Question 1

What is Alter Table?

Accepted Answer

With respect to furniture, an alter table — the correct spelling is altar table — is a type of table used for worship or prayer. Mostly it’s a wooden table used for religious celebrations. It comes in different sizes based on the needs and preferences of the community or individual. Check out 1stDibs for a collection of antique altar tables.

Question 2

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 3

Why are console tables so low?

Accepted Answer

Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What are low tables called?

Accepted Answer

Low tables are usually called coffee tables. The name comes from the table height being designed to make it easy to place something, such as a cup of coffee, on the tabletop while seated on a sofa. Alternatively, people may refer to these low tables as cocktail tables. Explore a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Question 5

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 6

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

Accepted Answer

The chabudai, or the short Japanese dining table makes the most of limited space by serving many functions in a Japanese home. They often feature collapsible legs so they can be stored. Diners sit on pillows on the floor, rather than chairs, again freeing up more space by not having bulky chairs. Shop a collection of Japanese furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

No, 12 inches isn’t necessarily too low for a coffee table. For balance, choose a coffee table that is about two to four inches lower than the seat of the largest piece of furniture around it. Usually, this will be the sofa. If your sofa’s seat is 14 to 16 inches high, a 12-inch coffee table will likely be in proportion. Find an assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Low Alter Table

Chinese Mahogany Low Alter Table with Birds & Flora Design

20th Century Side Tables

Table Bolero Low by Alter Ego Studio

2010s Portuguese Armchairs

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio

2010s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Recent Sales

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood and Rattan Low Coffee Alter Table

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Late 19th Century Chinese Low Alter Table

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Furniture

People Also Browsed

Brass and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Glustin Luminaires

2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

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

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

Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires

2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair Various Positions Nightstand in Walnut and Oak by Master Studio for Lemon

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

Luxury Marble Kenya Black Round Coffee Table, Made in Italy

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

LUfo Ceiling Light

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires

2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Modern Fiberglass Coffee Table by Mike Ruiz-Serra, Customizable in Any RAL Color

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Bold Coffee Table Large - Crema Marfil

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Low Alter Table For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Low Alter Table?

More Ways To Browse