Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?

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

What are low tables called?

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

Why are console tables so low?

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

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

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

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

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

Who invented the coffee table?

No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What size should a coffee table be?

A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Why is it called a coffee table?

Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?

The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables .The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa , and its depth will match the seating . These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables , but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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

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

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Low Coffee Tables

Italian Green Cocktail Table

Sunflower Table

European Oak Table

Chinese Qing Dynasty Side Table

Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s

$9,500

Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Rustic Antique Coffee Table, France, 1960s

$3,950

Rustic Antique Coffee Table, France, 1960s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Made from dark wood, this low-profile coffee table has a simple, sturdy design.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Table with Live Edge Top by Jeffrey Greene

$9,500

Low Table with Live Edge Top by Jeffrey Greene

By Jeffrey Greene

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An expressive and finely crafted low table having a live edge walnut top floating on an architectural base.

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Romeo Rega Prod, Italy, c. 1970 Low Display Table

$686

Romeo Rega Prod, Italy, c. 1970 Low Display Table

By Romeo Rega

Located in London, GB

Born in 1904, Italian designer Romeo Rega is one of several 1970s-era designers that are associated with a combination of modernism and glamour in their furniture creations. Rega epi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ellipse Low Table by Jeroen Thys Van Den Audenaerde

$15,683 / item

Ellipse Low Table by Jeroen Thys Van Den Audenaerde

By Jeroen Thys van den Audenaerde

Located in Geneve, CH

Ellipse low table by Jeroen Thys van den Audenaerde. Dimensions: 23.5 x 220 x 74 cm. Marble and brass. Made of carefully chosen marble and finished with functional brass details. Th...

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Brown Lacquered Wood by Cassina

$7,453 / item

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Brown Lacquered Wood by Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Low table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1985. Relaunched by Cassina in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This low table, with its audacious sculptural look, was designe...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Axel Einar Hjorth low table from “Utö” series, Nordiska Kompaniet

$65,000

Axel Einar Hjorth low table from “Utö” series, Nordiska Kompaniet

By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)

Located in New York, NY

A sculptural low table by Axel Einar Hjorth’s from “Utö” series, Nordiska Kompaniet, Crca 1932. These collection, named after the island of Utö in the Stockholm archipelago, was desi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

A rare Finnish low table by ASKO, Mid-20th Century

$3,958

A rare Finnish low table by ASKO, Mid-20th Century

By Asko

Located in Helsinki, FI

The table features a beautifully figured wood top with softly rounded corners and a distinctive extending mechanism. The two outer sections open to reveal a central extension leaf, a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

"Acca" Low Table by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina, Italy, 1960s

$1,693

"Acca" Low Table by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina, Italy, 1960s

By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina

Located in Milan, IT

"Acca" coffee table by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina. Plywood frame with solid wood inserts. Glass top and and inner magazine rack.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table II Verde Breccia Marble

$5,400 / item

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table II Verde Breccia 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

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table I Verde Breccia Marble

$6,900 / item

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table I Verde Breccia 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

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table II Verde Breccia Marble

$5,400 / item

Paloma Editions Jude Low Table II Verde Breccia 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

Drexel Heritage Mahogany And Ebonized Chinoiserie Decorated Low Table C1950

$760Sale Price|20% Off

Drexel Heritage Mahogany And Ebonized Chinoiserie Decorated Low Table C1950

By Drexel

Located in Big Flats, NY

Drexel Heritage Mahogany and Ebonized Low Table with Gilt Chinoiserie Decoration Raised on Straight Square Legs C1950 Measures- 17.5''H x 38''W x 38''D A finely crafted low table by...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Low Midcentury Italian Modern Square Travertine Marble Cube Cocktail Table

$4,800

Low Midcentury Italian Modern Square Travertine Marble Cube Cocktail Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A simple and natural square coffee table made of travertine for Italy circa 1970s.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Iconic 'Mexico' Low Table by Roger Capron, France c.1965

$18,303

Iconic 'Mexico' Low Table by Roger Capron, France c.1965

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

An elegant coffee table in a contrasting color scheme. The top is made of hammered ceramic tiles, partially glazed with stylized patterns reminiscent of a subtle rug. This design ...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

New Volumes Terracotta Echo Low Table by Thomas Coward

$3,037 / item

New Volumes Terracotta Echo Low Table by Thomas Coward

Located in CREMORNE, AU

A robust terracotta coffee table featuring a revolving carousel of voids that call to mind the shapes used in architecture and design for centuries. A contemporary exploration of cla...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Terracotta

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

$915

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

Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT

A small 19th-century low table crafted from walnut, featuring a sturdy X-shaped stretcher base that defines its silhouette and highlights its rustic, authentic character. Its simple ...

