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Mid-Century Modern Marble-Top Surfboard Style Cocktail Table
Mid-Century Modern Marble-Top Surfboard Style Cocktail Table

Mid-Century Modern Marble-Top Surfboard Style Cocktail Table

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous Carrara marble-top cocktail table in the form of a surfboard. White marble from Italy

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Surfboard Shaped Marble Top Cocktail Table, 1955
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Surfboard Shaped Marble Top Cocktail Table, 1955

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Surfboard Shaped Marble Top Cocktail Table, 1955

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous simple yet elegant surfboard shaped cocktail table in carrara Marble. Four walnut legs

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Charles and Ray Eames Elliptical Aka Surfboard Table for Herman Miller, 1990s
Charles and Ray Eames Elliptical Aka Surfboard Table for Herman Miller, 1990s

Charles and Ray Eames Elliptical Aka Surfboard Table for Herman Miller, 1990s

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Miami, FL

Black laminate top on steel wire frame base Eliptical coffee table designed by Charles and Ray

Category

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

Materials

Steel

1950's Danish Modern Sculpted Leg Surfboard Cocktail Table by Kurt Østervig
1950's Danish Modern Sculpted Leg Surfboard Cocktail Table by Kurt Østervig

1950's Danish Modern Sculpted Leg Surfboard Cocktail Table by Kurt Østervig

By Kurt Østervig

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Incredible large coffee table by Danish furniture designer Kurt Østervig (1912-1986). This very

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Woven Shelf Oval Coffee Table
Woven Shelf Oval Coffee Table

Woven Shelf Oval Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Oval surfboard style coffee table with excellent woven shelf. Warm walnut grain and thick sturdy

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cord, Wood

Oval Glass Top Coffee Table by Pearsall
Oval Glass Top Coffee Table by Pearsall

Oval Glass Top Coffee Table by Pearsall

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in New York, NY

Iconic and Classic Pearsall surfboard glass top coffee table with oval glass top ( .25 inch thick

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

1950s Danish Modern Harvey Probber Marble-Top Coffee Table
1950s Danish Modern Harvey Probber Marble-Top Coffee Table

1950s Danish Modern Harvey Probber Marble-Top Coffee Table

By Harvey Probber

Located in Esperance, NY

Harvey Probber elegant coffee table with surfboard top of Terrazzo marble divided by a center panel

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Danish Teak Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Danish Teak Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Danish Teak Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

By Arne Hovmand-Olsen

Located in Southampton, NJ

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Outstanding danish teak surfboard style

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Coffee Table Prelude by Ace Hi, c. 1950/1960's
Mid Century Coffee Table Prelude by Ace Hi, c. 1950/1960's

Mid Century Coffee Table Prelude by Ace Hi, c. 1950/1960's

By Prelude

Located in New York, NY

Classic mid century boat, or Surfboard shaped coffee table, American made in the danish style. This

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Bohdan Andreas Functional Abstract Wall Art/Coffee Table in Hand-Painted Epoxy
Bohdan Andreas Functional Abstract Wall Art/Coffee Table in Hand-Painted Epoxy

Bohdan Andreas Functional Abstract Wall Art/Coffee Table in Hand-Painted Epoxy

Located in Miami, FL

sale is a functional art epoxy resin hand-painted surfboard-style coffee table with wrought iron

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Eames Surfboard Table
Eames Surfboard Table

Eames Surfboard Table

By Charles Eames

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Rare long and low cocktail table for Herman Miller by the husband and wife design team of Charles

Category

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

Materials

Zinc

Harvey Probber Surfboard Table
Harvey Probber Surfboard Table

Harvey Probber Surfboard Table

By Harvey Probber

Located in New York, NY

Surboard-shaped cocktail table with dowel legs by Harvey Probber, produced c. 1955. Of nicely

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

"Capri" Group Surfboard Table by Johannes Andersen
"Capri" Group Surfboard Table by Johannes Andersen

