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.

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.

Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?

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.

What are low tables called?

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.

Why are console tables so low?

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.

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

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.

What coffee table height works best with a low mid-century modern sofa?

Look for a table 15 to 18 inches tall to match the lower seat height common to mid-century sofas; a taller table can feel out of proportion next to a low-slung frame.

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.

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.

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.

Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.

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.

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.

Low Coffee Tables

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Sunflower Table

European Oak Table

Chinese Qing Dynasty Side Table

Low Chinese Woven Top Square Table

$3,680

Low Chinese Woven Top Square Table

Located in Chicago, IL

This woven-top table elevates the modern home as a statement coffee table with clean lines and rich textures. The square table recreates the traditional daybed known as "ta," used th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm, Bamboo

Jorge Zalszupin Brazilian Low Table

$6,800Sale Price|28% Off

Jorge Zalszupin Brazilian Low Table

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in Washington, DC

Rare table combining rich Brazilian wood with metal, by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Pagoda Rattan Low Drinks Table

$950

Vintage Pagoda Rattan Low Drinks Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This exquisite vintage pagoda-style drinks table captures the essence of Chinoiserie-inspired design with its distinctive flared ends and organic silhouette. Crafted from sturdy bent...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass

Sculptural Walnut Low Table or Bench

$1,950

Sculptural Walnut Low Table or Bench

By George Nakashima

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Fantastic low table or bench in the style of American studio craft designer George Nakashima. Beautifully crafted legs also reminiscent of French Primitive Modern design. Expressiv...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Low small coffee table “Fasce cromate T10” by L.C. Dominioni for Azucena 60s

$1,257

Low small coffee table “Fasce cromate T10” by L.C. Dominioni for Azucena 60s

By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni

Located in Padova, IT

Luigi Caccia Dominioni (Milan, December 7, 1913 - Milan, November 13, 2016) was an Italian architect, designer and urban planner. The Caccia Dominioni archive, privately kept, contai...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

Low stool / Coffee table made of a single block of cedar Riva 1920 Dadone Small

$1,244 / item

Low stool / Coffee table made of a single block of cedar Riva 1920 Dadone Small

By Riva 1920, Andrea Castrignano

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Brand: Riva 1920 Model: Dadone Small Design by: Andrea Castrignano Dadone Small is a low stool / side table sculpted from a single block of solid scented cedar, conceived as a playf...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Low Profile Table

$3,300

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Low Profile Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful century old teak wood from my private collection has been hand carved into this one of a kind minimalist low profile coffee table or side/tray table. The entire piece is ca...

Category

2010s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Clay

$763 / item

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Clay

By Norr11

Located in Paris, IDF

Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Concrete

Low Pedestal, or Coffee Table Base of Wood and Brass with a Faux Stone Finish

$2,950

Low Pedestal, or Coffee Table Base of Wood and Brass with a Faux Stone Finish

Located in New York, NY

Low pedestal, which may be used as a coffee table base.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chai

$763 / item

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chai

By Norr11

Located in Paris, IDF

Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Concrete

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Earth

$763 / item

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Earth

By Norr11

Located in Paris, IDF

Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Concrete

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chalk

$830 / item

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chalk

By Norr11

Located in Paris, IDF

Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Concrete

Tito Agnoli, Low Table, Cinova, 1960s

$4,573

Tito Agnoli, Low Table, Cinova, 1960s

By Tito Agnoli

Located in Paris, FR

Tito Agnoli Low table A white lacquered wood circular table, surmounted with a grey and transparent glass top. Produced by Cinova, Italy. 1960s. Literature Rivista dell’arredament...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture

$51,274 / item

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture

By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Leda low table designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Legs are in a cast varnish brass. Tabletop in brushed and varnished brass. Carrara marble egg on top. Measures: 51 x 190 x 61 H....

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture

$51,274 / item

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture

By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Leda low table designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Legs are in a cast varnish brass. Tabletop in brushed and varnished brass. Carrara marble egg on top. Measures: 51 x 190 x 61 H....

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Low Table 1 by Georgiev Kiril

$1,686 / item

Low Table 1 by Georgiev Kiril

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Table 1 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: D 35 x W 80 x H 80 cm. Materials: Brushed stainless steel and stone. Georgiev Kiril is a multidisciplinary practice that floats within arch...

