Nautical Coffee Tables
Egyptian-Inspired Nautical Bronze Coffee Table Base with Verdigris Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
Evoking the silhouette of an ancient vessel, this sculptural bronze coffee table base draws on both
Category
Late 20th Century Egyptian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
$5,800
H 17.5 in W 37.5 in D 22 in
Tile Top Coffee Table Undersea or Fish Tank Nautical Theme
By Vietri
Located in Fulton, CA
Italian hand painted ceramic tile coffee table. Twelve tiles mounted in painted wood frame with
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
Ship's Nautical Porthole Coffee Table or Side Table By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original ship's chrome porthole window converted to coffee table or side table. The keys unscrew
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
$1,700
H 18 in Dm 21 in
Ship's Nautical Porthole Coffee or Side Table By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original ship's chrome porthole window converted to coffee or side table. The keys unscrew to
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
Antique Hand Painted Paper Mache Nautical Tray Top Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Hand Painted Paper Mache Nautical Tray Top Side Table. Later stand.
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Bronze Putti Mermen coffee table, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Fantastic Italian nautical cocktail table or coffee table featuring a pair of patinated bronze
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Metal Nautical Captains Trunk Aluminium & Brass Campaign Style
Located in BUSSUM, NH
Large metal Naiutical Captains trunk with new base to use as coffee table.
Heavy handmade quality
Category
Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
$2,899
H 14.18 in W 38.59 in D 20.87 in
Recent Sales
original, coastal, 1980, bold, Nautical, modern, walnut wood, glass top
By Sara Hayat Design
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Introducing the Samandar Coffee Table - a Bold and Original Nautical Design
Immerse yourself in
Category
2010s Pakistani Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Fabulous Modernist Nautical Chain Link Coffee Table in the style of Franz West
By Franz West
Located in Mount Penn, PA
A fabulous rectangular painted iron nautical chain link coffee or cocktail table with glass top
Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Tables
Materials
Iron
H 19 in W 59 in D 26 in
Ottoman Coffee Table Upholstered in Nautical Flannel Blanket on Barn Wood Base
Located in Madison, WI
Ottoman coffee table has been upholstered in soft flannel blanket of nautical design. Sits sturdily
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Cotton, Reclaimed Wood
H 16 in W 36 in D 36 in
Nautical Coffee Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unusual midcentury walnut coffee table incorporating a hand colored 18th century French engraved
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut, Paper
Mid-Century Modern Nautical Coffee Table In Teak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long cocktail table made of thick grated teak wood with sculpted bases. Made in the nautical ship
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Nautical Ships Wheel Coffee Table
Located in Essex, MA
With glass top over an inlaid spoked ships wheel with winch form support and circular base with ratcheted and spring mounted locking tabs.
Category
Early 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
1970s Large Rectangular Nautical Chain Link Coffee Table, Belgian
Located in London, GB
This 1970s Belgian Brutalist-style rectangular coffee table features a striking design that
Category
Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
Vintage Marlin Fish Polished Brass Coffee Cocktail Table Nautical
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is an amazing, unique coffee cocktail table. Professionally polished brass Marlin Fish (3
Category
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
French Nautical Églomisé Mirror Topped Coffee Table, circa 1940
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
Chic French 1940s round coffee table. A heavily scrolled gilt wrought iron with twisted gilt iron
Category
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wrought Iron
Nautical Chain Table
Located in East Hampton, NY
Round iron chain table with inset glass top, a unique side or coffee table.
Category
20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ship's Nautical Teak Decking Coffee Table on Iron Base
Located in Nantucket, MA
Original ship's decking made of teak...allowing for easier traction on a wet deck. It is mounted on a custom-made iron base, Mid-Century.
