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.

Who invented the coffee table?

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.

What size should a coffee table be?

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?

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.

Why is it called a coffee table?

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.

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

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.

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

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.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

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.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

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.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

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.

What is a tall coffee table called?

A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is the best height for a coffee table?

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.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

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.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

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.

Sottsass Coffee Table

Michael Graves Furniture

Memphis Bookshelf

Franz Leitner

Ettore Sottsass Memphis

Ligne Roset Storage

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table for Poltronova, 1959, Italy.

$13,389 Sale Price

25% Off

H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Ettore Sottsass's Style Wooden Coffee Table, 1950s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, IT

Wooden coffee table painted in the style of Ettore Sottsass designed in the 1950s. The frame is

Category

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

Materials

Rope, Wood

Ettore Sottsass's Style Wooden Coffee Table, 1950s

$575 Sale Price

20% Off

H 28.35 in W 27.17 in D 19.69 in

Ettore Sottsass Custom Burl & Oak Coffee Table from Max Palevsky Residence, 1984

By Ettore Sottsass, Sottsass Associati

Located in Kansas City, MO

This one of a kind custom coffee table designed by Ettore Sottsass is from the Max Palevsky

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome, Aluminum

Ettore Sottsass Custom Burl & Oak Coffee Table from Max Palevsky Residence, 1984

$9,850

H 18 in W 39 in D 19.25 in

Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova 'T.101' Coffee Table in Teak

By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, coffee table, teak, lacquered steel, Tuscany, Italy, 1959 Designed

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova 'T.101' Coffee Table in Teak

$9,200

H 14.97 in W 59.85 in D 19.14 in

21st Century by E.Sottsass "Jaipur" Marble Coffee Table with Crystal Top

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in massa, IT

by: Ettore Sottsass.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

21st Century by E.Sottsass "Jaipur" Marble Coffee Table with Crystal Top

$15,575 / item

H 14.97 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in

Midcentury E. Sottsass Style Wooden, Formica and Steel Coffee Table 50s Italy

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Palermo, IT

Triangular shaped coffee table with double wooden shelf covered in yellow (upper level) and black

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Midcentury E. Sottsass Style Wooden, Formica and Steel Coffee Table 50s Italy

$419 Sale Price

41% Off

H 24.02 in W 22.84 in D 22.05 in

Coffee Table in Laminated Wood by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi, Italy

By Ettore Sottsass, Alessi

Located in Milan, Italy

A beautiful coffee table in laminated wood designed by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi, circa 1990

Category

1990s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table in Laminated Wood by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi, Italy

$6,589

H 11.82 in W 55.12 in D 53.15 in

Park Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Park coffee table in marble, metal and glass by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Park Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Price Upon Request

H 17.72 in Dm 51.19 in

Park Lane Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Park Lane coffee table in fiberglass & marble by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection

Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Park Lane Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

$13,475 / item

H 14.97 in Dm 42.92 in

Vintage coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Santambrogio and De Berti

By Ettore Sottsass, Santambrogio & De Berti

Located in Milano, IT

Step into the world of timeless elegance with this exquisite modernist coffee table, a true

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Santambrogio and De Berti

$2,396 Sale Price

20% Off

H 13.39 in W 31.3 in D 31.3 in

Filicudi Coffee table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta, 1993

By Marco Zanini, Zanotta, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Renens, CH

Coffee table form the "Filicudi" series by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta Italy 1993

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Pearwood

Filicudi Coffee table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta, 1993

$5,389

H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 50.4 in

"Filicudi" coffee table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta 1993

By Marco Zanini, Zanotta, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Renens, CH

Coffee table form the "Filicudi" series by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta Italy 1993

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Pearwood

"Filicudi" coffee table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini for Zanotta 1993

$5,391

H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 50.4 in

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A super funky cocktail table design from the 1980's and made in Italy. It features all steel

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black

$2,200 Sale Price

21% Off

H 15.5 in W 42 in D 44 in

Ettore Sottsass Central Park Cocktail Table in Marble, Rare, 1983

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Rare Central Park cocktail table designed in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Studio, comprising a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Ettore Sottsass Central Park Cocktail Table in Marble, Rare, 1983

$7,900

H 16 in W 45 in D 45 in

Vintage 'Donau' Collection Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini

By Ettore Sottsass, Marco Zanini

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Incredibly rare and exceptional post-modern coffee table by the two of the masters of design

Category

Vintage 1980s Austrian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage 'Donau' Collection Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini

$4,950

H 19 in W 32 in D 18 in

Vintage Postmodern Geometric Glass Coffee Table, Ettore Sottsass Style, 1980s

By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Ettore Sottsass, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This unique coffee table features a geometric design, with a new glass top. Inspired by Ettore

