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.

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.

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.

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.

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 standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee 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.

Low Coffee Tables

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Sunflower Table

European Oak Table

Chinese Qing Dynasty Side Table

Ceramic Low Table by Roger Capron, France 1963

$11,443

Ceramic Low Table by Roger Capron, France 1963

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Coffee table made up of a ceramic tiles top, structure and feet in black lacquered steel. The handcrafted geometric decor has been executed according the paraffin reserve technique w...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

DRY Low Table in Travertine by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

$40,322 / item

DRY Low Table in Travertine by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

Located in Geneve, CH

DRY Low Table in Travertine by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: Ø 140 × H 45 cm. Materials: Travertine. Manufactured in Italy. Biography Christophe Perichon came to design by an u...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Italian Original Painted Coffee Table

$1,903

Italian Original Painted Coffee Table

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

19th C Italian original painted beech low table/ coffee table with marble top. 1890 2cm thick quartz marble

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

$6,094 / item

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina Cassina interprets the Mexique furnishings designed by Charlotte Perriand in new versions, for outdoor living enjoyment at i...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

$13,471 / item

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina Cassina interprets the Mexique furnishings designed by Charlotte Perriand in new versions, for outdoor living enjoyment at i...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Garrison Rousseau Low table in Macassar and Shargreen

$3,602

Garrison Rousseau Low table in Macassar and Shargreen

By Garrison Rousseau

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

Garrison Rousseau Coffee Table A large low table designed by Garrison Rousseau in the1980s, in the Art Deco style, veneered in quarter cut Macassar ebony, with shagreen segmented to...

Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Macassar, Shagreen Stingray

French Rectangular Low Table of Walnut with Painted Base

$2,895

French Rectangular Low Table of Walnut with Painted Base

Located in Austin, TX

The whole with a fine patina - Perfect for use as a coffee table.

Category

20th Century French Country Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Paint

Matthias Biberon solid oak oval low table

$8,476

Matthias Biberon solid oak oval low table

By Matthias Biberon

Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares

Matthias Biberon (Paris, 1977) lives and works in Perche (Normandy / France). He began working with wood in 2019, leaving behind photography and ceramics, which he had practiced succ...

Category

2010s French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Arche Low Central Table Steel and Brass

$28,000 / item

Arche Low Central Table Steel and Brass

By Loran Bohall

Located in Indianapolis, IN

The Arche table design was born from the desire to create a monolithic sculptural piece that has the ability to capture and refract a warm golden light. It was inspired by the concep...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Low table in chromed metal and smoked glass 1970

$538

Low table in chromed metal and smoked glass 1970

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Low table in chromed metal and smoked glass. Chip to the top.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Pair of Ming Low Tables with Parquetry Tops

$2,200Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair of Ming Low Tables with Parquetry Tops

Located in Chicago, IL

Can be used as a two piece coffee table or low end tables. Excellent build quality and restored to original condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Low table on castors, 1970s chrome and smoked glass

$641

Low table on castors, 1970s chrome and smoked glass

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Low table in chrome and smoked glass from the 1970s. Equipped with castors. Very good condition.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Louis XVI style low bouillotte table in Carrara marble

$1,237

Louis XVI style low bouillotte table in Carrara marble

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Louis XVI style low bouillotte table in white Carrara marble. Brass to be cleaned. Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 45 cm. Weight: 30 kg. Good general condition.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

1950's Large low table with herringbone rattan

$3,207

1950's Large low table with herringbone rattan

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2606 Large low table with herringbone rattan top and curved iron leg. Italian manufacture, ca. 1950. 138x120xh48

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Leon Rosen Pace Collection Glass & Brass Low Table

$850Sale Price|41% Off

Leon Rosen Pace Collection Glass & Brass Low Table

By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection

Located in Astoria, NY

Leon Rosen Pace Collection Glass and Brass Coffee Table, 1970s, with V form bases. 16" H x 54" W x 47" D. From a New York City Collection.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Artisan Made Antique Walnut Parquet Low Table

$5,200

Artisan Made Antique Walnut Parquet Low Table

Located in Westport, CT

One of a kind table made with antique walnut parquet flooring (rare to find in walnut) with a thick gauged wrought iron scrolled base price reduced from $6500/ no longer available t...