Category

2010s Bulgarian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Stainless Steel

19th Century Rustic Low Round Table

$22,000

19th Century Rustic Low Round Table

Located in Troy, NY

Unusual, striking, bold. Large, low, round table with a massive top supported by a flared square base, constructed from roughly hewn wooden beams.

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

V Shaped Low Table from USA

$5,600

V Shaped Low Table from USA

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A 'V' or boomerang shaped low table in mahogany with black metal legs.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

SST012 Low Table by Stone Stackers

$2,256 / item

SST012 Low Table by Stone Stackers

Located in Geneve, CH

The refined oval legs at the base lend their sense of aesthetic poise to the overall design of the coffee table. Stone Stackers The Concept: The Stone Stackers brand is deeply c...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Disrupt Low Table by Arne Desmet

$1,730 / item

Disrupt Low Table by Arne Desmet

Located in Geneve, CH

Disrupt low table by Arne Desmet Dimensions: D42 x W75 x H34 cm Materials: Powder coated aluminium. Other colours available on request. The shapes of the Disrupt tables are in...

Category

2010s Belgian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

SST003 Low Table by Stone Stackers

$3,476 / item

SST003 Low Table by Stone Stackers

Located in Geneve, CH

SST003 low table by Stone Stackers Dimensions: D100x H26 cm Materials: Marbles: Marble structure: Verde Alpi Marble top: Sahara Noir Marble top lateral: Palissandro Weight: 49 ...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Architectural Low Table by Studio BBPR

$22,797Sale Price|20% Off

Architectural Low Table by Studio BBPR

By Studio BBPR

Located in Milan, IT

Private comission architectural low table by Studio BBPR. Octagonal shape Manufactured by Pierino Frigerio, Cantu Provenance: Casa Z.P. Milano, Italy.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Low Chinese Square Poet's Table, 19th Century

$2,980

Low Chinese Square Poet's Table, 19th Century

Located in Chicago, IL

During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Placed on top of the kang, lo...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Shale Low Table by Simon Johns

$6,950

Shale Low Table by Simon Johns

By Simon Johns

Located in East-Bolton, Quebec

The Shale Low Table sits on the floor, and a warm chrome geometric form emerges from one side. This part reflects the light in the room, in a slightly distorted way, and contrasts dr...

Category

2010s Canadian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Marble and Steel Octagonal Low Table

$18,500

Marble and Steel Octagonal Low Table

Located in Greenwich, CT

A unique architect-designed and made octagonal low table with a marble top made of segments of variegated white marble alternating with light grey marble within a molded edge on a br...

Category

Vintage 1970s English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Low Chinese Square Poet's Table, 19th Century

$2,680

Low Chinese Square Poet's Table, 19th Century

Located in Chicago, IL

During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Placed on top of the kang, lo...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Illuminated Drum Low Table from USA

$2,800

Illuminated Drum Low Table from USA

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A delightful, expressive and unique illuminated glass-topped low table crafted from a vintage bass drum that retains its original rich blue and red paint. An antique nautical technic...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Sliding Dovetail Original Low Table, 2017

$27,500

Sliding Dovetail Original Low Table, 2017

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A handmade low table in walnut with a round form, natural edges when innate in the wood and three (3) substantial turned legs that are mortised through the top. The top consists of l...

Category

2010s North American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Polished Steel Low Table from USA

$9,800

Polished Steel Low Table from USA

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A substantial modernist low table having a one-piece heavy forged polished stainless steel base with rounded corners and legs supporting a floating mirrored glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jazz Low Table Depicting Musical Instruments

$2,225Sale Price|21% Off

Jazz Low Table Depicting Musical Instruments

Located in London, GB

A 1960s "Jazz" coffee table by Ward & Barker of Manchester. Formica top depicting wind instruments, enclosed in a teak frame, with brass legs. Label to underside: WARD & BARKER...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Bold Low Table by Tolga Sencer

$6,018 / item

Bold Low Table by Tolga Sencer

Located in Geneve, CH

Bold low table by Tolga Sencer Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 85 cm Materials: black lacquer wood, black glass over wood top In Bold Collection, bodies have strong symmetrical structures...

Category

2010s Turkish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture

$51,274 / item

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Sculpture

By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Leda low table designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Legs are in a cast varnish brass. Tabletop in brushed and varnished brass. Carrara marble egg on top. Measures: 51 x 190 x 61 H....

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

L Low Table by Laylo Studio

$10,064 / item

L Low Table by Laylo Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

L Low Table by Laylo Studio Limited Edition Dimensions: D 76.2x W 152.4 x H 35.5 cm. Materials: Weathered steel, stainless steel, glass, flocking. Inspired by the interplay of urban...

