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.

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.

What's the difference between a nightstand and a side table?

Nightstands are purpose-built for the bedroom, usually with a drawer or shelf sized for a lamp and small items, while side tables are a more general-purpose form used throughout the home.

What coffee table height works best with a low mid-century modern sofa?

Look for a table 15 to 18 inches tall to match the lower seat height common to mid-century sofas; a taller table can feel out of proportion next to a low-slung frame.

Low Side Tables

Shimmer Table

Dining Table With Metal Inlay

Meridiani Judd, Editions Shine Low Table Designed by Andrea Parisio

$2,760

Meridiani Judd, Editions Shine Low Table Designed by Andrea Parisio

By Meridiani, Andrea Parisio

Located in Boston, MA

Meridiani Judd - Editions shine low table designed by Andrea Parisio Meridiani Editions - Shine Calacatta gold marble top Metal base with a bronzed brass varnish. This pr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Late 18th Century Rare Swedish Folk Art Rococo Low Table

$5,559

Late 18th Century Rare Swedish Folk Art Rococo Low Table

Located in Kramfors, SE

Rococo country Folk Art table in painted pine. The table is a rare country house furniture from northern Sweden made during the late 1700s. It low and charming with the aged patina a...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Side Tables

Materials

Pine

R2 Maple Round Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers

$27,742 / item

R2 Maple Round Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers

By John Eric Byers

Located in Geneve, CH

Maple round table sculpted by John Eric Byers R2 maple round low table sculpted by John Eric Byers Materials: Carved blackened maple. All works are individually handmade to orde...

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Small Inside Side Table by Domkapa

$1,708 / item

Small Inside Side Table by Domkapa

Located in Geneve, CH

Also available in different materials. Inside table set includes different versions to fulfill all of your project’s needs: coffee tables, low and tall side tables.

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Froe Low Table Copper with Enamel Finish by Henry Norris

$17,367 / item

Froe Low Table Copper with Enamel Finish by Henry Norris

By Henry Norris, New Format Studio

Located in Vancouver, BC

The Froe Table is hand crafted from copper with a torch fired glass enamel finish. No two shingles are created alike—as the heat fuses the glass to the metal, the hand of the artisan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel, Copper, Enamel

Antique French Louis XV Kingwood Rouge Marble Top Low Table c1900

$600Sale Price|20% Off

Antique French Louis XV Kingwood Rouge Marble Top Low Table c1900

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique French Louis XV Kingwood Rouge Marble Top Low Table C1900 Measures - 17 5/8" x 23 3/8" x 15 1/2" An antique French low table from the Louis XV period, circa 1900. This piec...

Category

Early 20th Century Side Tables

Materials

Kingwood

"Tiger" Low Table by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni, 2015

$1,146

"Tiger" Low Table by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni, 2015

By Anna Gili, Fragile Edizioni

Located in Milano, Lombardia

"Tiger" low table from "Petit Table" collection, designed by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni in 2015. A series of four coffee tables in a limited edition with a zoomorphic inspiration...

Category

2010s Italian Other Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

"Kuma" Low Table by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni, 2015

$1,146

"Kuma" Low Table by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni, 2015

By Fragile Edizioni, Anna Gili

Located in Milano, Lombardia

"Kuma" low table from "PETit TABLE" collection, designed by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni in 2015. A series of four coffee tables in a limited edition with a zoomorphic inspiration,...

Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

"Dolly" Low Table by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni, 2015

$1,432

"Dolly" Low Table by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni, 2015

By Fragile Edizioni, Anna Gili

Located in Milano, Lombardia

"Dolly" low table from "PETit TABLE" collection, designed by Anna Gili for Fragile Edizioni in 2015. A series of four coffee tables in a limited edition with a zoomorphic inspiration...

Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

R3 Maple Round Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers

$27,742 / item

R3 Maple Round Low Table Sculpted by John Eric Byers

By John Eric Byers

Located in Geneve, CH

R3 maple round low table sculpted by John Eric Byers Dimensions: 33 x diameter 122 cm Materials: Carved blackened maple All works are individually handmade to order. John Eri...