Category

Late 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Tobia Scarpa Bastiano low table, wood, 1960, Gavina

$1,878 / item

Tobia Scarpa Bastiano low table, wood, 1960, Gavina

By Tobia Scarpa

Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT

Bastiano low table by Tobia Scarpa in wood. Two pieces available.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

"cOre" capsule collection in concrete - cOre Low Table

$5,567 / item

"cOre" capsule collection in concrete - cOre Low Table

By Forma & Cemento, Sebastian Bergne

Located in Rome, Lazio

The "cOre" Low Table is a UHPC concrete piece designed by Sebastian Bergne for Forma&Cemento. Part of the "cOre" capsule collection, it takes inspiration from coring techniques u...

Category

2010s Italian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Modern Italian Black Glass and Brass Low Table

$4,200

Modern Italian Black Glass and Brass Low Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Add a touch of sophistication with this sleek modern black glass and brass low table with 2 drawers. Perfect for the modern home. Makes an impressive statement! 50w x 28d x 18h

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Customizable Tacchini PietraForma Low Table by Roberto Sironi

$9,213 / item

Customizable Tacchini PietraForma Low Table by Roberto Sironi

By Tacchini, Roberto Sironi

Located in New York, NY

PietraForma is a material landscape within space, a table at the threshold between design and sculpture that conveys the gestures of those who shaped it, achieving a refined balance ...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, Aluminum

Low table cast iron legs and parquet wood top

$3,505

Low table cast iron legs and parquet wood top

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Very fine low table restored by our workshop. The top was created from two pieces of 18th century parquet flooring from a Burgundy château, in walnut and oak, with the mitered border...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm, Oak, Walnut

Low table : «506 » by Charlotte Perriand circa 1953

$12,027

Low table : «506 » by Charlotte Perriand circa 1953

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Charlotte PERRIAND (1903-1999) Table basse type "506", plateau carré en stratifié blanc, piètement en métal laqué noir Modèle crée en 1953. Bibliographie : -Galerie Downtown F...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Large Raw Square Travertine Low Table -France 1970.

$1,557Sale Price|20% Off

Large Raw Square Travertine Low Table -France 1970.

Located in Brussels, BE

Raw travertine square low table with rounded angles resting on a square travertine base. Probably French-1970.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

$500

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

Located in Katori-Shi, 12

This is a wooden antique low table from the Meiji era. It was used as a working table for woodworkers of the time. It is made of high quality Japanese zelkova wood. The grain of zel...

Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Glas Italia KAZIMIR low table by Michael Anastassiades

$5,324 / item

Glas Italia KAZIMIR low table by Michael Anastassiades

By Michael Anastassiades, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Collection of furniture comprising shelves, consoles, bookcase and low tables, completely made of a special 10 mm tempered green or extra-clear double-sided acid-etched glass. Each i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Gong Low Table by Giulio Cappellini for Cappellini

$3,333 / item

Gong Low Table by Giulio Cappellini for Cappellini

By Giulio Cappellini, Cappellini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The iconic Gong design coffee table, created by Giulio Cappellini, is also available in the Lux version, combining minimalism and precious detailing in perfect balance. Offered in tw...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Matthias Biberon Japanese Cedar & Oak Low Table 2024

$5,613

Matthias Biberon Japanese Cedar & Oak Low Table 2024

By Matthias Biberon

Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares

These low table is a very special Matthias Biberon work, in Japanese Cedar and Oak. All joints are visible is the artist's signature in the pure Japanese influence of Mingei thought ...

Category

2010s French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Cedar

19th Century Italian Chestnut Low Table with Earlier Top

$6,362

19th Century Italian Chestnut Low Table with Earlier Top

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Italian coffee table with a top made from 18th Century chestnut. Sourced from the Piedmont region and the base from 19th Century durmast oak. Chestnut top Circa 1780.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chestnut

Locus Solus Blue Low Table by Gae Aulenti

$2,960 / item

Locus Solus Blue Low Table by Gae Aulenti

By Gae Aulenti, Exteta

Located in Milan, IT

This colorful low table first designed by Gae Auelenti for her signature Locus Solus Collection in 1964 is once again available through Exteta. Aulenti's personal tribute to Pop Art,...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Modern Minimalist Coffee Table

$6,630 / item

Modern Minimalist Coffee Table

Located in Greenwich, CT

This low-profile coffee table is defined by its clean, geometric form and sharp beveled edges.

