Skip to main content

Surfboard Table

to
32
441
50
494
6
6
321
49
10
3
1
493
12
1
391
58
3
146
146
44
5
2
403
181
107
105
93
305
290
144
101
87
505
502
503
28
16
15
15
12
Sort By
Figured Walnut and Stainless Steel Surfboard Table by Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Buffalo, NY
Figured Walnut / teak and Stainless Steel Surfboard Table by Arne Vodder.. Amazing design.. Great
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Sculpted Walnut Tile Mosaic Surfboard Table
By Tue Poulsen, Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ditch mundane home decor and grab this radical vintage surfboard table! This rare mid-century piece
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Herman Miller for Eames Surfboard Table
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern black top coffee table with Eiffel metal base. (Please confirm item location
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Herman Miller for Eames Surfboard Table
Herman Miller for Eames Surfboard Table
$3,000 Sale Price
23% Off
H 10 in W 89 in D 29 in
Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Walnut Dining Table by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern surfboard walnut 60" dining table by Broyhill Offered is a vintage Mid
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

Eames Original ETR Coffee Table
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Napa, CA
Surfboard table due to its elongated shape and low profile. It utilizes two of the wire bases designed for
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Zinc

Eames Original ETR Coffee Table
Eames Original ETR Coffee Table
$7,500
H 10 in W 89 in D 29.25 in
White ETR coffee table designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Athens, Attiki
very distinctive shape which helped coin the alternative name of the Eames ‘Surfboard’ table. The Eames
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

Vintage Harlequin Surfboard Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the atomic-era spirit with this stunning vintage surfboard coffee table, a true showpiece
Category

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

Materials

Burl

Vintage Harlequin Surfboard Coffee Table
Vintage Harlequin Surfboard Coffee Table
$1,450
H 15.75 in W 60.75 in D 20.75 in
Surfboard Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dark mahogany low table with a narrow oval basin-edged top on splayed, tapered legs.
Category

20th Century American Tables

Terrazzo Top Surfboard Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Classic surfboard form, terrazzo top table. Nice thick top (1.5") rests on two wood pedestal bases
Category

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

Materials

Terrazzo, Wood

Terrazzo Top Surfboard Coffee Table
Terrazzo Top Surfboard Coffee Table
$2,000
H 14.5 in W 66 in D 19.5 in
Danish Modern Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Trenton, NJ
A striking example of Scandinavian mid-century design, this Danish modern teak surfboard coffee
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Danish Modern Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
Danish Modern Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
$945
H 14.5 in W 59.5 in D 19.5 in
Surf Console a Minimal Table Inspired by Surfboards
By Rached Sultan
Located in beirut, LB
The surf console table features a solid wood oval surfboard-inspired top and turned wooden legs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Console Tables

Materials

Walnut

Surf Console a Minimal Table Inspired by Surfboards
Surf Console a Minimal Table Inspired by Surfboards
$2,600
H 35.44 in W 70.87 in D 15.75 in
Maurice Burke Arkana Surfboard Coffee Table
By Eero Saarinen, Burke, Inc.
Located in Chicago, IL
Scarce Maurice Burke for Arkana, England surfboard coffee table. Possibly a custom formica top with
Category

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

Materials

Formica

Maurice Burke Arkana Surfboard Coffee Table
Maurice Burke Arkana Surfboard Coffee Table
$2,950
H 15.5 in W 54 in D 36 in
Dillingham Mid Century Surfboard Walnut Dining Table
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dillingham mid century surfboard walnut dining table This table measures: 58 wide x 40 deep x 30
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

Dillingham Mid Century Surfboard Walnut Dining Table
Dillingham Mid Century Surfboard Walnut Dining Table
$2,595 / set
H 30 in W 94 in D 40 in
Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Grete Jalk Manufacturer: Glostrup Møbelfabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 63″ wide x 23″ deep x 17.5″ tall Condition: In excellent original co...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
$3,180
H 17.5 in W 63 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Modern Large Walnut Surfboard Conference/Dining Table
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a large Mid-Century Modern conference/dining table. This table has been recently
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conference Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Large Walnut Surfboard Conference/Dining Table
Mid-Century Modern Large Walnut Surfboard Conference/Dining Table
$6,396 Sale Price
20% Off
H 30 in W 97 in D 41.25 in
Dunbar Surfboard Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early surfboard coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Dunbar Surfboard Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Surfboard Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
$5,800
H 15.5 in W 60 in D 16.5 in
Dux Mid Century Walnut and Brass Surfboard End Table
By Dux of Sweden
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dux Mid century walnut and brass surfboard end table This table measures: 22 wide x 30 deep x 20
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Chrome & Wood White Finish Surfboard Cafe Table C1960
Located in Big Flats, NY
White Finish Surfboard Cafe Table C1960 Measures - 29 1/8" x 55 7/8" x 30" A stylish Mid-Century Modern
Category