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

MER Low Table by Ira Boyko

$13,655 / item

MER Low Table by Ira Boyko

Located in Geneve, CH

MER low table by Ira Boyko Dimentions: D 70 x W 50 x H 18 cm Materials: Glass, Stone Labrador Volga Blue Aqua Male and female energies are merged into one stream, giving birth t...

Category

2010s Russian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Hol-Low Table by Christian Zahr

$12,036 / item

Hol-Low Table by Christian Zahr

Located in Geneve, CH

Hol-low table by Christian Zahr Dimensions: W 120 x D 80 x H 40 cm Materials: Copper- copper tin lined inside- tainted glass Each Piece is Handmade. Christian Zahr studied ar...

Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Hol-Low Table by Christian Zahr

$6,269 / item

Hol-Low Table by Christian Zahr

Located in Geneve, CH

Hol-low table by Christian Zahr Dimensions: W 120 x D 80 x H 40 cm Materials: Galvanised steel- stainless steel- tainted glass Each piece is handmade. Christian Zahr studied ...

Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Hol-Low Table by Christian Zahr

$8,776 / item

Hol-Low Table by Christian Zahr

Located in Geneve, CH

Hol-low table by Christian Zahr Dimensions: W 120 x D 80 x H 40 cm Materials: Brass- Brass tin lined inside- Tainted glass Each Piece is Handmade. Christian Zahr studied architectu...

Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Large Scale Parquet Wood Low Table

$1,150

Large Scale Parquet Wood Low Table

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Fine construction with a banded book matched top in a diamond pattern with herringbone string inlay. The deep apron carved in a curved ribbed pattern with beaded lower edge. Raised o...

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Danish Painted Coffee Table

$2,622

Danish Painted Coffee Table

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Wonderful 19th C painted pine low table/ coffee table. 1830 Finland

Category

Antique 19th Century Finnish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

SA 01 Low Table by Sottsass Associati

$10,525 / item

SA 01 Low Table by Sottsass Associati

By Laura Meroni

Located in Milan, IT

This unique and modern dining table features three main componentsa rectangular base in lustrous steel, a series of cylinder shaped legs in steel with a shiny finish, and a large rec...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

$1,994

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

Located in Barcelona, ES

Elegant wrought gilt iron low round coffee table or occassional table / drinks table.

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

Gilt-Bronze, Walnut & Glass Low Table

$4,480Sale Price|20% Off

Gilt-Bronze, Walnut & Glass Low Table

By Beacon Hill

Located in Huntington, NY

1st Shelf 11.75’’ off ground 16’’ at table top.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Tulip Low Table – Eero Saarinen – Marble – 1960s

$2,439

Tulip Low Table – Eero Saarinen – Marble – 1960s

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Pedestal side table designed by Eero Saarinen, from the Pedestal collection published from 1956 onwards, presenting all the formal characteristics of this series. Circular black m...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Aesthetic Movement Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

$6,770

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

By Matteo Zorzenoni, DeCastelli

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tables, Sculptural Brass Nesting Design, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Set of 3, Italy TITLE: Flocks 32 DESIGNER: Matteo Zorzenoni STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Brass DIMENSIONS: 89cm x 58...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Low Chinese Waisted Scroll Table, c. 1850

$1,480

Low Chinese Waisted Scroll Table, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

With no stretchers or spandrels, this petite Chinese table flows like a ribbon, rounding the bend to solid panel sides carved to resemble table legs. Known as a scroll table, this ki...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Explorer Low Tables by BD Barcelona

$4,743 / item

Explorer Low Tables by BD Barcelona

By Jaime Hayon

Located in Boston, MA

Designed by Jaime Hayon A series of side tables, Explorer 1, 2 and 3 inspired by the playful and what remind one of the jelly-beans, rounded sweets that the children eat in the US. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Khanda Low Table in Wood by Pendhapa

$14,419 / item

Khanda Low Table in Wood by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Khanda Low Table in Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 45 cm. Materials: Wood. You can customize the finish with a choice between textured or smooth and select from a wid...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Rousseau et Lardin Low Table with Gilt Trim

$14,000 / item

Rousseau et Lardin Low Table with Gilt Trim

By Rousseau et Lardin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French 1940s Art Deco low cocktail/coffee/side table in black lacquer with gilt trim by Rousseau et Lardin.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Low Japanese Table for Tendo Mokko, Japan

