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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

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.

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

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

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.

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.

Specimen Coffee Table

Luther Conover Style

Theodore Alexander Keno Bros

Matchbook Collection

Category

2010s Hong Kong Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite, Aluminum

Specimen Coffee Table by Batten and Kamp

$21,061 / item

H 11.82 in Dm 43.31 in

Gio Ponti Style Round Cocktail Table by Keno Bros.

By Gio Ponti, Theodore Alexander

Located in Hanover, MA

"The Sampler" round specimen coffee table designed by the Keno Bros. for Theodore Alexander. This

Category

2010s Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Gio Ponti Style Round Cocktail Table by Keno Bros.

$3,500

H 18 in Dm 35 in

Vintage Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A vintage pietra dura specimen marble table top mounted on a new metal base.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage Specimen Marble Coffee Table

$3,600 Sale Price

20% Off

H 18 in Dm 39 in

Mid-Century Specimen Marble Chinoiserie Coffee Table

Located in Richmond, London

specimen marble inset, very much in the style an of the quality of Mallett Antiques, who made small tables

Category

Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Specimen Marble Chinoiserie Coffee Table

$3,749

H 17.33 in W 23.82 in D 23.82 in

Inlay Sunburst Specimen Wood Coffee or Cocktail Table

Located in Nantucket, MA

A specimen wood coffee or cocktail table with an angular, sunray inlay design on the top. Burmese

Category

Late 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Teak

Inlay Sunburst Specimen Wood Coffee or Cocktail Table

$1,600

H 18 in W 44 in D 22 in

An Italian specimen style marble coffee table 1950s

Located in London, GB

It’s all about the quality of the Breccia marble - almost specimen like displaying a variety of

Category

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

Materials

Breccia Marble, Stainless Steel

An Italian specimen style marble coffee table 1950s

$3,239

H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

French Ormolu Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

Located in London, GB

French ormolu coffee table with Italian marble specimen top French and Italian, 20th Century

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French Ormolu Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

$38,601

H 22.45 in W 42.92 in D 23.23 in

Neoclassical Style Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

Located in London, GB

Neoclassical style coffee table with Italian marble specimen top French, 20th century Dimensions

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Coffee Table with Italian Marble Specimen Top

$38,601

H 22.05 in W 40.16 in D 21.26 in

Italian 19th Century Mecca and Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A sensational and large scale Italian 19th century mecca and specimen marble coffee table. The

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Italian 19th Century Mecca and Specimen Marble Coffee Table

$22,800

H 21.5 in W 35 in D 35 in

Lacquered Live Edge Specimen Burl Coffee Table with Root Base

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Discover the enchanting charm of a beautifully crafted, unique tree-shaped wood coffee table—a

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl

Lacquered Live Edge Specimen Burl Coffee Table with Root Base

$3,100

H 16.5 in W 27.5 in D 37 in

Hollywood Regency Gold Iron Scroll Agate Stone Specimen Resin Top Coffee Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Hollywood Regency Gold Iron Scroll Agate Stone Specimen Resin Top Coffee Table. Circa Mid

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Hollywood Regency Gold Iron Scroll Agate Stone Specimen Resin Top Coffee Table

$2,250

H 17 in W 42 in D 42 in

Gilt Wrought Iron Specimen Onyx Gold Flake Resin Coffee Table by Enzo Missoni

By Enzo Missoni

Located in New York, NY

Voguish, chic, and sophisticated Hollywood Regency style coffee table by Enzo Missoni, made in

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Gilt Wrought Iron Specimen Onyx Gold Flake Resin Coffee Table by Enzo Missoni

$4,600

H 17 in Dm 42 in

Antique Italian Specimen Marble Table Top

Located in London, GB

This beautiful table-top was crafted in Italy in the late 19th century. It is decorated with a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Antique Italian Specimen Marble Table Top

$38,601

H 1.58 in W 30.32 in D 54.73 in

Specimen Marble Cocktail Table with a Custom Iron Base

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This table is comprised of multiple specimen marble squares measuring 1.75" X 1.75". The table top

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Classical Roman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Specimen Marble Cocktail Table with a Custom Iron Base

$5,200

H 21 in W 58 in D 21 in

Maltese Specimen Marble Tabletop Attributed to Darmanin of Malta

By Joseph Darmanin

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

size. Now set of a brass base and set as a coffee table. This fine top depicts a classical

Category

Antique 1850s Maltese Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Maltese Specimen Marble Tabletop Attributed to Darmanin of Malta

$33,775

H 16 in Dm 36 in

Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

soapstone specimen marble coffee table. The rectangular table is raised by beautiful elegantly curved fluted

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Coffee Table

$35,500

H 21.75 in W 48.75 in D 25.75 in

SUBLIME ANTiQUE 19TH CENTURY SPECIMEN GEOMETRIC SAMPLE WOOD INLAID COFFEE TABLE

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

, antique circa 1880 hand made in England, Sample wood coffee table with Geometric inlaid top after the

Category

Antique 1880s English High Victorian Tables

Materials

Wood

SUBLIME ANTiQUE 19TH CENTURY SPECIMEN GEOMETRIC SAMPLE WOOD INLAID COFFEE TABLE

$4,066

H 16.74 in W 40.95 in D 20.48 in

Table, Low, Sofa, Coffee, Specimen, Marble, Pietre Dure, Iron, Marcel Coard 57"L

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

MASSIVE 145CM, 57” LONG, VINTAGE, SPECIMEN MARBLE, TOP UNITED WITH AN IRON BASE IN THE MANNER OF

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Table, Low, Sofa, Coffee, Specimen, Marble, Pietre Dure, Iron, Marcel Coard 57"L

$13,786

H 16.15 in W 57.09 in D 33.08 in

Recent Sales

Italian Specimen Marble Top Coffee Table

Located in Stamford, CT

Circa early 20th century rectangular Italian coffee table with colorful marble top ornamented by

Category

Early 20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian Specimen Marble Top Coffee Table

H 18 in W 57.375 in D 30 in

Specimen Marble Table

Located in Madrid, ES

A specimen different color marble top on a brass stand coffe table

Category

Vintage 1970s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Specimen Marble Table

H 15.36 in W 59.06 in D 24.81 in

Rectangular Iron Coffee Table with Specimen Marble Top, Italy, circa 1960s

Located in New York, NY

Midcentury specimen marble coffee table on a rectangular open iron base. Italy, circa 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Iron

Rectangular Iron Coffee Table with Specimen Marble Top, Italy, circa 1960s

H 15 in W 31.5 in D 22 in

Rare English Regency Period Specimen Marble Table Attributed to Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Woodbury, CT

A rare and possibly unique drinks or serving side table attributed to Gillows of London and

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Rare English Regency Period Specimen Marble Table Attributed to Gillows

H 28 in W 25.5 in D 17.25 in

Italian Modern Specimen Marble, Resin and Walnut Low Table, Aldo Tura

By Aldo Tura

Located in Hollywood, FL

The kidney shaped top with different chunks of specimen marbles laid in a resin ground over splay

Category

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

Italian Modern Specimen Marble, Resin and Walnut Low Table, Aldo Tura

H 19.25 in W 45 in D 30 in

Neoclassical Oval French Coffee Table by Maison Ramsey in Slade, Gold Plating

By Maison Ramsay

Located in Cologne, DE

Go glam with this extraordinary specimen of a coffee table. Due to the combination of an oval

Category

Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Gold Leaf

Neoclassical Oval French Coffee Table by Maison Ramsey in Slade, Gold Plating

H 29 in W 56 in D 38 in

Impressive Large 19th Century Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

An impressive large 19th century specimen marble coffee table; the spectacular circular specimen

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Center Tables

Impressive Large 19th Century Specimen Marble Coffee Table

H 19.25 in Dm 39.5 in

Italian 18th Century Marble Specimen Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A spectacular Italian 18th century marble specimen coffee table. The stunning coffee table is

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktai...

Italian 18th Century Marble Specimen Coffee Table

H 17.5 in W 53 in D 28.5 in

Onyx Specimen Coffee Table

Located in Chicago, IL

A stunning midcentury coffee table featuring rare specimens of blue, pink, yellow and honey onyx

Category

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

Materials

Onyx, Metal

Onyx Specimen Coffee Table

H 13.5 in W 39 in D 39 in

Neoclassical Marble Specimen Coffee Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Italian Neoclassical Grand Tour manner polychrome specimen marble coffee table with ornamental

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Neoclassical Marble Specimen Coffee Table

H 21.75 in W 48.75 in D 25.5 in

Onyx Specimen Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Hamburg, PA

Onyx stone specimen encased in resin, coffee table circa 1970s. Very good age appropriate

Category

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

Materials

Onyx

Onyx Specimen Coffee Table, 1970s

H 16 in W 36 in D 36 in

Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in Westwood, NJ

Italian honeycomb specimen marble on an 8-legged coffee table base.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Specimen Marble Coffee Table

