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 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.

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 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.

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 are side tables called?

Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.

What are side tables used for?

Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are nesting side tables?

A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What size should a side table be?

A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.

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 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 an end table and a side table?

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

What are tiny side tables called?

What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.

What is a tall side table called?

A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

Low Side Tables

Shimmer Table

Dining Table With Metal Inlay

Mid-Century Low Side Table

$390

Mid-Century Low Side Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mid-Century low side table. Legs and top frame finished in dark brown stained wood and black laminated top.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Casiopee Gold Low Side Table

$1,588 / item

Casiopee Gold Low Side Table

Located in Paris, FR

Casiopee Gold Low Side Table with steel structure in gold finish, with up and down tops in bevelled clear glass.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Brueton Sculpted Polished Steel Low Side Table

$3,200

Brueton Sculpted Polished Steel Low Side Table

Located in Middlesex, NJ

Brueton Sculpted Polished Steel Low Side Table

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

American of Martinsville Burl Walnut Low Side Table

$1,090

American of Martinsville Burl Walnut Low Side Table

By American of Martinsville

Located in Germantown, MD

Mid Century American of Martinsville Burl Walnut Low Side Table with fluted brass leg caps. Measures 26" in width, 26" in depth, 21" in height.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century HandCrafted Solid Cherry Serpentine Low Side Table

$995

20th Century HandCrafted Solid Cherry Serpentine Low Side Table

Located in Germantown, MD

20th Century Hand Crafted Solid Cherry Serpentine Low Side Table Measures 11.5" in width, 29" in height, 1.25" in depth.

Category

Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Side Tables

Materials

Cherry

Wire Low Side Table by Dare Studio

$1,391 / item

Wire Low Side Table by Dare Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Wire low side table by Dare Studio, 2009 Dimensions: H 43 cm, D 40 cm Materials: European white oak, powder coated frame in black RAL 9005 Dare Studio is a British design compan...

Category

2010s British Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century Provincial Walnut Low Side Table, Circa 1820s

$1,495

Early 19th Century Provincial Walnut Low Side Table, Circa 1820s

Located in Germantown, MD

First quarter of 19th Century Provincial Walnut single drawer Low Side Table. Large single drawer working flawlessly.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Rustic Hardwood Low Side Table. English C.1800

$1,500

Antique Rustic Hardwood Low Side Table. English C.1800

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

Fabulous rustic low side table Made from very heavy tropical hardwood I particularly like the simplicity of this piece Amazing patina and colour.

Category

Antique 1790s English Folk Art Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Anglo-Japanese Carved Hardwood Low Side Tables, a Pair

$2,495 / set

Midcentury Anglo-Japanese Carved Hardwood Low Side Tables, a Pair

Located in Germantown, MD

A pair of midcentury Anglo-Japanese Carved Hardwood Chabudai style Low Side Tables. The hardwood, possibly Indian rosewood has beautiful grai and shows great.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Light Brown Low Side Table with Humpback Stretchers

$2,125

Early 20th Century Light Brown Low Side Table with Humpback Stretchers

Located in Yonkers, NY

An antique Chinese low side table from the early 20th century, with reeded apron, humpback stretcher, straight legs and light brown lacquer.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Federal Turned Legs Mahogany Low Side Table Tea Table

$966

Mid-Century Federal Turned Legs Mahogany Low Side Table Tea Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A federal style turned legs Mahogany low Side Table. Table has been recently refinished and is in very good condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Midcentury Design Low Side Table set, Belgium 1950's

$1,317Sale Price / set|20% Off

Midcentury Design Low Side Table set, Belgium 1950's

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Midcentury Design Low Side Table Set. Made in Belgium, 1950's period.

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Beech

Minimalist Design Two Tier Low Side Table, Belgium 1960's

$1,470

Minimalist Design Two Tier Low Side Table, Belgium 1960's

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Minimalist Design Two Tier Low Side Table. Made in Belgium, 1960's period.

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Low Side Table with Drawers by Ico Parisi

$12,440

Low Side Table with Drawers by Ico Parisi

By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Rizzi

Located in Petershagen, DE

Designed by Ico Parisi and produced by Fratelli Rizzi in Cantù around 1957, this unique square low side table is one of a kind. It has three flush drawers on one side, two open compa...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

18th Century English Oak Low Side Table with Cabriole Legs

$3,995

18th Century English Oak Low Side Table with Cabriole Legs

Located in Atlanta, GA

An 18th-century English oak low side table of refined yet understated form, raised on elegant cabriole legs terminating in simple pad feet.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Side Tables

Materials

Oak

NU Low Side Table

$995

NU Low Side Table

Located in Gamboa, RJ

Column made from crushed recycled ceramic brick, with glass and Beige Bahia marble aggregates. Recycled cast aluminum top with a polished finish. - NU is a collection dedicated to ...