Mid-20th Century Center Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Chrome & Wood White Finish Surfboard Cafe Table C1960
Mid Century Modern Chrome & Wood White Finish Surfboard Cafe Table C1960
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.25 in W 56 in D 30 in
Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table #2
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Grete Jalk Manufacturer: Glostrup Møbelfabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 63″ wide x 22″ deep x 17.5″ tall
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table #2
Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table #2
$3,180
H 17.5 in W 63 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Floating Surfboard Coffee Table, 1990s
Located in Harlingen, TX
A vintage mid-century modern surfboard coffee table made in Sweden circa 1995. This classic MCM
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Surfboard Coffee Table in Wood, by Arne Hovmand-Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
from the shape of a surfboard, lending the coffee table an innate lightness and extraordinary beauty
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

Surfboard Coffee Table in Wood, by Arne Hovmand-Olsen from Warm Nordic
Surfboard Coffee Table in Wood, by Arne Hovmand-Olsen from Warm Nordic
From $1,695 / item
White Oiled OakTeakOiled Walnut
H 18.23 in W 60.63 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Surfboard Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular coffee table from the 70s, top in mahogany veneer and metal base, the shape is
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Italian Surfboard Coffee Table, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Surfboard Coffee Table, 1970s
$1,742
H 17.72 in W 55.52 in D 18.51 in
1960s Mid-Century Surfboard Coffee Table by Bassett
Located in Wilton, CT
Mid-Century Modern walnut coffee table by Bassett Furniture Company, circa 1965. Surfboard style
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Kent Coffey Perspecta Mid Century Walnut Surfboard Dining Table
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kent Coffey Perspecta mid century walnut surfboard dining table This table measures: 60 wide x
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Saga Mid Century Dining Walnut Surfboard Dining Table
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Saga mid century dining walnut surfboard dining table Table measures: 50 wide x 36 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

Erno Fabry Fishtail Surfboard Marble & Walnut Cocktail Table
By M. Singer & Sons
Located in Hanover, MA
This table came from the collection of a prominent child psychiatrist and a magnificent apartment
Category

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

Materials

Marble

American Midcentury Solid Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table California Design
By ACE-HI
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful grain on this solid American walnut surfboard coffee table, with rounded beveled edge by
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Danish Modern Moreddi Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table
By Moreddi 1
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This elegant surfboard-style coffee table was imported from Denmark by Moreddi in the 1950s
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Modern Surfboard Coffee Table in Heavily Figured Oak
By Westnofa Furniture, Hans J. Wegner, Ercol
Located in Round Top, TX
Iconic Midcentury Modern coffee table on tapered legs in oak. Gorgeous undulating grain, sturdy and
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Midcentury Modern Surfboard Coffee Table in Heavily Figured Oak
Midcentury Modern Surfboard Coffee Table in Heavily Figured Oak
$1,325 Sale Price
30% Off
H 12.5 in W 42 in D 15.88 in
Vintage Long Surfboard Style Coffee Table, Circa 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautiful rich espresso tone with minimal wear. Spindle braces and curved edge top. Midcentury at its best.
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Long Surfboard Style Coffee Table, Circa 1950s
Vintage Long Surfboard Style Coffee Table, Circa 1950s
$3,800
H 14.25 in W 69.75 in D 19.5 in
Restored Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack Surfboard Coffee Table
By Grete Jalk, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
this surfboard coffee table create a sleek profile. The lower tier, suspended by a series of spindles
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Minotti Italian Modern Surfboard Coffee Table with Chrome Steel Legs
By Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designer Minotti Italian Modern Surfboard Coffee Table with Steel Legs. Item features sleek steel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Mahogany Surfboard Cocktail Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century mahogany coffee table with an elongated oval "surfboard" top with a shallow
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Surfboard Coffee Table In Teak
By Søborg Møbler 1, Peter Hvidt
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Peter Hvidt + Orla Molgaard Nielsen Manufacturer: Søborg Møbler Era: 1957 Materials: Teak Measurements: 53″ wide x 19″ deep x 34″ tall Condition: In excell...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian Hollywood Regency Travertine & Brass Long Oval Surfboard Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Italian Hollywood Regency Travertine & Brass Long Oval Surfboard Coffee Table. Item features a
Category

