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

Cesare Augusto Nava Quadrifoglio coffee table Italy 1969

$18,896

Cesare Augusto Nava Quadrifoglio coffee table Italy 1969

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

A magnificent example of Italian radical design ingenuity from the late 1960s, this extraordinary low round coffee table, model Quadrifoglio, was designed by Cesare Augusto Nava and...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Modern Solid Patinated Bronze Smoky Glass-Top Low Tables/Benches

$2,900 / item

Pair of Modern Solid Patinated Bronze Smoky Glass-Top Low Tables/Benches

Located in Buchanan, MI

A pair of modern patinated bronze smoky glass-top low tables/benches These are currently low tables but could easily have a cusion made making them a pair of benches. Priced per tabl...

Category

20th Century Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Millstone Rotating Low Table Panda in Black & White Marble by Yellowdot

$7,043

Millstone Rotating Low Table Panda in Black & White Marble by Yellowdot

By Rossana Orlandi

Located in Milan, IT

Millstone’ is a collection of sculptural coffee & side tables inspired by the Neolithic age, where the stone was used in everyday societal lives from essential tools to decorations. ...

Category

2010s Turkish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Millstone Rotating Low Table in Jade River Green Marble by Yellowdot

$5,239

Millstone Rotating Low Table in Jade River Green Marble by Yellowdot

By Rossana Orlandi

Located in Milan, IT

Millstone’ is a collection of sculptural coffee & side tables inspired by the Neolithic age, where the stone was used in everyday societal lives from essential tools to decorations. ...

Category

2010s Turkish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Low Brow Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

$2,153 / item

Low Brow Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Low Brow Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design Dimensions: D 61 x W 61 x H 36,2 cm. Materials: Resin, stone aggregate, and fiberglass. Based in, produce...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Lace, 21st Century Low Side Carrara and Rosso Verona Marble Table

$6,608

Lace, 21st Century Low Side Carrara and Rosso Verona Marble Table

Located in Cologna Veneta, IT

Made in collaboration with the architect Stefano Calchi Novati, Lace is a coffee table made entirely of marble. The table top is the undisputed protagonist of this elegant and ex...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Low Table Chrome Rings and Brown Glass Top

$1,660

Mid-Century Modern Low Table Chrome Rings and Brown Glass Top

Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH

Mid-Century Modern low table chrome rings and brown glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Selene Low Table in Solid Oak, Lava Stone and Lacquer by Pendhapa

$30,898 / item

Selene Low Table in Solid Oak, Lava Stone and Lacquer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Selene Low Table in Solid Oak, Lava Stone and Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 160 x D 110 x H 35 cm. Materials: Solid Oak, Lava Stone and Lacquer. This listing features our Selen...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Ayana Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer and Solid Oak by Pendhapa

$9,230 / item

Ayana Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer and Solid Oak by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Ayana Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer and Solid Oak by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 120 x D 50 x H 35 cm. Materials: Natural Oak Veneer and Solid Oak. This listing features our Ayana Low...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood, Hardwood

Qing Dynasty Period Low Kang Table with Carved Bats and Cabriole Legs

$1,325

Qing Dynasty Period Low Kang Table with Carved Bats and Cabriole Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

Dating back to the 19th century, this Chinese low Kang coffee table is a stunning relic from the Qing Dynasty.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Nanda Vigo Low Mirror Table "Four Corners" by Driade Italy

$11,452

1970s Nanda Vigo Low Mirror Table "Four Corners" by Driade Italy

By Nanda Vigo

Located in Biella, IT

Nanda Vigo design in years '70 low mirror table "four corners" by Driade Italy Perfect vintage condition, only four little natural stains inside the mirror glass, you see in...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Glass and Steel Low Tables by Gae Aulenti, 1970s

$8,500 / set

Pair of Glass and Steel Low Tables by Gae Aulenti, 1970s

By Gae Aulenti

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An excellent pair of low tables with bent grey glass tops and enameled steel frames by Gae Aulenti.

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Coffee Table Wood Cube and Metal, France, 1970s

$3,435

Coffee Table Wood Cube and Metal, France, 1970s

By Rolf Middelboe & Gorm Lindum

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Low cocktail or coffee table massive wood cube marquetry inlay and metal chrome feet.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Italian Wheat Sheaf Low Table of Gilt Metal with Round Top of Glass

$2,895

Italian Wheat Sheaf Low Table of Gilt Metal with Round Top of Glass

Located in Austin, TX

A fine Italian wheat sheaf cocktail or coffee table (or low table) from the Hollywood Regency era, featuring a round glass top set upon a beautifully designed and constructed sheaf o...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian Wheat Sheaf Low Table of Gilt Metal with Round Top of Glass

$4,500

Italian Wheat Sheaf Low Table of Gilt Metal with Round Top of Glass

Located in Austin, TX

A fine Italian wheat sheaf cocktail or coffee table (or low table) from the Hollywood Regency era, featuring a round glass top set upon a beautifully designed and constructed sheaf o...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Handmade “Oikado” Low Table in Black Walnut by Montaperto Studios, 2023

$2,380Sale Price|20% Off

Handmade “Oikado” Low Table in Black Walnut by Montaperto Studios, 2023

By Angelo Montaperto, Justinian Montaperto, Montaperto Studios

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A lovely handmade low table in turned and laminated American Black Walnut, featuring visible joinery, tapered and rounded turned columnar legs, and a rail and stile panel with sapwoo...

Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Chinese Low Red Lacquer Table with Chow Legs and Scalloped Apron

$2,075

Vintage Chinese Low Red Lacquer Table with Chow Legs and Scalloped Apron

Located in Yonkers, NY

Originally intended for display or ceremonial use, this low table now offers versatile styling potential as a minimalist coffee table, sculpture base, or layered accent in interiors ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Glas Italia Remis Low Table with Storage in Glass by Patricia Urquiola

$4,890 / item

Glas Italia Remis Low Table with Storage in Glass by Patricia Urquiola

By Patricia Urquiola, Glas Italia

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

The Remis low table by Glas Italia, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is a vibrant expression of material experimentation and geometric research. Crafted from a wooden structure entire...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Ettore Sottsass "Holebid" Wooden Coffee Table for Memphis Milano

$9,710 / item

Ettore Sottsass "Holebid" Wooden Coffee Table for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Specifications & Dimensions Designer: Ettore Sottsass Manufacturer: Memphis Milano Product Type: Coffee Table / Low Table Model: Holebid (1984) Structure: Wood Surface Fini...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Ico Parisi for MIM low table Italian midcentury design 1960 ca

$4,008

Ico Parisi for MIM low table Italian midcentury design 1960 ca

By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi

Located in Milan, IT

This exceptional low table made by Ico Parisi around 1960 represents a rich period of collaboration between the designer and the MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) which was established i...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

MDF Italia Cement Fossil Low Table Indoor / Outdoor by Xavier Lust

$2,016 / item

MDF Italia Cement Fossil Low Table Indoor / Outdoor by Xavier Lust

By MDF Italia

Located in New York, NY

The Belgian designer and sculptor Xavier Lust signs Fossil for MDF Italia, an eclectic furnishing accessory that can be used as a low table. A highly versatile design for a family of...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

TEND Low Table in Boucle Fabric, Wood and Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

$15,369 / item

TEND Low Table in Boucle Fabric, Wood and Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON

Located in Geneve, CH

TEND Low Table in Boucle Fabric, Wood and Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: Ø 110 × H 37 cm. Materials: Pierre Frey water-repellent bouclé fabric, wood structure, and brushed...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Contemporary multicolour Forged Copper & Steel Low table, 2025 by Conrad Hicks

$32,067

Contemporary multicolour Forged Copper & Steel Low table, 2025 by Conrad Hicks

Located in 1204, CH

One piece of aluminium bronze forged creating a flat surface and base with forged hammer marks and coloured patina. Works as a stand-alone or in a pair. After a few years of workin...

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Copper, Steel

Humboldt Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

$9,459 / item

Humboldt Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Humboldt Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design Dimensions: Ø 121,9 x H 40,6 cm. Materials: Resin, stone aggregate, and fiberglass. Based in, produce...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Millstone Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

$9,906 / item

Millstone Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Millstone Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design Dimensions: Ø 121,9 x H 45,7 cm. Materials: Resin, stone aggregate, and fiberglass. Based in, produc...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Millstone Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

$2,324 / item

Millstone Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Millstone Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design Dimensions: Ø 50,8 x H 61 cm. Materials: Resin, stone aggregate, and fiberglass. Based in, produced,...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Cashi Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

$8,761 / item

Cashi Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Cashi Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design Dimensions: Ø 114,3 x H 40,6 cm. Materials: Resin, stone aggregate, and fiberglass. Based in, produced, ...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Trapezium Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

$10,925 / item

Trapezium Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Trapezium Low Table in Resin, Stone Aggregate & Fiberglass by Zachary A. Design Dimensions: D 101,6 x W 101,6 x H 35,6 cm. Materials: Resin, stone aggregate, and fiberglass. Ba...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Other

Qing Dynasty Low Table or Bench with Custom Dark Brown Lacquer Finish

$2,175

Qing Dynasty Low Table or Bench with Custom Dark Brown Lacquer Finish

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period low table or bench from the 19th century with newly redone dark brown custom lacquer with distressing and simply carved spandrels.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

C. 1970s Danish Oak Hardwood Rectangular Coffee Table 49x28x10"

$4,000

C. 1970s Danish Oak Hardwood Rectangular Coffee Table 49x28x10"

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an interesting low-profile Danish coffee table, having a slatted top and sides.

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

French Vintage Mahogany Louis XVI Style Coffee Table

$2,400

French Vintage Mahogany Louis XVI Style Coffee Table

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

Like an iconic “Bouillotte” type table, this vintage (circa 1930) French Louis XVI inspired rectangular coffee or “low table” has all the signature elements of earlier design periods.

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Organic Modern Live Edge Burl Top Coffee/Side Table

$5,000

Organic Modern Live Edge Burl Top Coffee/Side Table

Located in Chalk Hill, PA

Its simple geometric construction allows the natural beauty of the wood to remain the focal point while giving the table a strong, balanced presence. Dimensions: 34" L × 28" W × 15"...

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Burl

"Cuvee XL" Low Rectangular Side Table by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie'

$4,874 / item

"Cuvee XL" Low Rectangular Side Table by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie'

By Stephane Lebrun, Dessie Studio

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Cuvee XL" is a low rectangular side table, designed by Stephane Lebrun and manufactured by Dessie', featuring a top in black MD walnut veneered or covered by black leather and a met...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

"Grand Cuvee" Low Rectangular Side Table by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie

$4,065 / item

"Grand Cuvee" Low Rectangular Side Table by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie

By Stephane Lebrun, Dessie Studio

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Grand Cuvee" is a low rectangular side table, designed by Stephane Lebrun and manufactured by Dessie', featuring a top in black MD walnut veneered or covered by black leather and a ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Aldo Tura Low Parchment Table, Model 826, Hand-Dyed Goatskin, Italy, 1950

$3,321

Aldo Tura Low Parchment Table, Model 826, Hand-Dyed Goatskin, Italy, 1950

By Aldo Tura

Located in Conversano, IT

Rare and refined round low table designed by Aldo Tura and produced in Italy during the 1950s, a period of full expressive maturity for the Milanese designer and a fundamental phase ...

Category

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

Materials

Parchment Paper

Glas Italia Nesting Low Table H 42cm (H16.5in) Glass - Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

$1,746 / item

Glas Italia Nesting Low Table H 42cm (H16.5in) Glass - Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

By Glas Italia, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Details: Brand: Glas Italia Designer: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Product Type: Low table / Coffee table Material: Thick cast Murano glass (top), blown glass (legs) Features: Integrate...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia Nesting Low Table H 34cm (H13.4in) Glass - Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

$1,746 / item

Glas Italia Nesting Low Table H 34cm (H13.4in) Glass - Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

By Glas Italia, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Details: Brand: Glas Italia Designer: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Product Type: Low table / Coffee table Material: Thick cast Murano glass (top), blown glass (legs) Features: Integrate...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Large Low Table by Vivai del Sud, Herringbone Rattan, Iron Legs, 1950

$3,206

Large Low Table by Vivai del Sud, Herringbone Rattan, Iron Legs, 1950

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Milano, IT

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

Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Rare Italian Low Table by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili Cantu, 60s

$3,481Sale Price|20% Off

Rare Italian Low Table by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili Cantu, 60s

By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi

Located in Lucija, SI

This rare low table was designed by Ico Parisi Produced by Brugnoli Mobili Cantu in 1952. Comparative Bibliography: R. Lietti, Ico Parisi Design Catalogue Raisonné 1936-1960, Silvan...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Thai Whitewashed Low Drinks Table with Carved Apron and Chow Legs

$1,100

Vintage Thai Whitewashed Low Drinks Table with Carved Apron and Chow Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

A small vintage Thai whitewashed low drinks table from the mid 20th century, with waisted apron, carved accents and chow legs. Created in Thailand during the Midcentury period, this ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Slat Bench Coffee Table

$2,950

Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Slat Bench Coffee Table

By George Nelson

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Functioning equally as a low-profile coffee table or a striking entryway seat, the piece features a solid wood frame finished in a clean, black lacquer that beautifully defines its p...

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Masterwork of Wartime Ingenuity: Jean Prouvé’s CB11 Low Table, Circa 1943

$89,500

A Masterwork of Wartime Ingenuity: Jean Prouvé’s CB11 Low Table, Circa 1943

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Dronten, NL

This is an exceptional and rare example of Jean Prouvé’s iconic CB11 low table, a design that stands as a testament to the engineer-architect’s legendary resourcefulness during the O...

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Sabine Marcelis Candy Cube Low Pink Side Table Contemporary Polished Resin

$9,047 / item

Sabine Marcelis Candy Cube Low Pink Side Table Contemporary Polished Resin

By Sabine Marcelis

Located in Barcelona, ES

Sabine Marcelis Pink freestanding table From the series “Candy Cubes” Manufactured by Sabine Marcelis Produced for Side Gallery Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2017 High polished single ...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Resin

Eiffel Low Table in Casted Bronze and Glass by Roberto Sironi

$45,810

Eiffel Low Table in Casted Bronze and Glass by Roberto Sironi

By Roberto Sironi

Located in Pireaus-Athens, Greece

Ruins by Roberto Sironi is a series of works that re-signify architectural fragments belonging to different historical periods and great archaeological sites, modelling the forms acc...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

Earth tone modern Glass Top Low Table for living room from Italy

$980

Earth tone modern Glass Top Low Table for living room from Italy

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

This is a low table with a modern design from Italy. The frame is made of wood with an ivory lacquer finish and has a slightly dark glass top. The earthy colors and form give it a s...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

SEVERIN HANSEN low table by Haslev Mobelfabrik and Royal Copenhagen Denmark 1960

$3,206

SEVERIN HANSEN low table by Haslev Mobelfabrik and Royal Copenhagen Denmark 1960

By Severin Hansen

Located in Paris, IDF

Severin Hansen Low Table: A Classic Danish Design in Wood and Ceramic (1960) by Haslev Mobelfabrik and Royal Copenhagen.

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Shell Inlaid Coffee Table

$2,900

Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Shell Inlaid Coffee Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

We added by hand, shell inlaid into the top to produce this unique low profile coffee table or simply an art object.

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Shell

Cantori Conico Round Side Table Coffee table with Leather Base and Mirror Top

$3,925 / item

Cantori Conico Round Side Table Coffee table with Leather Base and Mirror Top

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Specifications & Dimensions Brand: Cantori Designer: Daniel Rode Model: Conico (Low Round Coffee Table) Product Type: Designer Coffee Table / Luxury Living Table Dimensions...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass, Mirror

Mid-Century Modern Piano Shape Mahogany Coffee Table

$4,200

Mid-Century Modern Piano Shape Mahogany Coffee Table

By Paul Laszlo

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Outstanding, midcentury modern, low, mahogany coffee table fearures a thick biomorphic, piano-shaped top with sculptural, v-shaped legs in the style of Paul Laszlo.

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Chrysalis No. 1 Low Table in Hot Zinc Finish, Made to Order

$27,500

Chrysalis No. 1 Low Table in Hot Zinc Finish, Made to Order

Located in Sagaponack, NY

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

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

MCM Oak and Chromed Steel Coffee Table by Stendig

$2,940

MCM Oak and Chromed Steel Coffee Table by Stendig

By Stendig Co.

Located in Dekalb, IL

c. 1960s; Stendig International, Inc. - New York Low-profile modernist coffee table featuring a square oak top supported by a minimalist chromed steel frame.

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Leda Low Table Sculpture After Salvador Dali, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dali

$40,125 / item

Leda Low Table Sculpture After Salvador Dali, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dali

By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí

Located in Brooklyn, NY

During the 1030s in Paris, Salvador Dali surrounded himself with a circle of friends involved in the application of art to varied disciplines, above and beyond the study of pure pict...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

China Red Charlotte Perriand "Accordo" Coffee Table for Cassina

$6,995

China Red Charlotte Perriand "Accordo" Coffee Table for Cassina

By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina

Located in Sarasota, FL

Post modern low Cassina "Accordo" coffee table in China red.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Galvanized Base & Black Marble Top

$1,060 / item

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Galvanized Base & Black Marble 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

Marble, Sheet Metal

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Galvanized Base & Picasso Marble Top

$1,060 / item

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Galvanized Base & Picasso Marble 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

Marble, Sheet Metal

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Galvanized Metal Base & Stained Top

$809Sale Price / item|24% Off

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Galvanized Metal Base & Stained 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

21st Century by G. Raboni & M. Montefusco "2SQUARED" Low Polychrome Marble Table

$6,527 / item

21st Century by G. Raboni & M. Montefusco "2SQUARED" Low Polychrome Marble Table

Located in massa, IT

Polychrome marble low table Size cm: 55 x 110 x H 36 Materials: Bianco Carrara + Bardiglio Designer: G. Raboni & M. Montefusco To preserve the Apuan quarries we have created this ta...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Louis XV Style Kingwood Black and Grey Marble Top Oval Low Table

$550Sale Price|35% Off

Louis XV Style Kingwood Black and Grey Marble Top Oval Low Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Louis XV Style Gilt Metal Mounted Kingwood Black and Grey Marble Top Oval Low Table, early 20th century, the crossbanded top inset with a marble panel, on a scrolled frieze, with tal...

Category

Early 20th Century European Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

A Red Lacquer Low Table in the Manner of Maison Bagues

$9,464

A Red Lacquer Low Table in the Manner of Maison Bagues

By Maison Baguès

Located in London, GB

An early 20th century red lacquer panel, decorated with a Chinese urn holding a spray of flowers, with further foliate decoration to the corners, now mounted in a brass frame with go...

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

DOBLE Iridescent Low Table by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia IN STOCK

$3,372 / item

DOBLE Iridescent Low Table by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia IN STOCK

By Patricia Urquiola, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Collection of low tables, storage units and console with a square or round shape made with an innovative laminated glass which creates extraordinary optical illusions and wonderful s...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

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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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