"Capri" Group Surfboard Table by Johannes Andersen

By Johannes Andersen

Located in New York, NY

"Capri" surfboard table in teak with chrome-plated metal base. By Danish designer Johannes

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Lane Surfboard Coffee Table
Lane Surfboard Coffee Table

Lane Surfboard Coffee Table

By Lane Furniture

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Lane surfboard coffee table by Lane Altavista. Professionally refurbished and finished. Exceptional

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Surfboard Coffee Table - Harvey Probber
Surfboard Coffee Table - Harvey Probber

Surfboard Coffee Table - Harvey Probber

Located in Bridport, CT

Surfboard coffee table in terrazzo marble, walnut and rosewood by Harvey Probber.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Rosewood

Dark Chocolate Surfboard Coffee Table
Dark Chocolate Surfboard Coffee Table

Dark Chocolate Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Surfboard coffee table with stretcher base finished in a dark chocolate french polished finish

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Coffee Table

Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Brussels , BE

Mid-Century Modern surfboard coffee table.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Long Surfboard Coffee Table - Michael Taylor
Long Surfboard Coffee Table - Michael Taylor

Long Surfboard Coffee Table - Michael Taylor

Located in SouthPort, CT

Long surfboard coffee table with two drawers that open on both sides, in oak by Michael Taylor.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table by Heritage
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table by Heritage

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table by Heritage

By Heritage Furniture

Located in Sacramento, CA

Mid-Century Modern walnut surfboard coffee table by Heritage. Slightly narrower than the standard

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Brown-Saltman Surfboard Coffee Table
Brown-Saltman Surfboard Coffee Table

Brown-Saltman Surfboard Coffee Table

By John Keal

Located in San Francisco, CA

Surfboard coffee table designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman, Keal's homage to the Southern

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Mosaic Tile Surfboard Coffee Table
Mosaic Tile Surfboard Coffee Table

Mosaic Tile Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Fulton, CA

Long and low, mosaic tile surfboard coffee table with peg legs. Tiles have an unusual mica or

Category

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

Materials

Plywood

Large Danish Rosewood Surfboard Coffee Table with Splayed Legs
Large Danish Rosewood Surfboard Coffee Table with Splayed Legs

Large Danish Rosewood Surfboard Coffee Table with Splayed Legs

Located in Belmont, MA

Large Danish rosewood surfboard coffee table with splayed legs.

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Capiz Shell Surfboard Coffee Table
Capiz Shell Surfboard Coffee Table

Capiz Shell Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fantastic Mid-Century extra-long surfboard coffee table with shimmering capiz shell top and black

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Shell, Wood

Eames for Herman Miller Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table
Eames for Herman Miller Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table

Eames for Herman Miller Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Classic Charles Eames surfboard coffee table in black with zinc base. The table is in original

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Easton, PA

Walnut surfboard coffee table designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb c.1950s. WEEKLY

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Danish Modern Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
Vintage Danish Modern Teak Surfboard Coffee Table

Vintage Danish Modern Teak Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Vancouver, BC

Vintage, teak Danish modern surfboard coffee table in excellent condition. Most likely dating to

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Adjustable Teak Danish Modern Style Surfboard Coffee Table
Adjustable Teak Danish Modern Style Surfboard Coffee Table

Adjustable Teak Danish Modern Style Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Solid teak surfboard coffee table with top that splits to lengthen the width of the table

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Danish Modern Style Surfboard Coffee Table with Brass Legs and Inlaid Tile
Danish Modern Style Surfboard Coffee Table with Brass Legs and Inlaid Tile

Danish Modern Style Surfboard Coffee Table with Brass Legs and Inlaid Tile

Located in Denver, CO

Beautiful smaller scale surfboard coffee table with brass legs and inlaid mosaic tile. Studio piece.