H 17.25 in W 55.5 in D 31 in

Specimen Marble Inlaid Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A circa 1940s specimen marble top featuring bulls and a center star pattern set in a contemporary

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Specimen Marble Inlaid Coffee Table

H 22.5 in W 38.25 in D 19.5 in

Italian Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in Essex, MA

Antico verde marble top with central checkerboard top flanked by wine glasses and Greek key border , wrought iron base with trestle base with twist stretchers , flattened fan shaped ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Italian Specimen Marble Coffee Table

H 18.5 in W 40 in D 21 in

Natural Shape Specimen Root Coffee Table

By George Nakashima

Located in North Miami, FL

Mid-Century Modern natural shape varnished wood specimen root coffee table- with a Nakashima

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Natural Shape Specimen Root Coffee Table

H 15 in W 28 in D 16 in

1960s Specimen Marble-Top Coffee Table

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Exceptional quality 1960s, hard wood coffee table. The top is inset with thirty square pieces of

Category

Vintage 1960s European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

1960s Specimen Marble-Top Coffee Table

H 15.75 in W 55.12 in D 35.44 in

Italian Specimen Marble Coffee Table, 1950s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Brussels, BE

The table foot of the table is from the 1950s. It is in the style Maison Jansen. The specimen

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian Specimen Marble Coffee Table, 1950s

H 15.75 in W 39.77 in D 23.63 in

A 20th Century Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in London, GB

Italy, circa 1940 An early twentieth century coffee table of large scale, with specimen marble top

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

A 20th Century Specimen Marble Coffee Table

H 16.15 in W 48.82 in D 30.71 in

Neoclassical Style Painted Coffee Table W. Specimen Marble Top

Located in New York, NY

Neoclassical Style Painted Coffee Table W. Specimen Marble Top, great patina!

Category

20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Neoclassical Style Painted Coffee Table W. Specimen Marble Top

H 20 in Dm 36 in

Vintage Amber Resin Illuminated Coffee Table w/ Nature Specimens

Located in Astoria, NY

A vintage oval coffee or cocktail table with an amber resin surface and interior lighting. The

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Amber Resin Illuminated Coffee Table w/ Nature Specimens

H 14 in W 46 in D 24 in

Monumental, Fossil, slice Specimen Petrified Wood Coffee/cocktail Table.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is an Araucarioxylon Arizonicum , Chinle formation, northen Arizona .This sample was harvested on the property just adjacent to the renowned Petrified forest,National Park in AZ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Rustic Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Petrified Wood

Monumental, Fossil, slice Specimen Petrified Wood Coffee/cocktail Table.

H 15.5 in W 60 in D 32 in

Specimen Marble (Grand Tour) Gilt Coffee Table Mallett and Son

Located in Dallas, TX

mid-20th century handmade paint and parcel gilt frame for use as a coffee / cocktail table, Mallett

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Specimen Marble (Grand Tour) Gilt Coffee Table Mallett and Son

H 14.25 in W 52 in D 28.25 in

Rare Specimen Marble Inlaid Creme Painted Directoire Gilded Coffee Table

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This is a superb coffee table with a specimen marble inlaid top and fantastic gilded and creme

Category

Vintage 1950s Directoire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Rare Specimen Marble Inlaid Creme Painted Directoire Gilded Coffee Table

H 19.25 in W 37 in D 19 in

Red Marble Mid-Century Italian Coffee Table with Ammonite Specimens

Located in London, GB

A large sized mid-century coffee table. Italy, c1960s. A great specimen full of ammonites

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Red Marble Mid-Century Italian Coffee Table with Ammonite Specimens

H 17.72 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in

Specimen Marble Low Table

Located in Stamford, CT

A very special Italian specimen marble low table on painted & gilt carved wood base.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Specimen Marble Low Table

H 18 in Dm 32 in

Lovely Victorian Walnut & Italian Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Chess Coffee Table

By PIETRA DURA

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

table with Italian Pietra Dura circa 1800 Specimen marble Chess table top A beautiful find and a

Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Lovely Victorian Walnut & Italian Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Chess Coffee Table

H 17.33 in Dm 25.99 in

Custom William Haines "Specimen" Cocktail Table

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Unique, handsome custom cocktail table designed by William Haines for the Jorgensen estate in Bel

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom William Haines "Specimen" Cocktail Table

H 18.5 in W 56 in D 24 in

The Specimen Marble Top Low Table

Located in London, GB

Raised carved end supports

Category

Antique 19th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

The Specimen Marble Top Low Table

H 16.93 in W 44.49 in D 23.23 in

Specimen Stone Travertine Table Wrought Iron Base

Located in Ferndale, MI

Specimen Stone Travertine Table Wrought Iron Base

Category

20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Specimen Stone Travertine Table Wrought Iron Base

