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

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

$19,313

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

Low "T" Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

$14,100

Low "T" Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low "T" Table Cream lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 co...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Low Round Table - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

$12,000 / item

Low Round Table - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low Round Table Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 ...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Rare NM& Table (low version) by Afteroom for Källemo, 2018

$2,514

Rare NM& Table (low version) by Afteroom for Källemo, 2018

By Källemo

Located in Uppsala, Uppsala

Very rare table in the NM& series designed directly for Nationalmuseum in Sweden by Afteroom for Swedish firm Källemo in 2018. Källemo states that only between 40-60 tables were eve...

Category

2010s Swedish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete, 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

Antique French Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XV–XVI Transitional Low Table

$2,975

Antique French Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XV–XVI Transitional Low Table

Located in Norwood, NJ

Designed at the height of a coffee or low side table, the piece balances the graceful curves of Rococo design with the emerging restraint and symmetry of Neoclassicism.

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Connect Low Table by Henry Norris, Ebonized Walnut & Bronze, Handmade

$8,740 / item

Connect Low Table by Henry Norris, Ebonized Walnut & Bronze, Handmade

By New Format Studio, Henry Norris

Located in Vancouver, BC

The Connect Low Table is made from ebonized and lacquered domestic hardwood and solid bronze. It's design is a visual reference to the process of making. The base qualities of the ma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Contemporary Patinated Brass Calle duo Low tables with organic shape

$25,141

Contemporary Patinated Brass Calle duo Low tables with organic shape

Located in 1204, CH

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

Category

2010s Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Solid Mahogany and Glass Low Table by Harvey Probber, 1970s

$14,500

Solid Mahogany and Glass Low Table by Harvey Probber, 1970s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A low table with a glass top and three jointed legs form an organic design.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Roca Unido, Low Central Table with a Marble Soul

$15,608 / item

Roca Unido, Low Central Table with a Marble Soul

By Clan Milano

Located in Barlassina, Monza-Brianza

Blockboard wood frame. Cladding metal foil. Marble top.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Sculptural Low Side Table in Ash Wood – Archipen Two by NOOM

$1,439 / item

Sculptural Low Side Table in Ash Wood – Archipen Two by NOOM

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table Two by NOOM works perfectly as a side table next to lounge seating or as a compact coffee table in smaller lounge settings. The natural ash wood highlights ...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Chrysalis No. 1 Low Table in Blackened Stainless Steel, 2015

$27,500 / item

Chrysalis No. 1 Low Table in Blackened Stainless Steel, 2015

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A low coffee / cocktail table of thick, plate steel treated with a blackened finish.

Category

2010s American Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Burgundy Low Side Table in Solid Ash — Archipen 3 by NOOM

$1,686 / item

Burgundy Low Side Table in Solid Ash — Archipen 3 by NOOM

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table Three by NOOM is crafted from stained ash wood. The table emphasizes the natural texture and depth of the material while creating a strong geometric presenc...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Scandinavian Modern Oak and Birch Low Table, Sweden, 1940, Good

$1,371

Scandinavian Modern Oak and Birch Low Table, Sweden, 1940, Good

Located in Paris, IDF

Elegant oak and birch low table Sweden, 1940 Good condition.

Category

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

Materials

Birch, Oak

Monumental Neiman Marcus Green Italian Travertine and Brass Low Table

$14,500

Monumental Neiman Marcus Green Italian Travertine and Brass Low Table

Located in Dallas, TX

An extraordinary monumental green Italian travertine and brass low table originally created as a merchandise display platform for the historic Neiman Marcus flagship store in downtow...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Meret Oppenheim Set of Two Traccia Low Table For Cassina

$11,816 / set

Meret Oppenheim Set of Two Traccia Low Table For Cassina

By Meret Oppenheim

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

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

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Customizable Top and Fabric Tacchini Butter Low Table by Faye Toogood

$4,958 / item

Customizable Top and Fabric Tacchini Butter Low Table by Faye Toogood

By Faye Toogood, Tacchini

Located in New York, NY

Different marble tops and upholstery materials. The Butter Low Table expands the language of Faye Toogood’s collection with a soft, compact element, naturally adapting to the differe...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Big Sur Low Table by Fogia, Brown Glass, Wenge Legs

