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Mid-Century Jens Risom Coffee Table with Ceramic Tile Inlay
Mid-Century Jens Risom Coffee Table with Ceramic Tile Inlay

Mid-Century Jens Risom Coffee Table with Ceramic Tile Inlay

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Jens Risom floating top coffee table in walnut with colorful ceramic tile inserts makes an

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Style Teak Wood Organic Coffee Table
Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Style Teak Wood Organic Coffee Table

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Style Teak Wood Organic Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Impressive three and a half inch reclaimed teak wood single slab coffee table. Floating on mid

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

1970s Brass Coffee Table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen
1970s Brass Coffee Table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen

1970s Brass Coffee Table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen

By Guy Lefevre

Located in Weesp, NL

Two-tier coffee table with floating top designed in the 1970s by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Willy Rizzo Att. Lacquered, Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, circa 1970
Willy Rizzo Att. Lacquered, Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, circa 1970

Willy Rizzo Att. Lacquered, Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, circa 1970

By Sabot, Willy Rizzo

Located in New York, NY

A Willy Rizzo Att. floating square coffee table in burl wood and lacquer with chrome trim with

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Swivel Brass & Black Glass Cocktail Table by Design Institute of America
Swivel Brass & Black Glass Cocktail Table by Design Institute of America

Swivel Brass & Black Glass Cocktail Table by Design Institute of America

By Design Institute America

Located in Southampton, NJ

Elegant reverse black painted glass and brass cocktail or coffee table with floating upholstered

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Black Glass and Brass Teardrop Swivel Cocktail Table by DIA, Signed
Black Glass and Brass Teardrop Swivel Cocktail Table by DIA, Signed

Black Glass and Brass Teardrop Swivel Cocktail Table by DIA, Signed

By Design Institute America

Located in New York, NY

Elegant reverse black painted glass and polished brass cocktail or coffee table floating on a black

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Golden Oak Floating Shelf Glass Top Side Coffee Tables
Pair of Golden Oak Floating Shelf Glass Top Side Coffee Tables

Pair of Golden Oak Floating Shelf Glass Top Side Coffee Tables

By Drexel

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of modernist Danish Mid-Century Modern style teak matching finish oak side end tables.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, Paris, 1960s
Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, Paris, 1960s

Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, Paris, 1960s

By Guy Lefevre

Located in Weesp, NL

Two-tier brass coffee table with floating top designed in the 1970s by Guy Lefevre for Maison

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Milo Baughman Burled Curve Circle Sofa and Coffee Table
Vintage Milo Baughman Burled Curve Circle Sofa and Coffee Table

Vintage Milo Baughman Burled Curve Circle Sofa and Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Chicago, IL

plinth base to give a floating appearance like the coffee table. A work of art from the 1970s in the burl

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Two-Tier 'Floating' Table attributed to Saporiti
Two-Tier 'Floating' Table attributed to Saporiti

Two-Tier 'Floating' Table attributed to Saporiti

Located in London, London

Two-Tier 'Floating' Table attributed to Saporiti, Italy, c1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Paul Laszlo Coffee Table
Paul Laszlo Coffee Table

Paul Laszlo Coffee Table

By Paul Laszlo

Located in New York, NY

Coffee table with floating round top and pie-shaped patterning in bleached mahogany, and four

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Floating Coffee Table
Vintage Floating Coffee Table

Vintage Floating Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stunning piece of geometric design. Floating coffee table with partial glass top on mauve laminate

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Laminate

Smoke and Chrome Floating Coffee Table
Smoke and Chrome Floating Coffee Table

Smoke and Chrome Floating Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Striking, geometric smoked glass and chrome floating coffee table. Located at LV2, 113 Stanton

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Walnut Floating Coffee Table Attributed to Fabio Lenci c. 1969
Vintage Walnut Floating Coffee Table Attributed to Fabio Lenci c. 1969

Vintage Walnut Floating Coffee Table Attributed to Fabio Lenci c. 1969

By Fabio Lenci, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Glendale, AZ

Fantastic floating coffee table attributed to Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates after Fabio

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Large Scale Floating Coffee Table
Large Scale Floating Coffee Table

Large Scale Floating Coffee Table

Located in Toronto, ON

Large scale black lacquer coffee table with nickel detail.

