Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

Can a coffee table be too low?

Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.

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.

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 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 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.

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

What is a tall coffee table called?

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

What is the 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.

Tavolino Coffee Table

Mid Century Piano

Vintage Italian Cocktail Glasses

Fatto A Mano

Teak Piano

Tavolino Gio Ponti

Tavolino Fontana Arte

Midcentury Modern Piano

Ferro Battuto

Italian Modern Ron Gilad for Molteni&C 45 Tavolino Coffee Table Marble and Glass

$2,600 / item

Italian Modern Ron Gilad for Molteni&C 45 Tavolino Coffee Table Marble and Glass

By Molteni & C, Ron Gilad

Located in Secaucus, NJ

Style: Modern. Model: 45/Tavolino Coffee Table # WGXT4. Designed by: Ron Gilad 2012.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Aluminum, Pewter

Square glass coffee table G. Ausenda for NY Form 1970's

$2,531Sale Price|20% Off

Square glass coffee table G. Ausenda for NY Form 1970's

By Giovanni Ausenda, Ny Form

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Square coffee table model 'Shilling' designed in the 1970s by Giovanni Ausenda, Guido Baldo Grossi & Gianni Gavioli for NY Form. Gold-colored table with green mirror top divided into...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

‘Tavolino Com Route" Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti, Italy, 1980’s

$4,500

‘Tavolino Com Route" Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti, Italy, 1980’s

By Gae Aulenti

Located in Chicago, IL

‘Tavolino Com Route" coffee table by Gae Aulenti, Italy 1980’s black granite top, black lacquered wood frame, and large industrial wheels.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Granite

NK vintage coffee table

$355

NK vintage coffee table

By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)

Located in Brescia, IT

A vintage coffee table from the 1960s, signed by Swedish company NK, featuring a rectangular top with rounded corners and wooden legs painted black. The table top, rectangular and w...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Decorative Round Coffee Table

$2,485

Decorative Round Coffee Table

Located in Roma, IT

A circular coffee table with a strong decorative flair, featuring an elegant black tabletop embellished with a distinctive concentric circle design that creates a refined, textured, ...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian coffee table, 1960s

$485

Scandinavian coffee table, 1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Teak coffee table. Scandinavian production, 60s. A coffee table made in Scandinavia in the 1960s. The surface is enclosed within a thin perimeter frame that holds it in place like a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Philippe Starck Fenc-E-Nature Tavolino Side Table

$4,259 / item

Philippe Starck Fenc-E-Nature Tavolino Side Table

By Philippe Starck

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Philippe Starck Fenc-E-Nature Tavolino Side Table For Cassina The Fenc-e Nature side table, available in one size and two heights, reflects the organic shape of the base of the seat...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Swedish vintage coffee table Nordiska Kompaniet

$672

Swedish vintage coffee table Nordiska Kompaniet

By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)

Located in Brescia, IT

1960s coffee table manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, with oak legs and teak veneer top. Original label. Vintage Swedish coffee table from the 1960s, manufactured by Nordiska Kompa...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Scandinavian coffee table with black legs

$853

Scandinavian coffee table with black legs

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian coffee table from the 1960s with rectangular teak top and X-shaped wooden legs painted black. With its modern design and high-quality materials, this coffee table is a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Tavolino Nara moderno in Eucalipto

$3,721Sale Price / item|25% Off

Tavolino Nara moderno in Eucalipto

By Carpanelli

Located in Desio, IT

Il tavolino Nara è stata una delle novità di successo del recente Salone del mobile ed è composto da 3 curvati in legno impiallacciato in Eucalipto.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian coffee table with black legs

$807

Scandinavian coffee table with black legs

Located in Brescia, IT

Original 1960s Scandinavian-made coffee table with teak top and conical legs painted black. The soft lines and strong character make this modern furniture piece a must-have for dec...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Organic teak coffee table, 1960s

$719

Organic teak coffee table, 1960s

Located in Torino, IT

What sets this vintage teak coffee table apart is its free-form tabletop, characterized by a soft, asymmetrical silhouette that evokes the experiments in organic design of the mid-20...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Swedish coffee table made of oak and teak

$564

Swedish coffee table made of oak and teak

Located in Brescia, IT

Swedish coffee table from the 1960s with a teak top and a solid oak frame, featuring low crossbars on three sides. A Swedish coffee table from the 1960s with clean lines: a teak top...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Scandinavian coffee table made of teak and beech

$790

Scandinavian coffee table made of teak and beech

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian coffee table from the 1950s–1960s with a rectangular teak top, brass accents, and tapered beech legs. A very lightweight Scandinavian coffee table: a rectangular teak t...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech, Teak

Lane Step-Style Coffee Table from the 1960s

$926

Lane Step-Style Coffee Table from the 1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Lane American-style stepped coffee table, Altavista (USA), with two staggered shelves, a slatted top, and tapered legs. A stepped coffee table manufactured by Lane, a company founde...

