Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why are console tables so low?

Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.

What are low tables called?

Low tables are usually called coffee tables. The name comes from the table height being designed to make it easy to place something, such as a cup of coffee, on the tabletop while seated on a sofa. Alternatively, people may refer to these low tables as cocktail tables. Explore a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

The chabudai, or the short Japanese dining table makes the most of limited space by serving many functions in a Japanese home. They often feature collapsible legs so they can be stored. Diners sit on pillows on the floor, rather than chairs, again freeing up more space by not having bulky chairs. Shop a collection of Japanese furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are side tables called?

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

What are side tables used for?

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

What are nesting side tables?

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

What size should a side table be?

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

Is 12 inches too low for a coffee table?

No, 12 inches isn’t necessarily too low for a coffee table. For balance, choose a coffee table that is about two to four inches lower than the seat of the largest piece of furniture around it. Usually, this will be the sofa. If your sofa’s seat is 14 to 16 inches high, a 12-inch coffee table will likely be in proportion. Find an assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

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

What are tiny side tables called?

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

What is a tall side table called?

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

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

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

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

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

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

21st Century Très Jolie Low Table with Gold Leaf Laser Engraved Lace

$11,475 / item

21st Century Très Jolie Low Table with Gold Leaf Laser Engraved Lace

By Jumbo Collection

Located in Cantù, Lombardia

Très Jolie hexagonal coffee tables, available in different sizes, allow the creation of original and functional compositions. The tables are characterized by the presence of panels w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen

$1,800

Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen

By Frits Henningsen

Located in Lejre, DK

Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Mid 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

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

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Mid Low Table Blue-Amethyst-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

Kartell Glossy Table in Black Marble by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Black Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Kartell, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Glossy Table in Aged Bronze by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Aged Bronze by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Glossy Table in Marble White by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Marble White by Antonio Citterio

By Glen Oliver Löw, Antonio Citterio, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Glossy Table in Tropical Grey by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Tropical Grey by Antonio Citterio

By Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell, Antonio Citterio

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Glossy Table in Gold/Black by Antonio Citterio

$6,259

Kartell Glossy Table in Gold/Black by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Glossy Table in Gold / White by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Gold / White by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Plastic

Kings Road Schindler Low Stool

$4,945 / item

Kings Road Schindler Low Stool

By Marmol and Radziner

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Kings Road collection is comprised of authorized reproductions of furniture designed by modernist architect R.M. Schindler for his private residence on Kings Road in Los Angeles,...

Category

2010s American Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Moooi Obon Square Low Ceramic Table in Terracotta Finish by Simone Bonanni

$1,363 / item

Moooi Obon Square Low Ceramic Table in Terracotta Finish by Simone Bonanni

By Simone Bonanni, Moooi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Obon is a collection of three tables inspired by an ancient, earthy, irregular material: terra-cotta. With its origins lost in the mists of time, terracotta is at the base of millena...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Hollywood Regency Gold Gilt Iron Rope Round Marble Top Low Tables - Pair

$2,000 / set

Italian Hollywood Regency Gold Gilt Iron Rope Round Marble Top Low Tables - Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Very unique pair of quality side tables. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 17" H x 20" Diameter.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Moooi Obon Rectangular Low Ceramic Table in Terracotta Finish by Simone Bonanni

$1,540 / item

Moooi Obon Rectangular Low Ceramic Table in Terracotta Finish by Simone Bonanni

By Moooi, Simone Bonanni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Obon is a collection of three tables inspired by an ancient, earthy, irregular material: terra-cotta. With its origins lost in the mists of time, terracotta is at the base of millena...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Dada Est. Solid Oak Low Table, Mid-Century Modern Design, Spain, 2021

$6,876 / item

Dada Est. Solid Oak Low Table, Mid-Century Modern Design, Spain, 2021

By DADA est.

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Table by Dada est. manufactured in Barcelona, 2021. Detachable table with two legs. Materials: Oak Measures: 84.5 cm D x 160 cm W x 30 cm H Production delay: 8-9 weeks ...

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

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

$2,658

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

Dada Est. Solid Oak Low Table, Mid-Century Modern Style, Spain, 2021

$6,876 / item

Dada Est. Solid Oak Low Table, Mid-Century Modern Style, Spain, 2021

By DADA est.

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Table by Dada est. manufactured in Barcelona, 2021. Detachable table with two legs. Materials: Oak Measures: 84.5 cm D x 160 cm W x 30 cm H Production delay: 8-9 weeks ...

