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

Rialto L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

$2,814 / item

Rialto L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

By Carpanese Home Italia

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Low coffee table with wood, metal, and glass. The beautiful mix between natural wood and bronze metal details is perfect for a Contemporary and luxurious environment .

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Japanese Bamboo Low Table, First Half of the 20th Century

$2,067

Japanese Bamboo Low Table, First Half of the 20th Century

Located in Lille, BE

Its restrained design and organic material give it a quiet sculptural quality, reminiscent of the understated interiors associated with Axel Vervoordt. Suitable as a low coffee tabl...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Mastea Low Coffee Table in Murano Glass and Walnut Base, by Matteo Zorzenoni

From $3,102 / item

Mastea Low Coffee Table in Murano Glass and Walnut Base, by Matteo Zorzenoni

By Miniforms, Matteo Zorzenoni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Here you are shown the Mastea coffee table in the Canaletto walnut base finish and in the low size.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Vintage Chinese Black Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs

$2,500

Vintage Chinese Black Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Chinese black elmwood coffee table with carved legs. This vintage elm low coffee table has been lacquered with a unique slate / black color.

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Baleri Italia Match Point Low Coffee Table in Thermowood Oak by Omri Revesz

$1,204Sale Price / item|20% Off

Baleri Italia Match Point Low Coffee Table in Thermowood Oak by Omri Revesz

By Baleri Italia, Omri Revesz

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The geometrically shaped yet dynamic solid wood coffee tables in the Match Point collection come in three different heights and boast natural wooden finishes. Three circular discs – ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Italian Sculptural Travertine Low Glass Coffee Table by Raffaello Repossi

$4,350

1970s Italian Sculptural Travertine Low Glass Coffee Table by Raffaello Repossi

Located in Toronto, CA

1970s Italian travertine and glass low coffee table designed by Raffaello Repossi for Up&Up.

Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Chap Low Coffee Table in Palladio Orange and Grey Glass by Matteo Zorzenoni

$2,827 / item

Chap Low Coffee Table in Palladio Orange and Grey Glass by Matteo Zorzenoni

By Miniforms, Matteo Zorzenoni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Chap is a primary object that finds expression through shape and colour. Organic and primitive in taste, this essential element sports the striking decorative texture of Palladio Mor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Mario Sabot Square Cocktail Table Brown Laminate and Polished Stainless Steel

$5,750

Mario Sabot Square Cocktail Table Brown Laminate and Polished Stainless Steel

By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot

Located in Hanover, MA

Jet Set glam 1970's square low coffee table by Mario Sabot of Manzano, Italy.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Petrol Green by Yiannis Ghikas

$3,270 / item

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Petrol Green by Yiannis Ghikas

By Yiannis Ghikas, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Blue Light by Yiannis Ghikas

$3,270 / item

Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Blue Light by Yiannis Ghikas

By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Onyx Coffee Table with Hand-Carved Black Wood Base

$2,872

Mid-Century Modern Onyx Coffee Table with Hand-Carved Black Wood Base

Located in Barcelona, ES

The top is in excellent condition. This elegant table will be a perfect addition as low coffee table, side table or end table near a sofa.

Category

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

Materials

Onyx

Moroccan Oval Engraved Copper Tray Coffee Table with Folding Wood Base, 1960s

$4,021

Moroccan Oval Engraved Copper Tray Coffee Table with Folding Wood Base, 1960s

Located in Paris, FR

The removable top and folding support reflect the practicality of Moroccan tray-table craftsmanship, allowing the piece to serve as a low coffee table or an occasional surface.

Category

20th Century Moroccan Moorish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Modern Stoneware Low Ceramic Stool by French Artist Low or Coffee Table Green

$1,895

Modern Stoneware Low Ceramic Stool by French Artist Low or Coffee Table Green

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Possibility of using them low coffee tables. Height : 16cm Large : 41cm Depth : 26cm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Stools

Materials

Ceramic

1937 Coffee Table by André Arbus and Jean Dunand

$28,722

1937 Coffee Table by André Arbus and Jean Dunand

By André Arbus

Located in Paris, FR

Low coffee table or gue´ridon in irregular turtle-shell color Chinese lacquer.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Mirror, Wood

Rigel - Sculptural Italian Coffee Table in Marble, Lacquered Wood and Steel

$1,606

Rigel - Sculptural Italian Coffee Table in Marble, Lacquered Wood and Steel

Located in Montevarchi, IT

Rigel is a low coffee table handcrafted in Italy, combining marble, lacquered wood, and steel in a balanced and sculptural composition.

Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Cantori Esagono Medium Round Low Coffee Table in Patinated Bronze 55 cm 21.7 in

$2,285 / item

Cantori Esagono Medium Round Low Coffee Table in Patinated Bronze 55 cm 21.7 in

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Belonging to the exclusive Esagono collection, this round medium coffee table combines a central metal base with a harmonious circular silhouette designed to anchor contemporary livi...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Blue Moom Mmxix, 21st Century Resin and Silvered Copper Oval Coffee Table

$45,955 / item

Blue Moom Mmxix, 21st Century Resin and Silvered Copper Oval Coffee Table

By Privatiselectionem

Located in Sofia, BG

Blue moom MMXIX, 21st century off-white resin and silvered copper oval low coffee table Blue moon MMXIX/oyster white transforms the traditional concept of our blue moon into even ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Late Qing Chinese Low Coffee Table with Cabriole Legs, Carved Apron and Lift Top

$1,900

Late Qing Chinese Low Coffee Table with Cabriole Legs, Carved Apron and Lift Top

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese low table from the late Qing dynasty, early 20th century, featuring cabriole legs, a carved apron, and a hinged lift top.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Carrara Gioa Marble with Glass Top

$9,130 / item

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Carrara Gioa Marble with Glass Top

By Quinlan Osborne, Claste

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The two free-standing marble legs, seemingly precariously balanced beneath the floating plane of glass create an almost magical feel for this coffee table as there seems to be no log...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Master Piece Marble with Glass Top

$9,130 / item

Claste Remember Me Round Low Coffee Table in Master Piece Marble with Glass Top

By Claste, Quinlan Osborne

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The two freestanding marble legs, seemingly precariously balanced beneath the floating plane of glass create an almost magical feel for this coffee table as there seems to be no logi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

4 'Pion' Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

$4,444 / set

4 'Pion' Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great grouped together to form a modular low coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

4 'Pion' Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

$4,444 / set

4 'Pion' Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great grouped together to form a modular low coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

4 'Pion' Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

$4,444 / set

4 'Pion' Black Leather and Patinated Brass Occasional Tables by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great grouped together to form a modular low coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Soda Iced Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Blue Light by Yiannis Ghikas

$3,710 / item

Soda Iced Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Blue Light by Yiannis Ghikas

By Yiannis Ghikas, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Rare 19th Century Indonesian Teak Coffee Table With Exposed Joinery

$1,690

Rare 19th Century Indonesian Teak Coffee Table With Exposed Joinery

Located in La Mesa, CA

Its bold, architectural legs are deeply faceted and hand-carved, anchoring the table with an understated monumentality. Surface tool marks, weathered grain, and natural imperfections...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indonesian Primitive Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Athena L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

$2,355 / item

Athena L Carpanese Home Italia Coffee Table with Glass Top

By Carpanese Home Italia

Located in Sanguinetto, IT

Low coffee table with wood, metal, marble and glass.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Glas Italia Nacre Coffee Table - Top with hole - Yabu Pushelberg

$5,087 / item

Glas Italia Nacre Coffee Table - Top with hole - Yabu Pushelberg

By Yabu Pushelberg, Glas Italia

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Nacre by Glas Italia, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, is a low coffee table with a fluid, organic form inspired by the shape of an oyster shell.

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson Superellipse coffee table Fritz Hansen Denmark 1968

$4,021

Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson Superellipse coffee table Fritz Hansen Denmark 1968

By Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson, Fritz Hansen

Located in Etten-Leur, NL

Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson ‘Superellipse’ coffee table, Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1968. A very rare low coffee table version of the iconic Superellipse table, designed by Piet Hein and B...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina

$1,725

Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina

Located in Yonkers, NY

A vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style low square-shaped coffee table from the mid 20th century with green lacquer top and horse hoof legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Gervasoni Jeko Coffee Table in ECOTeak & White Carrara Marble Top, Paola Navone

$4,418 / item

Gervasoni Jeko Coffee Table in ECOTeak & White Carrara Marble Top, Paola Navone

By Gervasoni, Paola Navone

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low coffee table with a square shape in colonial style of exotic inspiration, Jeko 11 has legs and a structure made of ECOTeak, a material coming from the reuse of recovered beams an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Gold Lacquered Wood