H 16 in W 60 in D 22 in

Continental Specimen Walnut and Horn Side Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

The top a beautiful cross section or specimen of walnut mounted atop three cow horns.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Continental Specimen Walnut and Horn Side Table

H 22 in W 25.5 in D 18.5 in

Custom "Specimen" Cocktail Table designed by William Haines

By William Billy Haines

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A stunning custom cocktail table designed by William Haines for the Jorgensen estate in Bel Air

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Custom "Specimen" Cocktail Table designed by William Haines

H 18.5 in W 56 in D 24 in

Roger Capron Coffee Table

By Roger Capron

Located in San Francisco, CA

Roger Capron design ceramic specimen top coffee table. Interesting organic feeling table with

Category

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

Roger Capron Coffee Table

H 13 in Dm 37 in

Vintage Italian Circular Brass and Marble Coffee Table

Located in Geneva, CH

Vintage specimen tripod marble coffee table inlaid with various colored Italian marbles within a

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Italian Circular Brass and Marble Coffee Table

H 16.93 in Dm 39.38 in

1950s Tripod Cirular Italian Brass and Marble Coffee Table

Located in Geneva, CH

Vintage specimen tripod marble coffee table inlaid with various colored Italian marbles within a

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

1950s Tripod Cirular Italian Brass and Marble Coffee Table

H 16.93 in Dm 39.38 in

Large Scale Teak Organic Form Coffee Table

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Large-scale teak organic form coffee table.

Category

Vintage 1960s Indonesian Organic Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Wood

Large Scale Teak Organic Form Coffee Table

H 15.5 in W 60 in D 47 in

Pair of Italian Pietra Doré Specimen Marble Plaques/Tops with Porphyry, Jasper

Located in New York, NY

An early antique pair of Italian pietra doré specimen marble plaques or table tops, Italian Grand

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Pair of Italian Pietra Doré Specimen Marble Plaques/Tops with Porphyry, Jasper

H 15.5 in W 13.5 in D 2 in

Late 19th Century Faux Specimen Marble Walnut Coffee Table

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Extraordinary Walnut Side or Coffee Table intricately carved base of four winged angels with tails

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Century Faux Specimen Marble Walnut Coffee Table

H 25.2 in W 29.53 in D 20.08 in

Antique Regency Specimen Wood Nest of Five Coffee Tables

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

An exceptionally fine late Regency period nest of five specimen wood veneered coffee tables, having

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Nesting Tables and Stacking T...

Materials

Mahogany, Maple, Rosewood, Satinwood, Amboyna

Antique Regency Specimen Wood Nest of Five Coffee Tables

H 30 in W 24 in D 15.5 in

Fine Specimen Wood Coffee Table by Mallett

Located in London, GB

A fine 20th century specimen wood coffee table with starburst panel to the top, made by Mallett and

Category

Mid-20th Century English Benches

Fine Specimen Wood Coffee Table by Mallett

H 14.97 in W 46.86 in D 34.26 in

Antique Regency Quartetto Nest of Coffee Tables

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A very fine quality Regency period Quartetto nest of specimen wood coffee tables, the crossbanded

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Nesting Tables and Stacking T...

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Maple, Rosewood, Satinwood, Amboyna

Antique Regency Quartetto Nest of Coffee Tables

H 28.5 in W 21 in D 15.5 in

Pair of Ammonite Fossil Mid-Century Stone Tables

Located in London, GB

A pair of ammonite specimen stone side or coffee tables. Belgium, c1970s. Great specimens

Category

Mid-20th Century Tables

Materials

Stone

Pair of Ammonite Fossil Mid-Century Stone Tables

H 13.78 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in

George IV Specimen Coffee Table

Located in Whaley Bridge, GB

George IV specimen table with octagonal top inlaid with coromandel, amboyna, ash, mahogany, thuya

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English William IV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

George IV Specimen Coffee Table

H 21 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in

Specimen Wood Oyster Veneered Coffee Table

Located in Greenwich, CT

A low rectangular coffee table with stunning oyster veneered patera and star inlaid specimen wood

Category

Vintage 1970s Indian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Specimen Wood Oyster Veneered Coffee Table

H 17.5 in W 49 in D 32.5 in

Specimen Onyx-Top Coffee or Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

" thick. This interesting coffee, cocktail table is heavy, well made, and chic, it will go well with

