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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 much does a coffee table cost?

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Gilded Coffee Tables

Gilded Bronze

Italian Gilt Table

French Wrought Iron Table

Greek Key Cocktail Table

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian Coffee Table in Glass and Gilded Metal

H 15.36 in Dm 41.34 in

French Inspired Mid-Century Modern Gilded Coffee Table Available in Any Size

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid-Century Modern French inspired Coffee Table in an old fashion Hand-Applied Gilded Finish. Shown

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Coc...

Materials

Gold, Steel, Gold Leaf

French Inspired Mid-Century Modern Gilded Coffee Table Available in Any Size

H 20 in W 34 in D 34 in

Hollywood Regency Style Gold Vintage Coco Chanel Style Coffee Table France 1970s

Located in Vienna, AT

. Inspired by nature the designer of the small, amazing, gilded coffee table created a gilded steel base in

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Hollywood Regency Style Gold Vintage Coco Chanel Style Coffee Table France 1970s

H 18.31 in Dm 21.66 in

French Deco Gilded Iron Coffee Table

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

1950's -60's coffee table in gilded bronze and scroll legs with uniquely shaped thick glass top

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

French Deco Gilded Iron Coffee Table

H 18.75 in W 36 in D 36 in

Gilded Wrought Iron Empire Coffee Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Dallas, TX

This rare 1920's French Empire swan coffee table is made of wrought iron with gilded accents. Very

Category

Vintage 1920s Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gilded Wrought Iron Empire Coffee Table

H 19 in W 36 in D 23 in

French Gilded Gilt Iron Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

French 1940's gilded hand-hammered iron coffee table with triple scroll design base supporting a

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Gilded Gilt Iron Coffee Table

H 15.75 in Dm 24 in

Vintage Gilded Faux Bois Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Stunning gilded faux bois cocktail table with glass top.

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Vintage Gilded Faux Bois Coffee Table

H 22.75 in W 55.5 in D 36 in

Original Gilded Aluminum Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in taranto, IT

Original coffee table from the 70s, entirely made of golden aluminum, with a very elegant and sober

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Original Gilded Aluminum Coffee Table, 1970s

H 13.39 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in

Gilded Bronze Coffee Table with Thick Glass Top

Located in New York, NY

Rectangular coffee table in gilded bronze and scroll legs with thick glass top, French, 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Gilded Bronze Coffee Table with Thick Glass Top

H 17.5 in W 46 in D 18 in

Maison Ramsay Coffee Table Gilded Iron Glass, 1950

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Paris, IDF

This beautiful coffee table by Maison Ramsay is from the 1950s, and carries with it the elegant

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Maison Ramsay Coffee Table Gilded Iron Glass, 1950

H 14.97 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in

Vintage large gilded wrought iron Georgian style coffee table

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a vintage gilded wrought iron Georgian inspired coffee table. This neo classical style

Category

Vintage 1980s American Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Vintage large gilded wrought iron Georgian style coffee table

H 21 in W 47.5 in D 31.5 in

Rene Drouet Style Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table

By René Drouet

Located in Sharon, CT

A beautiful and gracefully formed low table in the French 1940s style of Rene Drouet and Rene Prou.

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rene Drouet Style Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table

H 21 in Dm 27.75 in

Coffee table in gilded brass and smoked glass. 1970s.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Coffee table, square in shape. Smoked glass top presenting in its center a decorative engraved

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee table in gilded brass and smoked glass. 1970s.

H 20.87 in W 43.31 in D 39.38 in

1950s Gilded Glass Coffee Table Arturo Pani Mexico City

By Arturo Pani

Located in Chula Vista, CA

1950s sculptural gilded glass coffee table style of Arturo Pani Mexico City Brass and églomisé

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1950s Gilded Glass Coffee Table Arturo Pani Mexico City

H 15 in W 31.75 in D 63.13 in

Beautiful Gilded Iron Scroll Coffee Table Hollywood Regency Modern

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning Gilded iron scroll coffee table. This piece has has a wonderful distressed gold finish