Category
Mid-20th Century Nautical Objects
Materials
Teak
Antique Nautical Ship's Chrome Porthole Window Converted To Coffee Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
This is a mid-century chrome nautical ship's rectangular porthole window converted to a table
Category
20th Century Unknown Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
Nautical Chain Table Base
Located in East Hampton, NY
Great looking, heavy nautical chain coffee table base.....one could fit a glass top either inset or
Category
American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
Ship's Nautical Porthole Coffee or Side Table By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original ship's chrome porthole window converted to coffee or side table. The keys unscrew to
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
Nautical scene, ceramic top table, Italy 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Very special Italian 1950's coffee / occasional table made with single hand-painted (nautical theme
Category
20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Unique Antique Nautical Window Custom Mounted as Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sometimes custom mounting really does produce a masterpiece, as this bronze mounted nautical window
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Nautical Ship's Chrome Window converted to a Table, C. 1960
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Nautical ship's chrome window with working "dogs"--the window will actually open--which has been
Category
20th Century Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
Rectangular Chain Coffee Table
Located in East Hampton, NY
Nautical chain coffee table with new inset glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Nautical Ship's Teak Decking on Custom Made Stand
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nautical Ship's Teak Decking with small brass nails on a custom-made teak wood stand. C. 1960
Category
20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Midcentury Brass and Chrome Ship's Window Converted to Coffee Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A lovely combination of brass and chrome-over-brass original ship's window, converted into a coffee
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Chrome
French Nautical Rope Kidney Coffee Table, Side Table, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful nautical kidney table with a asymmetrical rope base, made in France in the 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Glass, Rope
Intricate Rope Work Nautical Coffee Table in the Style of Clifford M. Ashley
Located in Milford, NH
A finely crafted wooden nautical coffee table with glass display top revealing intricate sailor
Category
20th Century American Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
H 18 in W 48.5 in D 19.5 in
World War II Ship Hatch Coffee Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Nautical coffee table using authentic WWII ship hatch door. Thick wood top with wide metal banded
Category
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
WWII Molly Pitcher '1943' Ship Hatch Whale Form Anchor Nautical Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage custom-made Reclaimed Ship Hatch Coffee Table from the Maiden Voyage of the Sunken American
Category
Vintage 1970s American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Iron
H 15.5 in W 60 in D 24 in
Nautical Theme Coffee Cocktail Table
Located in New York, NY
Nautical theme coffee, cocktail table, with ships wheel "legs". This coffee table is part of a
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Nautical Coffee and Cocktail Sofa Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Industrial sofa table made from an architectural fragment from a schooner. Turquis metal paint is
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
Ship's Nautical Porthole Converted to Coffee or Side Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original ship's chrome porthole window converted to coffee or side table. The keys unscrew to
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
Nautical Cocktail Table
Located in Norwell, MA
Mahogany cocktail table with authentic aluminum porthole top with glass window. Dark finish
Category
20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Original Ship's Nautical Porthole Window Converted to Coffee Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
is been converted to a table with our exclusively designed custom made base. The rivets on the window
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
Ship's Nautical Porthole Coffee Table or Side Table By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original ship's chrome porthole window converted to coffee table or side table. The keys unscrew
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
Ship's Nautical Porthole Coffee or Side Table By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original ship's chrome porthole window converted to coffee or side table. The keys unscrew to
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Chrome
Nautical Style Grid Top Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long coffee table with grid top and iron leg base.
Location: Brooklyn NY.
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Nautical Antique Ship's Chrome Porthole Converted to a Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
Original chrome ship's porthole converted to a table. Mid-century. The window is still functional
Category
20th Century Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
Original Ship's Window in Brass and Chrome Converted to Coffee Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A solid brass ship's window from a decommissioned ship converted to a coffee table. The chrome
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Midcentury Brass and Chrome Ship's Window Converted to Coffee Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A lovely combination of brass and chrome-over-brass original ship's window, converted into a coffee
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Egyptian Inspired Barge Style Bronze Coffee Table Base with Amun-Re Motif
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Egyptian inspired contemporary nautical bronze coffee table base with Amun-Re motif and rope
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Egyptian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Caribbean Mahogany 40's Nautical Theme Coffee Table Brass Inlay
Located in Camden, ME
Beautifully grained revolving 1940's mahogany coffee table from a talented workshop in Montego Bay
Category
Vintage 1940s Jamaican Mid-Century Modern Tables
Painted Nautical Coffee Table
Located in New York City, NY
Custom made mahogany Chippendale style coffee table featuring a nautical scene of a ship painted
Category
Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Nautical Theme Brass Coffee Table with Marbled Mirror Glass, France c.1930.
