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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

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 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 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.

How much does a coffee table cost?

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

Eccentric Coffee Table

Sort By

Mineral Stones Coffee Table in Jaques Duval Brasseur Style, 1970s

By Jacques Duval Brasseur

Located in Hilversum, NL

Duval Brasseur style. The transparent glass top on this eccentric coffee table from the 1970s allows you

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Mineral Stones Coffee Table in Jaques Duval Brasseur Style, 1970s

H 18.51 in Dm 35.83 in

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table yellow fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

Located in Torino, TO

couture collections that have paraded on the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week 2022, this eccentric coffee

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fur, Laminate, Wood

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table yellow fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table orange fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

Located in Torino, TO

couture collections that have paraded on the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week 2022, this eccentric coffee

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fur, Laminate, Wood

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table orange fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Eccentrico Studio Greca contemporary light blue fur lacquered wood coffee table

Located in Torino, TO

collections that have paraded on the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week 2022, this eccentric coffee table

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fur, Laminate, Wood

Eccentrico Studio Greca contemporary light blue fur lacquered wood coffee table

H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table orange fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

Located in Torino, TO

collections that have paraded on the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week 2022, this eccentric coffee table

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fur, Laminate, Wood

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table orange fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table blue fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

Located in Torino, TO

collections that have paraded on the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week 2022, this eccentric coffee table

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood, Fur

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table blue fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table yellow fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

Located in Torino, TO

collections that have paraded on the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week 2022, this eccentric coffee table

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Fur, Laminate

Eccentrico, contemporary coffee table yellow fur-lacquered wood by Studio Greca

H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Jean Claude Dresse Pair of Coffee Tables in Resin with Bone Inlay

By Jean Claude Dresse

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jean Claude Dresse, pair of coffee tables, resin, bone, lacquered steel, circa 1970 This eccentric

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Jean Claude Dresse Pair of Coffee Tables in Resin with Bone Inlay

H 15.95 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Psychedelic Coffee Table

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Transported from another era, the Psychedelic coffee table emerges as a captivating centerpiece in

Category

2010s Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Acrylic, Wood, Paper

Psychedelic Coffee Table

H 18.12 in W 24.81 in D 20.48 in

Morse Coffee Table

By Federico Pepe - Le Dictateur Studio

Located in Milano, IT

This coffee table from the Morse Collection boasts an eccentric design actualizing some of the

Category

2010s Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Morse Coffee Table

H 22.25 in W 19.3 in D 33.08 in

Mirrored Piano Coffee Table, circa 1970s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderfully eccentric, piano-shaped coffee or cocktail table, made of mirrored glass, circa 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Mirrored Piano Coffee Table, circa 1970s

H 18.25 in W 35.5 in D 47 in

1970s Tortoise Coffee Table by Anthony Redmile

By Anthony Redmile London

Located in London, GB

A zany coffee table by renowned eccentric British designer, Anthony Redmile, from the 1970s, formed

Category

Vintage 1970s British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

1970s Tortoise Coffee Table by Anthony Redmile

H 16.54 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Willy Ceysens Coffee Table in Cast Aluminium

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Willy Ceysens, coffee table, cast aluminium, stainless steel, Belgium, 1970s Alluring coffee table

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Willy Ceysens Coffee Table in Cast Aluminium

H 17.33 in W 38.78 in D 38.78 in

Coral Rock Saturn Coffee Table Oval

By Lilian Mustelier

Located in Miami, FL

Made to order Florida Keystone 16” sphere with 4” planter. Polished oval glass table top 1/2

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Coral

Coral Rock Saturn Coffee Table Oval

H 16 in Dm 16 in

Kolos Low Coffee Table, by Yonoh Studio

By Yonoh Studio, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

interpretation of the architecture of the Colosseum. Here you are shown the Kolos low coffee table and size Ø 58

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Kolos Low Coffee Table, by Yonoh Studio

