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Modern Coffee Table

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Long Modern Coffee Table
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/1364 - Long modern coffee table in pressed bamboo, never used, perfect for a sitting room
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Long Modern Coffee Table
Long Modern Coffee Table
H 13.78 in W 59.06 in D 29.93 in
Square Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A unique vintage modern coffee table that boasts a tile-top with brass trim. Stylish design with
Category

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

Materials

Stone, Brass

Square Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Square Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
H 15.25 in W 40 in D 40 in
Modern Coffee Table, 1970s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Modern coffee table, 1970s. Made in Czechoslovakia. Plywood, elm wood, polished veneer. In very
Category

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

Materials

Elm

Modern Coffee Table, 1970s, Czechoslovakia
Modern Coffee Table, 1970s, Czechoslovakia
H 22.45 in W 55.12 in D 22.45 in
Stylish Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish contemporary modern coffee table features sturdy chrome base with circular glass top
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Stylish Modern Coffee Table
Stylish Modern Coffee Table
H 19.5 in Dm 40 in
Angles, Modern Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern coffee table with an angled edge rectangular slab top, with intersecting brass inlaid relief
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Angles, Modern Coffee Table
Angles, Modern Coffee Table
H 17 in W 52 in D 30 in
Swedish Modern Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish modern coffee table/side table with round top having dish shaped edge. The walnut frame
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois. This stunning mid century modern coffee table or low
Category

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

Materials

Wood

French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois
French Modern Coffee Table By Roche Bobois
H 14.25 in W 49.13 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern coffee table featuring rich walnut grain on a set of sturdy legs
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
H 15 in W 78 in D 20 in
Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage modern coffee table boasts triangular legs connected by stretchers ensuring
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Angles, Oval Modern Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern coffee table with an angled edge oval slab top, with intersecting brass inlaid relief lines
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Angles, Oval Modern Coffee Table
Angles, Oval Modern Coffee Table
H 17 in W 56 in D 34 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Walnut
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern coffee table in in walnut and mahogany. Danish cabinet maker work.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Walnut
H 22.05 in W 37.8 in D 19.89 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Bronze, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Bronze, Belgium
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Italian Excelsior Contemporary Modern Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
Italian contemporary modern coffee table made by Excelsior with concave chrome legs, beveled glass
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Stand
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table stand Dimensions. 48 W ; 17 1/2 D ; 15 H.
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Glass and Brass
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Glass and Brass
Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Glass and Brass
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Glass and Brass
H 17.13 in W 39.38 in D 19.49 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Oak and Shale
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Oak and Shale
Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Oak and Shale
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Oak and Shale
H 17.72 in W 40.56 in D 20.87 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Italy, circa 1960
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern coffee table, Italy, circa 1960.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Bellport, NY
A large Mid-Century Modern coffee table with a Natural bronze powder coat finish, over steel. The
Category

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

Theodore Alexander Walnut & Brass Modern Coffee Table
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Toledo, OH
Theodore Alexander inlay walnut and satin brass modern coffee table. Top is 1" thick. Table
Category

20th Century North American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Modern Coffee Table
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modern coffee table that boasts a walnut and Lucite base. The two-tone
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lucite, Walnut

Vintage Modern Coffee Table
Vintage Modern Coffee Table
H 17 in W 47.75 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Mastercraft, Circa 1975
By Mastercraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid Century-Modern coffee table designed by Bernhard Rhone for Mastercraft. Mid 70s.
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Danish Modern Coffee Table by Hans Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish modern coffee table by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark, circa 1960s. This table is
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Wood and Glass, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Wood and Glass, 1970s
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Chrome and Glass, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Chrome and Glass, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Organic modern coffee table features frame of twisted rattan and glass top. Good condition with
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Organic modern coffee table features frame of twisted rattan and glass top. Good condition with
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
H 16.5 in W 48.5 in D 24.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Brass and Ceramic, 1968
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Brass and Ceramic, 1968
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Weesp, NL
Elegant Mid-Century Modern coffee table Great architectural designed coffee table with a thick
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
H 16.54 in W 22.05 in D 57.88 in
1960s Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Danish Modern Coffee Table Denmark In the style of Hans Wegner features teak tabletop on oak
Category

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

Materials

Oak, Teak

Gio Ponti Unique Italian Modern Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) Unique Custom-Designed Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, circular
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Modern Coffee Table, Ebonized Oak, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Three-legged Modern Coffee Table, Ebonized Oak. Top is covered with original Josef Frank Paradiset
Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Paper

Danish Modern Coffee Table by Neils Bach
By Niels Bach
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Niels Back. Sleek design with a rich teak finish. Stylish and
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Stand with Shelf
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Stand with Shelf Dimensions. 45 W ; 17 D ; 16 H.
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Illum Wikkelso, Koefoed's Mobelfabrik
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels , BE
Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Illum Wikkelso, Koefoed's mobelfabrik
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Bertu Coffee Table, Large Modern Coffee Table, Maple Veneer, Mondo
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Coffee Table, Large Modern Coffee Table, Maple Veneer, Mondo This Large Modern Coffee Table
Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak, Plywood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Brass, chrome and Glass
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Brass, chrome and Glass
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant Vintage Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Mid-Century Modern coffee table features a brass coated base, triangle glass with rounded
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Iron

