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 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

Contemporary Black Coffee Table in Iroko Wood, Senufo by Arno Declercq

$2,963 / item

Contemporary Black Coffee Table in Iroko Wood, Senufo by Arno Declercq

By Arno Declercq

Located in Warsaw, PL

Contemporary black coffee table in iroko wood, Senufo by Arno Declercq Material: iroko wood and burned steel Dimensions: 45 cm L x 45 cm W x 30 cm H / 17,7” L x 17,7” W x 12” H ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Modern Round Coffee Table Black Glass Polished Stainless Steel In Stock

$2,154Sale Price|70% Off

Modern Round Coffee Table Black Glass Polished Stainless Steel In Stock

By EMOTIONAL OBJECTS, João Faria

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

This contemporary centre coffee table is handcrafted in Portugal from black lacquered wood, frosted black tempered glass, and polished stainless steel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

$7,135

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts. Designed b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Black Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid European Oak - Scalae by Mokko

$9,495

Black Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid European Oak - Scalae by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the timeless and pure form of stairs, the Scalae coffee table is composed of three ascending planes defined by a harmony of scale. Blending architectural influence with r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Medium Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi

$2,699 / item

Medium Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi

By Gubi, GamFratesi Design Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Medium Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi Designed by Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, the Steel 'Epic' Table series for GUBI is executed in solid steel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Steel

Architectural Walnut and Black Coffee Table in the Style of Milo Baughman

$556Sale Price|20% Off

Architectural Walnut and Black Coffee Table in the Style of Milo Baughman

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Trenton, NJ

Displaying exceptional restraint and proportion, this architectural coffee table reflects the refined vocabulary of American modern design during the 1960s and 1970s.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian modern Coffee table bedside table in formica red black metal 1960s

$512

Italian modern Coffee table bedside table in formica red black metal 1960s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Coffee table or bedside table in formica and black metal, 1960s Coffee table with double shelf in formica with brown edge in walnut color.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Coffee Table with Enameled Finish in Black or White, Metal Finish

$2,507 / item

Coffee Table with Enameled Finish in Black or White, Metal Finish

Located in London, GB

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Pair of Italian Art Deco Black Coffee Tables, Contemporary Design, in stock

$1,025 / item

Pair of Italian Art Deco Black Coffee Tables, Contemporary Design, in stock

By FEDERICA PAOLI, CASPAL

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Design by Federica Paoli Made in Italy Design Year: 2025 Pair of 2 coffee tables Material: Black Glossy Aluminium Color: Black Glossy Liquorice Dimensions: 38 × ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Cathedra Ι Black Cast Stone Coffee Table by Alentes, Handcrafted in Greece

$3,875

Cathedra Ι Black Cast Stone Coffee Table by Alentes, Handcrafted in Greece

Located in PALEA FOKEA, ATTIKI

The Cathedra I low Table is the first piece in a family of three tables inspired by the quiet gravity of archetypal architecture and ceremonial forms. Its character is defined by int...

Category

2010s Greek Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cast Stone

Daido Oval Coffee Table in Solid Black Oak by No Age Studio

$4,593 / item

Daido Oval Coffee Table in Solid Black Oak by No Age Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Daido Oval Coffee Table in Solid Black Oak by No Age Studio Dimensions: D 81.3 x W 139.7 x H 38.1 cm.

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Oriental Coffee Table Lacquered in Black and Decoration of Characters with Stone

$2,849

Oriental Coffee Table Lacquered in Black and Decoration of Characters with Stone

Located in Marbella, ES

Oriental Coffee Table Lacquered in Black with Decoration of Characters with Semi-Precious Stones

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Modular Coffee Table in Ash Burl, Wood Inlay and Black Lacquer

$3,989

Modular Coffee Table in Ash Burl, Wood Inlay and Black Lacquer

Located in Meda, MB

Coffee table from the 1980s, crafted in ash burl with refined inlay in various wood essences, glossy black lacquer and ribbed black lacquered legs.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Round Coffee Table in Solid Ebonized Black Oak by No Age Studio

$3,932 / item

Round Coffee Table in Solid Ebonized Black Oak by No Age Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Round Coffee Table in Solid Ebonized Black Oak by No Age Studio Dimensions: Ø 106.7 x H 38.1 cm.

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Italian Coffee table in cast iron, black and white marble, early 1900s

$2,450

Italian Coffee table in cast iron, black and white marble, early 1900s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Coffee table in cast iron, black and white marble, early 1900s Coffee table with round top decorated with concentric circles in black and white marble.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian Art Deco coffe table in wood and black wood, 1930s

$2,735

Italian Art Deco coffe table in wood and black wood, 1930s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Art Deco coffe table in wood and black wood, 1930s Coffee table made entirely of wood.