Category

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

Materials

Stone, Brass

Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak "Surfboard" Coffee Table
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak "Surfboard" Coffee Table

Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak "Surfboard" Coffee Table

Located in San Marcos, CA

Denmark to California. This fully restored "surfboard" coffee table features a vibrant wood grain and

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Italian Marble Top Eliptical Surfboard Coffee Table on Arched Bronze Feet
Italian Marble Top Eliptical Surfboard Coffee Table on Arched Bronze Feet

Italian Marble Top Eliptical Surfboard Coffee Table on Arched Bronze Feet

Located in Long Beach, CA

Italian Marble Top Eliptical Surfboard Coffee Table on Arched Bronze Feet. Good original condition

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid-Century Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table with Ladder Storage 1960's
Mid-Century Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table with Ladder Storage 1960's

Mid-Century Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table with Ladder Storage 1960's

Located in Wroclaw, PL

Mid-century vintage surfboard coffee table with ladder storage 1960's Teak veneer surfboard edge

Category

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

Materials

Beech

John Keal for Brown Saltman Surfboard Coffee Table and End Table
John Keal for Brown Saltman Surfboard Coffee Table and End Table

John Keal for Brown Saltman Surfboard Coffee Table and End Table

By Brown Saltman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

John Keal for Brown Saltman rare and important surfboard coffee table and two-tier side table

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Long Teak Surfboard Coffee Table stamped KT 20, Denmark
Danish Modern Long Teak Surfboard Coffee Table stamped KT 20, Denmark

Danish Modern Long Teak Surfboard Coffee Table stamped KT 20, Denmark

Located in Denver, CO

Large, long, lipped edge midcentury Danish modern teak surfboard coffee table marked KT of Denmark

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Tomlison Surfboard Coffee Table
Tomlison Surfboard Coffee Table

Tomlison Surfboard Coffee Table

By Tomlinson

Located in Phoenix, AZ

A fine Mid-Century Modern surfboard shaped coffee table by Tomlinson from the Sophisticate line

Category

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

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple

A Surfboard Coffee Table.
A Surfboard Coffee Table.

A Surfboard Coffee Table.

Located in New York, NY

The Surfboard shaped table raised on two open shaped legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Eames Surfboard Elliptical coffee table by Herman Miller

Eames Surfboard Elliptical coffee table by Herman Miller

Located in Chicago, IL

Amazing Charles Eames Surfboard coffee table by Herman Miller.

Category

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Streamlined Mahogany Surfboard Coffee Table
Streamlined Mahogany Surfboard Coffee Table

Streamlined Mahogany Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in New York, NY

Elongated surfboard shape coffee table, french polished a rich ebony; stretcher base

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Danish Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table
Danish Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

Danish Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Papaikou, HI

A very nice Mid-Century cocktail or coffee table. There is a very faint maker's mark stamped on the

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Surfboard Table
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Surfboard Table

Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Surfboard Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb mahogany surfboard coffee table

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early "ETR" Surfboard Table - Charles Eames
Early "ETR" Surfboard Table - Charles Eames

Early "ETR" Surfboard Table - Charles Eames

Located in SouthPort, CT

Early "ETR" (Elliptical table rod base) Surfboard coffee table with white laminate top by Charles

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Surfboard Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall
Surfboard Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall

Surfboard Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall

Located in Dallas, TX

Glass topped surfboard shaped coffee table designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

A Gibbings Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table.
A Gibbings Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table.

A Gibbings Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table.

Located in New York, NY

The surfboard shaped table top with a rounded edge, raised on two slab shaped legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Surf board Coffee Table
Walnut Surf board Coffee Table

Walnut Surf board Coffee Table

Located in Washington, D.C., DC

Walnut surfboard coffee table with rosewood end caps on the top.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Surfboard Table
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Surfboard Table

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Surfboard Table

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Houston, TX

Rare Dunbar surfboard coffee table by Edward Wormley with raised edged lip and classically tailored

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

KOA WOOD COFFEE TABLE
KOA WOOD COFFEE TABLE

KOA WOOD COFFEE TABLE

Located in Miami, FL

Beautiful koa wood surfboard coffee table.Design also lends itself as a great floating bench.