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Late Qing Dynasty Period Red Lacquered Low Table with Horsehoof Feet

$2,075

Late Qing Dynasty Period Red Lacquered Low Table with Horsehoof Feet

Located in Yonkers, NY

Chinese late Qing Dynasty period low table from the early 20th century, with red lacquer, horse hoof extremities, humpback stretchers and carved spandrels.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Side Tables

Materials

Elm

Pair of Period Low Tables by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell

$4,250 / set

Pair of Period Low Tables by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell

By Wolfgang Hoffmann

Located in Hudson, NY

This pair of modernist low tables designed by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell were made circa 1938 and are in excellent almost original condition. The chrome is completely original and ...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Glas Italia HAROLD AND MAUDE Medium Low table by Carlo Tamborini

$1,984 / item

Glas Italia HAROLD AND MAUDE Medium Low table by Carlo Tamborini

By Carlo Tamborini, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low tables in extralight transparent glass, available in two different sizes. A complex and innovative curvature, characterized by particularly daring angles and gradients, confers g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia HAROLD AND MAUDE Small Low table by Carlo Tamborini

$1,984 / item

Glas Italia HAROLD AND MAUDE Small Low table by Carlo Tamborini

By Carlo Tamborini, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low tables in extralight transparent glass, available in two different sizes. A complex and innovative curvature, characterized by particularly daring angles and gradients, confers g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

19th Century Octagonal Low Hardwood Eastern Table With Decorative Brass Trims

$1,876

19th Century Octagonal Low Hardwood Eastern Table With Decorative Brass Trims

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful Hand Crafted 19th Century Octagonal Low Hardwood Eastern Table With Decorative Brass Trims. U3HX G1

Category

Antique 19th Century East Asian Anglo-Indian Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Wooden side table, France, 1980s, display stand

$500

Wooden side table, France, 1980s, display stand

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Its compact size and sculptural simplicity make it ideal as a side table, low display stand, or accent piece. A quiet yet distinctive object that blends easily into modern and eclect...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Kartell Invisible Low Square Table in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka

$1,524 / item

Kartell Invisible Low Square Table in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka

By Tokujin Yoshioka, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Invisible table designed by Tokujin Yoshioka combines lightness and solidity, grace and elegance and practicality and style. Its simplicity and purity of form makes it adaptable to a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Mediterranean Style Carved Syroco Glass Top Round Low End Tables - Pair

$550 / set

Vintage Mediterranean Style Carved Syroco Glass Top Round Low End Tables - Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Hollywood Regency Mediterranean Style Carved Syroco Glass Top Low End Tables....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Resin

Severin Hansen, Side Table, Teak, Denmark, 1950s

$2,400

Severin Hansen, Side Table, Teak, Denmark, 1950s

By Severin Hansen

Located in High Point, NC

A teak side table or low console table designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1950s Minor imperfections in wood tabletop surface and scuffs on legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Anglo-Indian Low Table, Silver Clad Wood, Hand-Hammered, 1950

$1,480Sale Price / item|20% Off

Vintage Anglo-Indian Low Table, Silver Clad Wood, Hand-Hammered, 1950

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Anglo-Indian silvered wrapped clad side low table. Anglo Raj side low table hand-hammered with repousse silver metal work over wood very nice and unusual.

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Side Tables

Materials

Silver Leaf

Japanese Antique Copper and Sculptural Wood Low Table 1860s-1920s / Wabi-Sabi

$3,300

Japanese Antique Copper and Sculptural Wood Low Table 1860s-1920s / Wabi-Sabi

By Axel Vervoordt

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

In addition to functioning as a low table, it can also be used as a side table, display pedestal, or sculptural platform for ceramics, art objects, and other treasured pieces.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Primitive Side Tables

Materials

Copper

Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Low Table by Dada Est., Spain

$7,451 / item

Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Low Table by Dada Est., Spain

By DADA est.

