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

Round Gloss Multileg Low Table by Jaime Hayon

$6,077 / 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

$10,549

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

$20,066 / 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

$12,624 / 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

French Gilt Iron and Red Marble Low Table

$2,981

French Gilt Iron and Red Marble Low Table

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Charming coffee table with a great, dynamic design created by the inwardly curving apron and splayed legs. Red veined marble top.

Category

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

Asthila Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

$19,459 / item

Asthila Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Asthila Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 190 x D 70 x H 40 cm. Materials: Natural Oak Veneer. This listing features our Asthila Low Table in natural oak ve...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Anemos Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

$10,469 / item

Anemos Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Anemos Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 110 x D 80 x H 35 cm. Materials: Natural oak veneer. This listing features our Anemos Low Table in 110 cm width. It...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Deepah Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

$8,301 / item

Deepah Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Deepah Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: Ø 100 x H 35 cm Materials: Natural Oak Veneer. This listing features our Deepah Low Table in its 100 cm diameter conf...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table I Arabescato Marble

$6,900 / item

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table I Arabescato Marble

Located in BONDI JUNCTION, AU

Paloma Editions presents the Jude Series. Designed with the intention of modernising a classical, romantic and timeless silhouette. Sculpted from a single block of stone, the Jude se...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Breccia Marble

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

$3,096

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

Located in Brussels, BE

Pair of Low Triangular Travertine Tables Up & Up, 1970s Two parts : D: 42 cm (16.54") H: 40-30 cm (15.75-11.81") W: 81 cm (31.89")

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Fine Italian Ebonized and Marquetry Inlaid Low Table

$9,800

Fine Italian Ebonized and Marquetry Inlaid Low Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

A fine Italian ebonized and marquetry. Inlaid low table. 19th century. The rectangular top with marquetry inlaid throughout over a frieze with three dovetailed drawers all resting o...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

English Faux Bamboo Low Table with Recent Paint & Decoupage

$1,800

English Faux Bamboo Low Table with Recent Paint & Decoupage

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

English, late 19th century faux bamboo coffee or end table that has been recently updated with new paint of ebonized effect and pasted decoupage of seashells. The density of shell il...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

Small old Japanese low table made of zelkova wood/modern side table

$1,500

Small old Japanese low table made of zelkova wood/modern side table

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This mini low table is a one-of-a-kind combination piece, assembled from two old Japanese work tables. Its tabletop and base come from separate zelkova (keyaki) work tables with diff...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table

$2,318

Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table

Located in Kastrup, DK

Chinese low rectangular coffee table made in walnut. Ming style.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

A Carved Naga Daybed / Coffee Table

$7,800

A Carved Naga Daybed / Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Originally used as a raised platform for resting or sitting, this versatile piece transitions beautifully into a contemporary interior as an oversized coffee table or low display pla...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Indian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Pair Of Primitive Low Tables In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut

$9,496

Pair Of Primitive Low Tables In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut

Located in London, GB

A pair of primitive low tables constructed in heavily patinated 18th C.

Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chestnut

18th Century Spanish Walnut Low Table with Angled Legs

$7,995

18th Century Spanish Walnut Low Table with Angled Legs

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Spanish walnut table dates to the 18th century and reflects the direct, utilitarian character of vernacular Iberian furniture. Constructed from thick walnut planks, the table fe...

Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Charlotte Perriand Gueridon J.M Low Table For Cassina

$5,182 / item

Charlotte Perriand Gueridon J.M Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Gueridon J.M Low Table For Cassina A designer low table crafted in 1953 by Charlotte Perriand takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese tray with support ba...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

A Carved Naga Daybed / Coffee Table

$7,800

A Carved Naga Daybed / Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Originally conceived as a functional daybed, this substantial piece translates beautifully into a contemporary interior as an oversized coffee table or low display platform. Its unde...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Indian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

1970s Spanish Washed Wood Farmhouse Low Table w/ Shelf

$1,376

1970s Spanish Washed Wood Farmhouse Low Table w/ Shelf

Located in Marbella, ES

Rustic coffee table. A 1970s Spanish washed wood farmhouse low table with bottom shelf.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Modernism Marble Coffee Table, 1970s

$5,200

Italian Modernism Marble Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Chicago, IL

A low marble coffee table from the 1970s, shaped by the clarity and restraint of Italian modernism.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Giunto Side Low Table by Antrei Hartikainen for Cappellini

$2,475 / item

Giunto Side Low Table by Antrei Hartikainen for Cappellini

By Cappellini, Antrei Hartikainen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Designed by Finnish designer Antrei Hartikainen for Cappellini, Giunto is a collection of coffee tables inspired by organic forms found in nature.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Italian Mid-Century Low Table with Black Glass Top

$752

Italian Mid-Century Low Table with Black Glass Top

Located in London, GB

A good sized mid-century occasional table made from fruit wood with a black glass top. This table was made in Italy. Simple elegant design - perfect as a smaller coffee table, or a...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Set of 2 low tables, Nanda Vigo style

$2,633 / set

Set of 2 low tables, Nanda Vigo style

By Nanda Vigo

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The small version is Width 40 cm Depth 40 cm Height 29 cm Set of 2 small colorful side tables, perfect for a young and contemporary setting. They present some signs of time as natu...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

19th-century low walnut table with X-shaped stretcher base

$917

19th-century low walnut table with X-shaped stretcher base

Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT

An antique 19th-century table crafted from walnut, featuring a low profile and an X-shaped stretcher base that gives the piece a solid, balanced appearance. Its simple lines and stur...

