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 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.

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.

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

Miya Low Side Table in blown glass by Elena Salmistraro for Cappellini

$5,940 / item

Miya Low Side Table in blown glass by Elena Salmistraro for Cappellini

By Elena Salmistraro, Cappellini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Miya is a typical name from the Japan of a famous samurai. A name chosen for the desire to design a collection of tables that would depict and take inspiration from the armor worn by...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Tables

Materials

Blown Glass

Minimalist Natural Wood Low Side Table with Square Legs and Contemporary Design

$1,375

Minimalist Natural Wood Low Side Table with Square Legs and Contemporary Design

Located in Yonkers, NY

A vintage natural wood side table with square legs and contemporary design. This vintage rustic natural wood side table embodies the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Side Tables

Materials

Wood

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

$823Sale Price / item|20% Off

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

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Sheet Metal

Contemporary Rough Form Dark Grey Ceramic Low Side Table by Niclas Wolf

$5,799 / item

Contemporary Rough Form Dark Grey Ceramic Low Side Table by Niclas Wolf

Located in Geneve, CH

Geoprimitive 134 Occasional Table by Niclas Wolf Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 52 x H 37 cm. Materials: Ceramic. GEOPRIMITIVE_ is a design series that compares and connects the Precam...

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Late Qing Dynasty Low Side Table with Cloud-Carved Apron and Horsehoof Feet

$2,075

Late Qing Dynasty Low Side Table with Cloud-Carved Apron and Horsehoof Feet

Located in Yonkers, NY

This late Qing Dynasty side table from the early 20th century showcases a beautiful blend of simplicity and intricacy in its design.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Lud'o Low Side Table in wood panels by Patricia Urquiola for Cappellini

$1,782 / item

Lud'o Low Side Table in wood panels by Patricia Urquiola for Cappellini

By Patricia Urquiola, Cappellini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

After the successful creative idea of the Lud’o Lounge armchair, the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola designs for Cappellini the new collection Lud’o Table. Available in two diffe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

FOUNTAIN Large Low Side Table, by Tokujin Yoshioka from Glas Italia IN STOCK

$2,244 / item

FOUNTAIN Large Low Side Table, by Tokujin Yoshioka from Glas Italia IN STOCK

By Tokujin Yoshioka, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Fountain side table shown here, is in the large size. The precious and poetic round low tables with Murano poured glass bases, hand shaped and chiseled by highly-tuned processing...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

FOUNTAIN Small Low Side Table, by Tokujin Yoshioka from Glas Italia IN STOCK

$2,367 / item

FOUNTAIN Small Low Side Table, by Tokujin Yoshioka from Glas Italia IN STOCK

By Glas Italia, Tokujin Yoshioka

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Fountain side table shown here, is in the small size. The precious and poetic round low tables with Murano poured glass bases, hand shaped and chiseled by highly-tuned processing...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

New Rick Owens Round Brazier Low Side Table in Black Bronze Produced in France

$9,998

New Rick Owens Round Brazier Low Side Table in Black Bronze Produced in France

By Rick Owens

Located in Stockholm, SE

Rare round "Brazier" side low table in black bronze by Rick Owens produced by his atelier in France.

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Michael Taylor Baker Far East Chinoiserie Two Tier Grey Low Side Tables – a Set

$2,385 / set

Michael Taylor Baker Far East Chinoiserie Two Tier Grey Low Side Tables – a Set

By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor

Located in Farmington Hills, MI

We are very pleased to offer a pair of end tables attributed to Michael Taylor's Far East Collection for Baker Furniture, circa the 1960s. These sculptural end tables, crafted from ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Chinoiserie Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Transitional Style Low Side Table, Attributed to Maison Krieger, circa 1880

$24,494

Transitional Style Low Side Table, Attributed to Maison Krieger, circa 1880

By Maison Krieger

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

An unusual transitional style gilt bronze mounted low side table, attributed to Maison Krieger.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Tables

Materials

Bronze

Small Low Marble-Top Side Table

$4,200

Small Low Marble-Top Side Table

Located in New York, NY

A small low side table attributed to Eleanor Le Maire.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

A Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze and Porcelain Low Side Tables

$24,494

A Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze and Porcelain Low Side Tables

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Fine and Unusual Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Low Side Tables With Sèvres-Style Porcelain Tops.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Gueridon

Materials

Ormolu

E15 Enoki Low Side Table Designed by Philipp Mainzer

$4,500 / item

E15 Enoki Low Side Table Designed by Philipp Mainzer

By Philipp Mainzer, e15

Located in New York, NY

he iconic side table ENOKI by Philipp Mainzer is introduced in all metal, highlighting its essential and minimal form. Made of steel, powder-coated in colours silk grey, pure orange ...