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Table by Dada est. manufactured in Barcelona, 2021. Oak table Measures: 85 cm D x 160 cm W x 30 cm H Production delay: 8-9 weeks There is the possibility of making it in differ...

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Mario Bellini "Gli Scacchi" modular low table for B&B Italia, 1970s

$1,031

Mario Bellini "Gli Scacchi" modular low table for B&B Italia, 1970s

Located in Quarrata, IT

This versatile piece is shaped as a geometric parallelepiped, functioning seamlessly as a low coffee table, a side end-table, or an auxiliary seating pouf within a modular living spa...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plastic

Piero Lissoni 194 9 Low Table in Black Marquina by Cassina

$3,100 / item

Piero Lissoni 194 9 Low Table in Black Marquina by Cassina

By Cassina

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

The Piero Lissoni 194 9 Low Table in Black Marquina is a modern design from the renowned Cassina brand. Its minimalist silhouette crafted from rare Black Marquina marble adds a touch...

Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Table, Low Outdoor Design, Sahara Noir Marble Top, Natural Ash Base, Italy

$3,320

Table, Low Outdoor Design, Sahara Noir Marble Top, Natural Ash Base, Italy

By Mist-O, Living Divani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Table, Low Outdoor Design, Sahara Noir Marble Top, Natural Ash Base, Italy TITLE: Kasumi Low Table DESIGNER: mist-o STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Marble, Ash Wood DIMENSIONS: Ø50 cm x H4...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Spanish Louis XIV Period Light Walnut Low 1-Drawer Table, ca. 1715

$4,780

Spanish Louis XIV Period Light Walnut Low 1-Drawer Table, ca. 1715

Located in Atlanta, GA

the rectangular top surmounted above a case with unusual open sides and housing a single drawer, the case case raised on turned legs joined by a turned stretcher, the legs ending in ...

Category

Antique 1710s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

New Volumes Terracotta Echo High and Low tables by Thomas Coward

Price Upon Request

New Volumes Terracotta Echo High and Low tables by Thomas Coward

Located in CREMORNE, AU

Set comprises of 3 Echo High & 1 Echo Low A robust terracotta side table featuring a revolving carousel of voids that call to mind the shapes used in architecture and design for cen...

Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Terracotta

Glas Italia PLISSE' Low table in Emerald green by Mario Bellini

$4,849 / item

Glas Italia PLISSE' Low table in Emerald green by Mario Bellini

By Glas Italia, Mario Bellini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Extremely functional low table with a light aspect and soft and gentle shapes in 12 mm extralight glass, shaped and curved thanks to a complex process of glass bending, obtaining two...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia PLISSE' Low table in Ruby Red by Mario Bellini

$4,849 / item

Glas Italia PLISSE' Low table in Ruby Red by Mario Bellini

By Glas Italia, Mario Bellini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Extremely functional low table with a light aspect and soft and gentle shapes in 12 mm extralight glass, shaped and curved thanks to a complex process of glass bending, obtaining two...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Moooi Turbo Low Table in Wooden Frame by Maarten Baas

$5,646 / item

Moooi Turbo Low Table in Wooden Frame by Maarten Baas

By Maarten Baas, Moooi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Spontaneous and refreshing, the car’s abstract design conveys the uncontaminated simplicity of childhood’s thoughts and dreams. A candid sketch of a car roars to life and parks itsel...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Laccio low tables by marcel Breuer for Gavina 60s, 70s

$2,063 / item

Pair of Laccio low tables by marcel Breuer for Gavina 60s, 70s

Located in Padova, IT

Faithful proportions matching Breuer's original 1925 design. The tables were commonly offered as a complementary pair: a low rectangular coffee table, and a higher square side table...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Japanese Antique Low Table with Drawers Early Showa Period, circa 1920s–1940s

$1,800

Japanese Antique Low Table with Drawers Early Showa Period, circa 1920s–1940s

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

A Japanese antique low table with a remarkably restrained and architectural presence. Constructed from a thick solid wood top with two small drawers integrated beneath, the piece re...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Peter Ghyczy Mid-Century Glass Low Table with Brass Legs, Circa 1970

$1,662

Peter Ghyczy Mid-Century Glass Low Table with Brass Legs, Circa 1970

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

The table is made from glass and sand casted brass. The legs are hand casted by very skilled craftsmen in the Netherlands. The brass has typical characteristics of the casting proces...