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Beautiful Gilded Iron Scroll Coffee Table Hollywood Regency Modern

H 16 in Dm 40 in

1970 Coffee Table with Gilded Bronze Branches Dlg Agostini

By Guido Agostini

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table with branches in gilded bronze, work in the style of Agostini, the base was made in 7

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

1970 Coffee Table with Gilded Bronze Branches Dlg Agostini

H 18.12 in Dm 29.53 in

Hollywood Regency Gilded Metal Flower Petal Coffee Table Midcentury

By Arthur Court

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Spectacular vintage Hollywood Regency coffee table in the style of Arthur Court. Heavy, metal base

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Regency Gilded Metal Flower Petal Coffee Table Midcentury

H 14 in Dm 36 in

Wood and Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table, 1940 Style

Located in Marseille, FR

Wood and wrought iron coffee table, 1940 style, height dimension 50 cm for a tray size of 100 cm by

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wood and Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table, 1940 Style

H 19.69 in W 39.38 in D 27.56 in

Base For Coffee Table on Antique Gilded Wood and Plexiglass

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

Base for coffee table with three antique round sculpture bases in gilded wood, connected with plexi

Category

Late 20th Century Indian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Palmwood

Base For Coffee Table on Antique Gilded Wood and Plexiglass

H 11.82 in Dm 29.53 in

Maison Baguès Bronze Saint Gobain Gilded Glass Coffee Table 1950s

By Maison Baguès

Located in Paris, IDF

This beautiful coffee table by French house Maison Baguès was created in the early 1950s with solid

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Maison Baguès Bronze Saint Gobain Gilded Glass Coffee Table 1950s

H 14.97 in W 54.34 in D 24.41 in

French Art Deco Round Coffee Table in Gilded Iron, 1950

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Very elegant French Art Deco round coffee table in gilded iron, with a decorated mirror on the top

Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Art Deco Round Coffee Table in Gilded Iron, 1950

H 17.33 in Dm 24.02 in

Maison Jansen Gilded Wood Painted Glass Top Coffee Table, 1950

By Maison Jansen

Located in Paris, IDF

This coffee table by Maison Jansen was made in the early 1950s, with beautifully carved wood feet

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Maison Jansen Gilded Wood Painted Glass Top Coffee Table, 1950

H 15.36 in W 44.89 in D 23.23 in

Museum antique coffee table/console table gilded with marble around 1860, Paris

Located in Berlin, DE

Museum antique coffee table/console table gilded with marble top around 1860, Paris, Louis XVI

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Museum antique coffee table/console table gilded with marble around 1860, Paris

H 27.56 in W 37.8 in D 24.02 in

French Maison Ramsay Gilded Wrought Iron Opaline Coffee Table, 1960s

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Paris, IDF

This coffee table by French design house Maison Ramsay was created with high-quality materials

Category

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

Materials

Iron

French Maison Ramsay Gilded Wrought Iron Opaline Coffee Table, 1960s

H 15.75 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in

Marble coffee table / fire gilded base / Italian marble with beautiful collor

Located in WEERT, NL

Marble coffee table from the 1960s, the top is Italian marble with beautiful colors and drawing (no

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Gold Plate

Marble coffee table / fire gilded base / Italian marble with beautiful collor

H 17.72 in Dm 35.44 in

1980s Gilded Brass Rodolfo Dubarry Square Coffee Table Made in Spain

By Rodolfo Dubarry

Located in Marbella, ES

1980s gilded brass coffee table by Rodolfo Dubarry who set up his workshop in Marbella, where we

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

1980s Gilded Brass Rodolfo Dubarry Square Coffee Table Made in Spain

H 15.36 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in

Bronze Éclaté Gilded Bronze Coffee Table Lamp by Claude Victor Boeltz

By Claude Victor Boeltz

Located in Montreal, QC

Bronze éclaté gilded bronze coffee table lamp by Claude Victor Boeltz inset with amethyst quartz

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Éclaté Gilded Bronze Coffee Table Lamp by Claude Victor Boeltz