$7,000

Low Japanese Table for Tendo Mokko, Japan

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

This model of table was designed by engineer Inai Saburo, who supported the early development of Tendo Woodworking. The tabletop has no corners and features beautiful curves flowing...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Small Quartz Low Table Set of Three

Price Upon Request

Small Quartz Low Table Set of Three

By Juan and Paloma Garrido

Located in New York, NY

Small Quartz Low Table Set of Three by Juan and Paloma Garrido. 24-Karat Rose Gold-Plated Metal. Limited Edition of 6 (final set) + 2AP.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Black and Glass Swivel Low Table

$4,500

Italian Black and Glass Swivel Low Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Modern Italian made black glass and chrome swivel low table. Circa 1980. Perfect for today's modern design. 64w x 43d x 14h

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Imperfetto RS 33 Low Table by Laurameroni

$10,338 / item

Imperfetto RS 33 Low Table by Laurameroni

Located in Geneve, CH

Imperfetto RS 33 Low Table by Laurameroni Dimensions: W 140 x D 45 x H 42 cm Materials: Sahara Noir marble. Low table with two hexagonal legs and elliptical top in Sahara Noir marb...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

19th century Chinese red lacquer low table

$1,483

19th century Chinese red lacquer low table

Located in Castle Douglas, GB

19th century Chinese low red lacquer table with a pair of carved mask-head cabriole legs with claw and ball feet to the front, united by a carved and shaped frieze with gilt oriental...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Red Marble Coffee Table

$3,775

Red Marble Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

Perfect as a statement coffee table, low plinth, or display surface, this piece brings timeless sophistication and material richness to any living space.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Rae Kasian Ming Style Lacquer Low Table, 1980s

$2,200

Rae Kasian Ming Style Lacquer Low Table, 1980s

Located in Savannah, GA

A Ming style lacquered low table by Rae Kasian, 1980s. 41 inches wide by 25 inches deep by 18 ¼ inches tall Very good overall with wear and light water marks.

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Chinese Gilt-Decorated and Lacquered Wood Low Table

$1,615

Chinese Gilt-Decorated and Lacquered Wood Low Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Chinese Gilt-Decorated and Lacquered Wood Low Table, the top hand-painted with a scene of a birds perched on flowering branches. 18.5" H x 33.5" W x 26.5" D. Provenance: From an Ea...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Italian Baroque-Style Giltwood Low Table

$2,470

19th Century Italian Baroque-Style Giltwood Low Table

Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL

Equally suitable as a coffee table, drinks table, or decorative accent, this distinctive piece brings warmth, texture, and Old World character to both traditional and eclectic interi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

$6,080

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

By DeCastelli, Matteo Zorzenoni

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tables, Sculptural Brass Nesting Design, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Set of 3, Italy TITLE: Flocks 38 DESIGNER: Matteo Zorzenoni STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Brass DIMENSIONS: 75cm x 50...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Meret Oppenheim Traccia Low Table For Cassina

$5,911 / item

Meret Oppenheim Traccia Low Table For Cassina

By Meret Oppenheim

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Meret Oppenheim Traccia Low Table For Cassina A synergy of geometry and imagination sparked the idea for the iconic Traccia design low table that Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim design...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Meret Oppenheim Traccia Low Table For Cassina

$5,911 / item

Meret Oppenheim Traccia Low Table For Cassina

By Meret Oppenheim

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Meret Oppenheim Traccia Low Table For Cassina A synergy of geometry and imagination sparked the idea for the iconic Traccia design low table that Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim design...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

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Low Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of low coffee tables is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and glass, all low coffee tables available were constructed with great care. We have 4224 antique and vintage low coffee tables in-stock, while there are 894 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of low coffee tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Low coffee tables made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Low coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Roger Capron, Edizione Limitata and Paolo Piva are consistently popular.

How Much are Low Coffee Tables?

Low coffee tables can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,499, while the lowest priced sells for $0 and the highest can go for as much as $346,332.

Finding the Right Coffee And 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 Low Coffee Tables

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.
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.
Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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.
What are low tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
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.
Why are console tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
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.
Why are Japanese dining tables low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What coffee table height works best with a low mid-century modern sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Look for a table 15 to 18 inches tall to match the lower seat height common to mid-century sofas; a taller table can feel out of proportion next to a low-slung frame.
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.
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.
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.
Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.
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.
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.

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