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

French 1970s Coffee Table in Belgian Black Marble, Gilt Bronze and Wrought Iron

$6,336

French 1970s Coffee Table in Belgian Black Marble, Gilt Bronze and Wrought Iron

Located in Madrid, ES

Keywords: French Coffee Table, Belgian Black Marble, Wrought Iron Table, Gilt Bronze, 1970s French Furniture, Art Nouveau Revival, Sculptural Coffee Table, Vintage French Design, Flo...

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Black Rounded Square Quad Coffee Table in Fiberglass by Mike Ruiz Serra

$5,450 / item

Black Rounded Square Quad Coffee Table in Fiberglass by Mike Ruiz Serra

By Mike Ruiz Serra

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Quad is a low, sculptural coffee table with four hemispherical legs that acts as a quiet yet powerful visual anchor in the room. Cast in fiberglass, it has a unique satin finish ...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Organic Shaped Steel Coffee Table "ST03" by Last Workshop in Matte Black

$3,280 / item

Organic Shaped Steel Coffee Table "ST03" by Last Workshop in Matte Black

By Last Workshop

Located in Chicago, IL

ST01 coffee table by Last Workshop, 2024. Steel, powder-coat finish in Matte Black.

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Circular Black Marble Coffee Table, Spain, 1990s

$1,641Sale Price|20% Off

Circular Black Marble Coffee Table, Spain, 1990s

Located in Barcelona, Cataluna

Circular coffee table. Structure and four legs in black lacquered iron and feet finished in brass.

Category

1990s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

In the Style of Paolo Piva Black Lacquered Pyramidal Coffee Table, Italy

$2,704Sale Price|20% Off

In the Style of Paolo Piva Black Lacquered Pyramidal Coffee Table, Italy

By Paolo Piva

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This very nice coffee table is made of black lacquered metal. It has a pyramidal shape with a clear glass on top.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Gae Aulenti Jumbo Coffee Table for Knoll in Black Nero Marquina Marble, 1972

$18,500

Gae Aulenti Jumbo Coffee Table for Knoll in Black Nero Marquina Marble, 1972

By Gae Aulenti, Knoll

Located in Almelo, NL

Gae Aulenti Jumbo Coffee Table for Knoll in Black Nero Marquina Marble, Italy 1972 A striking vintage Jumbo coffee table designed by Gae Aulenti, produced by Knoll in Italy, and re...

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Organic Modern Square Coffee Table High-Gloss & Matte Black Lacquer In Stock

$1,915Sale Price|70% Off

Organic Modern Square Coffee Table High-Gloss & Matte Black Lacquer In Stock

By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

Materials: High-gloss and matte black lacquered wood. Packaging: The coffee table is delivered assembled.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

1880 Black Round Victorian Table Coffee with Top in Fabric Embroidered Oriental

$3,191Sale Price|20% Off

1880 Black Round Victorian Table Coffee with Top in Fabric Embroidered Oriental

Located in Palermo, Sicily

1880 black round Victorian coffee table with top in fabric embroidered with oriental scenes, ebony.

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Silk, Wood

Mid Century Square French Coffee Table in Saint Laurent Black Polished Marble

$2,690Sale Price|20% Off

Mid Century Square French Coffee Table in Saint Laurent Black Polished Marble

Located in Casteren, NL

This beautiful marble coffee table was completely made in Noir saint Laurent black marble.

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Claste beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble & Glass Base

$10,285 / item

Claste beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble & Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Black Lacquered and Mirrored Coffee Table in the Manner of Josef Hoffmann

$2,360Sale Price|40% Off

Black Lacquered and Mirrored Coffee Table in the Manner of Josef Hoffmann

By Josef Hoffmann

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Black lacquered and mirrored coffee table in the manner of Josef Hoffmann, of rectangular form fitted with a x mirror top, raised on stepped cube legs.

Category

Late 20th Century European Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Claste beside Myself Medium Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble & Glass Base

$11,770 / item

Claste beside Myself Medium Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble & Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Coffee Table "Stick" Three Legs in Black by Casey Lurie Studio

$3,300 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table "Stick" Three Legs in Black by Casey Lurie Studio

By Casey Lurie

Located in Chicago, IL

The stick table evolved out of experiments with traditional Japanese joinery. A unique locking tenon joint allows three pieces of wood to be joined at 120-degree angles. The joint is...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Contemporary Black Coffee Table in Carved Walnut with Metal Base, Vincent Pocsik

$9,200 / item

Contemporary Black Coffee Table in Carved Walnut with Metal Base, Vincent Pocsik

By Vincent Pocsik

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carved ebonized coffee table by Vincent Pocsik. Ebonized carved walnut with black metal base.

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Unique Nubi Coffee Table in Gradient White & Black PETG by UNICOGGETTO

$1,892 / item

Unique Nubi Coffee Table in Gradient White & Black PETG by UNICOGGETTO

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique Nubi Coffee Table in Gradient White & Black PETG by UNICOGGETTO Dimensions: D 120 x W 60 x H 45 cm.