H 17.5 in W 63 in D 31.5 in

Vintage Gilt / Gilded Hammered Metal Petite Coffee Table with Stone Top

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage gilt / gilded hammered metal petite coffee table with stone top. Manner of Andre Arbus

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Gilt / Gilded Hammered Metal Petite Coffee Table with Stone Top

H 18.25 in W 34 in D 18 in

Gilded Fine Quality Carved Louis XV Style Round Coffee Table

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Description Carved gilt wood base. Glass top. 15 3/8" h x 47 7/8" diameter. Condition Finish loss. Surface scratches.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gilded Fine Quality Carved Louis XV Style Round Coffee Table

H 16 in W 48 in D 48 in

Gilded Top Coffee Table in the Manner of James Mont, 1950s

By James Mont

Located in New York, NY

Large coffee table with carved base and gilded top in the manner of James Mont, American, 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Giltwood

Gilded Top Coffee Table in the Manner of James Mont, 1950s

H 14.5 in W 45 in D 45 in

French Modernist Gilded Wrought-Iron & Glass Coffee Accent Table ca. 1950s

Located in Shippensburg, PA

MODERNIST GILDED WROUGHT-IRON AND GLASS COFFEE TABLE French, circa 1950s unmarked Item # 401RGG02P

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Modernist Gilded Wrought-Iron & Glass Coffee Accent Table ca. 1950s

H 19.13 in W 29.63 in D 29.63 in

Rodolfo Dubarry's 1970s Spanish Gilded Brass Octagonal Coffee Table with Mirrors

By Rodolfo Dubarry

Located in Marbella, ES

Rodolfo Dubarry’s 1970s Spanish gilded octagonal coffee table with mirrors made up of hand worked

Category

Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Rodolfo Dubarry's 1970s Spanish Gilded Brass Octagonal Coffee Table with Mirrors

H 14.18 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in

Hollywood Regency Gilded Coco Chanel Style Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Gorgeous occasional or coffee table consisting of a nature inspired base made of gilded sheaves of

Category

Vintage 1960s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hollywood Regency Gilded Coco Chanel Style Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table

H 16.74 in Dm 22.45 in

Design Coffee Table, Top in Lacquered Granite Stainless Steel Feet Gilded

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Design coffee table, top in lacquered granite Stainless steel feet gilded, Great decoration

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite, Brass

Design Coffee Table, Top in Lacquered Granite Stainless Steel Feet Gilded

H 13.39 in Dm 39.38 in

Rare Dolphins Neoclassical Brass Coffee Table with Beautiful Gilded Glass Top

By Maison Jansen

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

This rare and beautiful neoclassical stytle coffee table is made of brass. It has elegant dolphin

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Dolphins Neoclassical Brass Coffee Table with Beautiful Gilded Glass Top

H 14.18 in W 37.41 in D 18.12 in

Italian colored & gilded wood, brass & glass Mid Century Modern coffee table

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Varese, Lombardia

Sculptural body in carved, painted and gilded wood with an elegant and light brass structure

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian colored & gilded wood, brass & glass Mid Century Modern coffee table

H 20.67 in Dm 26.78 in

Black Patinated and Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table by Gilbert Poillerat, Franc

By Gilbert Poillerat

Located in New York City, NY

Black patinated and gilded wrought-iron coffee table by Gilbert Poillerat, France, c. 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Wrought Iron

Black Patinated and Gilded Wrought Iron Coffee Table by Gilbert Poillerat, Franc

H 18.5 in W 57 in D 24 in

20th Century Painted Gilded Metal Wood French Design Round Coffee Table, 1960s

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

French design coffee table from 60s / 70s. Furniture with painted and gilded metal base, wooden top

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

20th Century Painted Gilded Metal Wood French Design Round Coffee Table, 1960s

H 20.87 in Dm 31.89 in

Eglomise Mirrored and Gilded Iron Faux Bois Coffee Cocktail Table Art Deco

Located in West Hartford, CT

Stunning large eglomise coffee table that features heavy gilded faux bois iron base and beautiful

Category

Early 2000s Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Eglomise Mirrored and Gilded Iron Faux Bois Coffee Cocktail Table Art Deco

H 20.5 in W 55 in D 36 in

Mid-Century Wrought Gilded Iron and Glass Top Coffee Table, France, 1940s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-century wrought gilded iron and glass top coffee table - France, 1940s.