Category

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

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Specimen Onyx-Top Coffee or Cocktail Table

H 15.13 in W 43.25 in D 19.63 in

Exceptional Italian Neoclassical Specimen Marble Coffee / Cocktail Table

Located in New York, NY

Our magnificent Italian specimen marble low table in the neoclassical style depicts a potted plant

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Exceptional Italian Neoclassical Specimen Marble Coffee / Cocktail Table

H 17 in W 61.25 in D 37 in

Vintage Modern Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Coffee Table with Iron Base

Located in Essex, MA

Mid-Century Modern round coffee table with specimen marble top Italian rare marbles in radially

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Slate

Vintage Modern Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Coffee Table with Iron Base

H 19 in Dm 47 in

19th Century Specimen Marble Bench or Coffee Table, Philadelphia History Museum

Located in Essex, MA

its original patinated bronzed coloring --Thickness of top is 3" --Use a a large coffee table or as

Category

Antique 19th Century American Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

19th Century Specimen Marble Bench or Coffee Table, Philadelphia History Museum

H 18 in W 65 in D 30 in

Swedish Modern Three-Part Cocktail Table with Specimen Wood Tops

Located in Norwalk, CT

Unusual and beautiful form. Three tables in organic shapes that fit together. Tops are decorated

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Swedish Modern Three-Part Cocktail Table with Specimen Wood Tops

H 19 in Dm 34 in

Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Style Coffee Table

By Percival Lafer

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very dramatic looking midcentury specimen wood coffee table, designed by Percival Lafer, dated

Category

20th Century Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Style Coffee Table

H 16.93 in W 59.06 in D 30.32 in

Natural Root Base Slab Top Side Coffee Table Amber Tone Varnish Finish

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Decorative Mid-Century Modern decor fit natural specimen of walnut side coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Natural Root Base Slab Top Side Coffee Table Amber Tone Varnish Finish

H 16 in W 25 in D 30 in

Abalone Shell Grotto Style Specimen Multi Color Coffee Table Decor

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

wonderful statement for a coffee table filled with a few of your favorite things, like coins from the

Category

Vintage 1950s American American Classical Decorative Bowls

Materials

Shell

Abalone Shell Grotto Style Specimen Multi Color Coffee Table Decor

H 3 in W 7.5 in D 6.5 in

Specimen Coffee Table

Located in High Point, NC

Surfboard shaped specimen coffee table with examples of petrified wood and thin slabs of stone

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Petrified Wood

Specimen Coffee Table

H 13.75 in W 38.5 in D 16.75 in

Petrified Wood Specimen Coffee Table

Located in High Point, NC

Specimen coffee table with examples of petrified wood and thin slabs of stone encased in resin

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Petrified Wood Specimen Coffee Table

H 16 in W 42 in D 28 in

A shapley three legged redwood specimen coffee table c.1950's

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A diminutive shapely three legged redwood specimen coffee table c.1950's. The heavily textured bark

Category

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

A shapley three legged redwood specimen coffee table c.1950's

H 17 in W 44 in D 20 in

Petrified Wood Specimen Coffee Table

Located in High Point, NC

Specimen oval shaped coffee table with examples of petrified wood and thin slabs of stone encased

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Steel

Petrified Wood Specimen Coffee Table

H 15.25 in W 38.25 in D 18.75 in

Petrified Wood Specimen Table

Located in High Point, NC

Shaped specimen coffee table with examples of petrified wood and thin slabs of stone over small

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Petrified Wood

Petrified Wood Specimen Table

H 15.5 in W 36.125 in D 18 in

Specimen Marble Coffee Table

Located in Froxfield, Wiltshire

A late 20th century Italian specimen marble coffee table mounted on a black and polished brass base.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Grand Tour Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Specimen Marble Coffee Table

H 15.36 in W 51.58 in D 33.86 in

Specimen Marble Topped Coffee Table

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Specimen marble topped coffee table.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Specimen Marble Topped Coffee Table

H 16.25 in W 51.5 in D 34 in

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Antique and Vintage Tables

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Specimen Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal specimen coffee table for your home. Frequently made of stone, marble and metal, every specimen coffee table was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer specimen coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A specimen coffee table, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Neoclassical or Arts and Crafts style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made specimen coffee table has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Aldo Tura, Brendan Bass and Joseph Darmanin are consistently popular.

How Much is a Specimen Coffee Table?

Prices for a specimen coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $100 and can go as high as $108,400, while the average can fetch as much as $7,254.

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 Specimen Coffee Table

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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
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.
Why are modern coffee tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
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.
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.

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