Category

2010s Chinese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Vladimir Kagan Tic Tac Toe Expandable Cube Coffee Table in Walnut & Black 1960s

$5,500

Vladimir Kagan Tic Tac Toe Expandable Cube Coffee Table in Walnut & Black 1960s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Troy, MI

A rare "Tic Tac Toe" table designed by Vladimir Kagan Model 458 circa late 1960s Cylindrical base in Walnut and four brass hinged panels with matte black composite surface Expands f...

Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Composite

1980s, Post Modern Black Lacquer Coffee Table in the Roger Rougier Style

$1,080

1980s, Post Modern Black Lacquer Coffee Table in the Roger Rougier Style

By Roger Rougier

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage, large scale post modern sculptural Black Lacquer Coffee Table with a Triangular Glass top in the of Roger Rougier's Style.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Square Coffee Table Attr. to Pierre Cardin in Black Lacquer, Brass, Glass, 70s

$5,129

Square Coffee Table Attr. to Pierre Cardin in Black Lacquer, Brass, Glass, 70s

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Meda, MB

Elegant square coffee table attributed to Pierre Cardin, produced in France during the 1970s.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Cantori Cloud Low Round Coffee Table with Black Ash Top - 71 cm 28 in

$1,794 / item

Cantori Cloud Low Round Coffee Table with Black Ash Top - 71 cm 28 in

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Specifications & Dimensions Brand: Cantori Model: Cloud (Low Round Coffee Table) Product Type: Designer Coffee Table / Luxury Living Table Dimensions: Diameter 71 cm × Heig...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Più Round Coffee Table Medium in Matt Lacquered Black by Giuseppe Viganò

$913 / item

Più Round Coffee Table Medium in Matt Lacquered Black by Giuseppe Viganò

By Giuseppe Viganò 1

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A light, crisp and stylish table with a strong, clean design and an elegant, dainty spirit. Metal base and MDF top. Available in a matt lacquered finish. The designer Giuseppe Vigan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Handcrafted Rowan Coffee Table in Solid Black Oak by Mary Ratcliffe Studio

$12,573 / item

Handcrafted Rowan Coffee Table in Solid Black Oak by Mary Ratcliffe Studio

By Mary Ratcliffe

Located in Toronto, ON

Our Rowan Table in solid blackened oak makes for a highly functional statement coffee or centre table piece that both balances & imbues power and elegance. Our standard collection pi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktai...

Materials

Oak

1940s Spanish Round Coffee Table in Gilt Wrought Iron and Black Marble

$4,502

1940s Spanish Round Coffee Table in Gilt Wrought Iron and Black Marble

Located in Barcelona, ES

Overall Measures: 62,5 cm diameter x 53,5 cm H // 24,60 in diameter x 21,06 in H Diameter of the top: 49,5 cm // 19,48 in Spanish Black Marble and Gilt Iron Table // Midcentury Wr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in French Oak & Black Glass, 1950s

$2,006Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in French Oak & Black Glass, 1950s

Located in Madrid, ES

Coffee table in French oak, from the 1950s, with black lacquered metal and black glass top, In the lower part they have some black rods that are used to support press, or papers, th...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1111 Geometric Coffee Table in Solid Vintage Black Oak by No Age Studio

$5,574 / item

1111 Geometric Coffee Table in Solid Vintage Black Oak by No Age Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

1111 Geometric Coffee Table in Solid Vintage Black Oak by No Age Studio Dimensions: D 101.6 x W 182.9 x H 38.1 cm.

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Modern Coffee Table by Peter Harrison. Square Glass, Black, In Stock

$4,000

Modern Coffee Table by Peter Harrison. Square Glass, Black, In Stock

By Peter Harrison

Located in Middle Grove, NY

The Hana coffee table by Peter Harrison joins squares of solid walnut with industrial aluminum brackets.

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Spanish Colonial Coffee Table in Carved Wood and Black Marble Top, 1940s

$4,502

Spanish Colonial Coffee Table in Carved Wood and Black Marble Top, 1940s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Colonial Low Table // Carved Wood Coffee Table // Spanish Coffee Table in Carved Wood and Marble

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Stone

Willy Rizzo Coffee Bar Table in Checkered Burl Wood & Black Stained Veneer, 1970

$3,160Sale Price|20% Off

Willy Rizzo Coffee Bar Table in Checkered Burl Wood & Black Stained Veneer, 1970

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Cheyenne, WY

This coffee bar table by Willy Rizzo, emulative of the Art Deco influence during the 1970s, features a checker-like top with contrasting panels of rich brown burl and dark-stained wo...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Chloe Curvy Oval Coffee Table in Sculpted Black Marquina Marble by Fred&Juul