Category

Vintage 1940s Albanian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Wrought Gilded Iron and Glass Top Coffee Table, France, 1940s

H 17.72 in Dm 43.31 in

20th Century Gilded and Chiseled Brass and Glass French Coffee Table, 1960

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

French coffee table from the 60s / 70s. Furniture in gilded and chiseled brass (faux bamboo) and

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Gilded and Chiseled Brass and Glass French Coffee Table, 1960

H 18.51 in W 25.99 in D 25.99 in

Coffee Table Tray Lacquer of China Style Maison Baguès in Gilded Bronze

By Maison Baguès

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table in gilded bronze, top lacquer of china has decoration, bird, butterfly, the low part

Category

Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Coffee Table Tray Lacquer of China Style Maison Baguès in Gilded Bronze

H 18.12 in W 33.86 in D 18.51 in

Bespoke Butterfly Inlay Round Wood Coffee Table Gold Trim Gilded Cabriole Legs

By Maison Jansen

Located in Chula Vista, CA

trim and standing on gilded cabriole legs. Coffee table presents in the Classic Regency style of

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Bespoke Butterfly Inlay Round Wood Coffee Table Gold Trim Gilded Cabriole Legs

H 12.5 in Dm 39.5 in

Modernist coffee table in gilded metal and smoked glass, France, Circa 1970

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Coffee table in gold painted metal and smoked safety glass top. France, Circa 1970 Dimensions

Category

Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Modernist coffee table in gilded metal and smoked glass, France, Circa 1970

H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

20th Century Lacquered and Gilded Wood Italian Living Room Coffee Table, 1950

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

Italian living room low table from the 20th century. Furniture in carved, lacquered and gilded wood

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

20th Century Lacquered and Gilded Wood Italian Living Room Coffee Table, 1950

H 28.35 in W 25.6 in D 23.63 in

Pier Luigi Colli Hammered Gilded Iron Coffee Table with Shaped Agate Top

By Pier Luigi Colli

Located in New York, NY

A fanciful gilded iron coffee table with intricately hammered details, the apron with foliate and

Category

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

Materials

Agate, Iron

Pier Luigi Colli Hammered Gilded Iron Coffee Table with Shaped Agate Top

H 20 in W 37.5 in D 22.5 in

Coffee Table Tray Lacquer of China Style Maison Baguès in Gilded Bronze

By Maison Baguès

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table in bronze decoration, tray lacquer of China fits Napoleon 3, the low part is shown

Category

Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Coffee Table Tray Lacquer of China Style Maison Baguès in Gilded Bronze

H 33.86 in W 18.12 in D 18.51 in

Rene Drouet Silver Gilded églomisé Coffee Cocktail Table Art Deco French 1940s

By René Drouet

Located in London, GB

several publications. This French gilt cocktail coffee table by Rene Drouet surprisingly still owns its

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Rene Drouet Silver Gilded églomisé Coffee Cocktail Table Art Deco French 1940s

H 16.54 in W 37.01 in D 15.95 in

Stunning Large Gilded Iron Flower Leaf Scroll Coffee Table, France circa 1960's

By Maison Charles, Maison Jansen, René Drouet

Located in Den Haag, NL

Stunning Large Gilded Iron Flower Leaf Scroll Coffee Table, France circa 1960's. This piece has has

Category

Vintage 1960s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Stunning Large Gilded Iron Flower Leaf Scroll Coffee Table, France circa 1960's

H 20.08 in Dm 51.19 in

1970s Two-Tone Gilded Gold Brass on Wood Designer Centre Cocktail Coffee Table

Located in Marbella, ES

1970s two-tone gilded brass on wood designer coffee table from Marbella, Spain. A time when the