H 13.78 in Dm 22.84 in

Pierre Cardin Transformative 'Éventail' Coffee Table in Mahogany

By Francia, Pierre Cardin

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pierre Cardin for Francia, 'Eventail (fan) coffee table, mahogany, France, 1984 A rare masterpiece

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Pierre Cardin Transformative 'Éventail' Coffee Table in Mahogany

H 16.34 in W 33.27 in D 27.56 in

Ico Parisi Style Large Round Italian Coffee Table

By Ico Parisi

Located in Prato, Tuscany

distinctive, eccentric, and unique design. The coffee table has a larger size than normal coffee tables. The

Category

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

Materials

Sapele Wood

Ico Parisi Style Large Round Italian Coffee Table

H 21.26 in Dm 34.26 in

Italian Vintage Coffee Table Attr. to Gio Ponti, 1950s

By Gio Ponti

Located in Milano, IT

Low coffee table attributed to Gio Ponti, designed in the 1950s. The low table has a perfectly

Category

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

Materials

Smoked Glass, Wood

Italian Vintage Coffee Table Attr. to Gio Ponti, 1950s

H 14.18 in W 30.32 in D 16.54 in

Zanotta Butterfly Glass Top Coffee Table by Alexander Taylor

By Zanotta

Located in New York, NY

plate glass. The bent plywood modular frame of the coffee table Butterfly, which reproduces the elegant

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plywood

Zanotta Butterfly Glass Top Coffee Table by Alexander Taylor

H 35 in W 90 in D 90 in

Zanotta Butterfly Glass Top Coffee Table by Alexander Taylor

By Zanotta

Located in New York, NY

plate glass. The bent plywood modular frame of the coffee table Butterfly, which reproduces the elegant

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plywood

Zanotta Butterfly Glass Top Coffee Table by Alexander Taylor

H 35 in W 120 in D 90 in

Modern Italian Coffee Table by Bomber Bax with Metallised Paints

Located in Milano, IT

Eccentric and one-of-a-kind coffee table created by artist Bomber Bax. Rare and one-of-a-kind piece

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Modern Italian Coffee Table by Bomber Bax with Metallised Paints

H 17.52 in W 43.71 in D 18.71 in

Star Shaped Wood and Glass Coffee Table by Angelo Ostuni

By Angelo Ostuni

Located in Milano, IT

very elegant star shape. The coffee table is very eccentric and extravagant, ideal for design lovers.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Star Shaped Wood and Glass Coffee Table by Angelo Ostuni

H 17.72 in Dm 39.38 in

Art Deco Black French Round Two-Top Tea/Coffee Table

Located in Prato, Tuscany

soft, curvilinear design of the legs is truly innovative and eccentric. The coffee table was created by

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Black French Round Two-Top Tea/Coffee Table

H 21.66 in Dm 21.66 in

Italian Vintage Pair of Coffee Tables in Brass and Opal Glass

Located in Milano, IT

Beautiful pair of fine Italian-made coffee tables from the 20th century. The frame is made of

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Vintage Pair of Coffee Tables in Brass and Opal Glass

H 27.37 in W 23.82 in D 19.69 in

Kolos High Coffee Table in Terracotta Glazed Ceramic by Yonoh Studio

By Yonoh Studio, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

. Kolos thus becomes a coffee table with a strong decorative value, combining its function as a complement

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Kolos High Coffee Table in Terracotta Glazed Ceramic by Yonoh Studio

H 18.12 in Dm 17.72 in

Coffee Table by Osvaldo Borsani & Eugenio Gerli in Wood and Brass Mod. T68

By Eugenio Gerli, Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Milano, IT

. Osvaldo Borsani's coffee table is suitable for furnishing important living rooms with a very eccentric

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Coffee Table by Osvaldo Borsani & Eugenio Gerli in Wood and Brass Mod. T68

H 15.75 in W 48.04 in D 29.53 in

Rare Coffee Table by Marzio Cecchi for Hotel Lake Garda in Rope and Glass

By Marzio Cecchi

Located in Milano, IT

Rare and beautiful coffee table by Marzio Cecchi from the Italian 1970s. The coffee table was made