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Low Table in Teak by Hvidt & Mølgaard, Made in Denmark

$3,000

Midcentury Low Table in Teak by Hvidt & Mølgaard, Made in Denmark

By Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in Lejre, DK

Low table in teak. Designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard for Søborg Møbler in 1960s. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Blue-Amethyst Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Blue-Amethyst Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-green-rosé Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-green-rosé Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Blue-Amber Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Blue-Amber Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Blue-Rosé Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Blue-Rosé Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-rosé-amethyst Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-rosé-amethyst Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-rosé-blue Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-rosé-blue Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Amethyst-Blue Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Blue-Amethyst-Blue Murano Glass

By Paritzki & Liani, Purho Murano

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-green-blue Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-green-blue Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-Green-Amethyst Murano Glass

$6,763 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Low Table Rosé-Green-Amethyst Murano Glass

By Purho Murano, Paritzki & Liani

Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT

Angels is a collection of tables in Murano glass designed by the Paritzki&Liani (Tel Aviv, Israel) for Purho in 2023. Like ethereal figures of light and reflection, the Angels table...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

Finn Juhl low table by cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen in Denmark

$17,195

Finn Juhl low table by cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen in Denmark

By Finn Juhl

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Very rare low table designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen in Denmark. Only produced in 2 examples.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

French 1960s Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table with Two Drawers

$3,058

French 1960s Bamboo and Rattan Coffee Table with Two Drawers

Located in London, GB

A French 1970s bamboo and rattan coffee or low side table with two drawers on the front edge each with black metal handles.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Giovanni Ferrabini stunning Sculptural Bronze Low Table, Italian Design 1950 ca.

$11,463

Giovanni Ferrabini stunning Sculptural Bronze Low Table, Italian Design 1950 ca.

By Giovanni Ferrabini

Located in Milan, IT

A low table with a strongly decorative character, this unique piece features a finely crafted bronze base decorated with a brutalist but also floral motif, with a base with solid roo...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Set of 3 Low Tables Lacquered in Variety of Ral Colors

$6,776 / set

Set of 3 Low Tables Lacquered in Variety of Ral Colors

By Albino Miranda

Located in New York, NY

Structure: Resin reinforced with fiberglass lacquered in white, latte and ocean blue colors. Properties: The reinforced resin provide a durable, scratch-resistant surface. The table ...

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Tables

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass, Lacquer

Peter Ghyczy T37 Low Coffee Table, Brass & Glass, Mid-Century, 1960

$1,146Sale Price|20% Off

Peter Ghyczy T37 Low Coffee Table, Brass & Glass, Mid-Century, 1960

By Peter Ghyczy

Located in Oirlo, LI

Table Peter Ghyczy model T37 low model, 1960. Coffee table T37 design by Peter Ghyczy 70 years. This is a nice little table with the original legs of the designer Peter Ghycz...

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Painted Low Table With Faux Marble Top and Gilt Rams Head Legs

$1,400

Painted Low Table With Faux Marble Top and Gilt Rams Head Legs

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Painted round low table with a decorative faux marble top and gilt rams head legs. The black-painted base forms a triangular stretcher support, enhancing the sculptural presence. Sur...

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Set of Two Faceted Postmodern Low Tables in Hand-Lacquered Custom RAL Colors

$5,500 / item

Set of Two Faceted Postmodern Low Tables in Hand-Lacquered Custom RAL Colors

By JLC

Located in New York, NY

This set features a low-profile coffee table and a towering side table, both finished in a deep ocher matte lacquer that emphasizes their bold, totemic presence.