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Postmodern Geometric Glass Coffee Table, Ettore Sottsass Style, 1980s

$3,800

H 13.75 in W 51 in D 26.88 in

Loto Coffee Table, Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1980

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Il piccolo Tavolino Loto in marmo bianco, progettato da Ettore Sottsass per Poltronova nel 1980, è

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Loto Coffee Table, Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1980

$5,990

H 8.27 in Dm 23.63 in

Ettore Sottsass Tony Table Post-Modern Italy, circa 1970

By Anthologie Quartett 1, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Vienna, AT

A fine example of the work of Ettore Sottsass, the Tony 3 table was imagined by the famous designer

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Ettore Sottsass Tony Table Post-Modern Italy, circa 1970

$4,800

H 17.71 in W 23.62 in D 39.37 in

Pair of Minimalist Veined Marble Indoor/Outdoor Coffee Tables

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of minimalist veined marble indoor/outdoor coffee tables. Can also be used as low end tables

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Ta...

Materials

Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Steel

Pair of Minimalist Veined Marble Indoor/Outdoor Coffee Tables

$7,500

H 11.5 in Dm 31.5 in

Monumental Solid Iron Postmodern Memphis Era Large Triangle Coffee Table Base

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in San Diego, CA

Majestic solid patinated iron art Deco memphis era coffee table base, nice red & black finish that

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Monumental Solid Iron Postmodern Memphis Era Large Triangle Coffee Table Base

$1,340 Sale Price

20% Off

H 16 in W 72 in D 33 in

Postmodern Granite and Black Tubular Steel Base Coffee or Side Tables, a Pair

By Sottsass Associati

Located in Miami, FL

tops from the 1980s. Can be arranged in a multitude of variations: side tables, coffee tables, or

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite, Metal

Postmodern Granite and Black Tubular Steel Base Coffee or Side Tables, a Pair

$2,500 / set

H 15.75 in W 26 in D 49.25 in

Cocktail Table by Ettore Sottsass

Located in New York, NY

A cocktail table designed by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta. Multi-colored laminated inset design on

Category

1990s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Cocktail Table by Ettore Sottsass

$6,200

H 16.5 in W 50.5 in D 27.75 in

Low Table by Ettore Sottsass in Wood and Brass by Poltronova 1950s

By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova

Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino

designer italiano Ettore Sottsass e prodotta alla fine degli anni '50 da Poltronova, Italia.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Low Table by Ettore Sottsass in Wood and Brass by Poltronova 1950s

$5,751

H 14.97 in Dm 41.34 in

Ettore Sottsass Santambrogio and De Berti Coffee Table 1970's

By Ettore Sottsass, Santambrogio & De Berti

Located in Taranto, IT

Vi presentiamo un iconico tavolo da caffè di Ettore Sottsass Sant’Ambrogio e De Berti, 1970’s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Ettore Sottsass Santambrogio and De Berti Coffee Table 1970's

$1,377 / item

H 13.39 in W 31.3 in D 31.3 in

Memphis Style Pyramid Coffee Table Inspired by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lovely, Paolo Piva and Ettore Sottsass inspired, Memphis style, Italian, 1980's coffee table

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Metal

Memphis Style Pyramid Coffee Table Inspired by Ettore Sottsass

$2,250

H 13.75 in W 45.5 in D 45.5 in

Memphis Design Style Coffee Table, circa 1980

By Ettore Sottsass, Shiro Kuramata, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Aldo Rossi, Memphis Group

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Memphis Design Style Coffee Table circa 1980 "lacquer finish in glossy black and red" "glass is

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Memphis Design Style Coffee Table, circa 1980

$1,550

H 14.75 in W 51 in D 25.5 in

Post Modern Enamel and Glass Coffee Table Dated '91 Probably Made in Italy

By Michael Graves (b.1934), Ettore Sottsass

Located in New York, NY

Intriguing Post Modern, Memphis style coffee table having opposing curved bases, of turquoise and

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Post Modern Enamel and Glass Coffee Table Dated '91 Probably Made in Italy

$2,900

H 17.5 in W 66 in D 42 in

Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova 'Soggiorno' Coffee Table in Teak

By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, coffee table 'Tavola Da Soggiorno', teak, lacquered steel, Italy

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova 'Soggiorno' Coffee Table in Teak

$7,450

H 15.36 in W 30.32 in D 27.56 in

Monumental Memphis Style Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

By Alessandro Mendini, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Argelato, BO

Important Post-modern coffee table in colored wood, referable to the famous Memphis movement. This

