Why is it called a coffee table?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

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.

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 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 standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

When did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.

How much does a coffee table cost?

On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

How do I size a coffee table to my sofa?

As a general rule, choose a coffee table roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa, with the top 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat cushions.

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.

Coffee Table In Black

Marcel Breuer Cane Or Chrome Table

Wood Marquetry

Lacquered Wood Coffee Table

Modern Black Cocktail Table

Made To Order Coffee Table

Black Lacquered Center Table

Laccio Coffee

Glass Coffee Table Metal Legs

Square Coffee Table in Black Resin Inlay Agate

$2,216

Square Coffee Table in Black Resin Inlay Agate

By Ado Chale

Located in Brussels, BE

Square coffee table in black resin inlay Agate, feed in steel, in perfect condition, Belgium, 1980.

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Steel

Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood and Teak, 1950's

$4,376

$33,838 / item

$23,508 / item

Automa Coffee Table in Black Lacquer Finish by Pietro Franceschini

By Pietro Franceschini

Located in Geneve, CH

Automa Coffee Table in Black Lacquer Finish by Pietro Franceschini.

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Media Luna Half-Circular Coffee Table in Black Lacquer by No Age Studio

$3,921 / item

Media Luna Half-Circular Coffee Table in Black Lacquer by No Age Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Media Luna Half-Circular Coffee Table in Black Lacquer by No Age Studio Dimensions: Ø 121.9 x H 43.2 cm.

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Barba Corsini 'Pedrera' Coffee Table in Black for Gubi

$1,699 / item

$5,570

$8,750

Janni Van Pelt Round Coffee Table in Black Metal and Glass

By Janni Van Pelt

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Janni Van Pelt, coffee table, glass, lacquered metal, the Netherlands, design 1958 Round coffee table in black coated metal and glass.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Janni Van Pelt Round Coffee Table in Black Metal and Glass

$7,450

$7,064 / item

Contemporary Modern European Caravel Low Coffee Table in Black Oak by Collector

By Federico Peri

Located in Castelo da Maia, PT

Contemporary Modern European Caravel Low Coffee Table in Black Oak by Collector 21st century Colombo, the Italian explorer, left from Portugal with 3 (as low tables are) Caravels to...

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Center Tables

Materials

Marble

$1,818Sale Price|20% Off

American Coffee Table in Black Wood, 1950s

Located in Milano, IT

Elegant American-made coffee table from the 1950s. The table is made of wood painted black.

Category

Vintage 1950s American American Classical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Two Pedestal Coffee Tables in Black Marble Set

$7,120 / set

Two Pedestal Coffee Tables in Black Marble Set

Located in Mexico City, MX

Set of two coffee tables with pedestal base in Monterrey black marble and tops in the same material.

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Nanna Ditzel Danish Coffee Table in Black Wood

$2,546Sale Price / item|20% Off

Nanna Ditzel Danish Coffee Table in Black Wood

By Nanna Ditzel

Located in Milano, IT

Beautiful vintage Danish coffee table designed in the 1960s by Nanna Ditzel.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

$10,750 / item

Contemporary Amorphous Coffee Table In Black Brown Lacquer, 2025

Located in New York, NY

This extraordinary coffee table is a true work of art, distinguished by its captivating amorphous shape that defies conventional geometry, creating a fluid and organic silhouette. Th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Perforated metal tripod coffee table, France 1950

$1,250

Perforated metal tripod coffee table, France 1950

By Robert Mathieu

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Coffee table in black lacquered metal attributed to Robert Mathieu, France 1950.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Serge Mouille - Unique Coffee table in Black 1962 - IN STOCK!

$12,990

$682 / item

Modern Coffee Table in Black Formica and Wood, Europe ca 1950s

Located in Utrecht, NL

With its distinctive structure, this table epitomizes the search for new systems of joinery during the mid-century era, when material and design became the lead factors in achieving ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Formica

Recent Sales

20th Century Italy Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood, Bronze Male Figures

Unavailable

H 12.6 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in

20th Century Italy Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood, Bronze Male Figures

Located in Paris, FR

20th Italie Coffee Table In Black Lacquered Wood, Bronze in Men Characters

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Maison Jansen Super Long Two-Tier Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood

Unavailable

H 23.63 in W 43.31 in D 27.56 in

Maison Jansen Super Long Two-Tier Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood

Located in Paris, ile de france

Maison Jansen super long two tiers coffee table in black lacquered wood and gold bronze gallery and hardware.

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Paul Follot Rarest Coffee Table in Black Lacquered Wood and Pine Gold Leaf

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 12.6 in W 37.41 in D 25.99 in

Contemporary Coffee Table in Black Crossed Leather, Metal base and Marble Top

Located in Modugno, IT

Max, coffee table is a low wooden lacquered box covered in crossed leather with a marble stone top and a beautiful basament covered with a metal frame. Max is available in foreign...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Perret Coffee Table in Black Oak by Atelier Jones, Mid-Century Modern

Unavailable

H 16.15 in W 47.25 in D 20.28 in

Perret Coffee Table in Black Oak by Atelier Jones, Mid-Century Modern

Located in København S, DK

The Perret range revives the optimism inherent in the formal expression of the mid-twentieth-century era and recontextualizes it for the present. The bevelled solid timber top, shap...