Located in Houston, TX
A fabulous nautical coffee table with brass anchors enclosing the original patinated glass mirror
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Nautical Brass Yacht Window Mounted as a Coffee Table, English, circa 1940
Located in Houston, TX
This unique nautical brass yacht window English coffee table circa 1940 is a terrific display
Category
Vintage 1940s English British Colonial Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
H 18 in W 22.25 in D 29.25 in
Nautical Chain Coffee Deck Garden Table
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical Welded Chain Table made from New York Harbor Anchor Chain. Great for use on the deck or
Category
Antique 19th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Industrial Nautical Chair Linked Coffee Table Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
Industrial Nautical Chain-Linked
Coffee Table Base-
U.S.
21st Century
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Nautical Themed Cocktail Bar Table and Four Stools
Located in North Hollywood, CA
seats have been reupholstered in an outdoor fabric of nautical rope theme. The table top, resembling the
Category
Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Pair of White Lacquered Tree Trunk Tables with Nautical Chain Legs, Circa 1960
Located in North Miami, FL
coat of smooth white lacquer. Nautical now! Tables are the same height and length, with slight variance
Category
Vintage 1960s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wrought Iron
H 15.5 in W 31.5 in D 27 in
Superb Antique Bronze Porthole Coffee Table
Located in Southfield, MI
Fantastic nautical theme coffee table created in the 1930's utilizing a vintage, ca. 1910 bronze
Category
Vintage 1930s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Nautical Whale Coffee Table and Bench Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This coffee table and bench set is sure to bring the Marina indoors. Charming handmade table top is
Category
Vintage 1970s American Benches
Materials
Brass, Iron
1970s Italian Coffee Table Made of Nautical Iron Chain and Smoked Glass Top
Located in Firenze, IT
Coffee table made of large rust-brown lacquered nautical iron chain, perfect condition an vintage
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
H 17.72 in W 52.76 in D 27.96 in
Swedish Inlaid Low Center Table with Nautical Star
Located in Hudson, NY
The top inlaid with exotic woods and a central nautical star design. The table on a fluted
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
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Pair of Park Night Stands in Oak by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Structure:
Made from Oak veneer with solid oak edging, the Park Nightstand is finished with matching veneer on both the exterior and interior. The inside includes an adjustable shelf...
Category
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Materials
Wood
Gilt Metal Coffee Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gilt metal coffee table, American, circa 2000s. Based on a 1930s French Art Deco design, this table is constructed of gilt metal with an inset glass top.
Category
Early 2000s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
Henry Fireplace Screen in Warm Black
Located in Dallas, TX
The Henry Fireplace Screen showcases a classic geometric design that is updated and modernized with gently hammered circle details. Each piece is unique, with slight variations, due ...
Category
2010s Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Weave Bedside 60 from Ringvide, Birch wood natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table
Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the bedside serves as a g...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Birch, Oak
$1,419 / item
H 9.85 in W 23.63 in D 12.6 in
Chinoiserie Wallpaper Hand Painted Wallpaper on Green Silk-Accept Custom Size
Located in Wuxi, 32
If you love the look of De Gournay wallpaper but not the price, this is for you. Measures: 53" W x 104" H.
The colorways in this sections present our latest colorways, which can b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk
$2,640 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 104 in W 53 in D 0.1 in
Bubble Coffee Table by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Brass coffee table with top in tainted mirror, and blown Murano glass globes.