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

Monumental Memphis Style Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$4,169

H 32.29 in W 47.25 in D 22.05 in

Park Lane Low Fibreglass and Marble Coffee Table by Memphis, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

like little ziggurats, making it forceful and precious. Low fibreglass and marble coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Center Tables

Materials

Marble

Park Lane Low Fibreglass and Marble Coffee Table by Memphis, Ettore Sottsass

$7,730

H 14.97 in W 42.92 in D 42.92 in

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table by Zanotta, 1990

By Zanotta, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Beautiful coffee table from Ettore Sottsass by Zanotta in 1990. Ettore Sottsass is an Italian

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table by Zanotta, 1990

$5,990

H 16.15 in W 27.56 in D 50.4 in

Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass, 1983

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Berlin, DE

Coffee table 'Park Lane,' designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983, Italy. Fiberglass construction in

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Memphis Group Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass, 1983

$7,907

H 14.97 in Dm 42.92 in

1987 Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi

By Alessi, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Paris, FR

1987 coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi, unique piece, in ivory melamine and base in

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

1987 Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi

$7,188 / set

H 20.08 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in

Ettore Sottsass Jaipur Coffee Table, Marble Base with Glass Top

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in London, GB

Ettore Sottsass Jaipur table from Edition “Up and Up”, circa 1984. Square white marble base

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Ettore Sottsass Jaipur Coffee Table, Marble Base with Glass Top

$9,181

H 15.36 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in

Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for the Alessi Shops

By Alessi, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Paris, FR

Coffee table designed by Ettore Sottsass for the Alessi shops. Base made of three elements: two

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for the Alessi Shops

$7,188

H 11.82 in W 55.12 in D 55.12 in

"Alicudi" Round Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta, 1992

By Zanotta, Ettore Sottsass

Located in București, B

The "Alicudi" round coffee table was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta in 1992. This piece

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

"Alicudi" Round Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta, 1992

$3,234

H 16.54 in Dm 49.22 in

Ettore Sottsass Low Table

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in Mainz, DE

Ettore Sottsass low table with polished steel base, yellow crystal top

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Memphis Group Coffee and Cocktail ...

Materials

Steel

Ettore Sottsass Low Table

$6,350

H 16.54 in W 78.75 in D 21.66 in

Ettore Sottsass ash wood table “Vienna”, Italy circa 1989

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire

An Ash "Vienna" Table by Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007). Made by Polronova, Italy, circa

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Ettore Sottsass ash wood table “Vienna”, Italy circa 1989

$7,879

H 28.35 in W 72.45 in D 32.88 in

Industrial Modern Coffee Table

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Southampton, NY

A Memphis style steel frame enameled top coffee table with solid aluminum legs.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Industrial Modern Coffee Table

$2,400

H 13.75 in W 41.5 in D 41.5 in

Blue and Grey Granite Stone Coffee Table, 1990s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE

Blue and grey granite coffee table with a beautiful grain, l1990s Very good condition. Details

Category

1990s European Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

Blue and Grey Granite Stone Coffee Table, 1990s

$1,976

H 15.36 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in

Memphis Style Studio Artist Post Modern Solar System Metal Glass Coffee Table

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in El Cajon, CA

Outrageous, artist-made welded iron Memphis Style coffee table depicting celestial scene or

Category

Antique Late 19th Century North American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail T...

Materials

Metal

Memphis Style Studio Artist Post Modern Solar System Metal Glass Coffee Table

$2,000

H 16 in W 53.75 in D 30 in

1992 Ettore Sottsass "Alicudi" Coffee Table in Melamine Wood and Serigraphy

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Ettore Sottsass, Alicudi 1992 model coffee table. Wood structure, melamine wood top covered with

Category

1990s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

1992 Ettore Sottsass "Alicudi" Coffee Table in Melamine Wood and Serigraphy

$1,557

H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 50.4 in

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table

By Zanotta, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Eye-catching coffee table designed by Ettore Sottsass, founder of the influential Italian Memphis

Category

20th Century Italian Memphis Group Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table

$1,800

H 16.75 in W 50.5 in D 27.75 in

Sottsass Coffee Table for Poltronova, 1959, Italy

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brussels, BE

Coffee table designed in 1959, by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova. Teak, black metal frame, black

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Sottsass Coffee Table for Poltronova, 1959, Italy

$3,774

H 15.36 in W 60.24 in D 18.9 in

Sottsass Coffee Table for Poltronova, 1959, Italy

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brussels, BE

Coffee table designed in 1959, by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova. Teak, black metal frame, black

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Sottsass Coffee Table for Poltronova, 1959, Italy