Elegant Vintage Modern Coffee Table
Elegant Vintage Modern Coffee Table
H 15.5 in W 51 in D 35.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Glass and Travertine, Italy, 1970S
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Glass and Travertine, Italy, 1970S
Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Wood and Chrome, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern coffee table, wood and chrome, Italy, 1970s.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

French Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite mid-century modern coffee table made in France. This table has an interesting green and
Category

20th Century French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

French Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
French Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
H 18 in W 35.5 in D 17.75 in
Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Organic modern coffee table features frame of twisted rattan and glass top. Good condition with
Category

Late 20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
H 16.5 in W 48.5 in D 24.5 in
Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Organic modern coffee table features frame of twisted rattan and glass top. Good condition with
Category

Late 20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Twisted Rattan Organic Modern Coffee Table
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Organic modern coffee table features frame of twisted rattan and glass top. Good condition with
Category

Late 20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Live Edge Slab Organic Modern Coffee Table
Located in Fulton, CA
Solid slab organic modern coffee table. South Pacific ion origin. Exceptional wood grain top top of
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Live Edge Slab Organic Modern Coffee Table
Live Edge Slab Organic Modern Coffee Table
H 16.75 in W 48.5 in D 20.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/Bar by Sergio Mazza, Italy
By Sergio Mazza
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table/Bar by Sergio Mazza, Italy scratches visible
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Mondo Modern Coffee Table
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern Coffee Table is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each table is hand
Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Mondo Modern Coffee Table
Mondo Modern Coffee Table
H 15 in W 40 in D 40 in
Teak Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, 1958
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern coffee table. Striking Scandinavian or German design from the 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cherry, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen by Silkeborg, 1960s
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen by Silkeborg, 1960s
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Yngve Ekstrom for Westbergs Mobler
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Yngve Ekstrom for Westbergs Mobler
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Teak

Hone Modern Coffee Table / Bench
Located in Longmont, CO
A modern coffee table / bench made form single slab or multiple dimensional boards. Checks and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Hardwood

Hone Modern Coffee Table / Bench
Hone Modern Coffee Table / Bench
H 16 in W 20 in D 60 in
Modern Coffee Table by Theodore Muller and Elisabeth Berringer for Kittinger
By Kittinger
Located in Montreal, QC
Ebonized wood and marble top Asian Modern coffee table by Kittinger.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Solid Rosewood Base Terrazzo Granite Top Rectangle Danish Modern Coffee Table
By Arne Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Rosewood Base Terrazzo Mosaic Granite Top Rectangle Danish Modern Coffee Table.
Category

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

Materials

Stone

Brazilian Modern Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern coffee table crafted in Brazil during the 1960s, characterized by its minimalist
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
H 15.36 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Having Glass Top
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Italian Mid-Century Modern coffee table having glass top supported on ebonized and bronze "c" and
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Brazilian Modern Coffee Table Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian modern coffee table side table, Martin Eisler 1913-1977. This table has been carefully
Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Slate Top Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern coffee table features a decorative slate top with etched floral
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Chrome

Slate Top Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Slate Top Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
H 16 in W 54.75 in D 18.75 in
France & Son Round Solid Teak Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
By France & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Piter Hvitd for France & Son round solid teak Danish Mid-Century Modern coffee table.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Walnut and Leather Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Angel Pazmino, 1960s
By Muebles De Estilo, Angel Pazmino
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Mid-Century Modern coffee table. Design by Angel Pazmino for Muebles de Estilo
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Black Lacquer Boomerang Shape Glass Top Italian Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
By Ico Parisi, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Black Lacquer Boomerang Shape Glass Top Italian Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Diamond Shape Dark Mahogany Two Tier Mid Century Modern Coffee Table MINT!
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Diamond Shape Dark Mahogany Two Tier Mid Century Modern Coffee Table MINT!
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

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Modern Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the modern coffee table you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each modern coffee table for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and glass. There are 50965 variations of the antique or vintage modern coffee table you’re looking for, while we also have 15348 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer modern coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A modern coffee table is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one modern coffee table that is appealing in its simplicity, but Andrianna Shamaris, Knoll and Roger Capron produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Modern Coffee Table?

Prices for a modern coffee table start at $1 and top out at $1,106,684 with the average selling for $2,759.

Finding the Right coffee-tables-cocktail-tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

Questions About Modern Coffee Table
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
    No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

    Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.

    Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Coffee tables were originally used in living spaces during social gatherings to support a tray containing multiple mugs, a coffee pot, creamers and sugar bowls. Low to the ground and centrally located in the space, coffee tables reduced the host or hostess’s need to constantly stand and serve her guests.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

    The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

    Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

    Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.