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Moooi Obon Square Low Ceramic Table in Grey Finish by Simone Bonanni

$1,363 / item

Moooi Obon Square Low Ceramic Table in Grey Finish by Simone Bonanni

By Moooi, Simone Bonanni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Obon is a collection of three tables inspired by an ancient, earthy, irregular material: terra-cotta. With its origins lost in the mists of time, terracotta is at the base of millena...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Kartell Glossy Table in Brown Emperador Marble by Antonio Citterio

$6,259 / item

Kartell Glossy Table in Brown Emperador Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio

$3,960 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio

$3,960 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Early 20th Century Console Table with One Drawer and Low Open Shelf, 1920s

$2,450

Early 20th Century Console Table with One Drawer and Low Open Shelf, 1920s

Located in Miami, FL

Console table auxiliary furniture made of solid walnut wood. Its Victorian style gives elegance to the room. It has a drawer and a low open shelf.

Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Moooi Obon Rectangular Low Ceramic Table in Grey Finish by Simone Bonanni

$1,540 / item

Moooi Obon Rectangular Low Ceramic Table in Grey Finish by Simone Bonanni

By Simone Bonanni, Moooi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Obon is a collection of three tables inspired by an ancient, earthy, irregular material: terra-cotta. With its origins lost in the mists of time, terracotta is at the base of millena...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Mosaic Bistro Side Table with 19th Century Tiles

$1,650

Vintage Mosaic Bistro Side Table with 19th Century Tiles

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Early mosaic tile square shape iridescent table of blue and green with cream. Versatile side table or low bistro table that could be used indoors or outdoors, made of reclaimed old g...

Category

Vintage 1940s Portuguese Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique Mosaic Bistro Side Table with Herringbone Iridescent Tiles

$1,650

Antique Mosaic Bistro Side Table with Herringbone Iridescent Tiles

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Versatile side table or low bistro table that could be used indoors or outdoors, made of reclaimed old glazed tiles in beautiful geometric designs, with a folding iron base (top is r...

Category

Vintage 1940s Portuguese Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Henredon Town & Country French Style Carved Oak Wood Slate Top Low Accent Table

$495

Henredon Town & Country French Style Carved Oak Wood Slate Top Low Accent Table

By Henredon

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Henredon Town & Country French Style Carved Oak Wood Slate Top Low Accent Table. Item features a solid oak wood base, removable inset slate top, beautiful wood grain, cabriole legs, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Side Tables

Materials

Slate

De Sede DS-5250/62 Low Table upholstered with Leather by Rafael Parga

$1,402 / item

De Sede DS-5250/62 Low Table upholstered with Leather by Rafael Parga

By De Sede

Located in Brooklyn, NY

DS-5250 designed by Rafael Parga for De Sede is a coffee table with structure made of watertight chamfered sheet metal materials covered in leather with tone-on-tone color stitching....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather

Kyknos Refined Contemporary Marble Side Table 62/45

$6,394 / item

Kyknos Refined Contemporary Marble Side Table 62/45

Located in Geneve, CH

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

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Qing Dynasty Brown Lacquer Low Table with Carved Apron and Horse Hoof Legs

$1,375

Qing Dynasty Brown Lacquer Low Table with Carved Apron and Horse Hoof Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

A late Qing Dynasty period side table from the early 20th century with waisted top, carved apron, horse hoof legs, and side stretchers.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Milo Baughman Post Modern Chrome & Smoke Glass Side Tables

$1,450 / set

Milo Baughman Post Modern Chrome & Smoke Glass Side Tables

By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Minimal yet visually dynamic, these tables work effortlessly as side tables or low accents in both modern and eclectic interiors.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Louis XV Style Table Chiffonnière with Three Small Drawers and Low Shelf

$1,950

French Louis XV Style Table Chiffonnière with Three Small Drawers and Low Shelf

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Louis XV style cherry wood table-chiffonnière from the 20th century with three small drawers and lower shelf. Created in France during the 20th century, this cherry wood sid...

Category

20th Century French Louis XV Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Dutch Colonial Early 20th Century Low Table with Two Drawers and Cabriole Legs

$4,375

Dutch Colonial Early 20th Century Low Table with Two Drawers and Cabriole Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

An antique Indonesian Dutch Colonial period low table from the early 20th century, with two drawers and cabriole legs. Created in Indonesia during the early years of the 20th century...

Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Aged Bronze Marble by Antonio Citterio

$3,960 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Aged Bronze Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Tropical Grey Marble by Antonio Citterio

$3,960 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Tropical Grey Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Brown Emperador Marble by Antonio Citterio

$3,768 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Brown Emperador Marble by Antonio Citterio

By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Brazilian Modern “Chanceler” Side Tables in Rosewood & Metal, Jorge Zalszupin

$14,000 / set

Brazilian Modern “Chanceler” Side Tables in Rosewood & Metal, Jorge Zalszupin

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in New York, NY

Versatile in scale and strong in presence, the Chanceler tables function equally well as side tables or low accent pieces, offering a refined expression of Zalszupin’s enduring desig...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

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

$4,240 / set

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

By Knoll, Poltronova

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Pair of side end low coffee cocktail tables or nightstands, full brass base and white marble.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Low Black Stained Milk Stools

$320 / item

Low Black Stained Milk Stools

Located in Geneve, CH

Low black stained milk stools. Dimensions: diameter 30cm x height 30cm. Materials: natural wood. Pigment. Available in multiple materials and finishes. Technique: Carved wood. Ha...

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Arturo Pani for Muller of Mexico Onyx & Brass Pair of Low Tables

$3,200 / set

Mid-Century Arturo Pani for Muller of Mexico Onyx & Brass Pair of Low Tables

By Arturo Pani, Muller of Mexico

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed by Arturo Pani, this pair of side tables was made by Muller of Mexico, known for their excellent work with onyx. Each of these tables have a wonderful top with interesting a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Mid Low Table Blue-Moss Green-Blue Murano Glass

$6,761 / item

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

$6,761 / item

21st Century Paritzki&Liani Mid Low Table Rosé-Moss 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

Contemporary Pair of Brass and Travertine Side Tables, Italy

$4,226 / set

Contemporary Pair of Brass and Travertine Side Tables, Italy

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Contemporary pair of side end low coffee tables or nightstands in brass and travertine.

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Italian 1820s Walnut Low Fratino Table with Lyre-Shaped Base and Iron Stretchers

$7,200

Italian 1820s Walnut Low Fratino Table with Lyre-Shaped Base and Iron Stretchers

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Italian low fratino walnut table from the early 19th century, with wrought iron stretchers. Created in Italy during the first quarter of the 19th century, this walnut table featur...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Pair of 1980's Modernist Low Tables in Enameled Steel and Patinated Brass

$6,850 / set

Pair of 1980's Modernist Low Tables in Enameled Steel and Patinated Brass

Located in Montreal, QC

Pair of modernist black steel and polished brass square side tables inset black granite top A third table also identical is available.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Brown Emperador Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

$3,427 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Brown Emperador Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Kartell, Glen Oliver Löw

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Square Glossy Table in Marble White Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

$3,350 / item

Kartell Square Glossy Table in Marble White Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Aged Bronze Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

$3,597 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Aged Bronze Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

By Antonio Citterio, Glen Oliver Löw, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Tropical Grey Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

$3,597 / item

Kartell Round Glossy Table in Tropical Grey Chrome Frame by Antonio Citterio

By Glen Oliver Löw, Antonio Citterio, Kartell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Unique Organic Form Natural Low Clay Table, Golden Bronze Top by Niclas Wolf

$11,345 / item

Unique Organic Form Natural Low Clay Table, Golden Bronze Top by Niclas Wolf

Located in Geneve, CH

Geoprimitive 116 Side Table by Niclas Wolf Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 49,5 x H 49,5 cm. Materials: Ceramic and bronze. GEOPRIMITIVE_ is a design series that compares and connects t...

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Bronze Side Table, Tall Brazier by Rick Owens

$9,855 / item

Contemporary Bronze Side Table, Tall Brazier by Rick Owens

By Rick Owens

Located in Warsaw, PL

Contemporary bronze side table - Low Brazier by Rick Owens 2007 Dimensions: Dimensions: L 42 x W 42 x H 59 cm Materials: Bronze Weight: 25 kg Available in black finish or Nitr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Art Deco Side Tables with Etched Glass Tops

$4,895 / set

Pair of French Art Deco Side Tables with Etched Glass Tops

Located in Austin, TX

A pair of period French Art Deco low stands (or side tables) of patinated walnut - each table featuring a sleek, early Modern design with three tiers, topped with an inset rectangula...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Low Rectangular Side Table with Distressed Finish and Carved Chow Legs

$2,175

Low Rectangular Side Table with Distressed Finish and Carved Chow Legs

Located in Yonkers, NY

With its sculptural silhouette and aged surface, this vintage low side table brings a grounded, decorative presence to any space.

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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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 are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.
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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