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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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German Inlay Table

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Danish Teak Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen for Kubus, 1960s

$1,552

H 21.66 in Dm 30.32 in

Danish Teak Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen for Kubus, 1960s

By Søren Georg Jensen

Located in Esbjerg, DK

This midcentury Danish teak coffee table comes with sculptural solid teak legs and intricate veneer

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

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Teak

Mid-Century Bronze "Starburst" Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

$10,995

H 15 in W 60 in D 33 in

Mid-Century Bronze "Starburst" Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

By Daniel Gluck

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century bronze “Starburst” coffee table designed by Daniel Gluck in the United States, circa

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

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Donald Drumm Brushed Aluminum & Glass "Starburst" Coffee Table

$2,000

H 15 in Dm 30.5 in

Donald Drumm Brushed Aluminum & Glass "Starburst" Coffee Table

By Donald Drumm

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Donald Drumm Minimalist round cast aluminum & glass cocktail table, circa 1970. Classic. Large

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Vintage Sculptural "Starburst" Bronze Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

$12,000

H 15.25 in W 78.5 in D 40 in

Vintage Sculptural "Starburst" Bronze Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck

By Daniel Gluck

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This sculptural bronze “Starburst” coffee table by Daniel Gluck stands as a testament to 1970s

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Round Starburst Teak Pedestal Coffee Table by Holger Georg Jensen

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H 21.5 in Dm 40 in

Round Starburst Teak Pedestal Coffee Table by Holger Georg Jensen

By Holger Georg Jensen, Kubus

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Holger Georg Jensen Manufacturer: Kubus Era: 1958 Materials: Teak Measurements: 40″ diameter x 21.5″ tall Condition: In excellent original condition with t...

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

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Lane Furniture Table W/ Starburst Inlay

$1,500

H 15 in W 50 in D 21 in

Lane Furniture Table W/ Starburst Inlay

By Lane Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Lane Furniture with beautiful wood and aluminum inlay design

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Recent Sales

Etched Bronze Starburst Coffee Table by Lova Creations

Unavailable

H 14.5 in W 50 in D 30 in

Etched Bronze Starburst Coffee Table by Lova Creations

By Lova Creation

Located in New York, NY

An etched bronze starburst coffee table resting on two blackened multi legged bases by Lova

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Italian Marble-Top Starburst Coffee Table

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H 15 in W 44 in L 15 in

Italian Marble-Top Starburst Coffee Table

Located in Middlesex, NJ

Italian marble-top starburst coffee table. The base is engraved made in Italy. Original marble top.

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Gio Ponti Inspired Maple Starburst Coffee Table Mid-century Modern

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H 15 in Dm 41.5 in

Gio Ponti Inspired Maple Starburst Coffee Table Mid-century Modern

By Gio Ponti

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Gorgeous Gio Ponti inspired starburst maple wood coffee table. Well crafted maple wood pieces are

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Large Shagreen Starburst Coffee Table With Gilt Feet

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H 17 in W 48 in D 48 in

Large Shagreen Starburst Coffee Table With Gilt Feet

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A large shagreen starburst coffee table with gilt feet seamlessly merges sophistication with exotic

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Baker coffee table

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H 16 in Dm 49.75 in

Baker coffee table

Located in Chicago, IL

Pentagonal starburst coffee table designed by California designer Paul Tuttle and Baker's head of

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Starburst Faux Bamboo Coffee Table

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Starburst Faux Bamboo Coffee Table

Located in North Miami, FL

Fabulous low coffee table in ebonized faux bamboo with gilded top and starburst decoration. Makes a

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Mirror Top Coffee Table with Starburst Base

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Mirror Top Coffee Table with Starburst Base

Located in Dallas, TX

Sleek, mirror top coffee table with brass trim, starburst base, and brass-capped feet.

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Danish Modern Round Starburst Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table

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Danish Modern Round Starburst Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table

Located in Berkeley, CA

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Vintage Sensational Starburst Mixed Wood Inlaid Coffee Table

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Vintage Sensational Starburst Mixed Wood Inlaid Coffee Table

Located in Hopewell, NJ

A stunning medium sized vintage coffee table having gorgeously crafted mahogany and walnut inlay

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Modern Macassar Starburst Cocktail Table

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Modern Macassar Starburst Cocktail Table

Located in North York, ON

Modern Macassar starburst cocktail table. Featuring starburst pattern on both shelves, bottom shelf

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Chrome Starburst Base Cocktail Table

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H 18 in Dm 42 in

Chrome Starburst Base Cocktail Table

Located in Wilton, CT

Mid-century mirror-polished chrome cocktail table with star shaped base and heavy round glass top.