$2,091 / item

Big Sur Low Table by Fogia, Brown Glass, Wenge Legs

By Simon Klenell, FOGIA

Located in Paris, IDF

Big Sur Low Table by Fogia Designers: Simon Klenell & Kristoffer Sundin Width: 110 cm 43 in Depth: 110 cm 43 in Height: 27 cm 11 in In picture: Brown glass and wenge oak legs T...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Glass, Oak

Low Table Louis XVI Style – Tooled Leather, Openwork Brass, Glass Top

$1,622

Low Table Louis XVI Style – Tooled Leather, Openwork Brass, Glass Top

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Low table in the Louis XVI taste, presumably made in the first half of the 20th century. Structure supported by four tapered and fluted mahogany-stained wooden feet, characteristic ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Chinese Lacquered Low Tables with Porcelain Warming Plates

$56,413 / set

Pair of Antique Chinese Lacquered Low Tables with Porcelain Warming Plates

Located in London, GB

Pair of antique Chinese lacquered low tables with porcelain warming plates Chinese, 18th and 19th Century Height 30cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm This pair of lacquered low tables fitte...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Large French Agate Butterfly Low Table Designed By Isabelle Faure

$15,800

Large French Agate Butterfly Low Table Designed By Isabelle Faure

By Isabelle Faure

Located in Westport, CT

A stunning sculptural low table made from brass of bamboo and intricate illuminating butterflies encased with genuine blue-greige agate wings and eyes. Each wing illuminates. Orig...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Agate, Brass

George Nelson, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure

$3,999

George Nelson, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure

By George Nelson

Located in Milano, IT

COD-1439 George Nelson Pair of low tables with curved iron structure and glass top resting on small colored spheres. UK manufacture, 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Low Jean-Michel Frank tables interpreted by Comte. Tivoli collection, stamped

$46,382 / set

Low Jean-Michel Frank tables interpreted by Comte. Tivoli collection, stamped

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

In the 1930s, Jean-Michel Frank designed a pair of low rectangular table in mica for the smoking room of his own apartment in Paris. Jean-Michel Frank's designs were produced by Com...

Category

Vintage 1930s Argentine Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Arden Riddle Mid-Century Low Table, Rectangular Wood Design, USA

$12,000

Arden Riddle Mid-Century Low Table, Rectangular Wood Design, USA

By Arden Riddle

Located in Queens, NY

American mid-century low table with an elongated rectangular plank surface resting on four slightly tapered squared legs. (ARDEN RIDDLE)

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

XXX Large Low Table, by Johanna Grawunder for Glas Italia

$4,759 / item

XXX Large Low Table, by Johanna Grawunder for Glas Italia

By Glas Italia, Johanna Grawunder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

XXX low table is shown here in the transparent pink, orange and yellow coloured glass, and in the small size of the two tables. Low table realized in transparent pink, orange and yel...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table

$8,500

18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table

Located in Forney, TX

The impressive black lacquered low table having long, inset rectangular top, sculptural natural root formation creates striking openwork display.

Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Set Of 2 Senex Low Tables by Isin Sezgi Avci

$10,182 / set

Set Of 2 Senex Low Tables by Isin Sezgi Avci

Located in Geneve, CH

Set Of 2 Senex Low Tables by Isin Sezgi Avci Unique Pieces. Dimensions: Table 1: D 36 x W 46 x H 40 cm. Table 2: D 35 x W 45 x H 32 cm. Materials: Hand-built ceramic. The Senex low ...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Vintage Low Table with Drawers, Early Showa Period (1926-1940s)

$940

Japanese Vintage Low Table with Drawers, Early Showa Period (1926-1940s)

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

Originally used as a writing desk, it can also serve as a coffee table, display table, or functional accent piece in contemporary interiors.

Category

Vintage 1930s Japanese Showa Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chestnut, Cedar

Two Low Tables of Mother-of-pearl Mosaic, XXth Century

$10,970 / set

Two Low Tables of Mother-of-pearl Mosaic, XXth Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Two low tables with exceptional work of mother-of-pearl mosaic. Indo-Portuguese May sell one piece.

Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Rare Irish Armorial Pietra Dura Low Table with Seashells

$12,500

Rare Irish Armorial Pietra Dura Low Table with Seashells

By J. Darmanin & Sons

Located in New York, NY

The double serpentine form top made of various specimen marbles and inlaid with the armorial for the Baker family of County Tipperary, with motto "Hono Virtutis Satelles" s...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maltese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Table For Cassina

$12,056 / item

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Table For Cassina

By Patricia Urquiola

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Table For Cassina A collection of three designer low tables by Patricia Urquiola in combination with the eponymous sofa, they are the answer t...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Carved Wood Tripod Coffee Table, 1950s

$3,600

French Carved Wood Tripod Coffee Table, 1950s

Located in Chicago, IL

A versatile piece that functions beautifully as a coffee table or low display surface. Condition: Great vintage condition.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Table For Cassina

$6,719 / item

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Table For Cassina

By Patricia Urquiola

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Table For Cassina A collection of three designer low tables by Patricia Urquiola in combination with the eponymous sofa, they are the answer t...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia - Bronze Glass by Patricia Urquiola

$2,062 / item

Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia - Bronze Glass by Patricia Urquiola

By Glas Italia, Patricia Urquiola

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is a striking example of sculptural glass design. Part of the Opalia collection, which includes low tables, high t...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia - Transparent Glass by Patricia Urquiola

$2,062 / item

Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia - Transparent Glass by Patricia Urquiola

By Glas Italia, Patricia Urquiola

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is a striking example of sculptural glass design. Part of the Opalia collection, which includes low tables, high t...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Cylindrical Low Tables Set of 4 In Wood or Lacquer.

$11,979 / set

Cylindrical Low Tables Set of 4 In Wood or Lacquer.

Located in New York, NY

These sets of four low tables offer a versatile and stylish addition to any interior space. Available in different sizes and finishes, they are designed to seamlessly integrate into ...

Category

2010s Greek Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Ceramic, Glass

Poul Kjaerholm Low PK 54 Table for Christensen, Denmark, 1963

$18,284

Poul Kjaerholm Low PK 54 Table for Christensen, Denmark, 1963

By Poul Kjærholm

Located in Brussels, BE

Poul Kjaerholm low PK 54 table for Christensen, Denmark, 1963.

Category

Vintage 1960s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Side Tables / Low Consoles by Maison Baguès, France, 1970s

$3,771 / set

Pair of Side Tables / Low Consoles by Maison Baguès, France, 1970s

By Maison Baguès

Located in PARIS, FR

Pair of Side Tables / Low Consoles by Maison Baguès, France, 1970s Elegant and refined pair of low consoles or side tables by Maison Baguès, produced in France in the 1970s. These ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Low Rectangular Side Table with Distressed Finish and Carved Chow Legs

$2,175

Low Rectangular Side Table with Distressed Finish and Carved Chow Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

The exaggerated shape of the apron lends the piece a sense of movement and weight, while the hand-applied distressed patina gives the wood a richly textured, timeworn finish. Ideal ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Handmade Black Chinese Low Cocktail Table, Mid-20th Century Design

$5,000

Handmade Black Chinese Low Cocktail Table, Mid-20th Century Design

Located in Dallas, TX

This black, low cocktail table is of Chinese origination and has a handmade element to it. The ends are loosely rolled and curl under the table surface as supports for the 'table-top'.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Maison Jansen low table "Petales" in Black Lacquer France 1970

$15,999

Maison Jansen low table "Petales" in Black Lacquer France 1970

By Maison Jansen

Located in Paris, IDF

Maison Jansen, adjustable lounge table Iconic model 'Petales'. Designed in 1972. Painted high-gloss panels, chromed metal bars. The four panels are loosened by pressing buttons and m...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1940s

$3,257

Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1940s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Gilt Iron Spanish Martini Table / Coffee Table Spain, 1940s Elegant wrought gilt iron low round coffee table or occasional drinks table.

Category

Vintage 1940s Spanish Gothic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Rounded Low Side Table in Ash Wood — Freyja 1 by NOOM

$2,879 / item

Rounded Low Side Table in Ash Wood — Freyja 1 by NOOM

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

Gently rounded coffee tables “Freyja” created as an homage to femininity and natural beauty. These sculptural and sensual tables, named after Freyja, a Scandinavian goddess of love, ...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Low-profile Round Oak Table - Serene Fundamenta 36 by NONO

$12,000 / item

Low-profile Round Oak Table - Serene Fundamenta 36 by NONO

By NONO

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Low-profile Round Oak Table - Serene Fundamenta 36 by NONO Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or black tinted finish.

Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Hollywood Regency Venetian Style Antiqued Mirror and Ribbed Mirror Low Table

$5,800

Hollywood Regency Venetian Style Antiqued Mirror and Ribbed Mirror Low Table

Located in Buchanan, MI

Hollywood Regency Venetian style antiqued mirror and ribbed mirror low table. Attributed to Richard Himmel. Measures: H 18 1/2 x W 48 x D 28 inches.

Category

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mirror

French Maison Jansen Style Low Table, Classic Louis XVI Style

$4,800

French Maison Jansen Style Low Table, Classic Louis XVI Style

Located in Montreal, Quebec

French Maison Jansen style low table. Classic Louis XVI style. Hollywood Regency chic, in a style often found in Mid-Century Modern French décor. White marble top is encased in a pie...

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Girafa Low Table by Lina Bo Bardi , 2022, Marcenaria Baraúna

$780 / item

Girafa Low Table by Lina Bo Bardi , 2022, Marcenaria Baraúna

By Lina Bo Bardi

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Design：Lina Bo Bardi, Marcelo Ferraz, Marcelo Suzuki Material：Tauari This is a low table model of a table designed in 1986 for the Salvador "House of Benin" restaurant in Brazil. Th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

TUTU Low Table in Leather and Black Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

$73,665 / item

TUTU Low Table in Leather and Black Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

Located in Geneve, CH

TUTU Low Table in Leather and Black Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: Ø 140 × H 40 cm. Materials: Leather and brushed, engraved black steel. Manufactured in France. Biogra...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 160/36

$17,302 / item

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 160/36

Located in Geneve, CH

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble low table 160/36 Dimensions: diameter 160 x height 36 cm Materials: Port Saint Laurent Angelo is the essence of a round table in n...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

CUP Low Table in Polycarbonate, Marble and Brass by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

$28,913 / item

CUP Low Table in Polycarbonate, Marble and Brass by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

Located in Geneve, CH

CUP Low Table in Polycarbonate, Marble and Brass by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: Ø 70 × H 50 cm. Materials: Polycarbonate, polished Thassos marble, brushed brass. Manufactured i...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

BUL Low Table in Polycarbonate, Marble and Brass by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

$30,672 / item

BUL Low Table in Polycarbonate, Marble and Brass by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

Located in Geneve, CH

BUL Low Table in Polycarbonate, Marble and Brass by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: Ø 70 × H 50 cm. Materials: Polycarbonate, polished Marquina marble, brushed brass. Manufactured ...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Mat Black Lacquered Wood by Cassina

$7,428 / item

Charlotte Perriand Accordo Low Table, Mat Black 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

French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois

$4,450

French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois

By Roche Bobois, Ligne Roset

Located in Houston, TX

French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois. This stunning mid century modern coffee table or low table is generous in size and has beautifully splayed legs.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Luigi Caccia Dominioni, two low living room tables in lacquered wood

$10,856 / set

Luigi Caccia Dominioni, two low living room tables in lacquered wood

By Luigi Caccia Dominioni

Located in Milano, IT

Luigi Caccia Dominioni (1913-2016) Two low living room tables in lacquered wood with thick glass tops in Nile green. A custom made piece lacquered in English green. Azucena Manufac...

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Mexican Low Table GL01 Black marble and Parota wood

$21,141 / item

Contemporary Mexican Low Table GL01 Black marble and Parota wood

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

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM04 in Black Marble and wood

$17,142 / item

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM04 in Black Marble and wood

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

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM02 in Black Marble and wood

$15,999 / item

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM02 in Black Marble and wood

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

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM01 in Black Marble and wood

$19,999 / item

Contemporary Mexican Low Table EM01 in Black Marble and wood

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

Gingko Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer and Lacquer by Pendhapa

$8,959 / item

Gingko Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer and Lacquer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Gingko Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer and Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 138 x D 48 x H 50 cm Materials: Natural Oak Veneer, Lacquer. You can customize the finish with a choice...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Charlotte Perriand Set Of Three Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

$25,644 / set

Charlotte Perriand Set Of Three Mexique Outdoor Low Table For Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Charlotte Perriand Mexique Set of Three Outdoor Low Tables For Cassina Cassina interprets the Mexique furnishings designed by Charlotte Perriand in new versions, for outdoor living ...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

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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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