Q: 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.

Question 1

What size should a coffee table be?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can a coffee table be too low?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Who invented the coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Why is it called a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

Accepted Answer

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What is the average height of a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What is the best height for a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

Horseshoe Coffee Table

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Horseheads and horseshoes Coffee Table by Maison Jansen

Vintage 1950s American Victorian Center Tables

Restored Two-Tier Rattan "Center Horseshoe" Coffee Table W/ Mahogany Top

Antique 18th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian 18th Century Pietra Dura Marble, Wrought Iron And Brass Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century Spanish Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Chain Link Drinks Table / End or Side Table / Floor Ashtray, Gilt Iron and Wood

Antique Early 1900s French Tables

Antique Arras Bistro Table from 1900, Crafted in France

Mid-20th Century Chinese Armchairs

Vintage Chinese Ming Style Wood Pair of Horseshoe Armchairs and Matching Table

20th Century American Rustic Decorative Boxes

Object d ’Art Centerpiece Junior Carpenter Kit Tool Box with Balls and Horseshoe

2010s Mexican Modern Abstract Sculptures

Decorative Clear Acrylic Chain Link by Paola Valle

Late 20th Century Rustic Living Room Sets

Vintage 4 Pc August Brandt Ranch Oak Rustic Sectional Sofa & Lounge Arm Chair

People Also Browsed

2010s Dutch Modern Side Tables

Picasso Marble Cone Side Table

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...

LU Louis Sconce AS

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches

Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Bronze Bench, France 1950's

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...

LU Louis SM Sconce

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and ...

Pair of Charlotte Perriand 'Applique À Volet Pivotant' Wall Lights in Black

21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Vintage French Coffee/Sofa Table by Maison Jansen

2010s French Modern Chairs

Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez

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

Maison Jansen Style Cocktail Table with Brass Rams Head and Hoof Detail

Vintage 1960s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Neoclassical Brass Table with a Glass and Mirror Top by Maison Jansen, France

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Brass Coffee Table by Maison Baguès

Vintage 1960s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee table with hoof-shaped legs attributed to Maison Jansen

21st Century and Contemporary American Streamlined Moderne Coffee and Co...

Sleek Maison Jansen Style Brass & Black Granite Coffee Table

Vintage 1970s Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Neoclassical Maison Jansen Style Steel & Brass Rectangular Coffee Table

2010s Belgian Modern Sofas

The Montauk, Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa

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

Style of Maison Jansen, Silvered Coffee Table with Black Lacquered Glass

Recent Sales

21st Century and Contemporary French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Equus Tri Table

Vintage 1950s American Victorian Center Tables

Restored Two-Tier Rattan "Center Horseshoe" Coffee Table with Mahogany Top

Vintage 1950s American Victorian Center Tables

Restored Two-Tier Rattan "Center Horseshoe" Coffee Table W/ Mahogany Top

Antique 19th Century Swedish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Swedish 19th Century Painted Wood Coffee Table with Granite Top

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

Gucci Coffee Table Brass and Leather, Italy 70s. Very rare

Vintage 1980s North American Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1980s Mastercraft Faux White Leather and Brass Square Ming Coffee Table

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

MCM Lucite "Waterfall" Coffee Table in the Manner of Charles Hollis Jones

Vintage 1970s American Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1970s Baker Furniture Raffia Wrapped Ming Style Black Square Coffee Table

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Incredible 20th Century Artist Horseshoe Coffee Table

Vintage 1940s Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Spanish Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century American Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Brass Ming Style Coffee Table Reupholstered with Malayer Rug

Antique 19th Century Furniture

Antique Chinese Elmwood coffee table

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1970s Hollywood Regency Brass Oval Coffee Table by Labarge

Horseshoe Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs