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

Italian Two-Tier Coffee Table, Chrome & Smoked Glass, 1970s

$2,863

Italian Two-Tier Coffee Table, Chrome & Smoked Glass, 1970s

Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District

A versatile and timeless piece, ideal for use as a coffee table or low display surface in mid-century or contemporary interiors.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Set of Two Frosted Glass Low Tables with Custom Lacquered Metal Base

$7,986 / set

Set of Two Frosted Glass Low Tables with Custom Lacquered Metal Base

Located in New York, NY

This low table features a unique "tear"-shaped metal base, available in four luxurious lacquered metallic finishes: bronze, gold, silver, and dark silver. The organic top is crafted ...

Category

2010s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-century Minimalist design low TV Table in Rational Design 1960s Teak

$824Sale Price / item|20% Off

Mid-century Minimalist design low TV Table in Rational Design 1960s Teak

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Mid-century Minimalist design low TV table in rational 1960s Teak

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Glas Italia THE 5 O'CLOCK LIE Low table by Philippe Starck

$10,209 / item

Glas Italia THE 5 O'CLOCK LIE Low table by Philippe Starck

By Glas Italia, Philippe Starck

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low tables in bronze or extra clear 8 mm glass which, thanks to innovative and complex manufacturing techniques, is curved along the perimeter and perfectly manually silvered. In thi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

1850s Rustic Solid Wood Coffee Table with Carved Legs

$3,733

1850s Rustic Solid Wood Coffee Table with Carved Legs

Located in Marbella, ES

The combination of materials and its timeless aesthetic make it a versatile piece, ideal for rustic, Mediterranean, or farmhouse-style interiors. Perfect as a coffee table or low ben...

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Large American Modern Polished Brass, Chrome and Stainless Low Table, Ron Seff

$14,000

Large American Modern Polished Brass, Chrome and Stainless Low Table, Ron Seff

By Ron Seff

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass, Chrome and Stainless Steel coffee table with a geometric form base supporting a large glass top (RON SEFF)

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Japanese Vintage Low Table in Cedar and Ash, Showa Period, Wabi Sabi, Mingei

$1,800

Japanese Vintage Low Table in Cedar and Ash, Showa Period, Wabi Sabi, Mingei

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

Japanese Vintage Low Table, Showa Period, Wabi Sabi, Mingei This Japanese vintage low table was crafted in the Showa Period (1926-1989).

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash, Cedar, Lacquer

Custom Hand-Crafted Teak Low Oval Table on Pine Plinth, UK, 1970s

$2,160

Custom Hand-Crafted Teak Low Oval Table on Pine Plinth, UK, 1970s

Located in London, England

A custom made single slab of teak on thick pitch pine decorators plinth. Incredible rich tone and grain pattern to the top. Designed and constructed in our North London studio. ...

Category

Late 20th Century British Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak, Pine

Contemporary Amorphous Coffee Table in Custom Lacquer Colors, 2025

$10,315 / item

Contemporary Amorphous Coffee Table in Custom Lacquer Colors, 2025

By JLC

Located in New York, NY

Low-profile amorphous coffee table finished in a lacquered mushroom tone, defined by a softly rounded biomorphic silhouette and a calm sculptural presence.

Category

2010s Portuguese Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Feb-Apollo Art Deco Style Macassar Ebony & 24K Gold Leaf Low Cocktail Table

$65,000 / item

Feb-Apollo Art Deco Style Macassar Ebony & 24K Gold Leaf Low Cocktail Table

By Alexander's Collection

Located in Hong Kong, HK

This Feb-Apollo Art Deco Macassar Ebony & 24K Gold Leaf Low Cocktail Table (1 of 2) is a museum-quality limited edition masterwork. Reflecting the luxurious legacy of Maison Jans...

Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Excellent Quality 19th Century Gilt Bronze Surtout De Table on Low Stands

$95,000

Excellent Quality 19th Century Gilt Bronze Surtout De Table on Low Stands

By Pierre-Philippe Thomire

Located in Long Island City, NY

An Excellent Quality Mid 19th Century Gilt Bronze Four Piece Surtout De Table on Low Stands This wonderful plateau cast with a grapevine bronze gallery, centered with a mirror base,...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Belle Époque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Primitive Gipsy 110 Low Basse Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$7,547 / item

Primitive Gipsy 110 Low Basse Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

Primitive Gipsy 110 Low Basse Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly Dimensions: D 110 x H 35 cm Materials: Metal, Wood Also available in two hundred different colors from the RAL colo...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Primitive Bohemian Low Basse Oval Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$8,589 / item

Primitive Bohemian Low Basse Oval Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

Primitive Bohemian Low Basse Oval Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly Dimensions: D 160x80 x H 35 cm Materials: Metal, Wood Also available in two hundred different colors from the R...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Primitive Gipsy 80 Low Basse Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly

$6,218 / item

Primitive Gipsy 80 Low Basse Wood Top Table by Laurence Du Tilly

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Large Brass and Églomisé Glass Low Table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen.

$2,469

Large Brass and Églomisé Glass Low Table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen.

Located in London, GB

Large Brass and Églomisé Glass Low Table by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen. The original églomisé glass top is set within a substantial brass frame, with brass-tipped feet completing ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Petite Edo Japanese Wabi-Sabi Black Urushi Keyaki Zelkova Low Table Late 19th

$1,200

Petite Edo Japanese Wabi-Sabi Black Urushi Keyaki Zelkova Low Table Late 19th

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

A small, quietly endearing antique low table crafted from solid Japanese Keyaki Zelkova, circa 1820s - 1850s, Late Edo period. Modest in scale and simple in form, it reflects a time...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Dutch Neoclassical Revival Coffee Table, Mahogany & Marble, Circa 1940

$1,800

Dutch Neoclassical Revival Coffee Table, Mahogany & Marble, Circa 1940

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A fantastic vintage Dutch coffee table/low table from the early-mid 20th century taking Neoclassical decorative elements and pairing them with a handsome mahogany curule-form base.

Category

20th Century Dutch Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Gold Leaf

Chinese Vintage Low Elmwood Table with Rattan Inset Top and Two Drawers

$2,175

Chinese Vintage Low Elmwood Table with Rattan Inset Top and Two Drawers

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese vintage low elmwood table from the mid 20th century, with rattan inset top, two drawers and horsehoof feet. Created in China during the midcentury period, this low elm tabl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia - Extra-Clear Acid-Etched by Patricia Urquiola

$4,149 / item

Opalia Low Table by Glas Italia - Extra-Clear Acid-Etched by Patricia Urquiola

By Patricia Urquiola, Glas Italia

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

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

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Low Eero Saarinen Small Round Table with Rosewood Top & White Base

$2,500 / item

Low Eero Saarinen Small Round Table with Rosewood Top & White Base

By Knoll

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

The name Knoll has long been synonymous with groundbreaking modern furniture collections and collaborations with some of the world's most celebrated architects and designers includin...

Category

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Gervasoni BRISE 44 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - Blue

$1,843 / item

Gervasoni BRISE 44 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - Blue

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Details: Brand: Gervasoni Designer: Federica Biasi Product Type: Outdoor / Round Coffee Table Materials: Millgres (base and top) Finish: Blue Top: Removable Dimensions (Ø ...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Gervasoni BRISE 44 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - Red

$1,843 / item

Gervasoni BRISE 44 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - Red

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Details: Brand: Gervasoni Designer: Federica Biasi Product Type: Outdoor / Round Coffee Table Materials: Millgres (base and top) Finish: Red Top: Removable Dimensions (Ø ×...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Gervasoni BRISE 44 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - White

$1,843 / item

Gervasoni BRISE 44 Round Coffee Table - Federica Biasi - White

By Paola Navone, Gervasoni

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Details: Brand: Gervasoni Designer: Federica Biasi Product Type: Outdoor / Round Coffee Table Materials: Millgres (base and top) Finish: White Top: Removable Dimensions (Ø...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Laurameroni "Tray" Low Table in acid-etched iron and Rye Straw black

$5,222 / item

Laurameroni "Tray" Low Table in acid-etched iron and Rye Straw black

By Laurameroni, Romani Saccani Architetti

Located in Monza, IT

Round tall coffee table with "tray effect". Tubular base in acid-etched iron "Storm" and top with black rye straw finish. The Tray coffee tables, with a modern and creative design...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Custom Walnut Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$16,500 / item

Custom Walnut Coffee Table by Dos Gallos Studio

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom low profile thick slab modern coffee table. As shown in Walnut with a custom medium to dark finish and light distress. range of colors.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Oak

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

$9,459 / item

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

Located in Geneve, CH

Ay! Brow 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

Low Rectangular Table in White Bronze Clad Over MDF by Stephanie Odegard

$5,143 / item

Low Rectangular Table in White Bronze Clad Over MDF by Stephanie Odegard

By Alison Spear, Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

Shown in hammered copper. A perfect drinks table by Alison Spear for Stephanie Odegard. Available in Smooth copper with nailhead grid, Smooth white bronze, Smooth white bronze with n...

Category

2010s Indian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Round Marble "Sunday" Coffee Table, Jean-Baptiste Souletie

$10,101 / item

Round Marble "Sunday" Coffee Table, Jean-Baptiste Souletie

Located in Geneve, CH

Sunday is a family of coffee tables and low consoles with a simple and clean design vocabulary.

Category

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

New Moon, 21st Century Lacquered Mahogany and Silvered Copper Luxury Low Table

$34,357 / item

New Moon, 21st Century Lacquered Mahogany and Silvered Copper Luxury Low Table

By Privatiselectionem

Located in Sofia, BG

New Moon–21st century lacquered mahogany and silvered copper luxury low table Our attraction to the Moon is not slighter than the witnessed obsession with our pale satellite from ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

A 19th C. Chinese Carved Hardwood Low Table with Relief Designs, possibly Zitan

$22,000

A 19th C. Chinese Carved Hardwood Low Table with Relief Designs, possibly Zitan

Located in New York, NY

A Large 19th Century Chinese Hand Carved Hardwood Low Table with Relief Carved Aprons and Framed Panel Top, possibly Zitan wood A 19th century Chinese hand carved hardwood low tabl...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Limited Edition Black Label Sculpture by BD

$62,150 / item

Salvador Dali Leda Low Table, Limited Edition Black Label Sculpture by BD

By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Elevate your space with the rare and exquisite Salvador Dali Leda low table, a true masterpiece of art and design. Designed by the surrealist master himself and manufactured by BD, t...

Category

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Louis XV Style Marble-Top Bench or Low Table, France, Early 20th Century

$1,712Sale Price|20% Off

Louis XV Style Marble-Top Bench or Low Table, France, Early 20th Century

Located in Brentwood, TN

A French Louis XV style marble-top bench or low table, early 20th century, featuring a serpentine marble surface resting above an elegantly carved wooden base. The apron is ornamente...

Category

Early 20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$4,810

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

By Giovanni Michelucci

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Italian Mid-Century Modern coffee low cocktail table in wood attributed to the designer architect Giovanni Michelucci.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

French Modern Square Low Side Table of Chrome and Brass with Smoked Glass Top

$2,895

French Modern Square Low Side Table of Chrome and Brass with Smoked Glass Top

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome large French Modern square low side table (or cocktail table) featuring a handsome chrome and brass frame with an inset square smoked glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Low Hardwood Table with Dark Stone Top and Hoof Feet

$2,200

Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Low Hardwood Table with Dark Stone Top and Hoof Feet

Located in Yonkers, NY

Its generous surface and low proportions allow the piece to function particularly well as a coffee or cocktail table.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Bauhaus LC10 Coffee Table by Le Corbusier for Cassina, 1987

$1,717

Bauhaus LC10 Coffee Table by Le Corbusier for Cassina, 1987

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

This classic Bauhaus LC10 steel and glass low coffee or cocktail table was designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret and first exhibited at the Salon d’Automn...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Olympia Low Table in Marmo di Rima and Ametyst Tempered Glass

$19,240

Olympia Low Table in Marmo di Rima and Ametyst Tempered Glass

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 European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

PK-61 Low Table by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1956

$17,500

PK-61 Low Table by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1956

By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A PK-61 low table designed by Poul Kjaerholm featuring a satin-chrome steel frame with the original 1.25" glass top. Made by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark, circa 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Astra Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer by Pendhapa

$72,517 / item

Astra Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer by Pendhapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Astra Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 194 x D 134 x H 40 cm. Materials: Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer. You ...

Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer, Straw Marquetry

Mid Century Modern Birch Swedish Coffee Table by Ulferts

$1,715Sale Price|30% Off

Mid Century Modern Birch Swedish Coffee Table by Ulferts

By Ulferts Swedish

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern Swedish birch veneer low large coffee table blonde finish by Ulferts.

Category

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

Materials

Birch

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Farmhouse' by FRAMA, Dark Oak, Pond

$2,580 / item

Contemporary Coffee Table 'Farmhouse' by FRAMA, Dark Oak, Pond

By Frama

Located in Paris, IDF

Crafted in high-quality solid oak, supported by trestles, and inspired by traditional farmhouses with a rural aesthetic, the low wooden coffee table serves as a focal point in any li...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Wood, Oak

Low Table with Cane Shelf by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck

$5,400 / item

Low Table with Cane Shelf by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck

By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An elegant and spare oak two-tier low table with a basin edged teak top and a finely detailed cane shelf.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cane, Teak

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Wood and Marble Tables For Cassina

$11,910 / set

Patricia Urquiola Set of Two Sengu Low Wood and Marble Tables 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

Danish Rosewood Coffee Table by Severin Hansen Jr., 1960

$5,700

Danish Rosewood Coffee Table by Severin Hansen Jr., 1960

By Severin Hansen Jr., Nils Thorsson

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish low sofa table or coffee table in restored Rosewood, in good condition.

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood, Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Low Table by Roger Capron, France, c. 1960

$10,536

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Low Table by Roger Capron, France, c. 1960

By Roger Capron

Located in St Ouen, FR

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

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century by Arch. A. Natalini "Curvangolo" White Carrara Low Marble Table

$6,871 / item

21st Century by Arch. A. Natalini "Curvangolo" White Carrara Low Marble Table

By Adolfo Natalini

Located in massa, IT

Name: CURVANGOLO Marble table designed by Adolfo Natalini Size: cm 120 x 65 x 36 H. Materials: White Carrara - Imperioal Bardiglio - Trani Designed by: Adolfo Natalini.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

1970s Brueton Polished Stainless Steel and Glass Coffee Table 40x40x17"

$5,000

1970s Brueton Polished Stainless Steel and Glass Coffee Table 40x40x17"

By Stanley Jay Friedman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a low, square coffee table, designed in the 1970s by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Japanese Meiji Period Low Table with Recessed Legs and Open Carved Cutout Legs

$1,275

Japanese Meiji Period Low Table with Recessed Legs and Open Carved Cutout Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

Boasting a nicely distressed patina throughout, this Japanese Meiji period early 20th century low table will make for a great coffee table in a living room or under a covered patio.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Petite Meiji Period Japanese Chestnut Low Table with Wabi-Sabi Patina, 1860–1910

$1,000

Petite Meiji Period Japanese Chestnut Low Table with Wabi-Sabi Patina, 1860–1910

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Japan, circa 1860–1910 (Meiji period). A small, quietly endearing antique low table crafted from solid Japanese chestnut (kuri). Modest in scale and simple in form, it reflects a tim...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Chestnut

Proportions Of Stone Low Table in Natural Stone, Glass & Aluminum by Lee Sisan

$15,117 / item

Proportions Of Stone Low Table in Natural Stone, Glass & Aluminum by Lee Sisan

Located in Geneve, CH

Proportions Of Stone Low Table in Natural Stone, Glass & Aluminum by Lee Sisan Dimensions: D 150 x W 150 x H 33 cm Materials: Clear glass, cast aluminum, and natural stone. Each pie...

Category

2010s South Korean Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Aluminum

Ettore Sottsass "Park Lane" Marble Coffee Table for Memphis Milano

$11,037 / item

Ettore Sottsass "Park Lane" Marble Coffee Table for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Specifications & Dimensions Designer: Ettore Sottsass Manufacturer: Memphis Milano Product Type: Low Table / Coffee Table Model: Park Lane (1983) Structure: Marble and fibe...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Glas Italia Harold and Maude Low Table H57 cm (22.4 in) Glass - Carlo Tamborini

$1,305 / item

Glas Italia Harold and Maude Low Table H57 cm (22.4 in) Glass - Carlo Tamborini

By Carlo Tamborini, Glas Italia

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Details: Brand: Glas Italia Designer: Carlo Tamborini Product Type: Low table / Coffee table Material: Extralight transparent glass Features: Complex curvatures, bold angles, sculpt...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia Harold and Maude Low Table H33 cm (13 in) Glass - Carlo Tamborini

$1,305 / item

Glas Italia Harold and Maude Low Table H33 cm (13 in) Glass - Carlo Tamborini

By Carlo Tamborini, Glas Italia

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Details: Brand: Glas Italia Designer: Carlo Tamborini Product Type: Low table / Coffee table Material: Extralight transparent glass Features: Complex curvatures, bold angles, sculpt...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Orange Locus Solus bench or Single Low Table by Gae Aulenti Poltronova

$2,519

Orange Locus Solus bench or Single Low Table by Gae Aulenti Poltronova

By Gae Aulenti

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Made of steel and fabrics with original and novel patterns, Locus Solus is the collection designed by the unpredictable flair of Gae Aulenti in 1964. The frame of Locus Solus Chair i...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Andrianna Shamaris Charred Suar Wood Coffee Table, Minimalist Style

$2,900 / item

Andrianna Shamaris Charred Suar Wood Coffee Table, Minimalist Style

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

A minimalist pebble style low profile coffee table. Hand carved from a single piece of suar wood.

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee table by Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp, 1950s

$1,775

Coffee table by Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp, 1950s

By Bovenkamp, Aksel Bender Madsen

Located in Delft, NL

Coffee table by Aksel Bender Madsen for Bovenkamp, 1950s A low elongated coffee table made of teak with organic raised edges on the sides.

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 Sid

$1,243 / item

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 Sid

By Riva 1920

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Brand: Riva 1920 Model: Sid Design by: David Dolcini Sid is a sculptural low stool or side table carved from a single block of solid scented cedar, defined by a compact geometric vo...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

"Petit Cuvee" Low Round Side Table Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie'

$2,889 / item

"Petit Cuvee" Low Round Side Table Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie'

By Dessie Studio, Stephane Lebrun

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Petit Cuvee" is a low round 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 metall...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

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

$4,419 / item

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

By Stephane Lebrun, Dessie Studio

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Cuvee De Nuit" 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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

"Petit Cuvee" Low Square Side Table Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie

$2,368 / item

"Petit Cuvee" Low Square Side Table Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie

By Stephane Lebrun, Dessie Studio

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Petit Cuvee" is a low square 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 metal...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Low Coffee Tables", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was

Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.

Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings

Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.