Category

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

Materials

Rope, Glass

Rare Coffee Table by Marzio Cecchi for Hotel Lake Garda in Rope and Glass

H 18.12 in Dm 35.04 in

Orlando Contemporary Crystal Table

By Reflections Copenhagen

Located in Geneve, CH

Eclectic style meets eccentric glam. The Orlando table is designed by Julie Hugau & Andrea Larsson with the

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal

Orlando Contemporary Crystal Table

H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Set of 2 Hexagonal Gio Ponti Low Tables by Isa Bergamo, Italy, 1950s

By Gio Ponti

Located in London, GB

Gio Ponti Set of 2 hexagonal coffee tables by ISA Bergamo, 1950s Italy. Stunning pair of

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 2 Hexagonal Gio Ponti Low Tables by Isa Bergamo, Italy, 1950s

H 15.8 in W 20.5 in D 23.6 in

Set of 3 Side Tables in Bronze and Forged Steel, Franck Chartrain, France

By Franck Chartrain

Located in Paris, FR

to catch the removable eccentric tray. Thus, the slender design of each table gives it a futuristic

Category

2010s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Set of 3 Side Tables in Bronze and Forged Steel, Franck Chartrain, France

H 18.9 in Dm 23.23 in

Slatted Bench In Meranti Wood, Italy 1950s

Located in Hellouw, NL

eccentric base stands out because of the pointed legs that seem to protrude into the floor and give the

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Slatted Bench In Meranti Wood, Italy 1950s

H 16.15 in W 51.19 in D 18.51 in

Christensen & Larsen Pair of Eccentric Lounge Chairs with Coffee Table

By Christensen & Larsen

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Christensen & Larsen, pair of lounge chairs with coffee table, lacquered wood, fabric, Denmark

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Christensen & Larsen Pair of Eccentric Lounge Chairs with Coffee Table

H 24.41 in W 26.78 in D 32.49 in

Coral Rock Saturn Coffee Table

By Lilian Mustelier

Located in Miami, FL

Made to order Keystone 16” Sphere with 4” planter. Polished 36 Inch round glass table top 1/2

Category

2010s American Center Tables

Materials

Coral

Coral Rock Saturn Coffee Table

H 16 in Dm 16 in

Neoclassical, Maison Jansen Style Round Gilt Metal Coffee Table, Side Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

Neoclassical, Maison Jansen style round gilt metal coffee table, side table Decorative coffee or

Category

Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Neoclassical, Maison Jansen Style Round Gilt Metal Coffee Table, Side Table

H 26 in Dm 26 in

Tall Goatskin Lamp with Custom Oval Linen Shade by Alto Tura

By Aldo Tura

Located in Los Angeles, CA

in the world of mid-century furniture. The designer’s glamorous bar carts, coffee tables, cabinets

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Organic Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wood, Hide, Linen

Tall Goatskin Lamp with Custom Oval Linen Shade by Alto Tura

H 30 in W 16 in D 11 in

Saporiti Modular Lounge Set with Coffee Table in Cognac Leather

By Saporiti

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Saporiti, modular sofa with 5 elements and coffee table, cognac leather, metal, Italy, 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Metal

Saporiti Modular Lounge Set with Coffee Table in Cognac Leather

H 27.17 in W 33.47 in D 32.29 in

Vintage Italian Velvet Five Modular Armchairs and Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Beautiful velvet modular sofa, consisting of 5 armchairs and a coffee table. The coffee table has a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Vintage Italian Velvet Five Modular Armchairs and Coffee Table, 1970s

H 29.93 in W 32.29 in D 37.8 in

Aldo Tura Bar Cart or Mid-20th Century Bar Cart

By Aldo Tura

Located in Miami, FL

, coffee tables, cabinets and more resist categorization and draw inspiration from Art Deco, Art Nouveau