Category

Antique 1850s Italian Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gio Ponti style Maple and Laminate Circular Low Table

$7,515

Gio Ponti style Maple and Laminate Circular Low Table

By Gio Ponti

Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire

Gio Ponti style maple wood and blue laminate circular low table reminiscent of the furniture designed for the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Sorrento. Purchased directly from the Pont...

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Maple

French Modern Rectangular Low Tables of Brass and Glass - Two Available

$2,895 / item

French Modern Rectangular Low Tables of Brass and Glass - Two Available

Located in Austin, TX

A fine set of two French Modern rectangular low end occasional or coffee or cocktail tables - each table featuring a rectangular brass frame with two tiers of inset glass, with decor...

Category

20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Contemporary one of a kind Maroon Terra Low Table

$18,303

Contemporary one of a kind Maroon Terra Low Table

Located in 1204, CH

With a keen interest in the uncomfortable relationship between intimacy and voyeurism, Middernacht & Alexander thrive on investigating the psychological aspects of everyday life. Per...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Contemporary one of a kind Dusty Shore Low Table

$10,867

Contemporary one of a kind Dusty Shore Low Table

Located in 1204, CH

With a keen interest in the uncomfortable relationship between intimacy and voyeurism, Middernacht & Alexander thrive on investigating the psychological aspects of everyday life. Per...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Gipsy 45 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$1,544 / item

Gipsy 45 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

Gipsy 45 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly Dimensions: D 45 x H 40 cm Materials: Metal Also available in two hundred different colors from the RAL color chart, please conta...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other, Metal

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

$5,100 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Like a stone from a stream, smoothed for millennia by the passing currents. The fluid potential of natural power emanates from its presence. Dimensions: Diameter 48 in. (122 cm). He...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$1,350 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

An anchor to the organic world. A rounded base draws the eye downward to earth, keeping you grounded. Dimensions: Diameter 20 in. (51 cm), height 16 in. (41 cm), weight 25 lbs. (11 ...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$7,150 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Rounded edges form a continuous plane, juxtaposing rigid structural expectation with an infinite expanse. A reliable, welcoming presence. Dimensions: Width 48 in. (122 cm), depth 48...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

Hand Crafted Custom Wood & Stone Low Cocktail Table or Meditation Altar

$1,850

Hand Crafted Custom Wood & Stone Low Cocktail Table or Meditation Altar

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Beautiful hand crafted custom low cocktail table or meditation altar having black heavy stone top with circular indentation for “singing bowl”. (Bowl in the photos is not for sale) B...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

A Pair of 20th Century Chinese Aubergine Lacquer Low Tables.

$11,205 / set

A Pair of 20th Century Chinese Aubergine Lacquer Low Tables.

Located in London, GB

China, circa 1950. A pair of mid-twentieth century Chinese rectangular low tables in aubergine lacquer, the glass tops supported on faux bamboo legs with gilt decorations throughout...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

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

$2,250 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

An anchor to the organic world. A rounded base draws the eye downward to earth, keeping you grounded. Dimensions: Diameter 36.5 in. (93 cm), height 14 in. (35.5 cm). Weight 40 lbs....

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$1,350 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Like a stone from a stream, smoothed for millennia by the passing currents. The fluid potential of natural power emanates from its presence. Dimensions: Diameter 22 in. (56 cm). Hei...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$5,760 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

An anchor to the organic world. A rounded base draws the eye downward to earth, keeping you grounded. Dimensions: Diameter 48 in. (122 cm), height 18 in. (46 cm). Weight 80 lbs. (3...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

Gipsy 110 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$2,974 / item

Gipsy 110 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

Gipsy 110 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly Dimensions: D 110 x H 35 cm Materials: Metal Also available in two hundred different colors from the RAL color chart, please con...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Other