Category

2010s Brazilian Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Faux Bamboo Square Glass Top Low Side Table

$425

Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Faux Bamboo Square Glass Top Low Side Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Faux Bamboo Square Glass Top Low Side Table with X-form Cross Stretcher Base.

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Pedestal Plant Stand Low Side Table

$1,800

Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Pedestal Plant Stand Low Side Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Pedestal Plant Stand Low Side Table with Foo Dog Carvings. Circa Early 20th Century.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Antique Victorian Brass and Steel Metal Footman Fireplace Trivet Low Side Table

$950

Antique Victorian Brass and Steel Metal Footman Fireplace Trivet Low Side Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Victorian Brass and Steel Metal Footman Fireplace Trivet / Low Side Table. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 15" H x 19" W x 18" D (Base). 11" D (Top).

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Low Side table by Arosio

$1,000

Low Side table by Arosio

Located in Red Lion, PA

Very unique table with a textured fish design underneath a piece of glass. It looks like a piece of art.

Category

Vintage 1960s Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Low Side Table - Brushed Aluminium

$988 / item

Low Side Table - Brushed Aluminium

By Unism.Store

Located in Warszawa, PL

The Brushed Aluminium execution is defined as a serene, low-slung architectural accent that captures the quiet energy of a space. Instead of sharp reflections, the satin-grade surfac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Low Side Table - Brushed Brass

$1,529 / item

Low Side Table - Brushed Brass

By Unism.Store

Located in Warszawa, PL

The Brushed Brass finish is a fusion of industrial mass and artisanal discipline, redefined as a soft, golden anchor that sits just above the floor. By applying a systematic grain, w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Low Side Table with Marble

$8,025 / item

Low Side Table with Marble

Located in Milan, IT

This elegant and versatile side table will be a precious addition to both a modern and a classic home, thanks to its timeless allure and the unique combination of traditional materia...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Base Laminate Top Low Side Tables - a Pair

$595 / set

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Base Laminate Top Low Side Tables - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Base Laminate Top Low Side Tables - a Pair. Item features a nice low form, white laminate tops, stretcher base, tapered legs, very nice vintage pair...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut

French Empire Figural Bronze and Marble Round Glass Tazza Low Side Tables - Pair

$6,800 / set

French Empire Figural Bronze and Marble Round Glass Tazza Low Side Tables - Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Empire Style Figural Bronze and Marble Round Glass "Tazza" Low Side Tables - a Pair. Item features thick round glass tops, heavy marble bases with bronze figural ormol...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1950’s Original Rattan French Low Side Table

$374

1950’s Original Rattan French Low Side Table

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950’s Original Rattan French Low Side Table 1950’s Original Rattan French Low Side Table.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Tables

Materials

Rattan

Carpet Matter Low Side Table by Riccardo Cenedella

$2,493 / item

Carpet Matter Low Side Table by Riccardo Cenedella

Located in Geneve, CH

Carpet Matter low side table by Riccardo Cenedella Dimensions: 65 x 65 x H 35 cm Materials: waste synthetic carpet I am Riccardo Cenedella I graduated in Product Design from Pol...

Category

2010s English Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Near Pair of Mango Wood Midcentury Low Side Tables with Single Drawers

$4,025 / set

Near Pair of Mango Wood Midcentury Low Side Tables with Single Drawers

Located in Yonkers, NY

A near pair of Midcentury mango wood low side tables with single drawers and tapering legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Regency Maison Jansen Style Round Rams Hoof Foot Low Side Tables - Pair

$1,650 / set

Italian Regency Maison Jansen Style Round Rams Hoof Foot Low Side Tables - Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Italian Regency Maison Jansen Style Round Rams Hoof Foot Low Side Tables - Pair. Item features a cream and gold gilt painted finish, tripod goat / rams hoof feet raised on lo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Regency Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian 19th Century Ormolu and Pietra Dura Marble Low Side Table/Pedestal

$10,900

Italian 19th Century Ormolu and Pietra Dura Marble Low Side Table/Pedestal

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A striking and very unique Italian 19th century ormolu and Pietra Dura marble low side table/pedestal. The table is raised by an exceptional and richly chased ormolu tripod shaped ba...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Signed John Dickinson 1970s White Plaster Low Side Table with Hoofed Feet

$19,500

Signed John Dickinson 1970s White Plaster Low Side Table with Hoofed Feet

By John Dickinson

Located in Atlanta, GA

A signed John Dickinson plaster low side table from circa 1970 with white finish, X-Form base and hoof feet.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plaster

Pillow Table by Kalou Dubus, Sculptural Low Side Table, Yellow Glazed

$5,293

Pillow Table by Kalou Dubus, Sculptural Low Side Table, Yellow Glazed

By Kalou Dubus

Located in PANTIN, -

“Pillow Table” is a sculptural low side table that also functions as a stool, conceived as a minimal ceramic object situated between furniture and abstract form.