Creation by Studio Glustin.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian)
Morocco
The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco.
I att...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier African Natural Specimens
Materials
Bone
$34,316
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Rudyard KIPLING. Many Inventions. 1893 - FIRST EDITION - SIGNED !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: KIPLING, Rudyard.
TITLE: Many Inventions.
PUBLISHER: London: Macmillan & Co., 1893.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION SIGNED. 1 vol., signed by Kipling on the title-page under h...
Category
Antique 1890s British Books
Materials
Fabric
Christmas Tree Red Made in Artistic Blow Murano Glass
By Roberto Beltrami
Located in Murano, VE
Add a touch of elegance to your Christmas decor with our handcrafted Murano glass Christmas tree, featuring a 24-karat gold leaf or 999/1000 silver leaf. Made by skilled artisans in ...
Category
2010s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces
Materials
Blown Glass
"V" Day Bed Yellow Velvet and Beechwwod base (Mid Century Style)
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Category
2010s Bosnian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
$4,500 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Pendant Light Made from Vintage 1950s Japanese Parasol
By Tennant New York
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the Ligurian Summer Collection, a sophisticated family of handmade fixtures in natural sea shell, coiled leather, marble, and bamboo, inspired by the faded splendor of th...
Category
2010s American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
$2,555 / item
H 15 in Dm 32 in
Large Moose Taxidermy Mount
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Moose shoulder mount. Older lodge mount. 62"H x 64"W protrudes 48"
Absolutely stunning size, great condition. Perfect for large rooms, cabins, rustic decor.
Period: Contemporary
Or...
Category
2010s American Taxidermy
Materials
Animal Skin
19th Century English Painted Open Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century English painted open bookcase with adjustable shelves and two doors below. 1890.
Shelf depth: 9.5-inches (24cm)
Internal Reference: H
Code: 8761
Dimensions:
W: 53" ...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Materials
Pine
Native American Antique Large Micmac model Birch Bark canoe Woodlands C 1850
Located in London, GB
Native American Antique Large Micmac model Birch Bark canoe Woodlands C 1850
A superb Large Micmac Model Birch bark canoe with floral quill work decoration.
Native American Woodla...
Category
Antique 19th Century American Native American Objects
Materials
Birch
$1,568
H 6 in W 10 in D 35 in
Japan, The Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
The definitive, home cooking recipe collection from one of the most respected and beloved culinary cultures
Japan: The Cookbook has more than 400 sumptuous recipes by acclaimed fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Books
Materials
Paper
Christmas Tree Green Made in Artistic Blow Murano Glass
By Roberto Beltrami
Located in Murano, VE
Add a touch of elegance to your Christmas decor with our handcrafted Murano glass Christmas tree, featuring a 24-karat gold leaf or 999/1000 silver leaf. Made by skilled artisans in ...
Category
2010s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces
Materials
Blown Glass
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Nautical Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of nautical coffee tables available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct nautical coffee tables — often made from metal, chrome and wood — can elevate any home. Nautical coffee tables have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Industrial, Mid-Century Modern and Hollywood Regency nautical coffee tables are consistently popular styles. Some nautical coffee tables are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller nautical coffee tables, measuring 22 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. Nautical coffee tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet are consistently popular.
How Much are Nautical Coffee Tables?
Nautical coffee tables can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,275, while the lowest priced sells for $575 and the highest can go for as much as $7,500.
Finding the Right Coffee And 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 Nautical Coffee Tables
- 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.
- Is an ottoman a coffee table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Typically, 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.
- Can a coffee table be too low?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Yes, 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.
- Who invented the coffee table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024No 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. - Why is it called a coffee table?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2024Yes, 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, 2024The 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, 2024The 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, 2024The 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022While 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.
- Are glass coffee tables durable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Whether 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, 2024How 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, 2023To 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, 2022To 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, 2023To 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, 2024Yes, 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, 2022Modern 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024The 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, 2024The 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.
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