Category

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Modern Moreddi Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Moreddi Coffee Table

Mid-Century Modern Moreddi Coffee Table

By Moreddi 1

Located in San Francisco, CA

This Danish Modern surfboard coffee table is by Moreddi. It is solid walnut and in great condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Two tier Surfboard Coffee Table
Two tier Surfboard Coffee Table

Two tier Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in Stamford, CT

Modern coffee table has two tiers and a sculptural design.

Category

Vintage 1950s Center Tables

Materials

Glass, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Lane "Surfboard" Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Lane "Surfboard" Coffee Table

Mid-Century Modern Lane "Surfboard" Coffee Table

By Lane Furniture

Located in Raleigh, NC

This long and lean coffee table is by Lane, and is a true mid century classic. Dubbed the

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Marble and Gilt Metal Surfboard Coffee Table
Marble and Gilt Metal Surfboard Coffee Table

Marble and Gilt Metal Surfboard Coffee Table

By reGeneration

Located in New York, NY

Beautifully figured Italian marble on Y-shaped gilt metal legs.

Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble

A Robsjohn-Gibbings Elliptical Surfboard Coffee Table.
A Robsjohn-Gibbings Elliptical Surfboard Coffee Table.

A Robsjohn-Gibbings Elliptical Surfboard Coffee Table.

Located in New York, NY

Of elliptical form with a rounded edge, raised on two slab legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table, MM Moreddi
Mid-Century Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table, MM Moreddi

Mid-Century Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table, MM Moreddi

By Moreddi 1

Located in Crockett, CA

Beautiful surfboard shape walnut coffee table. The table top is supported by two sets of slightly

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

Located in San Marcos, CA

Here is a beautiful 1960s coffee table in walnut featuring a vibrant wood grain, sculpted lift

Category

Vintage 1960s American Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Drexel Heritage Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table
Mid Century Drexel Heritage Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

Mid Century Drexel Heritage Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table

By Henredon

Located in New York, NY

Newly restored / refinished and in gorgeous perfect condition.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak
Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak

Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 1960s Danish Teak Coffee Table This surfboard coffee table is in excellent condition. The

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

An Ed Wormley for Dunbar Elm Surfboard Coffee Table.
An Ed Wormley for Dunbar Elm Surfboard Coffee Table.

An Ed Wormley for Dunbar Elm Surfboard Coffee Table.

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

The surfboard shaped table with book matched elm veneers, within an brass band, raised on a brass

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

An Ed Wormley for Dunbar Elm Surfboard Coffee Table.
An Ed Wormley for Dunbar Elm Surfboard Coffee Table.

An Ed Wormley for Dunbar Elm Surfboard Coffee Table.

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

The compressed oval top formed with four book matched walnut veneers, with a brass rail, supported by a brass frame and legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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Surfboard Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of surfboard coffee tables available for sale. Frequently made of wood, walnut and hardwood, all surfboard coffee tables available were constructed with great care. Find 383 antique and vintage surfboard coffee tables at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 3 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Surfboard coffee tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of surfboard coffee tables to choose from, but at 1stDibs, mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern surfboard coffee tables are of considerable interest. Some surfboard coffee tables are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller surfboard coffee tables, measuring 1 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. Many surfboard coffee tables are appealing in their simplicity, but Charles and Ray Eames, Lane Furniture and Herman Miller produced popular surfboard coffee tables that are worth a look.

How Much are Surfboard Coffee Tables?

Prices for surfboard coffee tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, surfboard coffee tables begin at $350 and can go as high as $100,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,200.

Finding the Right Coffee And Cocktail Tables for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Surfboard Coffee Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
    No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.

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

    Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

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

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

    Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    How big a coffee table for a sectional should be depends on the dimensions of the sectional. For a balanced look, a coffee table should be roughly two-thirds of the length of the sofa portion of a sofa and chaise sectional. If you have an L-shaped sofa, the coffee table should be around two-thirds of the length of each arm. Find a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs 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.