$8,986

H 15.36 in W 60.24 in D 18.9 in

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table, Rosewood, Steel and Brass, Poltronova, Italy, 1958

By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Kansas City, MO

Early rare Brazilian rosewood coffee table designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy, 1958

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table, Rosewood, Steel and Brass, Poltronova, Italy, 1958

$12,850

H 15.25 in W 30.25 in D 30 in

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table Modern First Prototype Factory by Ghianda, 1980s

By Pierluigi Ghianda, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, IT

First prototype designed by Ettore Sottsass for the Ghianda factory in the 1980s. The coffee table

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Ettore Sottsass Coffee Table Modern First Prototype Factory by Ghianda, 1980s

$5,032

H 21.26 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in

Ettore Sottsass Primavera Marble Coffee Table, 1980

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Naples, IT

Primavera coffee table model in white marble, designed by Ettore Sottsass.

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

Ettore Sottsass Primavera Marble Coffee Table, 1980

$5,391

H 21.26 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in

Ettore Sottsass Primavera Marble Coffee Table, 1980

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Munich, DE

Primavera coffee table model in white marble, designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Ultime

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Ettore Sottsass Primavera Marble Coffee Table, 1980

$4,552

H 21.26 in Dm 19.69 in

'Holebid’ Low Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in New York, NY

‘Holebid’ Low Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection, featuring a stacked

Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Laminate, Wood

'Holebid’ Low Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass

$11,650

H 17.5 in W 42.75 in D 42.75 in

Coffee Table Designed by Ettore Sottsass, Model Primavera

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Piacenza, Italy

White Carrara marble coffee table, model Primavera, by Ettore Sottsass for Ultime Edizioni, circa

Category

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

Coffee Table Designed by Ettore Sottsass, Model Primavera

$2,100

H 20.87 in Dm 19.69 in

"Filicudi" Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1970s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Roma, IT

Coffe Tabe Mod. "Filicudi" by Ettore Sottsass. Legs in solid beech and laminated multi-color table

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

"Filicudi" Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1970s

$2,396

H 50.4 in W 50.4 in D 28.94 in

"Alicudi" Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1993

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Roma, IT

Laminated wood coffee table made by Ettore Sottsass (Innsbruck, 1917 – Milano, 2007), Italian

Category

1990s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

"Alicudi" Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1993

$2,935

H 50.4 in W 16.54 in D 27.56 in

Marble Coffee Table Designed by Ettore Sottsass, Model Primavera

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Piacenza, Italy

White Carrara marble coffee table, model Primavera, by Ettore Sottsass for Ultime Edizioni, circa

Category

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

Marble Coffee Table Designed by Ettore Sottsass, Model Primavera

$4,552

H 21.26 in Dm 19.69 in

Ettore Sottsass Rectangular Coffee Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1958

By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milan, IT

Ettore Sottsass rectangular coffee table for Poltronova, Italy, 1958 Splendid original patina and

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Ettore Sottsass Rectangular Coffee Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1958

$11,981

H 15.75 in W 61.03 in D 18.98 in

Coffee Table By Ettore Sottsass And Marco Zanini For Zanotta, 1990s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in PARIS, FR

Alicudi coffee table by the designer Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) and Marco Zanini for the publisher

Category

Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table By Ettore Sottsass And Marco Zanini For Zanotta, 1990s

$3,594

H 17.33 in W 27.76 in D 11.42 in

Coffee table 'PARK LANE', designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983, Italy.

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Berlin, Berlin

Coffee table 'PARK LANE', designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983, Italy. Fiberglass construction in

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Coffee table 'PARK LANE', designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983, Italy.

$7,787

H 38 in Dm 109 in

Vintage Coffee Table in Wood by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova

By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova

Located in Milano, IT

Stunning coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova of the dine of the 50s.The coffee table is

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Coffee Table in Wood by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova

$6,589

H 25.2 in Dm 35.44 in

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Sottsass Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal sottsass coffee table for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and stone, every sottsass coffee table was constructed with great care. Find 115 options for an antique or vintage sottsass coffee table now, or shop our selection of 9 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer sottsass coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right sottsass coffee table, those designed in mid-century modern and modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made sottsass coffee table over the years, but those crafted by Ettore Sottsass, Zanotta and Poltronova are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Sottsass Coffee Table?

Prices for a sottsass coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $85 and can go as high as $18,854, while the average can fetch as much as $3,800.

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 Sottsass Coffee Table

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.
Who invented the coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
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 Answer
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.
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
Are end tables taller than coffee tables?
1 Answer
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.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
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.
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.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
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.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?
1 Answer
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.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
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.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
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.

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