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Nickel

Ben Shahn Inspired Floating Coffee Table
Ben Shahn Inspired Floating Coffee Table

Ben Shahn Inspired Floating Coffee Table

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

One-of-a-kind coffee table created by local, Hamptons, NY artist - custom works are available.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Plaster, Acrylic

Vintage Danish Teak Coffee Table
Vintage Danish Teak Coffee Table

Vintage Danish Teak Coffee Table

By Johannes Andersen

Located in Vancouver, BC

floating coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

John Keal Floating Coffee Table for Brown Saltman
John Keal Floating Coffee Table for Brown Saltman

John Keal Floating Coffee Table for Brown Saltman

By John Keal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning coffee table featuring a floating biomorphic shape top in ebonized cork wood and

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Aldo Tura Parchment  CocktailTable
Aldo Tura Parchment  CocktailTable

Aldo Tura Parchment CocktailTable

Located in Chicago, IL

This is a fabulous Aldo Tura floating coffee table in a rich golden brown. The top has a rich

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Unique Minimalist Floating Coffee Table Made of 13 Different Woods
Unique Minimalist Floating Coffee Table Made of 13 Different Woods

Unique Minimalist Floating Coffee Table Made of 13 Different Woods

Located in Appeltern, Gelderland

Exclusive design floating Minimalist coffee table, coffee table made with 13 different kind of

Category

2010s Dutch Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

"Floating Top" Marble Coffee Table
"Floating Top" Marble Coffee Table

"Floating Top" Marble Coffee Table

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

"Floating Top" Marble Coffee Table with forged iron legs.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Floating Brass Coffee Table
Vintage Floating Brass Coffee Table

Vintage Floating Brass Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Floating Brass Coffee Table with Mirrored Lower Shelf

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Floating Mirrored Top Coffee Table
Vintage Floating Mirrored Top Coffee Table

Vintage Floating Mirrored Top Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Floating Mirrored Top Coffee Table, Hidden Black Platform Base

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Steelcase Floating "Pop" Inspired Coffee Table
Steelcase Floating "Pop" Inspired Coffee Table

Steelcase Floating "Pop" Inspired Coffee Table

Located in Treasure Island, CA

Floating thick slab of a pop art table. Clear plexi base contributes to floating effect.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass, Plexiglass

Jens Risom Floating Top Coffee Table
Jens Risom Floating Top Coffee Table

Jens Risom Floating Top Coffee Table

By Jens Risom

Located in New London, CT

Newly refinished 1950s era walnut table by Jens Risom.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Karl Springer Floating Grass Cloth Coffee Table
Karl Springer Floating Grass Cloth Coffee Table

Karl Springer Floating Grass Cloth Coffee Table

By Karl Springer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Karl Springer Floating grass cloth coffee table is in great condition and has a large

Category

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

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood, Plywood

Floating Rectangular Glass and Chrome Coffee Table
Floating Rectangular Glass and Chrome Coffee Table

Floating Rectangular Glass and Chrome Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful glass top coffee table elegantly supported on four chrome points. Please contact for

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Jens Risom Monumental Floating Top Coffee Table
Jens Risom Monumental Floating Top Coffee Table

Jens Risom Monumental Floating Top Coffee Table

By Jens Risom

Located in Portland, OR

A very large Jens Risom coffee table for Jens Risom Design. The table is from his line that floats

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Teak Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Coffee Table
Teak Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Coffee Table

Teak Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Coffee Table

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Incredible Mid-Century Modern coffee table with a floating style top and tapered legs. This piece

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Johannes Andersen "Floating" Teak Coffee Table, Denmark, 1950s
Johannes Andersen "Floating" Teak Coffee Table, Denmark, 1950s