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Glas Italia ALICE Set of two Low table by Jean-Marie Massaud

$7,207 / set

Glas Italia ALICE Set of two Low table by Jean-Marie Massaud

By Glas Italia, Jean-Marie Massaud

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Series of parallelepiped shaped low tables in 6 mm tempered smoked glass, glued 45°, to whose inside contains a complex honeycomb structure. Four little chromiumplated feet slightly ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

French metal and ceramic low table Vallauris, La Grange - 60's

$1,490

French metal and ceramic low table Vallauris, La Grange - 60's

By Vallauris

Located in Padova, IT

Very good condition, with small and inevitable signs of time and use. Metal frame, hand-painted ceramic tile shelf.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

De Sede DS-3011 Set of Three Low Tables upholstered with Leather

$8,286 / item

De Sede DS-3011 Set of Three Low Tables upholstered with Leather

By De Sede

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Description DS-3011 coffee table is designed by Mario Ferrarini for de Sede with structure in panel materials covered in leather with decorative double stitching; top in stone or bla...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather

Glas Italia DON GERRIT Low table in Fumé by Jean-Marie Massaud

$2,266 / item

Glas Italia DON GERRIT Low table in Fumé by Jean-Marie Massaud

By Jean-Marie Massaud, Glas Italia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low table with base obtained by gluing one to each other several slabs of tempered glass. It is available a version completely in smoked glass and a version in transparent extralight...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia DON GERRIT Low table in Blue by Jean-Marie Massaud

$2,266 / item

Glas Italia DON GERRIT Low table in Blue by Jean-Marie Massaud

By Glas Italia, Jean-Marie Massaud

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low table with base obtained by gluing one to each other several slabs of tempered glass. It is available a version completely in smoked glass and a version in transparent extralight...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Glas Italia DON GERRIT Low table in Red by Jean-Marie Massaud

$2,266 / item

Glas Italia DON GERRIT Low table in Red by Jean-Marie Massaud

By Glas Italia, Jean-Marie Massaud

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low table with base obtained by gluing one to each other several slabs of tempered glass. It is available a version completely in smoked glass and a version in transparent extralight...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Dada Est. Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Low Center Table In Stock Now

$5,158

Dada Est. Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Low Center Table In Stock Now

By DADA est.

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Table by Dada est. manufactured in Barcelona, 2021. Oak table Measures: 85 cm D x 160 cm W x 30 cm H Production delay: 8-9 weeks There is the possibility of making it in differ...

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Glory Holes Side Table by Richard Yasmine

$11,853 / item

Glory Holes Side Table by Richard Yasmine

By Richard Yasmine

Located in Geneve, CH

Glory holes side table by Richard Yasmine Materials: Statuario marble, polished brass and powder coated metal Dimensions: Diameter 70 x 45 height cm.

Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Long Low Mid-Century Tiled Coffee Table or Sofa Side Table, circa 1960s

$2,659

Long Low Mid-Century Tiled Coffee Table or Sofa Side Table, circa 1960s

Located in Antwerp, BE

A long, low coffee table or side table dating from circa 1960–1970, crafted in solid wood with an inset ceramic tiled top.

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Pair of Cast Metal Side Tables, Italy, 1990s

$3,950 / set

Pair of Cast Metal Side Tables, Italy, 1990s

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Pair of Italian design Brutalist round textured cast aluminum metal fusion side end low coffee cocktail tables. In the mood of Lorenzo Burchiellaro, Maria Pergay mid-century modern, ...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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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.
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.
What's the difference between a nightstand and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Nightstands are purpose-built for the bedroom, usually with a drawer or shelf sized for a lamp and small items, while side tables are a more general-purpose form used throughout the home.
What coffee table height works best with a low mid-century modern sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Look for a table 15 to 18 inches tall to match the lower seat height common to mid-century sofas; a taller table can feel out of proportion next to a low-slung frame.

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