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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Low Side Tables

Shimmer Table

Dining Table With Metal Inlay

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 Rope Jamie Durie

$2,491 / item

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 Rope Jamie Durie

By Jamie Durie, Riva 1920

Located in Alcamo, IT

Brand: Riva 1920 Model: Rope Design by: Jamie Durie Rope is a sculptural low stool or side table

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 J+I Crocetta

$1,107 / item

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 J+I Crocetta

By Riva 1920

Located in Alcamo, IT

versatile, the stool can also function as a side or coffee table, integrating seamlessly into contemporary

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of volcano cedar Riva 1920 Napa Big

$2,245 / item

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of volcano cedar Riva 1920 Napa Big

By Riva 1920

Located in Alcamo, IT

Brand: Riva 1920 Model: Napa Big Design by: Terry Dwan Napa Big is a sculptural stool carved from a single block of solid cedar, defined by clean geometry and ergonomic functionalit...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Low Profile Table

$3,300

Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Low Profile Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

kind minimalist low profile coffee table or side/tray table. The entire piece is carved from one piece

Category

2010s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Kyknos Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$9,475 / item

Kyknos Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Grafite Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$10,104 / item

Grafite Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

measure. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Grafite Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

$10,746 / item

Grafite Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

measure. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Jules Leleu Low Rosewood Coffee Table

$35,000

Jules Leleu Low Rosewood Coffee Table

By Jules Leleu

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Modernist Art Deco low coffee/side table by Jules Leleu, circa 1930, in rosewood. 31.5

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Low stool/Side table made of a single block of cedar Riva 1920 Woody Matteo Thun

$1,202 / item

Low stool/Side table made of a single block of cedar Riva 1920 Woody Matteo Thun

By Riva 1920

Located in Alcamo, IT

Brand: Riva 1920 Model: Woody Design by: Matteo Thun Woody is a sculptural low stool carved from a

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Low Japanese Table for Tendo Mokko, Japan

$7,000

Low Japanese Table for Tendo Mokko, Japan

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

recommended as a side table for low seating. This tables reflects the beauty of Japanese aesthetics with

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table, 36/100

$12,040 / item

Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table, 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 J+I Zig+Zag

$1,208 / item

Low stool / Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 J+I Zig+Zag

By Riva 1920, Sakura Adachi

Located in Alcamo, IT

Brand: Riva 1920 Model: J+I Zig+Zag Design by: Sakura Adachi J+I Zig+Zag is a sculptural stackable stool carved from a single block of solid scented cedar, defined by a perpendicul...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Vintage Spanish Pair of Golden Low Metal Sofa Tables Signed by Rudolfo Dubarry

$4,037 / set

Vintage Spanish Pair of Golden Low Metal Sofa Tables Signed by Rudolfo Dubarry

Located in Sofia, BG

Pair of stylish low side sofa tables in mixed printed metals with stylized decoration. Designed and

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Tables

Materials

Metal

Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

$12,847 / item

Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$11,862 / item

Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$11,244 / item

Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$11,244 / item

Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

$14,130 / item

Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

$12,847 / item

Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$13,144 / item

Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

$12,040 / item

Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$11,862 / item

Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

English Mahogany Luggage Rack from the Late 19th Century with Turned Legs

$2,650

English Mahogany Luggage Rack from the Late 19th Century with Turned Legs

Located in Atlanta, GA

transformed into a low side table by the addition of a single piece of glass. Whatever its function, this

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Luggage Racks

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

French Neoclassical Modern Maison Jansen Mixed Metal Greyhound Head Table

$4,500

French Neoclassical Modern Maison Jansen Mixed Metal Greyhound Head Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Forney, TX

, 25.5" Deep Coffee table, cocktail drinks table, lamp stand, large end table or low side table

Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Iron, Brass

Low Mirror Coffee Table attributed to Alfred Hendrickx

$819

Low Mirror Coffee Table attributed to Alfred Hendrickx

By Belform, Alfred Hendrickx

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This low coffee or side table can be attributed to Alfred Hendrickx and was probably made by