Gipsy 80 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$2,345 / item

Gipsy 80 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

Gipsy 80 Low Basse Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly Dimensions: D 80 x H 30 cm Materials: Metal Also available in two hundred different colors from the RAL color chart, please conta...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Other

Low Table by Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, 1960s

$9,500

Low Table by Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, 1960s

By Paul Evans

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A welded, patinated, and polychromed steel and glass low coffee / cocktail table of Brutalist influence.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

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

$1,000 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegantly playful and a bright complement. Dimensions: Diameter 24 in. (61 cm), height 14 in. (36 cm), weight 20 lbs. (9 kg). Materials: resin, stone aggregate and fiberglass. Dur...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Stained Wooden Top

$800Sale Price / item|20% Off

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Stained Wooden Top

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Volume is a collection of dining and side tables designed by DAY Studio in their unique simple and playful language. The powder coated metal base is completed with a table top select...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Sheet Metal

Lovely Timeworn Louis XV Style Low Table with Colorful Stone Top

$1,450

Lovely Timeworn Louis XV Style Low Table with Colorful Stone Top

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A charmingly timeworn low table in French style with a particularly lovely stone top with great color. The base is made of wood with a gesso finish. The table's design, with its orn...

Category

Early 20th Century Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

$13,500

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

By René Drouet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French 1940s Art Deco low side or coffee table in gilt forged iron by Rene Drouet.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Thayer Coggin Pisa Chrome Coffee Table

$2,548

Thayer Coggin Pisa Chrome Coffee Table

By Rick Lee, Thayer Coggin

Located in Miami, FL

This oval version measures 42" wide by 28" deep and 14" high, making it the perfect low-profile coffee table for a lounge, living room, or reception area.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

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

$2,250 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

An anchor to the organic world. A rounded base draws the eye downward to earth, keeping you grounded. Dimensions: Diameter 36.5 in. (93 cm). Height 16 in. (41 cm). Weight 40 lbs. (...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$4,850 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

A place of balance and equilibrium. A smooth, beveled edge gently guides the eye around the form, showcasing its fields of stone aggregate. Dimensions: Diameter 42 in. (107 cm), hei...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$1,700 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Rounded edges form a continuous plane, juxtaposing rigid structural expectation with an infinite expanse. A reliable, welcoming presence. Dimensions: Width 32 in. (81.3 cm), depth 3...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$3,390 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Like a stone from a stream, smoothed for millennia by the passing currents. The fluid potential of natural power emanates from its presence. Dimensions: Diameter 36 in. (91 cm), hei...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$5,090 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

A place of balance and equilibrium. A smooth, beveled edge gently guides the eye around the form, showcasing its fields of stone aggregate. Dimensions: Diameter 45 in. (114 cm). Hei...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$1,950 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

A stoic voice emanates from its rough and raw base through its smooth, honed tabletop. A striking piece for outdoor conversation, or a vessel for natural warmth in your home. Dimens...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

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

$1,900 / item

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

By Zachary A. Bitner

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegantly playful and a bright complement. Dimensions: Diameter 36 in. (91 cm), height 14 in. (36 cm), weight 40 lbs. (18 kg). Materials: Resin, stone aggregate and fiberglass. Dur...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

1970s Low Tables 'Andre' by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International

$3,450 / item

1970s Low Tables 'Andre' by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International

By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa

Located in Dronten, NL

Classic “Andre” low table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina/Knoll International, featuring its original chromed steel base and a new matching glass top. This iconic model showcases...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table

$4,800

Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table

Located in Queens, NY

Asian Chinese export (mid-20th Century) hong (black) wood low rectangular coffee table with cabriole legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Sem In Sync Collection Slice Low Table by Zaven

$2,992 / item

Sem In Sync Collection Slice Low Table by Zaven

By SEM, Studio Zaven

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Slice comprises small tables, made with overly thick ceramics. They take different shapes, either squared or semi- circular. Each table is built into two or more elements, which are ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Radici Low Table, Metal Base with Glass Top, Organic Design, Italy

$3,760 / item

Radici Low Table, Metal Base with Glass Top, Organic Design, Italy

Located in Vedelago, IT

The Radici collection features low tables inspired by the organic forms of nature, evoking the essence of roots. The metal finishes, including refined bronze and polished antique gol...