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

Aldo Tura Bar Cart or Mid-20th Century Bar Cart

H 30.25 in W 33 in D 16 in

Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs with Coffee Table in Khaki Green Velvet

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pair of lounge chairs with coffee table, velvet, lacquered wood, plastic, Italy, 1970s Eccentric

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Plastic, Wood

Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs with Coffee Table in Khaki Green Velvet

H 31.5 in W 43.31 in D 37.01 in

Trolley Serving Bar Cart "Pipe" in Goatskin and Brass by Aldo Tura, Italy 1960s

By Aldo Tura

Located in Rome, IT

. The designer’s glamorous bar carts, coffee tables, cabinets and more resist categorization and draw

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Metal, Brass

Trolley Serving Bar Cart "Pipe" in Goatskin and Brass by Aldo Tura, Italy 1960s

H 28.35 in W 39.38 in D 20.08 in

Dali The Work and the Man by Robert Descharnes Hardcover Coffee Table Art Book

By (after) Salvador Dali

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Dali The Work and the Man by Robert Descharnes Hardcover coffee table art book. Master artist

Category

20th Century Spanish Post-Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Dali The Work and the Man by Robert Descharnes Hardcover Coffee Table Art Book

H 13 in W 10 in D 2 in

Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid-Etched Beveled Wall Mirror

By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft

Located in Skokie, IL

designer’s cabinets, coffee tables, credenzas and more are statement pieces in any interior. For his best

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid-Etched Beveled Wall Mirror

H 2 in W 34 in D 52.5 in

Rare Set of Vintage Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini in Purple Velvet

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Milano, IT

seat is composed of cushions reupholstered in a very fine purple velvet. The coffee table that

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron

Rare Set of Vintage Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini in Purple Velvet

H 28.75 in W 103.94 in D 31.5 in

Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953

By George Nelson

Located in Culver City, CA

coffee table as well as a Paul Evans sculpted credenza, and not only does this chaise make a statement

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953

H 28 in W 30 in D 70 in

Midcentury Floor Ashtray Goatskin and Metal by Aldo Tura, Italy 1950s

By Aldo Tura

Located in Rome, IT

, coffee tables, cabinets and more resist categorization and draw inspiration from Art Deco, Art Nouveau

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Floor Ashtray Goatskin and Metal by Aldo Tura, Italy 1950s

H 27.96 in Dm 5.71 in

Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft Mid Century Modern Ash Burl Buffets Credenza Cabinets

By Mastercraft

Located in Dayton, OH

-born Vancouver-based designer’s cabinets, coffee tables, credenzas and more are statement pieces in any

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Ash

Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft Mid Century Modern Ash Burl Buffets Credenza Cabinets

H 32 in W 20 in D 33 in

Modern Italian Coffee Table in Marble and Glass by Acerbis, Sculptural Piece

By Acerbis

Located in Milan, IT

Sculptural modern coffee/cocktail table in black marble and glass by Acerbis, Italy, dating to the

Category

1990s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel, Stainless Steel

Modern Italian Coffee Table in Marble and Glass by Acerbis, Sculptural Piece

H 14.97 in Dm 35.44 in

Mario Dal Fabbro Amorphic Coffee Table

By Mario Dal Fabbro

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Dal Fabbro's wonderfully eccentric coffee table in a blond finish . Glass insert accentuates

Category

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

Mario Dal Fabbro Amorphic Coffee Table

H 16.5 in W 59 in D 39 in

Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Eccentric two-tone rosewood coffee table.