Category

2010s French Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Pillow Table by Kalou Dubus, Sculptural Low Side Table, Matte Black Glazed

$5,293

Pillow Table by Kalou Dubus, Sculptural Low Side Table, Matte Black Glazed

By Kalou Dubus

Located in PANTIN, -

“Pillow Table” is a sculptural low side table that also functions as a stool, conceived as a minimal ceramic object somewhere between furniture and abstract form.

Category

2010s French Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Helle Cast Glass Fire Polished Hand Sanded Low Side Table by Bowen Liu

$41,900 / item

Helle Cast Glass Fire Polished Hand Sanded Low Side Table by Bowen Liu

Located in Geneve, CH

Helle Cast Glass Fire Polished Hand Sanded Low Side Table by Bowen Liu Limited Edition of 8 + 1 prototype + 2 A.P.

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Set of 2 Carpet Matter Low Side Table by Riccardo Cenedella

$4,987 / set

Set of 2 Carpet Matter Low Side Table by Riccardo Cenedella

Located in Geneve, CH

Carpet matter low side table by Riccardo Cenedella. Dimensions: 65 x 65 x H 35 cm.

Category

2010s English Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Volume Low Side Table, Powder Coated Metal Base with Marble Top by AVLU

$1,129 / item

Volume Low Side Table, Powder Coated Metal Base with Marble Top by AVLU

Located in Geneve, CH

Volume Low Side Table, Powder Coated Metal Base with Marble Top by AVLU Dimensions: D 50 x H 42 cm Materials: Galvanized or powder coated metal base with oak veneer, terrazzo and ma...

Category

2010s Turkish Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Art Deco Low Side Table, 1930's France

$999

Art Deco Low Side Table, 1930's France

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Art Deco Low Round Side table. Made in France, 1930's period.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Elm

Sculptural Low Side Table Solid Mango Wood Burnt Finish

$2,300 / item

Sculptural Low Side Table Solid Mango Wood Burnt Finish

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

A wonderfully sculptural round side table elevated on four, low and curved legs.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood

Massless Low Side Table, Aluminum, Marble by Todomuta Studio

$12,000

Massless Low Side Table, Aluminum, Marble by Todomuta Studio

By Todomuta Studio

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This recent collection by Todomuta Studio responds to a specific code that can navigate the ocean of design and get lost in its confines, beyond already mapped currents, to explore t...

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Massless Low Side Table, Aluminum, Marble by Todomuta Studio

$12,000

Massless Low Side Table, Aluminum, Marble by Todomuta Studio

By Todomuta Studio

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This recent collection by Todomuta Studio responds to a specific code that can navigate the ocean of design and get lost in its confines, beyond already mapped currents, to explore t...

Category

2010s European Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Low Side Table, Pierre Chapo, France, 1970s, simple form table

$2,800

Low Side Table, Pierre Chapo, France, 1970s, simple form table

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Versatile in use as a side table, low bench, or display surface, it exemplifies the timeless simplicity of Chapo’s functional philosophy.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Modern Design Low Side table set, Sweden 1960's

$1,504Sale Price / set|20% Off

Midcentury Modern Design Low Side table set, Sweden 1960's

By Eric Merthen

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Midcentury Modern Scandinavian Design Low Sofa End / Side / Coffee Table set of 2. Made in Sweden, 1960's period.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Small Modernist Chromed and Glass Cube Low Side Table

$495

Vintage Small Modernist Chromed and Glass Cube Low Side Table

Located in Hudson, NY

Made in the 70s this low cube table is a perfect accent in a modern interior. Clean and fresh without surfaced detail but long on design-savvy and clearly is the product of the inter...