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

$11,244 / item

Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100

Located in Geneve, CH

. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

$12,040 / item

Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Lowboys

Materials

Marble

Andrianna Shamaris Wabi Sabi Pedestal, Coffee Table or Side Table

$2,200

Andrianna Shamaris Wabi Sabi Pedestal, Coffee Table or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful patina on this aged teak wood low coffee table or pedestal, side table when placed

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Pedestals

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Rousseau et Lardin Low Table with Gilt Trim

$14,000 / item

Rousseau et Lardin Low Table with Gilt Trim

By Rousseau et Lardin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French 1940s Art Deco low cocktail/coffee/side table in black lacquer with gilt trim by Rousseau et

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 36/100

$12,847 / item

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 36/100

Located in Geneve, CH

! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Sculptural Teak Wood Side Table — Natural Finish, Three-Leg Form

$4,600 / item

Sculptural Teak Wood Side Table — Natural Finish, Three-Leg Form

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

. Minimal yet expressive, this table functions effortlessly as a side table or low coffee table, suited to

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Pair of Brass and Ceramic Side Table, Italy, 1970s

$5,343 / set

Pair of Brass and Ceramic Side Table, Italy, 1970s

By Lucio Fontana

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Pair of side end low coffee cocktail tables or nightstands in brass and ceramic terracotta with a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Brass

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Oval Low Table 130/27

$12,835 / item

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Oval Low Table 130/27

Located in Geneve, CH

numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are impregnated with Lithofin Nanotop. This

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Oval Low Table 130/27

$11,897 / item

Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Oval Low Table 130/27

Located in Geneve, CH

numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are impregnated with Lithofin Nanotop. This

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

$13,500

Rene Drouet Coffee or Side Table

By René Drouet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French 1940s Art Deco low side or coffee table in gilt forged iron by Rene Drouet. Measures: 36

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

French Modern Low Coffee Table of Brass with Glass Top - Two Available

$1,695 / item

French Modern Low Coffee Table of Brass with Glass Top - Two Available

Located in Austin, TX

A pair of fine French Modern low end or side tables - each table featuring a square glass top set

Category

20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 160/36

$17,977 / item

Port Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Table 160/36

Located in Geneve, CH

numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are impregnated with Lithofin Nanotop. This

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

After9 Low Glass Cocktail Table, Designed Massimo Castagna, Made in Italy

$2,604 / item

After9 Low Glass Cocktail Table, Designed Massimo Castagna, Made in Italy

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The low table After9 was created by designer Massimo Castagna. It is part of a collection of low

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Low Pillar Lamp Table of Oak in the Style of Anton Kildeberg + Kjærnulf 1970s

$1,128

Low Pillar Lamp Table of Oak in the Style of Anton Kildeberg + Kjærnulf 1970s

By Henning Kjærnulf, Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik, Anton Kildeberg

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Low pillar side table and lamp table of solid- and oak veneer in the style of Anton Kildeberg and

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Oak

Andrianna Shamaris Low Chair or Side Table

$3,750

Andrianna Shamaris Low Chair or Side Table

Located in New York, NY

used as a side table. The back rest and seat are hand carved from a single piece of wood. We added

Category

2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Iro Low Table in Green Stained Ash and Ocean Green by Jo Nagasaka

$4,541

Iro Low Table in Green Stained Ash and Ocean Green by Jo Nagasaka

By Established & Sons, Jo Nagasaka

Located in London, GB

a coffee table, side table, low cabinet and a credenza with sliding doors. Table length: 1-1.2 m

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Iconic Audoux & Minet Rope Side / Coffee Table, France, 1950s

$2,530

Iconic Audoux & Minet Rope Side / Coffee Table, France, 1950s

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet

Located in Almelo, NL

light and elegant. The table works equally well as a side table, low coffee table, or accent piece, and

Category

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

Materials

Rope, Beech

Refined Set of 2 Travertino Silver Contemporary Marble Side Tables

$16,873 / set

Refined Set of 2 Travertino Silver Contemporary Marble Side Tables

Located in Geneve, CH

(the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are impregnated with Lithofin Nanotop. This