Johannes Andersen "Floating" Teak Coffee Table, Denmark, 1950s

By Johannes Andersen, Trensum

Located in Hudson, NY

An elegant and larger 63" coffee table in solid teakwood on "floating" sculpted stand, two drawers

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rare John Keal Floating Boomerang Coffee Table, 1952
Rare John Keal Floating Boomerang Coffee Table, 1952

Rare John Keal Floating Boomerang Coffee Table, 1952

By John Keal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

bottom. In excellent original unrestored condition. One of Keal’s most striking designs, this coffee

Category

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

Vintage Chrome and Marble Coffee Table with Floating Top
Vintage Chrome and Marble Coffee Table with Floating Top

Vintage Chrome and Marble Coffee Table with Floating Top

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage chrome and marble coffee table with floating top.

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Floating Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table Circa 1960s
Floating Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table Circa 1960s

Floating Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table Circa 1960s

Located in Hawthorne, CA

Professionally refinished mid-century modern walnut coffee table cira 1960s. Beautiful wood grain

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Vintage Mid Century Floating Burl Coffee Table with Storage
Vintage Mid Century Floating Burl Coffee Table with Storage

Vintage Mid Century Floating Burl Coffee Table with Storage

Located in Sarasota, FL

Impressive mid century burl coffee table with ample storage.

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Ebonized "Floating" Table
Ebonized "Floating" Table

Ebonized "Floating" Table

Located in New York, NY

Very unusual coffee or side table with cantilevered design. Top layer is mirrored; table is

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Mirror

Jens Risom's Floating Walnut Top Coffee Table with Magazine Insert
Jens Risom's Floating Walnut Top Coffee Table with Magazine Insert

Jens Risom's Floating Walnut Top Coffee Table with Magazine Insert

By Jens Risom

Located in Portland, OR

Jens Risom's floating walnut top coffee table with magazine insert.

Category

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

Iron and Brass Coffee Cocktail Table with Floating Marble Top
Iron and Brass Coffee Cocktail Table with Floating Marble Top

Iron and Brass Coffee Cocktail Table with Floating Marble Top

Located in Long Beach, CA

Iron and Brass Coffee Cocktail Table with Floating Marble Top. Marble top is original and has some

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron, Brass

George Nakashima style 'floating' Burr Elm Coffee Table on Lucite Blocks
George Nakashima style 'floating' Burr Elm Coffee Table on Lucite Blocks

George Nakashima style 'floating' Burr Elm Coffee Table on Lucite Blocks

Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB

A stunning mid-century burr Elm coffee table in the style of George Nakashima The table is sat on

Category

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

Materials

Lucite, Elm

Ramsay Floating Cocktail Table
Ramsay Floating Cocktail Table

Ramsay Floating Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

A rectangular cocktail table featuring a top and deep skirt in Ramsay's signature marbled lacquer

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Hvidt & Mølgaard FD 515 Solid Teak Round Coffee Table Floating Cane Shelf
Hvidt & Mølgaard FD 515 Solid Teak Round Coffee Table Floating Cane Shelf

Hvidt & Mølgaard FD 515 Solid Teak Round Coffee Table Floating Cane Shelf

By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

This gorgeous early solid teak coffee table was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Teak Coffee Table for Mogens Kold, Glass Mosaic
Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Teak Coffee Table for Mogens Kold, Glass Mosaic

Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Teak Coffee Table for Mogens Kold, Glass Mosaic

By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

This stunning and rare Danish Modern teak coffee table was designed by Arne Hovmand Olsen for

Category

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

Materials

Cut Glass, Teak

Walnut and Terrazzo Floating Bowtie Coffee Table by Harvey Probber, circa 1955
Walnut and Terrazzo Floating Bowtie Coffee Table by Harvey Probber, circa 1955

Walnut and Terrazzo Floating Bowtie Coffee Table by Harvey Probber, circa 1955

By Harvey Probber

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

Walnut and Terrazzo floating bowtie coffee table by Harvey Probber, circa 1955. Sculpted walnut