Category

2010s Italian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Japanese Taisho Period Negoro Lacquer Coffee Table

$2,813

Japanese Taisho Period Negoro Lacquer Coffee Table

Located in Pasadena, CA

Traditional Japanese low table are between 12 and 15 inches in height; this table must have been created for the export market and it measures a very comfortable 18 inches--coffee ta...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Fujian Province Qing Dynasty 19th Century Butterfly Low Drinks Table

$1,725

Fujian Province Qing Dynasty 19th Century Butterfly Low Drinks Table

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period 19th century low butterfly-shaped drinks table from the Fujian province with small drawer and weathered patina. Created in the southeastern Chinese prov...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron's Tiles, France circa 1950

$4,461

Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron's Tiles, France circa 1950

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Garden table in terracotta ceramic tiles whose center is decorated with country motifs combining fruits, flowers and birds in an orientalist spirit. The enamelling in relief brings a...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron's Tiles, France circa 1950

$4,461

Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron's Tiles, France circa 1950

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Garden table in terracotta ceramic tiles whose center is decorated with country motifs combining fruits, flowers and birds in an orientalist spirit. The enamelling in relief brings a...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Navis Low Table in Recycled Plastic & Fiberglass by Tor Rothschild

$52,850 / item

Navis Low Table in Recycled Plastic & Fiberglass by Tor Rothschild

Located in Geneve, CH

Navis Low Table in Recycled Plastic & Fiberglass by Tor Rothschild Unique Piece Dimensions: D 50 x W 220 x H 33 cm. Materials: Eroded sycamore. All pieces are hand-sculpted individu...

Category

2010s English Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic, Fiberglass

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Low Cocktail Table After Richard Schultz

$1,250

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Low Cocktail Table After Richard Schultz

By Richard Schultz

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A superb example of Mid-Century Modern architectural design, this vintage low table is a tribute to the minimalist ethos of legendary designer Richard Schultz. Expertly constructed f...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Bohemian Low Basse Oval Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$4,095 / item

Bohemian Low Basse Oval Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

Bohemian Low Basse Oval Metal Table by Laurence Du Tilly Dimensions: D 160x80 x H 35 cm Materials: Metal Also available in two hundred different colors from the RAL color chart, ple...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Other

Iconic Navettes Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

$7,996

Iconic Navettes Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Black hammered ceramic tiles with rhythmic drawings realised in satin white ans shiny red glazes - plus a two-tile grey accent - with the paraffin reserve technic which made the art...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

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

$500

Wooden Display Stand, 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 cherry wood. It has a beautif...

Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Wood and Ceramic Inlays Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris 1961

$19,332

Wood and Ceramic Inlays Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris 1961

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

Exceptional teak coffee table with the iconic "Navettes" tiles inlay, which remain an emblematic creation of the Artist. This table made at the end of 1961 combines the lightness of...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

Charlotte Perriand – Low table from Essarts-Pelvoux vacation village , 1950s

$5,260

Charlotte Perriand – Low table from Essarts-Pelvoux vacation village , 1950s

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Charlotte Perriand – Low table from Essarts-Pelvoux vacation village , 1950s. Quantity: 1

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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Low Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much are Low Coffee Tables?

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

Finding the Right Coffee And Cocktail Tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About Low Coffee Tables

Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
No, 12 inches isn’t necessarily too low for a coffee table. For balance, choose a coffee table that is about two to four inches lower than the seat of the largest piece of furniture around it. Usually, this will be the sofa. If your sofa’s seat is 14 to 16 inches high, a 12-inch coffee table will likely be in proportion. Find an assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What are low tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
Low tables are usually called coffee tables. The name comes from the table height being designed to make it easy to place something, such as a cup of coffee, on the tabletop while seated on a sofa. Alternatively, people may refer to these low tables as cocktail tables. Explore a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Why are console tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.
Why are Japanese dining tables low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The chabudai, or the short Japanese dining table makes the most of limited space by serving many functions in a Japanese home. They often feature collapsible legs so they can be stored. Diners sit on pillows on the floor, rather than chairs, again freeing up more space by not having bulky chairs. Shop a collection of Japanese furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What coffee table height works best with a low mid-century modern sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Look for a table 15 to 18 inches tall to match the lower seat height common to mid-century sofas; a taller table can feel out of proportion next to a low-slung frame.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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