$3,923 / item

Laurameroni "Hugs" Rounded Low Table in Gold Lacquered Wood

By Laurameroni

Located in Monza, IT

Round low coffee table with brushed matt "gold" lacquered hyper-wood structure and top in Green Guatemala marble.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Mid-Century Modern Tripod Coffee Table, 1950s

$2,251

Italian Mid-Century Modern Tripod Coffee Table, 1950s

Located in Catania, CT

Elegant Italian mid-century modern low coffee table dating from the 1950s. The table features an organically shaped top with a finely decorated surface, characterized by abstract mot...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Lucite and Solid Brass "Aro One" Low Table by Amparo Calderón Tápia

$11,500

Lucite and Solid Brass "Aro One" Low Table by Amparo Calderón Tápia

By Amparo Calderon Tapia

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning and whimsical low coffee table designed and manufactured by Amparo Calderón Tápia and part of the "ARO" series.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Coc...

Materials

Brass

Table Low Occassional Coffee Metal Faux Heartwood Tree Trunk Tripod Woodgrained

$3,440

Table Low Occassional Coffee Metal Faux Heartwood Tree Trunk Tripod Woodgrained

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Unusual Vintage Metal Tree Trunk Heartwood Low Coffee Table on Tripod Base Using metal as the medium creates an elegant, light, fluid form which would not be possible in wood a The ...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Metal

Cantori Montecarlo Low Rectangular Coffee Table with Black Ash Top

$3,825 / item

Cantori Montecarlo Low Rectangular Coffee Table with Black Ash Top

Located in Varedo, Lombardia

Technical Specifications & Dimensions Brand: Cantori Designer: Maurizio Manzoni Model: Montecarlo (Low Coffee Table / Cart) Product Type: Designer Coffee Table / Luxury Living Table ...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

French Black Opaline Glass Coffee Table with Optional Open Center Brass Trim

$5,200

French Black Opaline Glass Coffee Table with Optional Open Center Brass Trim

Located in New York, NY

A chic and sophisticated French low coffee table crafted from beautiful opaline glass, lending an ethereal, translucent quality to the piece.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Solid Tree Trunk Coffee Table Made of a Thick Cross Section of Vinhatico Wood

$19,500 / item

Solid Tree Trunk Coffee Table Made of a Thick Cross Section of Vinhatico Wood

By José Zanine Caldas

Located in North Miami, FL

A fantastic low coffee table circa 1979 in stained vinhatico wood.

Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

VINTAGE ORIENTAL CHiNESE RECTANGULAR TEAK CARVED COFFEE TABLE

$1,720

VINTAGE ORIENTAL CHiNESE RECTANGULAR TEAK CARVED COFFEE TABLE

Located in Pulborough, GB

Antiques of London Presenting a refined and elegant mid-19th-century Chinese low coffee table, crafted from warm-toned hardwood and designed with clean lines and subtle carved ap...

Category

20th Century Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Minimalist Solid Walnut Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

$10,604

Minimalist Solid Walnut Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

PH Lounge Table, chrome, solid mahogany table plate

$4,018 / item

PH Lounge Table, chrome, solid mahogany table plate

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Taller than a low coffee table, the PH Lounge Table lends itself to a wide variety of settings, since it is the correct height to complement taller lounge chairs, such as the Poul He...

Category

2010s Danish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Black Oak Table Plate

$4,018 / item

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Black Oak Table Plate

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Taller than a low coffee table, the PH lounge table lends itself to a wide variety of settings, since it is the correct height to complement taller lounge chairs, such as the Poul He...

Category

2010s Danish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Natural Oak Table Plate

$4,018 / item

PH Lounge Table, Chrome, Solid Natural Oak Table Plate

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Taller than a low coffee table, the PH lounge table lends itself to a wide variety of settings, since it is the correct height to complement taller lounge chairs, such as the Poul He...

Category

2010s Danish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

$7,192

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Modern & Ecletic Caravel Low Coffee Table Rattan Walnut and Marble by Collector

$13,713 / item

Modern & Ecletic Caravel Low Coffee Table Rattan Walnut and Marble by Collector

By Federico Peri

Located in Castelo da Maia, PT

21st century Colombo, the Italian explorer, left from Portugal with 3 (as low tables are) Caravels to discover the world. Inspired by the different materials used on the boats, combi...

