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

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

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 14

What is a tall coffee table called?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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.

Question 19

What is a tray top coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Ironies Coffee Table

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Strider Cocktail Table by Ironies

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Slim Irony Small Coffee Table

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Slim Irony Square Black Coffee Table by Maurizio Peregalli

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ziggy Hourglass Coffee Table in Glossy Red & Melange Orange by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ziggy Hourglass Coffee Table in Glossy Blue & Melange Blue by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ziggy Barrel Coffee Table in Glossy Blue Frame & Melange Blue by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ziggy Barrel Coffee Table in Glossy Gray & Melange White Black by Emilio Nanni

2010s Latvian Tables

Minimalist Wooden Side Coffee Table Charlotte D90 by Olga Engel

2010s Latvian Tables

Minimalist Wooden Side Coffee Low Table Charlotte D60 by Olga Engel

2010s Latvian Tables

Minimalist Wooden Side Coffee Low Table Charlotte D120 by Olga Engel

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Side Tables

Gufram Massolo Coffee Table by Piero Gilardi, Limited Edition of 500

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sideboards

Kojak handcrafted sideboard in aluminium by Damiano Spelta

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Saffron Yellow Threebù Stool by Marcantonio

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Jet Black Threebù Stool by Marcantonio

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Lime Green Threebù Stool by Marcantonio

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Namibian Desert Threebù Stool by Marcantonio

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Sahara Sand Threebù Stool by Marcantonio

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Savannah Land Threebù Stool by Marcantonio

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ziggy Hourglass Pouf in Glossy Gray & Melange White Black Gray by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ziggy Hourglass Pouf in Glossy Gray & Melange Blue by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ziggy Barrel Pouf in Glossy Gray with Melange Orange - Bordeaux by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ziggy Barrel Pouf in Glossy Gray with Melange White - Black Gray by Emilio Nanni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ziggy Barrel Pouf in Glossy Gray with Melange Blue by Emilio Nanni

20th Century Rugs

Antique Rug with Gorgeous Medallion and Variations of Strawberry Field, c.1910's

People Also Browsed

2010s French Modern Chairs

Mawu Sculpted Oak Chair by Laura Gonzalez

Mid-20th Century Belgian Dining Room Chairs

Brutalist Mid-Century Oak De Puydt Dining Chairs '12+'

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers an...

Yki Nummi Large 'Lokki' Pendant for Innolux Oy

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Rustic Wall Lights and Sconces

J 160 Wall Light by Wende Reid - Minimal Rustic Hand-stitched Linen and Brass

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables

Contemporary Minimal Round Coffee Center Table in Travertine Stone Natural Pores

2010s Modern Center Tables

Handcrafted Solid Oak Round Atlantic Coffee Table

2010s Mexican American Empire Center Tables

MC Coffee Table

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...

LU Swing Sconce

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Organic Modern Chandeliers and ...

Tulip 520 Pendant by Wende Reid - Organic, Minimal, Artisanal

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Matt Green, Single Form Square Aluminium Coffee Table, Customisable

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Organic Modern Table Lamps

Sculptural Table Lamp Mezquite Wood Flexible Linen Shade

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Walnut Side Table, Glass Top, by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, c. 1960

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Tandem Sling by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Four-Seat

2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

FRAMA Minimal Scandinavian Design Riveted Table Storage Aluminium Box