Category

2010s German Tables

Materials

Steel

Arthur Umanoff Style Mid Century Modern Low Side Table

$1,250

Arthur Umanoff Style Mid Century Modern Low Side Table

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautiful wood top low drink table in the style of Arthur Umanoff. has metal legs with light wood Top. The top is 16.5in round.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Iron

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

$2,058

Spanish Low Side Table / Drinks Table in Gilt Wrought

Located in Barcelona, ES

Overall dimensions: 33 cm H x 33 cm W x 31 cm D // 12,99 in H x 12,99in W x 12,20 in D The top surface is 26 cm diameter ( 10,23 in diameter ) Low Table // Coffee Table // D...

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Stained Wooden Top

$823Sale Price / item|20% Off

Contemporary Modern, Volume Low Side Table, Stained Wooden Top

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Sheet Metal

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

$6,770

Tables, Sculptural Brass, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Low Side Table, Italy

By DeCastelli, Matteo Zorzenoni

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tables, Sculptural Brass Nesting Design, Graphic Patterned Surfaces, Set of 3, Italy TITLE: Flocks 32 DESIGNER: Matteo Zorzenoni STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Brass DIMENSIONS: 89cm x 58...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Mid Century Scrolled Wrought Iron, Wood & Leather Low Swivel Side Tables -A Pair

$639Sale Price / set|46% Off

Mid Century Scrolled Wrought Iron, Wood & Leather Low Swivel Side Tables -A Pair

By Lane Furniture

Located in East Freetown, MA

Pair of vintage low side tables with scrolled wrought iron bases and wood and leather top.

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron

$3,114

Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron

Located in Barcelona, ES

Rare find. Unusual low size. Overall dimensions: 44 cm H x 40 cm diameter Hang Forged Iron Drink Side Table // Patinated Iron Spanish Table // Gueridon Spanish Table in Wrought Iron...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Gothic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron, Iron

Ghidini 1961 Opera Extra Small Round Side Table in Copper Bronze Finish

$1,792 / item

Ghidini 1961 Opera Extra Small Round Side Table in Copper Bronze Finish

By Richard Hutten, Ghidini 1961

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Round low side table finished in stainless steel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

20th Century Italian Side Table

$1,047

20th Century Italian Side Table

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Good early 20th C Italian low / side table. 1920. Dimensions 29 inches (74 cms) Wide 29 inches (74 cms) Deep 17.5 inches (44 cms) High.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Side Tables

Materials

Beech

Sculptural Low Side Table in Ash Wood – Archipen Two by NOOM

$1,480 / item

Sculptural Low Side Table in Ash Wood – Archipen Two by NOOM

By NOOM, Kateryna Sokolova

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table Two by NOOM works perfectly as a side table next to lounge seating or as a compact coffee table in smaller lounge settings. The natural ash wood highlights ...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Burgundy Low Side Table in Solid Ash — Archipen 3 by NOOM

$1,736 / item

Burgundy Low Side Table in Solid Ash — Archipen 3 by NOOM

By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM

Located in Paris, FR

The Archipen Coffee Table Three by NOOM is crafted from stained ash wood. The table emphasizes the natural texture and depth of the material while creating a strong geometric presenc...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Spanish Baroque Rosewood and Tortoishell Inlaid Side Table

$7,800

Spanish Baroque Rosewood and Tortoishell Inlaid Side Table

Located in Stamford, CT

18th century Spanish Baroque low side table with rosewood and tortoiseshell inlaid top, with wrought iron stretchers.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Spanish Baroque Side Tables

Pair of Low Side Table End Table by Edward Ihnatowicz Mars Furniture

$4,000 / set

Pair of Low Side Table End Table by Edward Ihnatowicz Mars Furniture

By Heal's, Edward Ihnatowicz

Located in London, GB

Edward Ihnatowicz for Mars Furniture and retailed by Heals London in the 1950s. These little midcentury low table are typical of the 1951 festival of Britain style championed by Brit...

Category

Vintage 1950s British End Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Rounded Low Side Table in Ash Wood — Freyja 1 by NOOM

$2,961 / item

Rounded Low Side Table in Ash Wood — Freyja 1 by NOOM

By NOOM, Kateryna Sokolova

Located in Paris, FR

Gently rounded coffee tables “Freyja” created as an homage to femininity and natural beauty. These sculptural and sensual tables, named after Freyja, a Scandinavian goddess of love, ...