Category

Antique 1850s Italian Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Louis XVI style low table in gilded brass and marble

$1,238

Louis XVI style low table in gilded brass and marble

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Louis XVI style low table in gilded brass and green marble. The frame is fully removable and can be polished by a specialized craftsman. Dimensions: Length 85 cm, Depth 45 cm, Height...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Louis XVI style bouillotte low table with pink marble top

$1,616

Louis XVI style bouillotte low table with pink marble top

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Louis XVI style low table with openwork brass gallery. Solid cherry wood structure with drawers and small drawers. Dimensions: 75 cm width, 75 cm length, 50 cm height. Weight: 100 kg...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Onde Bois Déchiré Sculptural Low Table by Meubles Thouret

$26,488 / item

Onde Bois Déchiré Sculptural Low Table by Meubles Thouret

Located in Geneve, CH

Onde Bois Déchiré Sculptural Low Table by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: W 46 x D 140 x H 41 cm. Mater...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Wood, Ash

Stamped Stoneware Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1970

$6,306

Stamped Stoneware Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1970

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Elegant low table dating from the early 1970s. The top is composed of a very successful arrangement of handcrafted stoneware tiles, some of which are hand-stamped with a plant. Ar...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Rattan Coffee Table, Italy circa 1970

$5,200

Rattan Coffee Table, Italy circa 1970

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Culver City, CA

Italy, 1970 Low rattan coffee table with continuous curved form, made by Vivai del Sud. 48”L x 22”d x 15”h Ref.

Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan

Hollywood Regency Low Glass Side Table Scroll Giltwood

$550

Hollywood Regency Low Glass Side Table Scroll Giltwood

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Scroll Giltwood base with capped balustrade columns. Thick oval glass top. Heavy detail in scrollwork. Curbside available to NYC/Philly $350

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Antique Italian Venetian Style Carved and Painted Low Table

$2,400

Antique Italian Venetian Style Carved and Painted Low Table

Located in Dallas, TX

The Antique Italian Hand Painted Venetian Style Low Table features beautiful carvings and a painted finish, showcasing a traditional and elegant design. This table exudes a classic V...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Low Nesting Tables, High Gloss Mahogany/Natural Cane

$27,315 / set

Contemporary Low Nesting Tables, High Gloss Mahogany/Natural Cane

By Duistt

Located in New York, NY

A composition that includes a set of one coffee tables and one side table. The square coffee table features a high gloss mahogany solid wood combined with natural cane and glass at t...

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass, Mahogany

Low Table in Solid Oak, Made in Denmark, 1940s

$3,200

Low Table in Solid Oak, Made in Denmark, 1940s

Located in Lejre, DK

Low table in solid oak designed and made made in Denmark. Great original condition.

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 771, A Square Low Table, Cassina, 1960s

$2,293

Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 771, A Square Low Table, Cassina, 1960s

By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Paris, FR

Afra & Tobia Scarpa (1935-2011 & 1935-) « 771 » A square ash wood low table, the top plate rested on the frame supported by four rectangular feet. Manufactured by Cassina. With man...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Glazed Lava Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c.1970

$8,485

Glazed Lava Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c.1970

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Coffee table composed of a top of engobed lava slabs glazed in a range of transparent orange-red, mounted on a brushed steel structure. Artist's signature under the enamel. This spe...

Category

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

Materials

Lava

Laurameroni "Hugs" Round Low Table in Raptor Liquid Metal

$5,630

Laurameroni "Hugs" Round Low Table in Raptor Liquid Metal

By Bartoli Design, Laurameroni

Located in Monza, IT

Round tall coffee table with hyper-wood structure covered in liquid metal bronze with "Raptor" texture and upper top in liquid metal bronze.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Oval low table with doe feet and marble Empire style

$2,752

Oval low table with doe feet and marble Empire style

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Empire style low table in wood and gilded wood with doe feet. The oval Carrara marble top. Some signs of wear. FRANCE DELIVERY €189 EUROPE DELIVERY €389 Very uncommon model. We ...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Low table painted in Louis XVI style with green marble

$963

Low table painted in Louis XVI style with green marble

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Low table in Louis XVI style painted with sea green marble. Very good condition. FRANCE DELIVERY 150€ FRANCE DELIVERY 300€ We offer a selection of our items, most of them...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Louis XVI style low table Carrara marble and turned feet

$1,123

Louis XVI style low table Carrara marble and turned feet

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Louis XVI style low table with Carrara marble top encircled with brass and beautiful turned feet. Worn varnish - any restoration possible on request by our workshops. We offer ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Contemporary Modular Walnut & Steel Coffee Table

$1,300

Contemporary Modular Walnut & Steel Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Details & Construction • Solid walnut modular grid top • Welded steel base with matte black finish • Handmade in Los Angeles • Includes two modular walnut coffee coasters • Contempor...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare Sintoform Low Table Architectural Fiberglass Los Angeles California

$1,168Sale Price|49% Off

Rare Sintoform Low Table Architectural Fiberglass Los Angeles California

By Douglas Deeds

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Douglass Deeds for Architectural Fiberglass, Los Angeles California. Rare Sintoform Low Table. 34 X 34 X 16.75 in Heavy finish losses, some fiberglass losses and chipping to bottom...

Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass

Vernacular Low Table in Oak and Terracotta, French Design, 1940s

$2,178

Vernacular Low Table in Oak and Terracotta, French Design, 1940s

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

J.A.D.A Galerie presents: A low table in oak and terracotta, made in France in the 1940s in a vernacular tradition where the joinery was left in plain view rather than concealed. T...

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Late 17th Century Petite Italian Baroque Low Walnut Table

$5,500

Late 17th Century Petite Italian Baroque Low Walnut Table

Located in Troy, NY

Late 17th Century Petite Italian Baroque Low Walnut Table. Rare and adorable small low table of unusual shape. The oblong top with rounded ends and dentil edge supported by lyre-form...

Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Japanese Antique Fuzukue (Low Writing Table), Taisho Era, Circa 1920

$1,500

Japanese Antique Fuzukue (Low Writing Table), Taisho Era, Circa 1920

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

Although originally intended for use while seated on the floor, this fuzukue adapts naturally to contemporary interiors. It can serve as a low writing table, coffee table, display ta...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chestnut

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Tray Top Low Table

$4,000

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Tray Top Low Table

Located in New York, NY

Decorated with floral blossoms and birds in crimson, blue, and gilt on an ivory ground; the shaped removable tray top on a conforming base with cabriole legs ending in pad feet.

Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Art Deco low tables by Paul Follot

$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off

Pair of Art Deco low tables by Paul Follot

By Paul Follot

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Pair of Art Deco low tables designed by Paul Follot (1877-1941). The whole table is covered in rosewood veneer. France, CIRCA 1930.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Wrought Iron and Leather Low Table from USA

$14,500

Wrought Iron and Leather Low Table from USA

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A wrought iron ring suspended by leather straps over a diamond shaped base.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Low table Louis XV style in walnut and marble top

$2,236

Low table Louis XV style in walnut and marble top

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Low table in solid carved walnut in the Louis XV spirit, resting on four characteristic cabriole feet. The richly decorated apron displays finely worked relief carving: elegant folia...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Chinese Mid 19th Century Qing Dynasty Kang / Low Table

$573

Chinese Mid 19th Century Qing Dynasty Kang / Low Table

Located in Kastrup, DK

A Chinese kang table from China mid-19th century. This low table is crafted in lacquered elm wood. It features a rectangular framed top and solid floating panel. In original conditio...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm

Midcentury Low Table in Solid Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s

$2,800

Midcentury Low Table in Solid Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s

Located in Lejre, DK

Low table in solid oak designed and made by a danish cabinetmaker. Great condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Large Chrome and Glass Round Low Table, Italy, 1970s

$2,869

Large Chrome and Glass Round Low Table, Italy, 1970s

Located in London, GB

High quality large chrome and glass round low table, Italy, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco palm leaf like rectangular rosewood big low table

$917 / item

Art Deco palm leaf like rectangular rosewood big low table

Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH

Art Deco palm leaf like rectangular rosewood big low table

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron

$3,038

Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

Elegant wrought iron low round coffee table or occasional table drinks table.

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Gothic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron, Iron

Vintage Italian Polished Chrome Coffee Table

$4,650

Vintage Italian Polished Chrome Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Its monolithic yet airy design makes it a versatile statement piece, capable of serving as a low-profile coffee table, a unique media stand, or even a sculptural bench in a curated e...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio

$9,769 / item

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Bolero Marble Accent Table by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions: D 57 x W 57 x H 40 cm. Materials: Grey Collemandina marble. Available in other marbles. The products are made from na...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Cast Resin 'Slab' Low Table by Zachary A. Design

$7,980 / item

Cast Resin 'Slab' Low Table by Zachary A. Design

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Our low-sitting monolith. For minimalists looking to maximize visual impact. Dimensions: Width 60 in. (152 cm), depth 60 in. (152 cm), height 16 in. (41 cm). Weight 130 lbs. (59 kg)...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

20th Century Italian Low Octagonal Side Table in Walnut

$871Sale Price|20% Off

20th Century Italian Low Octagonal Side Table in Walnut

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

This is a beautiful and sophisticated side table made in Italy around the 80s, it perfectly reflects the distinctive character of Italian handcrafted furniture. Made of elegant waln...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$5,400

Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A low table or bench with an ebonized walnut frame which rises slightly above the table surface and can hold a loose cushion if used as a bench.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Deepah Low Table Twin in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

$18,117 / item

Deepah Low Table Twin in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Deepah Low Table Twin in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 200 x D 120 x H 42 cm Materials: Natural Oak Veneer. This listing features our Deepah Low Table Twin, expertly...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

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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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