Why is it called a coffee table?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

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

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

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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

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

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

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

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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 do you style an oval coffee table?

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

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

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

How much does a coffee table cost?

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

When did coffee tables become popular?

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

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

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

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.

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Italian Wrought Iron Fragment Coffee Table with Glass Top

$2,950

H 19.5 in W 33.5 in D 20.5 in

Contemporary Fragment Coffee table II small with black patinated leather

Located in 1204, CH

between contrasting materials. The Fragment Collection The Fragment Collection is a series of sculptural

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Contemporary Fragment Coffee table II small with black patinated leather

$10,516

H 17.72 in W 57.09 in D 38.59 in

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between contrasting materials. The Fragment Collection The Fragment Collection is a series of sculptural

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Contemporary Fragment Coffee table with patinated leather by Jumandie Seys

$12,406

H 13.78 in W 63 in D 31.5 in

Contemporary Coffee Table Made with Antique Door Fragment on Custom Iron Base

Located in Atlanta, GA

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H 19.5 in W 47.5 in D 27.5 in

Contemporary Coffee Table Made with Antique Door Fragment on Custom Iron Base

Located in Atlanta, GA

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French 1892 Iron Balcony Fragment Made into a Coffee Table with Glass Top

Located in Atlanta, GA

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French 1892 Iron Balcony Fragment Made into a Coffee Table with Glass Top

$4,750

H 19 in W 40.5 in D 23.5 in

Carved Wood Architectural Fragments Accent Cocktail Tables

Located in Hopewell, NJ

drinks tables or pedestals for a glass coffee table. Some vestiges of gilding here and there. Surface

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Carved Wood Architectural Fragments Accent Cocktail Tables

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H 18 in W 19 in D 19 in

Modernist Round Cocktail Table with a Surface of Delicate Eggshell Fragments

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A modernist round cocktail table with a surface of delicate eggshell fragments on a solid oak base

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2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Modernist Round Cocktail Table with a Surface of Delicate Eggshell Fragments

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H 17 in Dm 35.5 in

1960s European midcentury modern Stone Pebbles Fragment Terrazzo Coffee Table

Located in Rümmingen, BW

Unique Looking 1960s-1970s Coffee Table, probably from Germany, this coffee table showcases a distinctive

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1960s European midcentury modern Stone Pebbles Fragment Terrazzo Coffee Table

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H 17.72 in W 17.33 in D 48.82 in

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Fragment Coffee Tables in Marble and Metal

By Artefatto Design Studio, Secolo

Located in London, GB

20mm stone with 45 degree chamfer detail glued to and supported by 3mm steel plate. Steel internal structure wrapped in 2mm steel finished in any of our metal finishes. Felt glides...

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Fragment Coffee Tables in Marble and Metal

H 18.12 in W 46.46 in D 41.34 in

Fragment Coffee Tables in Marble and Metal

By Artefatto Design Studio, Secolo

Located in London, GB

20mm stone with 45 degree chamfer detail glued to and supported by 3mm steel plate. Steel internal structure wrapped in 2mm steel finished in any of our metal finishes. Felt glides...

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Fragment Coffee Tables in Marble and Metal

H 16.15 in W 45.28 in D 55.91 in

Fragment Coffee Table in Marble and Metal

By Artefatto Design Studio, Secolo

Located in London, GB

20mm stone with 45 degree chamfer detail glued to and supported by 3mm steel plate. Steel internal structure wrapped in 2mm steel finished in any of our metal finishes. Felt glides...

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Fragment Coffee Table in Marble and Metal

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Viola Sufi Coffee Table I by the Essentialist

By The Essentialist

Located in ROSE BAY, AU

. Filling the room with metaphors of ocean and fragments of sun. This monolithic coffee table embodies the

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Viola Sufi Coffee Table I by the Essentialist

H 14.18 in Dm 39.38 in

Nero Marquina Sufi Coffee Table II by the Essentialist

By The Essentialist

Located in ROSE BAY, AU

. Filling the room with metaphors of ocean and fragments of sun. This monolithic coffee table embodies the

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Nero Marquina Sufi Coffee Table II by the Essentialist

H 14.18 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in

Bianco Travertine Sufi Coffee Table II by the Essentialist

By The Essentialist

Located in ROSE BAY, AU

. Filling the room with metaphors of ocean and fragments of sun. This monolithic coffee table embodies the

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Bianco Travertine Sufi Coffee Table II by the Essentialist

H 14.18 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in

Nude Travertine Sufi Coffee Table II by the Essentialist

By The Essentialist

Located in ROSE BAY, AU

. Filling the room with metaphors of ocean and fragments of sun. This monolithic coffee table embodies the

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Nude Travertine Sufi Coffee Table II by the Essentialist

H 14.18 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in

Bianco Travertine Sufi Coffee Table I by The Essentialist

By The Essentialist

Located in ROSE BAY, AU

. Filling the room with metaphors of ocean and fragments of sun. This monolithic coffee table embodies the

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Bianco Travertine Sufi Coffee Table I by The Essentialist