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

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Donald Deskey for Charak Modern Rosewood 'Surfboard' Cocktail / Coffee Table
By Donald Deskey
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (circa 1950) 'Surfboard' coffee table with a rosewood table top resting on an
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Tomlinson Sophisticate Patchwork Burl Wood Extra Long Surfboard Coffee Table
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extra long surfboard coffee table By Tomlinson
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Danish Surfboard Coffee Table by Kurt Ostervig, ca' 1950's
By Kurt Østervig
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual surfboard coffee table by Kurt Ostervig, made by Jason Mobler, model #194, ca' 1954
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Large John Keal Inspired Surfboard Coffee Table with Formica Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Large Californian 60" wide John Keal inspired surfboard coffee table with white Formica top and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Large John Keal Inspired Surfboard Coffee Table with Formica Top
Large John Keal Inspired Surfboard Coffee Table with Formica Top
$2,130 Sale Price
25% Off
H 14 in W 60 in D 23.5 in
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Mobelfabrik Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher, Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Chattanooga, TN
We are pleased to present this super rare Ole Wanscher Danish teak surfboard coffee table. Designed
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Pair Of Danish Surfboard Lamp Tables Or Night Stands In Teak By Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
surfboard-style tables feature gracefully curved edges and slatted shelf undertiers. They are in excellent
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Style Marble Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Materials: Marble Stone, Walnut With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Surfboard Coffee Table In Teak #2
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Hovmand Olsen Manufacturer: Mogens Kold Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 60″ wide x 20″ deep x 17″ tall Condition: In excellent original condi...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Harvey Probber Surfboard Coffee Table in Terrazzo Marble
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-century Harvey Probber terrazzo marble coffee table. Style of Dunbar and Milo Baughman.
Category

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

Materials

Terrazzo

Terrazzo and Walnut Surfboard-Form Coffee Table 'Manner of Harvey Probber'
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
top reminiscent of a surfboard and walnut 'post' and 'fin' legs that support and pierce the table
Category

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

Materials

Marble

White ETR Surfboard Coffee Table by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Milker
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
White “ETR” aka Surfboard coffee table originally designed in 1951 by design couple Charles and Ray
Category

Early 2000s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Stacked Rattan Biomorphic Surfboard Coffee Table w/ Koa Wood Top
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored biomorphic rattan table has a striking Paul Frankl-inspired mid-century
Category

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

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

Restored Stacked Rattan Biomorphic Surfboard Coffee Table w/ Koa Wood Top
Restored Stacked Rattan Biomorphic Surfboard Coffee Table w/ Koa Wood Top
$2,583 Sale Price
35% Off
H 16 in W 61.5 in D 22 in
C. 1950s Herman Miller Eames ETR Surfboard Coffee Table in Black Laminate
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is an Eames ETR Surfboard Coffee Table, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames for
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Mid Century Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Poul Jeppesen, Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Mid Century Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table This coffee table
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Solid Wood Coffee Table Surfboard Top, Vintage Hollywood Regency, Mid Century
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Measurements: 60" L x 24.25" W x 16.5" H In excellent like new condition, no scratches or imperfections on this piece. There are no maker mark on this piece, we are unsure who manuf...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple

Oiled Walnut Tile Insert Floating Top Mid-Century Long Surfboard Coffee Table
By Adrian Pearsall, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oiled walnut tile insert floating top mid-century long surfboard coffee table.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Surfboard Form Top Glass and Walnut Coffee Table att. to Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and rare Mid Century coffee table attributed to Harvey Probber. The table features a
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Lane Mid Century Modern 56" Long Surfboard Laminate Top Coffee Table with Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lane Mid Century Modern 56" Long Surfboard Laminate Top Coffee Table with Drawer. Item features
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Rolling Bar Cart, Surfboard Wood Top
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Rolling Bar Cart, Surfboard Wood Top Offered for sale is an Arthur
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wrought Iron

2 pc. Mid Century Surfboard Coffee Table by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960’s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Rare two part coffee table designed by John Van Koert for Drexel Furniture, as part of their class
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Sculptural Bar Cart with a Surfboard Top by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful design for a indoor outdoor, (poolside), iron bar cart with an surfboard shaped oak top
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wrought Iron

MarbleCraft Simulated Onyx Occasional Table
Located in Hanover, MA
Three legged round top table consisting of a 23 inch diameter simulated onyx resin top by
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of MarbleCraft Round Side Tables
Located in Hanover, MA
listings for the surfboard shaped elliptical oval cocktail table in Capri Blue and the occasional table in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of MarbleCraft Round Side Tables
Pair of MarbleCraft Round Side Tables
$2,400 / set
H 17 in Dm 18 in
  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Surfboard Table", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Surfboard Table For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the surfboard table you’re looking for. A surfboard table — often made from wood, walnut and metal — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a surfboard table, we have 215 options in-stock, while there are 4 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer surfboard table, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each surfboard table bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. Charles and Ray Eames, Lane Furniture and Kurt Østervig each produced at least one beautiful surfboard table that is worth considering.

How Much is a Surfboard Table?

A surfboard table can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,395, while the lowest priced sells for $350 and the highest can go for as much as $22,500.

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.