Category

Late 20th Century North American International Style Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Bronze by Victoria Wilmotte

$2,725 / item

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Bronze by Victoria Wilmotte

By Victoria Wilmotte

Located in New York, NY

With the Pli side table series French designer Victoria Wilmotte brings objects of unusual crystalline elegance and astonishing geometry to living environments. The bends and folds t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Blue by Victoria Wilmotte

$2,776 / item

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Blue by Victoria Wilmotte

By Victoria Wilmotte

Located in New York, NY

With the Pli side table series French designer Victoria Wilmotte brings objects of unusual crystalline elegance and astonishing geometry to living environments. The bends and folds t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Green by Victoria Wilmotte

$2,776 / item

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Green by Victoria Wilmotte

By Victoria Wilmotte

Located in New York, NY

With the Pli side table series French designer Victoria Wilmotte brings objects of unusual crystalline elegance and astonishing geometry to living environments. The bends and folds t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Black by Victoria Wilmotte

$2,776 / item

ClassiCon Pli Low Side Table in Black by Victoria Wilmotte

By Victoria Wilmotte

Located in New York, NY

With the Pli side table series French designer Victoria Wilmotte brings objects of unusual crystalline elegance and astonishing geometry to living environments. The bends and folds t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

New Volumes Marble Hurlysi Low Side Table by Thomas Coward

$4,084 / item

New Volumes Marble Hurlysi Low Side Table by Thomas Coward

Located in CREMORNE, AU

A solid piece of Elba marble is carved to create a cantilevered resting surface for objects. This is stone at its purest: simple, distinctive and statuesque. Cut to heights of 500mm ...

Category

2010s Greek Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Ames Indoor or Outdoor Caribe Low Side Table by Sebastian Herkner

$1,883 / item

Ames Indoor or Outdoor Caribe Low Side Table by Sebastian Herkner

By Sebastian Herkner

Located in New York, NY

The charming Caribe Low Side Table is a colorful companion for seating arrangements inside and outdoors.It’s part of the Caribe collection, designed by Sebastian Herkner for ames.

Category

2010s Colombian Tables

Materials

Steel

Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine Painted and Partial Gilt Low Side Table

$836

Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine Painted and Partial Gilt Low Side Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine hand-painted giltwood side table with cabriole legs. Measures 13" in width, 13" in depth and 13" in height.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vibrant Modern Acrylic Mandala Low Side Table by JG Home, Portugal

$1,032Sale Price / item|20% Off

Vibrant Modern Acrylic Mandala Low Side Table by JG Home, Portugal

Located in New York, NY

Designed by luxury lifestyle brand JG Home, the Mandala ‘Bouquet Tables’ bring an explosion of floral vibrancy and spiritual optimism to any urban setting. These unique tables combin...

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Tables

Materials

Acrylic

Low side table, France, Les Arcs, 1980s, Simple and sturdy construction

$1,000

Low side table, France, Les Arcs, 1980s, Simple and sturdy construction

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Simple, sturdy construction with warm natural patina. A piece selected for the Les Arcs environment, reflecting its functional Alpine aesthetic.

Category

Vintage 1980s French Side Tables

Materials

Wood

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

$870Sale Price / item|21% Off

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

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Sheet Metal

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Metal Base & Carrara Marble Top

$822Sale Price / item|20% Off

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Metal Base & Carrara Marble Top

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Sheet Metal

Sabine Marcelis Candy Cube Colour Caramel Contemporary Low Side Table Resin

$10,469 / item

Sabine Marcelis Candy Cube Colour Caramel Contemporary Low Side Table Resin

By Sabine Marcelis

Located in Barcelona, ES

Sabine Marcelis Freestanding table in color caramel From the series “Candy Cubes” Manufactured by Sabine Marcelis Produced for Side Gallery Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2017 Hi...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin

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

French Faux Bamboo Low Side Tables of Brass and Glass - Individually Priced

$2,895 / item

French Faux Bamboo Low Side Tables of Brass and Glass - Individually Priced

Located in Austin, TX

Perfect for use as side or end tables or placed together as coffee of cocktail tables.

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Get Updated with New Arrivals

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

Low Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of low side tables available for sale. Each of these unique low side tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and glass. There are 345 antique and vintage low side tables for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 94 modern editions to choose from as well. Low side tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Low side tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but Modern, Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small low side tables measuring 6 inches across. Low side tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Angelo Mangiarotti, ClassiCon and Dessie Studio are consistently popular.

How Much are Low Side Tables?

Prices for low side tables start at $55 and top out at $36,894 with the average selling for $2,207.

Finding the Right Tables for You

The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.

Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.

Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.

Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.

The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.

Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.

No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .

Questions About Low Side 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 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.
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 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.
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 are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
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 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 an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables 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.