$17,554 / item

Chloe Curvy Oval Coffee Table in Sculpted Black Marquina Marble by Fred&Juul

By Fred&Juul

Located in Fiesole, Florence

In ancient Rome and Greece figures of divinities were sculpted in marble and so is this modern-day coffee table inspired by bodily curves. Carved from a solid block of marble, the vo...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi, 43.3 inch

$3,899 / item

Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi, 43.3 inch

By Gubi, GamFratesi Design Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Steel 'Epic' Coffee Table in Midnight Black by Gamfratesi for Gubi, 43.3 inch diameter Designed by Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, the Steel 'Epic' Table series for GUBI is executed ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Steel

Claste Beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

$10,285 / item

Claste Beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

By Claste, Quinlan Osborne

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Vintage Low Chrome Coffee Table with Black Glass in the Style of Maison Bagues

$2,395

Vintage Low Chrome Coffee Table with Black Glass in the Style of Maison Bagues

Located in Troy, MI

A vintage French low rectangular table from 1940, in the Neoclassical manner, with a black glass top set within a slim chrome frame that rises slightly above the glass to form a low ...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Claste Beside Myself Mini Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble with Glass Base

$8,745 / item

Claste Beside Myself Mini Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble with Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Florence Knoll Coffee Table in White Enameled Steel and Black Laminate, 1952

$2,950

Florence Knoll Coffee Table in White Enameled Steel and Black Laminate, 1952

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Dronten, NL

This is an exceptionally rare and early execution of Florence Knoll’s iconic T-angle coffee table, produced by Knoll International. A masterclass in proportion and material integrity...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Claste Beside Myself Large Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

$11,770 / item

Claste Beside Myself Large Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste Beside Myself Large Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

$11,770 / item

Claste Beside Myself Large Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste Beside Myself Large Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

$11,770 / item

Claste Beside Myself Large Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste Beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

$10,285 / item

Claste Beside Myself Small Coffee Table in Belvedere Black Marble and Glass Base

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A slab of marble appearing to float above a base of ultra-clear or bronzed glass. By hand shaping the underside of the marble slab this floating effect is a simple gesture that eleva...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Haiku Large Coffee Table in Matt Black Top and Frame by Marco Zito

$1,698 / item

Haiku Large Coffee Table in Matt Black Top and Frame by Marco Zito

By Marco Zito, Saba Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Haiku is a Japanese poem consisting of just three lines and a total of seventeen syllables. The coffee table designed by Marco Zito for Saba Italia is in fact made up of three parts:...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Arkhe No 1 Coffee Table in Solid Oak Black Sculptural Round by Fulden Topaloglu

$6,100 / item

Arkhe No 1 Coffee Table in Solid Oak Black Sculptural Round by Fulden Topaloglu

By Studio Kali, Fulden Topaloglu

Located in Istanbul, TR

Arkhe coffee table is a graceful combination of functionality, simplicity and sculptural posture.

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Triton Round Fossil Stone and Stainless Steel Coffee Table, Black, 44 in Dia

$4,620 / item

Triton Round Fossil Stone and Stainless Steel Coffee Table, Black, 44 in Dia

Located in Hollywood, FL

The Triton round coffee table by Oggetti pairs black fossil stone with stainless steel.

Category

2010s Philippine Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Stainless Steel

Lucite Coffee Table / Bench in Clear & Black Lucite by Amparo Calderon Tapia

$14,950

Lucite Coffee Table / Bench in Clear & Black Lucite by Amparo Calderon Tapia

By Cain Modern

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Introducing the Lucite Coffee Table / Bench in Clear & Black Lucite by Amparo Calderon Tapia!

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite

Nakashima Studio Craft Minguren I Coffee Table in English Walnut & Black Walnut

$46,495 / item

Nakashima Studio Craft Minguren I Coffee Table in English Walnut & Black Walnut

By George Nakashima Woodworkers, Mira Nakashima

Located in San Diego, CA

Handmade from a single free-form English walnut slab and supported by a sculptural black walnut Minguren pedestal base, this table exemplifies the poetic harmony between nature, craf...

Category

1990s American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Peana Coffee Table, Bench in Black Tinted Solid Wood Finish by Joel Escalona

$8,265

Peana Coffee Table, Bench in Black Tinted Solid Wood Finish by Joel Escalona

By Joel Escalona

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Ideal to frame your most precious objects at any space, Peana Coffee Table is available in different finishes: black tinted oak, natural oak and red tinted oak.

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood, Hardwood

Brass Coffee table with Black Lacquered Glass Top in the style of Maison Jansen

$2,279Sale Price|20% Off

Brass Coffee table with Black Lacquered Glass Top in the style of Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This nice and elegant rectangular coffee table is made of brass with a black lacquered glass top.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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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

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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