Category

2010s Ukrainian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Pair of Painted Wood and Bronze Low Tables by Comte, Argentina, B.A., circa 1940

$10,000

Pair of Painted Wood and Bronze Low Tables by Comte, Argentina, B.A., circa 1940

By Comte S.A.

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Pair of Painted Wood and Bronze Low Side Tables by Comte, Argentina, Buenos Aires, circa 1940.

Category

Vintage 1940s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

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

$1,089 / item

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

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Sheet Metal

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

$1,089 / item

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

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Sheet Metal

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

$831Sale Price / item|24% Off

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

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Sheet Metal

Modern Low Oval Findley Side Table in Ebony on Oak Finish by Martin & Brockett

$3,150 / item

Modern Low Oval Findley Side Table in Ebony on Oak Finish by Martin & Brockett

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Martin & Brockett’s Findley Oval Low Side Table features the Findley Collection’s signature carved, curved lip with an oval pedestal base.

Category

2010s Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Jean Low Side Table with White Marble Base and Negro Marble Top

$1,315 / item

Jean Low Side Table with White Marble Base and Negro Marble Top

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Jean side tables are unique in their conception. The combination of three different marbles make them a sign of unconformity and originality. Made to order. Open since 1997 and bas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Brutalist End Tables

Materials

Marble

Sabine Marcelis Contemporary Mint Candy Cube Low Side Table High Cast Resin

$10,469

Sabine Marcelis Contemporary Mint Candy Cube Low Side Table High Cast Resin

By Sabine Marcelis

Located in Barcelona, ES

Sabine Marcelis Freestanding table in Mint From the series “Candy Cubes” Manufactured by Sabine Marcelis Produced for Side Gallery Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2017 High polished sing...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Center Tables

Materials

Resin

Pair of Vintage Italian Marble Side Tables

$2,800 / set

Pair of Vintage Italian Marble Side Tables

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Pair of Italian Florentine Style Marble Side Tables. Top swivels. These are relatively low side tables.

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Set of 3 Italian Black Painted Side Tables / Interlocking Coffee Table

$4,200

Set of 3 Italian Black Painted Side Tables / Interlocking Coffee Table

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 3 \"Nanook\" Contemporary Italian black painted die-cut steel low side tables, which interlock modularly to create a larger coffee table (designed by PHILLIPE BESTENHEIDER for...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Cut Steel

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

$823Sale Price / item|20% Off

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

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

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

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Sheet Metal

French Mid-Century Single Drawer Ebonized and Shagreen Side Table

$4,200

French Mid-Century Single Drawer Ebonized and Shagreen Side Table

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Queens, NY

French Mid-Century ebonized low side table with 4 squared and tapered legs ending in brass sabots with a yellow-beige shagreen inlay top and a single drawer with a brass ring pull (a...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Low Side Table Norman, Oval Mauve Printed Glass Top and Plated Brass Base

$2,198 / item

Low Side Table Norman, Oval Mauve Printed Glass Top and Plated Brass Base

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Norman side table with laquered base and printed glass top. Made to Order with special size 23" H x 20" W x 14" D. For sales with delivery address within European territories, VAT ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco End Tables

Materials

Metal

Low Side Table Norman, Oval Green Printed Glass Top and Plated Brass Base

$2,198 / item

Low Side Table Norman, Oval Green Printed Glass Top and Plated Brass Base

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Norman side table with laquered base and printed glass top. Made to Order with special size 23" H x 20" W x 14" D. For sales with delivery address within European territories, VA...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco End Tables

Materials

Metal

Jean Low Side Table with White Marble Base and Estremoz Pink Marble Top

$1,315 / item

Jean Low Side Table with White Marble Base and Estremoz Pink Marble Top

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Jean side tables are unique in their conception. The combination of three different marbles make them a sign of unconformity and originality. Made to order. Open since 1997 and bas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Brutalist End Tables

Materials

Marble

English Georgian Period Low Oak Side Table with Single Drawer and Carved Apron

$3,750

English Georgian Period Low Oak Side Table with Single Drawer and Carved Apron

Located in Atlanta, GA

An English Georgian period oak low side table from the early 19th century, with single drawer and scalloped apron.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Low Side Table Jean with White Marble base and Black Marble Nero Marquina Top

$1,182 / item

Low Side Table Jean with White Marble base and Black Marble Nero Marquina Top

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Jean side tables are unique in their conception. The combination of three different marbles make them a sign of unconformity and originality. The combination in the picture is in Est...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Brutalist End Tables

Materials

Marble

High Side Table with Marble

$8,025 / item

High Side Table with Marble

Located in Milan, IT

The delicate off-white shade of the marble with its natural veins makes this a one-of-a-kind piece that can be paired with the low side table with Marble for a dynamic effect.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Chinese Export, Low Occasional Tables, Hardwood, Marble, China, 19th c.