H 14.18 in Dm 39.38 in

Nero Marquina Sufi Coffee Table I by The Essentialist

By The Essentialist

Located in ROSE BAY, AU

. Filling the room with metaphors of ocean and fragments of sun. This monolithic coffee table embodies the

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Nero Marquina Sufi Coffee Table I by The Essentialist

H 14.18 in Dm 39.38 in

French Iron Architectural Fragment Coffee Table Frame

Located in Southampton, NY

French Iron Architectural Fragment coffee table Frame with glass top Scrolling, foliated iron

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French Iron Architectural Fragment Coffee Table Frame

H 15.5 in W 53.25 in D 24.25 in

French Antique Iron Architectural Fragment and Glass Coffee Table

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A wonderful marriage of old and new, this exceptional coffee or cocktail table has a newly

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20th Century French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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French Antique Iron Architectural Fragment and Glass Coffee Table

H 19.75 in W 41.13 in D 36.5 in

Fragmented Mirror Tables

Located in Chicago, IL

Custom made in Chicago. Mirror top with black lacquered sides. Dimensions are for each table

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Fragmented Mirror Tables

H 13.5 in W 21.5 in D 26 in

Antique Portuguese Architectural Fragment Table

Located in Houston, TX

This antique Portuguese Architectural Fragment has been given new life as a beautiful coffee table

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Antique Portuguese Architectural Fragment Table

H 16 in W 30 in D 22 in

Resin Top Cocktail Table With Inclusive Metal Fragments

Located in New York, NY

Resin cocktail table with inclusive metal fragments on sculptural lucite base attributed to Pierre

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Resin Top Cocktail Table With Inclusive Metal Fragments

H 16.5 in W 46.75 in D 27 in

Coffee Tables in Stainless Steel and Glass

Located in Renens, CH

Wonderfully designed and modern, this set takes the form of an infinitely adjustable coffee table

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Coffee Tables in Stainless Steel and Glass

H 15.75 in Dm 59.06 in

Gae Aulenti Carrara Marble Jumbo Table for Knoll International, 1970

By Gae Aulenti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gae Aulenti Jumbo coffee table for Knoll. Architect and designer Gae

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Gae Aulenti Carrara Marble Jumbo Table for Knoll International, 1970

H 14 in W 48 in D 48 in

Andrianna Shamaris Fragment Petrified Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

the three together which can be used as a coffee table. As with a diamond, we polish the highest

Category

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Andrianna Shamaris Fragment Petrified Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

H 16 in W 12 in D 10 in

Andrianna Shamaris Fragment Petrified Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

the three together which can be used as a coffee table. As with a diamond, we polish the highest

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

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Andrianna Shamaris Fragment Petrified Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

H 16 in W 14 in D 9 in

Contemporary Fragment Coffee table II small with black patinated leather

Located in 1204, CH

between contrasting materials. The Fragment Collection The Fragment Collection is a series of sculptural

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Contemporary Fragment Coffee table II small with black patinated leather

H 17.72 in W 57.09 in D 38.59 in

Handcrafted Coffee Table in Teak with Glass Fragments

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Rectangular coffee table, teak, concrete, glass, brass, Germany, 1980s The inlay with multicolored

Category

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Concrete

Handcrafted Coffee Table in Teak with Glass Fragments

H 17.92 in W 58.47 in D 24.81 in

Andrianna Shamaris Fragment Petrified Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

the three together which can be used as a coffee table. As with a diamond, we polish the highest

Category

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Materials

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Andrianna Shamaris Fragment Petrified Wood Side Table or Coffee Table

H 16 in W 13 in D 10 in

Iron Neo-Classical Balcony Fragment Table

Located in Larkspur, CA

19th Century Iron French Neo Classical Balcony Fragment, the Central Medallion with Classic Form

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Antique 19th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Iron Neo-Classical Balcony Fragment Table

H 18 in W 60 in D 38.5 in

Architectural Fragment Coffee Table

Located in New Orleans, LA

French architectural fragment now fitted with marble top to create an interesting coffee table

Category

Antique 19th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Architectural Fragment Coffee Table

H 15.75 in Dm 37.5 in

Coffee Table Of Ornate Architectural Fragments w Thick Glass Top

Located in New Orleans, LA

fragments are circa 1900 and the glass top dates much later.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table Of Ornate Architectural Fragments w Thick Glass Top

H 19.75 in W 72 in D 40 in

Antique French Iron Fragment Coffee and Cocktail Table

Located in Houston, TX

This antique French iron fragment table has been crafted for use as a coffee and cocktail table or

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Antique Early 1900s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Antique French Iron Fragment Coffee and Cocktail Table

H 19 in W 44 in D 17.5 in

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Fragmented Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal fragmented coffee table for your home. A fragmented coffee table — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. There are 12 variations of the antique or vintage fragmented coffee table you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the fragmented coffee table you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A fragmented coffee table, designed in the Neoclassical or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one fragmented coffee table that is appealing in its simplicity, but Andrianna Shamaris produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Fragmented Coffee Table?

Prices for a fragmented coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $695 and can go as high as $19,801, while the average can fetch as much as $2,000.

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 Fragmented Coffee Table

Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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 do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
What is the standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.

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