Category

2010s Portuguese Center Tables

Materials

Marble

Natural Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

$10,512

Natural Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Hardwood Low Table or Plant Stand

$1,550

Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Hardwood Low Table or Plant Stand

Located in Pomona, CA

Now, you may use them as low coffee table or decorative plant display stands.

Category

Vintage 1920s Chinese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Square Mahogany Table or Stool with Caned Top

$1,032

Square Mahogany Table or Stool with Caned Top

Located in Cheshire, GB

Versatile in use, the piece may function either as a low coffee table or as a stool, its broad square top and sturdy construction making it suitable as an occasional surface or infor...

Category

Early 20th Century British Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table With Canvas, Copper and Weathered Lead Top in Stainless Steel Base

$4,193

Coffee Table With Canvas, Copper and Weathered Lead Top in Stainless Steel Base

By Kalarara

Located in Roma, RM

"ABSTRACTION #2” is a one-of-a-kind rectangular low coffee table as well as a functional piece of art.The inset tabletop is created on canvas embroidered with copper thread, then pai...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper, Iron, Lead

Vintage Chinese Rustic Low Table with Geometric Carved Fretwork Apron

$2,125

Vintage Chinese Rustic Low Table with Geometric Carved Fretwork Apron

Located in Yonkers, NY

Its proportions and natural finish allow it to integrate easily into both traditional and modern interiors, serving as a low coffee table, display surface for art and books, or as an...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Softwood

Large Solid Walnut Coffee Table by Mokko, Custom Design, by Mokko

$15,475

Large Solid Walnut Coffee Table by Mokko, Custom Design, by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

$7,065

Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

19th Century Italian Shepherd’s Low Table

$884

19th Century Italian Shepherd’s Low Table

Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest

A wonderful example of Italian vernacular furniture that works equally well today as a low coffee table or sculptural occasional table.

Category

Antique 1850s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Italian Shepherd’s Low Table

$884

19th Century Italian Shepherd’s Low Table

Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest

A wonderful example of Italian vernacular furniture that works equally well today as a low coffee table or sculptural occasional table.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Orgo Rattan Cocktail Table, Dark Brown, Large, 78 in W

$3,960

Orgo Rattan Cocktail Table, Dark Brown, Large, 78 in W

Located in Hollywood, FL

Picture the textured inlay catching the light in front of a living room sofa, with coffee and books within reach. This low coffee table brings the same relaxed feel to an Organic Mod...

Category

2010s Philippine Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Coconut, Plywood, Rattan

Orgo Rattan Cocktail Table, Dark Brown, Regular, 55 in W

$3,960 / item

Orgo Rattan Cocktail Table, Dark Brown, Regular, 55 in W

Located in Hollywood, FL

Picture the textured inlay catching the light in front of a living room sofa, with coffee and books within reach. This low coffee table brings the same relaxed feel to an Organic Mod...

Category

2010s Philippine Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Coconut, Plywood

Orgo Rattan Cocktail Table, Light Brown, Regular, 55 in W

$3,960

Orgo Rattan Cocktail Table, Light Brown, Regular, 55 in W

Located in Hollywood, FL

Picture the textured inlay catching the light in front of a living room sofa, with coffee and books within reach. This low coffee table brings the same relaxed feel to an Organic Mod...

Category

2010s Philippine Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Coconut, Plywood

Walnut Coffee Table, Brutalist, Solid American Walnut - Hari by Mokko

$15,532

Walnut Coffee Table, Brutalist, Solid American Walnut - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Starbay Living The Legend Lovely Military Style Ceylan Coffee Table

$2,470

Starbay Living The Legend Lovely Military Style Ceylan Coffee Table

Located in Crawley, GB

We delight to offer for sale this stunning low coffee table made by Starbay having two trays with half moon carrying handles , tempered glass and beautiful inlaid compass rose marque...

Category

Early 2000s French Campaign Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Walnut Coffee Table, Brutalist, Solid American Walnut - Hari by Mokko

$15,532

Walnut Coffee Table, Brutalist, Solid American Walnut - Hari by Mokko

By Mokko Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Qing Dynasty Period Brown Lacquered Coffee Table with Original Finish

$5,275

Qing Dynasty Period Brown Lacquered Coffee Table with Original Finish

Located in Yonkers, NY

An Chinese Qing Dynasty period low coffee table from the 19th century with original rubbed patina and six drawers.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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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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