$2,600 / set

Chinese Export, Low Occasional Tables, Hardwood, Marble, China, 19th c.

Located in Stamford, CT

Chinese Export, Low Occasional Tables, Side Tables or Plant Stands, Hardwood, Marble, China, 19th c.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Export Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Side Table - Low Handmade Sandcasted Metal in Polished Brass by Unism

$2,117 / item

Side Table - Low Handmade Sandcasted Metal in Polished Brass by Unism

By Unism.Store

Located in Warszawa, PL

The Polished Brass Low Side Table is a radiant, grounded solar anchor—a solid statement of luxury that commands the lower strata of a room.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Orione Tall Side Table

$9,825 / item

Orione Tall Side Table

Located in Milan, IT

It can be displayed either alone or paired with the Orione low side table for dynamic effect.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Gold

Side Table - Low Handmade Sandcasted Metal in Aged Brass by Unism

$1,693 / item

Side Table - Low Handmade Sandcasted Metal in Aged Brass by Unism

By Unism.Store

Located in Warszawa, PL

The Aged Brass Low Side Table acts as a grounded historical artifact, a piece that feels excavated rather than manufactured.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Side Table - Low Handmade Sandcasted Metal in Coated Black by Unism

$846 / item

Side Table - Low Handmade Sandcasted Metal in Coated Black by Unism

By Unism.Store

Located in Warszawa, PL

The Low Side Table in Coated Black is a study in grounded minimalist geometry, appearing as a dense, dark anchor that pulls the visual weight of a room toward the floor.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Low Side Table or Stool Designed by Richard Meier for Knoll

$5,400

Low Side Table or Stool Designed by Richard Meier for Knoll

By Richard Meier

Located in Stamford, CT

A Maple side table / stool designed by Richard Meire for Knoll circa 1982. Literature: Richard Meier: Architect, Meier, pg. 234 Richard Meier: Art and Architecture, Blouin MacBain,...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Stools

Materials

Maple

17th Century Spanish (Castilla) Walnut Side Table

$3,250

17th Century Spanish (Castilla) Walnut Side Table

Located in Pasadena, CA

This is a charming all original Spanish provincial low side table or console. The table shows centuries of use with its heavily patinated top surface with, as shown in photos, an age...

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Side Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Peter Hvidt Silver Line Side Table France & Son John Stuart Inc.

$1,200

Peter Hvidt Silver Line Side Table France & Son John Stuart Inc.

By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn

Located in Oakland, CA

"Silver Line" low side table by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) trained as an architect and as a cabinet marker at the school of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Chinese Cracked Ice Square Table, c. 1900

$2,480

Chinese Cracked Ice Square Table, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This low side table honors traditional Chinese furniture forms with a simple squared frame and cracked ice lattice sides.

Category

20th Century Chinese Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Wabi Sabi Side Table or Stool

$750

Wabi Sabi Side Table or Stool

Located in New York, NY

Circa 1950 This low side table or stool was hand made in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that beauty can be found in imperfection and impermanence.

Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Vintage Indian Nickel and Silver Drinks Table with Floral Repoussé Décor

$800

Vintage Indian Nickel and Silver Drinks Table with Floral Repoussé Décor

Located in Yonkers, NY

A vintage Indian low side table from the mid 20th century with repoussé floral motifs, nickel and silver finish, straight legs and distressed patina.

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Side Tables

Materials

Silver, Nickel

Midcentury Italian Oak Sewing Table or Stool with Single Drawer

$840

Midcentury Italian Oak Sewing Table or Stool with Single Drawer

Located in Doylestown, PA

Midcentury Italian oak hardwood sewing table or stool. Wonderful low side table or stool with a single three-section slotted drawer.

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mira Nakashima Occasional Table, Olive Wood & Cherry, Organic Modern, 2011

$6,000

Mira Nakashima Occasional Table, Olive Wood & Cherry, Organic Modern, 2011

By Mira Nakashima

Located in Portland, OR

Handmade in New Hope, PA. Use as a stool or low side table. Or, just enjoy as sculpture.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Olive, Cherry

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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 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 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.
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.
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.

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