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Ron Seff Starburst Marquetry Cocktail Table, Newly Restored

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H 17 in W 42.13 in D 42.13 in

Ron Seff Starburst Marquetry Cocktail Table, Newly Restored

By Ron Seff

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and outstanding modern starburst marquetry coffee or cocktail table Inspired by Jean

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MidCentury Modernist Lava Starburst Enameled Ceramic Cocktail Table by G Olivier

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H 16.5 in Dm 36 in

MidCentury Modernist Lava Starburst Enameled Ceramic Cocktail Table by G Olivier

Located in New York, NY

This refined Mid-Century Modern ceramic cocktail table was realized by the esteemed G. Olivier in

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Italian Sunburst Square Coffee Table

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H 18 in W 47.75 in D 47.75 in

Italian Sunburst Square Coffee Table

Located in Westwood, NJ

Italian style oak and walnut starburst parquetry coffee table with an oak column support and

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21st Century and Contemporary European Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktai...

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Mid Century Italian Tile Mosaic Round Coffee Table by Luberto

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H 15 in Dm 40 in

Mid Century Italian Tile Mosaic Round Coffee Table by Luberto

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century Italian round mosaic tile top coffee table. Celestial starburst pattern in white

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Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Tile Top Wood Coffee Table Hohenberg Martz Era

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H 15 in Dm 36 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Tile Top Wood Coffee Table Hohenberg Martz Era

By Richard Hohenberg, Gordon Martz

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a sunburst or starburst, tile mosaic top, wooden coffee table, stamped

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

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Fine Specimen Wood Coffee Table by Mallett

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H 14.97 in W 46.86 in D 34.26 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

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Spectacular Mid-Century Modern Italian, Gold Starburst Coffee Table

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Spectacular Mid-Century Modern Italian, Gold Starburst Coffee Table

By Gio Ponti

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Spectacular mid-century modern Aluminum gold starburst coffee table. Marked made in italy on the

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

Materials

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Oak and Glass Starburst Coffee Table

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Oak and Glass Starburst Coffee Table

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in New Windsor, NY

Solid oil oak starburst form coffee table base with original oval glass top, circa 1960. Very good

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

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Paul Tuttle & Winsor White for Baker Cocktail Table

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H 16 in W 49.5 in D 48 in

Paul Tuttle & Winsor White for Baker Cocktail Table

By Winsor White, Baker Furniture Company, Paul Tuttle

Located in Hanover, MA

Very rare Mid-Century Modern large-scale pentagonal starburst coffee table designed by Paul Tuttle

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

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Brass

Charles Pfister for Baker Furniture Primavera Starburst Marquetry Coffee Table

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H 16.13 in W 40 in D 27.88 in

Charles Pfister for Baker Furniture Primavera Starburst Marquetry Coffee Table

By Baker Furniture Company, Charles Pfister

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous modern Art Deco two-tier coffee or cocktail table By Charles Pfister for Baker

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Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Large French Art Deco Starburst Inlaid Sycamore Coffee Table W/ Nickeled Bronze

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H 17 in W 63 in D 35.25 in

Large French Art Deco Starburst Inlaid Sycamore Coffee Table W/ Nickeled Bronze

Located in New York City, NY

An exceptional and dramatic 1940's French Moderne blond wood coffee table, attrib to J.A. Gillen

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Bronze, Nickel

Midcentury Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Starburst Form Cocktail Table

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H 18.5 in W 36 in D 36 in

Midcentury Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Starburst Form Cocktail Table

By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection

Located in Southampton, NJ

1970s square glass top cocktail table having solid chrome starburst base designed by Leon Rosen for

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

Materials

Chrome

Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen

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H 21 in Dm 40 in

Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen

By Søren Georg Jensen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen. Starburst Top Detail. (2 Available - See Storefront).

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

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Teak

Mid-Century Teak Starburst Coffee Table by H.W. Klein

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H 20.48 in Dm 37.01 in

Mid-Century Teak Starburst Coffee Table by H.W. Klein

By Henry Walter Klein

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

Mid-Century teak Starburst coffee table designed by H.W. Klein. Stunning table-top design detailing

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

Materials

Teak

Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen

Sold

H 21.25 in Dm 40 in

Starburst Coffee Table by Søren Georg Jensen

By Søren Georg Jensen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Starburst top and base detail.

Category

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

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Mid-Century Curtis Jere Style Coffee Table

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Mid-Century Curtis Jere Style Coffee Table

By Curtis Jeré

Located in St. Louis, MO

Beautiful mid-century hammered metal starburst coffee table in the style of Curtis Jere. This

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Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

German Oak Coffee Table with Starburst Inlay, circa 1860

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H 20.75 in W 43.75 in D 36.75 in

German Oak Coffee Table with Starburst Inlay, circa 1860

Located in Wiltshire, GB

German oak coffee table with 'X' stretcher and single drawer. The top is 1 1/2" thick and is two

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Starburst Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal starburst coffee table for your home. A starburst coffee table — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a starburst coffee table — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A starburst coffee table, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one starburst coffee table that is appealing in its simplicity, but Ron Seff, Baker Furniture Company and Charles Pfister produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Starburst Coffee Table?

Prices for a starburst coffee table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $950 and can go as high as $32,500, while the average can fetch as much as $2,600.

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 Starburst 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.

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