of table lamps with brass bases. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely brass bases and bamboo tops held by brass top.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Baby Gropius Chair by NOOM, Modern Design for Kids, Velvet

$1,420 / item

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in

Baby Gropius Chair by NOOM, Modern Design for Kids, Velvet

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

BAUHAUS-INSPIRED DESIGN FOR KIDS The Baby Gropius Chair by NOOM is a sculptural designer kids chair inspired by Bauhaus principles and the iconic forms of the Gropius collection. Ex...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Faux Fur, Velvet

$2,059

H 15.36 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in

Square Coffee Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1965

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning Mid-Century coffee table Model 771 in a very rare rosewood version. This iconic table was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

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Coffee Table Canada For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic coffee table Canada available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and stone, every coffee table Canada was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a coffee table Canada, we have 70 options in-stock, while there are 231 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect coffee table Canada — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A coffee table Canada, designed in the Modern, Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made coffee table Canada has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Claste, Quinlan Osborne and Gildas Berthelot are consistently popular.

How Much is a Coffee Table Canada?

The average selling price for a coffee table Canada at 1stDibs is $3,930, while they’re typically $550 on the low end and $60,000 for the 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 Table Canada

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.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a 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.
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.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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