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Refined Set of 3 Travertino Silver Contemporary Marble Side Tables

$24,270 / set

Refined Set of 3 Travertino Silver Contemporary Marble Side Tables

Located in Geneve, CH

or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

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 Matteo Zorzenoni, Miniforms

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This low coffee and side-table comes with a base and top in Canaletto walnut, natural ash, ash

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Low stool / Coffee table made of a single block of cedar Riva 1920 Dadone Small

$1,296 / item

Low stool / Coffee table made of a single block of cedar Riva 1920 Dadone Small

By Riva 1920, Andrea Castrignano

Located in Alcamo, IT

a low stool and as a side table, adapting effortlessly to contemporary living spaces, lounges, and

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cedar

French Brutalist Wabi Sabi Rustic Tripod Large Side Table, 1950s

$5,343

French Brutalist Wabi Sabi Rustic Tripod Large Side Table, 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Large Brutalist Side Table / Low Table / Center Table in Solid Wood. France, 1950s French Brutalist

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Regency Italian Burl and Brass Low Consolle Sidetable

$1,781

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Regency Italian Burl and Brass Low Consolle Sidetable

Located in Carimate, Como

Very elegant Italian Art Deco low consolle side table with decorated glass top, ideal as TV stand

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

MOD Dirk van Sliedregt Round Glass and Rattan Coffee or Side Table

$1,250

MOD Dirk van Sliedregt Round Glass and Rattan Coffee or Side Table

By Dirk Van Sliedregt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Dutch Mid-Century, low coffee or side table has a clear glass top and black enameled tubular

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Blue Ceramic Round Table

$12,942 / item

Blue Ceramic Round Table

Located in Paris, FR

in blue ceramic low centre table or side table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Meander I2 Side Table / Low Cabinet by Bram Kerkhofs

$3,609 / item

Meander I2 Side Table / Low Cabinet by Bram Kerkhofs

Located in Geneve, CH

Meander I2 side table / low cabinet by Bram Kerkhofs. Dimensions: D 51 x H 73cm. Materials

Category

2010s Belgian Post-Modern Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Andrianna Shamaris Low Wabi Sabi Chair or Side Table

$3,600

Andrianna Shamaris Low Wabi Sabi Chair or Side Table

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

. This chair or side table was hand made in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that beauty

Category

2010s Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Mid-Century Glass and Rattan Side or Coffee Table "743" by Dirk van Sliedregt

$1,250

Mid-Century Glass and Rattan Side or Coffee Table "743" by Dirk van Sliedregt

By Dirk Van Sliedregt, Gebroeders Jonker Noordwolde

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low, Mid-Century side or coffee table by Dirk van Sliedregt for the Gebr. Jonkers furniture

Category

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

Materials

Metal

A NEO-CLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Side or COFFEE TABLE by MAISON RAMSEY, France 1970

$4,512

A NEO-CLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Side or COFFEE TABLE by MAISON RAMSEY, France 1970

By Roger Thibier

Located in PARIS, FR

An elegant low and square side or coffee table, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Chinese-inspired cubic

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

ClassiCon Menton Table by Eileen Gray

$4,959 / item

ClassiCon Menton Table by Eileen Gray

By Eileen Gray

Located in New York, NY

table as desired. Eileen Gray used Menton in the high position as a dining table, in the low position as

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Tables

Materials

Steel

Flip Top Table by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen

$7,200

Flip Top Table by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A teak flip top low table. One side reverses to Teak. The other has a black laminate inlay. Solid

Category

20th Century Danish Tables

Materials

Wood

Carlina Dining table rectangular by Oscar Tusquets for BD Barcelona

$7,676 / item

Carlina Dining table rectangular by Oscar Tusquets for BD Barcelona

By Oscar Tusquets Blanca, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Brooklyn, NY

are available. Contact us for details and pricing. Indoor use. low table and side table versions

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Tables

Materials

Glass, Stained Glass, Ash

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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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.

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