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple, Hardwood, Lacquer

Pair of Low Triangular Travertine Tables Up & Up, 1970s

$4,467

Pair of Low Triangular Travertine Tables Up & Up, 1970s

Located in Renens, CH

Voguish Italian travertine coffee table from the 1970s, composed of two opposing triangular elements that can be arranged in multiple configurations. Placed together, the two pieces ...

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Glas Italia KAZIMIR low table by Michael Anastassiades

$5,640 / item

Glas Italia KAZIMIR low table by Michael Anastassiades

By Michael Anastassiades, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Collection of furniture consisting of shelves, console and low table, completely made of a special 10 mm tempered double-sided green acid-etched glass, or, in 6+6 mm laminated doub...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Lacquered Wood

$2,709 / item

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Lacquered Wood

By Laurameroni

Located in Monza, IT

Round tall coffee table with brushed matt lacquered hyper-wood structure and upper top in wood with patinated "gold" lacquering.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Primitive Low Table In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut

$7,776Sale Price|20% Off

Large Primitive Low Table In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut

Located in London, GB

A primitive low table in 18th C. Portuguese chestnut. Unusual naturalistic hewn chestnut top.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chestnut

Mid-20th Century American Burled Rootwood Low Table

$5,500

Mid-20th Century American Burled Rootwood Low Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Discover the epitome of natural beauty and mid-20th century American craftsmanship with this extraordinary burled rootwood low table, a true marvel straight from the heart of the Pac...

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Set of Two Chrome/Brass Low Tables. Italy, 1970s

$2,165 / set

Set of Two Chrome/Brass Low Tables. Italy, 1970s

Located in Milan, IT

Pair of Italian 70s matching low tables. Brass/chrome frame with glass elements on both bottom and top sides. As pictured, tables offer several configurations.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Sculpted Low Table in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'

$9,164 / item

Sculpted Low Table in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'

By Sóha

Located in Paris, IDF

Low table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Made to order - Custom size SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Gio Ponti's low table with four shaped wooden legs

$16,037

Gio Ponti's low table with four shaped wooden legs

Located in Milano, IT

Splendid low table with four shaped wooden legs, a thick crystal top, and an elegant lattice-structured undertop with a geometric design for a striking visual lightness. Attributed ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Zig Zag Wrought Iron and Marble Low Table

$7,225 / item

Zig Zag Wrought Iron and Marble Low Table

By Officina Ciani

Located in Milan, IT

Make a statement in your living room with this elegant, stylish and eye-catching stainless steel and marble square low table. The classic smooth statuary marble top is enhanced and m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Gong Low Table by Giulio Cappellini for Cappellini

$1,276 / item

Gong Low Table by Giulio Cappellini for Cappellini

By Cappellini, Giulio Cappellini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Gong table is a signature design by Giulio Cappellini. The round top is made of laser-cut sheet metal, connected to the base with a tubular iron leg. Gong can be disassembled an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Louis XVI style low table cherry wood Carrara marble

$1,420

Louis XVI style low table cherry wood Carrara marble

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Louis XVI style low table in cherry wood - brass and Carrara marble. It features two pull-out slides with two end drawers. The brasses are oxidized (cleaning available upon req...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Plank Wood Coffee Table

$1,850

Vintage Plank Wood Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Measuring 48" long, 17" deep, and 18.5" tall, this versatile piece can serve equally well as a low-profile coffee table, a substantial entryway bench, or a display stand for large-sc...

Category

Late 20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Polished Calle Low Table with organic shape

$14,318

Contemporary Polished Calle Low Table with organic shape

Located in 1204, CH

After a beginning as a furnitures restorer in Italy, and more than seven years of experience in metalworking as an assistant of Valentin Loellmann, Christian specialized in merging t...