Category

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

Materials

Terrazzo, Walnut

Pace Lucite & Glass Floating Cocktail Table
Pace Lucite & Glass Floating Cocktail Table

Pace Lucite & Glass Floating Cocktail Table

Located in Miami, FL

Fabulous cocktail table featuring two thick lucite bases which the black lucite frame rests in

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite, Glass

Pair of 1960's Floating Travertine Tables
Pair of 1960's Floating Travertine Tables

Pair of 1960's Floating Travertine Tables

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of the coolest travertine tables! These 1960's tables are a pair even though one is an inch

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Floating Top Glass & Brass Cocktail Table
Vintage Floating Top Glass & Brass Cocktail Table

Vintage Floating Top Glass & Brass Cocktail Table

Located in Hudson, NY

a very unique mid-20th century cocktail table, with a brass tri-form base terminating in 3 cradles

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Floating Cocktail Table by Charles Hollis Jones
Floating Cocktail Table by Charles Hollis Jones

Floating Cocktail Table by Charles Hollis Jones

Located in San Francisco, CA

Polished square chrome supports with glass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Modernist Brass Cocktail Table with Floating Glass Top Design
Modernist Brass Cocktail Table with Floating Glass Top Design

Modernist Brass Cocktail Table with Floating Glass Top Design

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Mid century coffee table with modernist brass base design. Table is comprised of two tiers of

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

LEON FROST OVAL FLOATING CANTILEVERED MARBLE LUCITE TABLE
LEON FROST OVAL FLOATING CANTILEVERED MARBLE LUCITE TABLE

LEON FROST OVAL FLOATING CANTILEVERED MARBLE LUCITE TABLE

Located in Miami, FL

MARBLE BASE WITH CASTERS CLEAR LUCITE COLUMN SUPPORTING OVAL GLASS TOP WITH NICKEL ACCENTS.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Walnut Coffee Table
Walnut Coffee Table

Walnut Coffee Table

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Floating lower level coffee table, primarily in walnut. The base of this table is very nice walnut

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Rare Florence Knoll Chrome and Calcutta Floating Cocktail Table
Rare Florence Knoll Chrome and Calcutta Floating Cocktail Table

Rare Florence Knoll Chrome and Calcutta Floating Cocktail Table

By Florence Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare Florence Knoll floating cocktail table with gorgeous calcutta marble and chrome legs. Circa

Category

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

Studio Sturdy Floating Round Table – Charcoal & Soft Grey Resin
Studio Sturdy Floating Round Table – Charcoal & Soft Grey Resin

Studio Sturdy Floating Round Table – Charcoal & Soft Grey Resin

By Martha Sturdy

Located in Vancouver, CA

only the highest grade and quality of materials. The Studio Sturdy Floating Round Table features a

Category

2010s Canadian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Floating Cocktail Table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
Floating Cocktail Table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin

Floating Cocktail Table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin

By Milo Baughman

Located in San Francisco, CA

Two-piece cocktail table in bronze and steel with glass top.   

Category

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

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Floating Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of floating coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct floating coffee tables — often made from wood, metal and glass — can elevate any home. There are 354 antique and vintage floating coffee tables for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 60 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of floating coffee tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Floating coffee tables made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made floating coffee tables over the years, but those made by Andrianna Shamaris, Jens Risom and Milo Baughman are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Floating Coffee Tables?

Prices for floating coffee tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, floating coffee tables begin at $10 and can go as high as $588,050, while the average can fetch as much as $3,336.

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 Floating Coffee Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A floating table is a type of table that looks like blocks of wood designed so that they appear to float. When touched the wood moves, reinforcing the wondrous effect of the table.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How the impossible floating table works relies on tension. Artisans carefully craft the table using laws of physics. When the top is in precisely the right position, tension forces keep it balanced, so it appears to hover in midair. Shop a variety of tables on 1stDibs.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 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.