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

1970s Two-Tone Gilded Gold Brass on Wood Designer Centre Cocktail Coffee Table

H 15.75 in W 48.43 in D 28.75 in

Coffee Table with Slate Plate, Frame of Gilded Metal and Rosewood by Bendixen

By Bendixen Design

Located in Lejre, DK

Coffee table with slate plate, frame of gilded metal and rosewood by Bendixen Design from the 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Metal

Coffee Table with Slate Plate, Frame of Gilded Metal and Rosewood by Bendixen

H 18.51 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in

Hidden bar coffee table in glass & gilded metal by Maison Lancel, France 1970s

By Maison Lancel

Located in STRASBOURG, FR

Beautiful coffee table with hidden bar by Maison Lancel Paris, circa 1970. The frame is in gilded

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Hidden bar coffee table in glass & gilded metal by Maison Lancel, France 1970s

H 15.36 in W 48.04 in D 27.56 in

Pair of Coffee Table by Ppeter Ghyczy Gilded Bronze 1960's Vintage, Holland

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Lyon, FR

Coffee table in gilded bronze from designer peter. Glass top. traces of erasures erasable on

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Coffee Table by Ppeter Ghyczy Gilded Bronze 1960's Vintage, Holland

H 16.15 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Coffee Table by Raymond Subes in Marble and Gilded Wrought Iron, circa 1935

By Raymond Subes

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Superb coffee / side table divided into a wrought iron base and a round / circular marble top. The

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Coffee Table by Raymond Subes in Marble and Gilded Wrought Iron, circa 1935

H 20.08 in Dm 29.93 in

Coffee Table

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table in gilded wrought iron with a rectangular glass slab top on a corner base with tapered

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Coffee Table

H 15.75 in W 20.87 in D 44.49 in

Paolo buffa coffee table with painted and gilded wood and a mirrored glass top

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Chiavari, Liguria

A magnificent coffee table with a classic taste, crafted from painted and gilded wood with a

Category

Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Paolo buffa coffee table with painted and gilded wood and a mirrored glass top

H 20.87 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in

One Of A Kind Gilded Steel And Glass Sculptural Hand Crafted Coffee Table

By James DeMartis, Joshua David Home

Located in East Hampton, NY

Hand wrought and sculpted iron table Gold leaf finish Smoke grey glass.

Category

2010s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

One Of A Kind Gilded Steel And Glass Sculptural Hand Crafted Coffee Table

H 18 in W 24 in D 48 in

Coffee Table with a Yellow Resin Top on a Gilded Base by Pierre Giraudon, 1970

By Pierre Giraudon

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table with an oval resin top, circa 1970, by Pierre Giraudon (1923-2012). Top in yellow

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

Coffee Table with a Yellow Resin Top on a Gilded Base by Pierre Giraudon, 1970

H 16.93 in W 42.33 in D 23.43 in

Gilded Iron and Glass Cocktail Table

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

This decorative rectangular cocktail table features a gilded iron base, which supports a three

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Gilded Iron and Glass Cocktail Table

Palladia, a pair of gilded cocktail tables

By Palladio

Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL

A pair of gilded cocktail tables by Palladio, Italy. Decorated with 3 gilded flowers each. On top

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Palladia, a pair of gilded cocktail tables

H 20.87 in Dm 19.69 in

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Gilded Coffee Tables", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Gilded Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of gilded coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct gilded coffee tables — often made from metal, glass and iron — can elevate any home. We have 225 antique and vintage gilded coffee tables in-stock, while there are 31 modern editions to choose from as well. Gilded coffee tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Gilded coffee tables made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Hollywood Regency — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many gilded coffee tables are appealing in their simplicity, but Maison Ramsay, Maison Baguès and Maison Jansen produced popular gilded coffee tables that are worth a look.

How Much are Gilded Coffee Tables?

Prices for gilded coffee tables start at $123 and top out at $34,391 with the average selling for $2,900.

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. Browse a vast selection of antique, new and vintage coffee table and cocktail tables today.

Questions About Gilded Coffee Tables

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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
How do I 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

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

Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris

Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

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