Category

2010s New Zealand Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Salvatori Proiezioni Coffee Table in Black, White, & Gray Marble by Elisa Ossino

Unavailable

H 11.82 in W 35.44 in D 5.91 in

Salvatori Proiezioni Coffee Table in Black, White, & Gray Marble by Elisa Ossino

By Salvatori, Elisa Ossino

Located in Querceta, IT

A series of coffee and dining table designed by Elisa Ossino for Salvatori, the ‘Proiezioni’ takes its name from the Italian word for “projections’ and refers to the effect of light ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

H 19.69 in W 66.15 in D 25.2 in

Coffee Table in Steel and Black Lacquer

Located in London, GB

A steel and black lacquered wood and glass top coffee table,with drawers at each end. 1970s French.

Materials

Marble

Unavailable

H 14.97 in W 70.87 in D 28.75 in

Coffee Table by Frederic DAD in Black Lacquer and Agathe Stone

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A coffee table by Frederic DAD black lacquer top, Agate stone inlay, chrome Feet in mouvement cylindrique, edition limited at 10.

Category

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

Materials

Agate, Stone, Chrome, Metal

Chasm Coffee Table in Oregon Black Walnut, Stone and Bronze

Unavailable

H 18 in W 23 in D 50 in

Chasm Coffee Table in Oregon Black Walnut, Stone and Bronze

By Brian Grasela

Located in San Diego, CA

The Chasm coffee table by Brian Grasela was built from a single slab of Oregon black walnut.

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Unavailable

H 18.9 in Dm 15.75 in

Modern Diana Round Coffee Table in Brass Tinted and Black Marquina Marble

Located in London, GB

Designing small pieces of luxury furniture that are suitable for smaller homes is crucial in maximizing both functionality and aesthetics in limited spaces. The Diana round coffee ta...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Modern Contemporary Square Coffee Tables Fusing Murano Glass in Gold, Black

Unavailable

H 13.78 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in

Modern Contemporary Square Coffee Tables Fusing Murano Glass in Gold, Black

By Edyta Baranska

Located in Sopot, Pomorskie

Contemporary and modern square coffee tables made of Murano kind handmade glass colored using metal oxides and liquid metal in gold and black color.

Category

2010s Polish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Italian modern Square coffee table in wood, 1970s

$909

H 13.78 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in

Italian modern Square coffee table in wood, 1970s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Square coffee table in wood, 1970s Coffee table with square top in dark wood. The 4 legs that support the top have a triangular section, also in dark wood. 1970s. Good...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table by Ado Chale, Resin and Marcassite, Belgium, 1960s

$27,282

H 14.38 in W 51.19 in D 23.23 in

Coffee Table by Ado Chale, Resin and Marcassite, Belgium, 1960s

By Ado Chale

Located in Brussels, BE

Coffee Table by Ado Chale, Resin and Marcassite, Belgium, 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Italian Mid-Century Modern Black & Gold Coffee Table with Abstract Painting Top

$1,975

H 17.52 in W 38.98 in D 19.1 in

Italian Mid-Century Modern Black & Gold Coffee Table with Abstract Painting Top

Located in Miami, FL

An Italian Mid-Century Modern laqured coffee table having gold gilt foil and ebonize lacquer decorated top supported on metal legs, circa 1960.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

H 20 in W 33.5 in D 19.5 in

Two Tone Bronze Coffee Table with Black Stone Top, Circa 1945

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A two tone bronze coffee table with black stone top in the manner of Leleu. Beautiful and intricate details on the legs. Circa 1945.

Category

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern French Brass and Black Mirror Coffee Table, circa 1960s

$2,650

H 12.75 in W 42.13 in D 20.5 in

Mid-Century Modern French Brass and Black Mirror Coffee Table, circa 1960s

Located in Highwood, IL

French Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table made of Brass and Smoky Almost Black Mirror. The glass unfortunately has seen better days for there is a sizable chip in one corner. Great simp...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

People Also Browsed

Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, 1974, Set of 4

$82,000 / set

H 26.78 in W 35.44 in D 61.03 in

Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, 1974, Set of 4

By De Sede, Ubald Klug

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofas for De Sede, brown leather, Switzerland, 1974, set of four. Ubald Klug designed this rare modular DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa as a real living landsc...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft

$2,860 / item

H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft

By Neca Abrantes

Located in Jardim America, SP

This rotating armchair by Neca Abrantes is a striking fusion of contemporary Brazilian design and indigenous handcrafted traditions. Known for her deep passion for native craftsmansh...

Category

2010s Brazilian Swivel Chairs

Materials

Straw

H 39.38 in W 27.17 in D 23.63 in

1960s, Office Chair by Karl-Erik Ekselius for JOC Möbel, Vetlanda, Sweden

By JOC Mobler Vetlanda, Karl-Erik Ekselius

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

This is an executive office chair designed by Karl-Erik Ekselius for JOC Möbel, Vetlanda, Sweden, in the 1960s. The chair is upholstered in high-quality beige leather with tufted cus...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Coffee Table In Black", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Coffee Table In Black For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the coffee table in black you’re looking for. Each coffee table in black for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and stone. Find 245 options for an antique or vintage coffee table in black now, or shop our selection of 312 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect coffee table in black — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A coffee table in black made by Modern designers — as well as those associated with Mid-Century Modern — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one coffee table in black that is appealing in its simplicity, but Karen Chekerdjian, Amura and Bend Goods produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Coffee Table In Black?

Prices for a coffee table in black start at $147 and top out at $45,000 with the average selling for $3,492.

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 In Black

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.
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 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 standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
How do I size a coffee table to my sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
As a general rule, choose a coffee table roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa, with the top 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat cushions.
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.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was

Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.

Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings

Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.