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table

H 14 in W 45 in D 27.5 in

Postmodern Danish Metal Coffee Table

Located in High Point, NC

A metal coffee table with a wooden top created in 20th century Denmark. Shining with eccentric

Category

20th Century Danish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Danish Metal Coffee Table

H 21.9 in W 63 in D 35.8 in

Piero Fornasetti Coffee Table "Le Farfalle", Original Label, 1950s

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

ashlars or studs that cover the supporting structure. The coffee table is ideal to complete eccentric

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Piero Fornasetti Coffee Table "Le Farfalle", Original Label, 1950s

H 21.26 in W 30.32 in D 22.45 in

Piero Fornasetti Coffee Table "Le Farfalle", Original Label, 1950s

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

ashlars or studs that cover the supporting structure. The coffee table is ideal to complete eccentric

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Piero Fornasetti Coffee Table "Le Farfalle", Original Label, 1950s

H 21.26 in W 30.32 in D 22.45 in

Mid 20th Century Italian Alabaster Marble Coffee Table

Located in London, by appointment only

coffee table, circa 1955. Constructed using only the finest and rarest stone, this truly exquisite

Category

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

Materials

Agate, Alabaster

Mid 20th Century Italian Alabaster Marble Coffee Table

H 17.75 in W 36.8 in D 23.25 in

Mid-Century Modern French Coffee Table with Smoke Glass Top

Located in High Point, NC

eccentric curvature of its square legs softened by the effects of time. A standout coffee table with a

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern French Coffee Table with Smoke Glass Top

H 17.7 in W 29.3 in D 29.3 in

Mid-Century Modern Piano Shaped Mirrored Cocktail Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a fabulously eccentric, piano shaped cocktail or coffee table, made of

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Piano Shaped Mirrored Cocktail Coffee Table, 1970s

H 16 in W 35.5 in D 47 in

Very Large Rectangular Walnut Coffee Table with Wicked Grain, 1970s

By Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman

Located in New York, NY

Very large rectangle walnut coffee table with wicked wood grain, 1970s. Simply stunning. Incredible

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Very Large Rectangular Walnut Coffee Table with Wicked Grain, 1970s

H 14 in W 72 in D 29.5 in

Substantial Rosewood and Chrome Coffee Table by Harvey Probber, 1960s

By Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman

Located in New York, NY

Substantial rosewood and chrome coffee table by Harvey Probber, 1960s. The grain and color on the

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Substantial Rosewood and Chrome Coffee Table by Harvey Probber, 1960s

H 16 in W 60 in D 32 in

Isa Bergamo for Gio Ponti Tek Hexagonal Coffee Tables, Original Label

By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo

Located in Milano, IT

Stunning pair of hexagonal coffee tables designed by the great designer Isa Bergamo for Gio Ponti's

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Isa Bergamo for Gio Ponti Tek Hexagonal Coffee Tables, Original Label

H 15.75 in W 22.84 in D 20.08 in

Gio Ponti for Isa Bergamo White Hexagonal Coffee Tables, Original Label

By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo

Located in Milano, IT

Rare pair of hexagonal coffee tables designed by the great designer Isa Bergamo for Gio Ponti's

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Gio Ponti for Isa Bergamo White Hexagonal Coffee Tables, Original Label

H 15.75 in W 22.84 in D 20.08 in

Isa Bergamo for Gio Ponti White Hexagonal Coffee Tables, Original Label

By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo

Located in Milano, IT

Beautiful pair of hexagonal coffee tables designed by the great designer Isa Bergamo for Gio

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Isa Bergamo for Gio Ponti White Hexagonal Coffee Tables, Original Label

H 15.75 in W 22.84 in D 20.08 in

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Eccentric Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal eccentric coffee table for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and glass, every eccentric coffee table was constructed with great care. Find 66 options for an antique or vintage eccentric coffee table now, or shop our selection of 32 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer eccentric coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An eccentric coffee table, designed in the mid-century modern, modern or Hollywood Regency style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made eccentric coffee table over the years, but those crafted by Aaron Scott Design, Aldo Tura and Reflections Copenhagen are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Eccentric Coffee Table?

Prices for an eccentric coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $175 and can go as high as $47,225, while the average can fetch as much as $3,883.

Finding the Right tables for You

The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.

Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.

Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.

Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.

The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.

Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.

No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .

Questions About Eccentric Coffee Table

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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.
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 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 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.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

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