Category

2010s Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Oxblood Lacquered Chinoiserie Low Table with Painted Detail

$3,600

Oxblood Lacquered Chinoiserie Low Table with Painted Detail

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Chinoiserie painted table with figural scene on oxblood lacquered low table with curved apron and cabriole legs.

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

$6,139 / item

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina Cassina interprets the Mexique furnishings designed by Charlotte Perriand in new versions, for outdoor living enjoyment at i...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-20th Century French Modernist Pine Low Table

$3,800

Mid-20th Century French Modernist Pine Low Table

Located in Chicago, IL

This exquisite 1950s French modernist pine low table, executed in the true Modernist spirit, embodies the essence of timeless elegance and functionality. Characterized by clean lines...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960

$3,436

Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960

By Giovanni Michelucci

Located in Brussels, BE

Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Matte Brass Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

$2,200 / set

Matte Brass Finish Low Tiered Side Tables, Pair

Located in North Miami, FL

Contemporary, multipurpose low side tables in light brass matte finish with a mirror top. Note: dimensions of taller table is 22.75 inches diameter and 16 inches tall, lower table i...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

X-Base Low Table Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

$8,500

X-Base Low Table Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A striking and well-crafted X-based low table in walnut having a biomorphic boomerang-shaped glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Glass

Mark Brazier Jones, Moonphase Low Table, United Kingdom, 1991

$15,464

Mark Brazier Jones, Moonphase Low Table, United Kingdom, 1991

By Mark Brazier-Jones

Located in Renens, CH

Mark Brazier Jones, born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1956, co founded the Creative Salvage group in London in 1983 with Tom Dixon and André Dubreuil. He is known for welded, one of a...

Category

1990s British Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Arts & Crafts Oak Coffee Table

$5,148 / item

Arts & Crafts Oak Coffee Table

By Jonathan Charles

Located in Westwood, NJ

Equally suited as a coffee table or low center table, it offers quiet character rooted in thoughtful design and skilled workmanship.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cock...

Materials

Wood

Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$7,200

Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

American Modern Polished Chrome and Glass Low Table

$3,250

American Modern Polished Chrome and Glass Low Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Simplicity and artful detailing defines this coffee table. The independent architectural base of this table offer flexibility and freedom of design expression. A clear glass top disp...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Coffee table, Danish design, 1960s.

$1,202

Coffee table, Danish design, 1960s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

Low rosewood coffee table made in Denmark in the 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Circular Lacquered Wood Low Table by Jules Leleu

$22,500

Circular Lacquered Wood Low Table by Jules Leleu

By Jules Leleu

Located in Montreal, QC

Circular brown "laque nuagé" lacquered wood low table by Jules Leleu resting on four oak legs joined by a patinated bronze "x' form stretcher. Signed on paper label under the top, J...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Table by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen

$14,500

Low Table by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen

By Peder Pedersen, Helge Vestergaard-Jensen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A refined and sculptural Scandinavian Modern low table by Helge Vestergaard-Jensen featuring a spare "Y"-shaped legs supporting a floating rectangular teak wood top. Labeled and made...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Round Gloss Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

$6,071 / item

Round Gloss Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Round gloss multileg low table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 120 x height 35 cm Materials: MDF tabletop matt or gloss lacquered. Glass top of 8 mm lacquered on the bottom. L...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, France c. 1960

$10,538

Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, France c. 1960

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Low table made up of ceramic tiles top with alternating matt ceramic stoneware tiles and gold-glazed tiles with stylized sun patterns. Both structure and feet in black lacquered ste...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM03 in Cantera stone

$20,046 / item

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM03 in Cantera stone

Located in 1204, CH

Slight variations and imperfections may apply due to a handmade production process. At OWN, we stand by these artistic choices and do not accept returns related to these intentional ...

Category

2010s Mexican Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Round Marble Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

$12,612 / item

Round Marble Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

Located in Geneve, CH

Round marble multileg low table by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 120 x H 35 cm Materials: MDF base and legs in turned solid alder wood, lacquered in white gloss RAL 9016 or blu...

Category

2010s Spanish 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee 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.

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