Category

Vintage 1960s South American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gemla Coffee Table in Teak and Oak

$621

Gemla Coffee Table in Teak and Oak

By Gemla

Located in Brescia, IT

Gemla Swedish coffee table from the 1950s–1960s with a teak top and oak frame, featuring sculpted legs with a minimalist design. A square coffee table produced by Gemla, one of Swed...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Hand-burnished metal coffee table.

$1,468

Hand-burnished metal coffee table.

Located in Roma, IT

Hand-burnished metal coffee table. The metal has a naturally mottled and uneven appearance. This handcrafted process gives each piece a special uniqueness, making it one-of-a-kind. A...

Category

2010s Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian coffee table with shelf, 1950s

$497

Scandinavian coffee table with shelf, 1950s

Located in Brescia, IT

Birch coffee table with a lower shelf. Scandinavian production, 1950s. Made in Scandinavia in the 1950s, this coffee table features a minimalist design consisting of a rectangular t...

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian coffee table with a drawer, 1960s

$632

Scandinavian coffee table with a drawer, 1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Teak coffee table with a drawer. Scandinavian production, 1960s. A coffee table made in Scandinavia in the 1960s. The rectangular top is supported by an open structure in which vert...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Rectangular teak coffee table, 1960s

$881

Rectangular teak coffee table, 1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Rectangular teak coffee table with an open compartment at the front. Scandinavian production, 1960s. Dating back to the 1960s, this Scandinavian-made coffee table is crafted from te...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Philippe Starck Fenc-E-Nature Tavolino Side Table For Cassina

$3,977 / item

Philippe Starck Fenc-E-Nature Tavolino Side Table For Cassina

By Philippe Starck

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Philippe Starck Fenc-E-Nature Tavolino Side Table For Cassina The Fenc-e Nature side table, available in one size and two heights, reflects the organic shape of the base of the seat...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Swedish coffee table with a pull-out top

$1,118

Vintage Swedish coffee table with a pull-out top

Located in Brescia, IT

Coffee table on wheels with a pull-out side shelf, tubular metal frame, and teak-covered tops. Original tag present. Made in Sweden, 1960s. A coffee table made in Sweden in the 1960...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage oak coffee table, 1960s

$542

Vintage oak coffee table, 1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian-made oak coffee table. 1960s. The compactness of the structure and the relationship between thin elements and more solid sections characterize this Scandinavian oak cof...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Coffee table by Tommaso Barbi

$711

Coffee table by Tommaso Barbi

Located in Torino, IT

Coffee Table by Tommaso Barbi Elegant wooden coffee table with brass details. Sepia-colored glass top. Attributed to designer Tommaso Barbi. Tommaso Barbi was born in Florence in...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Living room coffee table, Designer Ico Parisi

$1,457

Living room coffee table, Designer Ico Parisi

By Ico Parisi

Located in Busnago, IT

Beautiful low coffee table for living room, with metal legs and central wooden frame, designer Ico Parisi, 1960s. Coffee table in good condition, minor signs present due to use and t...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Living room coffee table, Designer Ico Parisi

$1,209

Living room coffee table, Designer Ico Parisi

By Ico Parisi

Located in Busnago, IT

Beautiful low coffee table for living room, with metal legs and central wooden frame, designer Ico Parisi, 1960s. Coffee table in good condition, minor signs present due to use and t...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Tavolino alto Type di Stormo Studio

$4,530 / item

Tavolino alto Type di Stormo Studio

By Dante Negro

Located in Milan, IT

The Type tall coffee table by Stormo Studio showcases expert traditional craftsmanship with a frame in iron with a raw steel finish complemented by a smoked glass top. Its combinatio...

Category

2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Plastic coffee table, Italy, 1970s

$903

Plastic coffee table, Italy, 1970s

Located in Rivoli, IT

Particular container table made of plastic material, produced in Italy in the 1970s Equipped with wheels for easy movement, it fits well in a modern setting. Useful as a center table...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plastic

Low coffee table attributed to Paolo Buffa

$2,422Sale Price|20% Off

Low coffee table attributed to Paolo Buffa

By Osvaldo Borsani, Cesare Lacca, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti

Located in Lugo, IT

Coffee table with two glass shelves. The top glass is sandblasted, Reinforcements were inserted in each leg under the base of the top as shown in the photo. Fair condition Thank you

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Triangular teak coffee table, 1950s–1960s

$734

Triangular teak coffee table, 1950s–1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Triangular Scandinavian teak coffee table with brass accents and three tapered legs, from the 1950s–1960s. A Scandinavian-style coffee table with a triangular top featuring curved s...

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian teak coffee table from the 1950s–1960s

$598

Scandinavian teak coffee table from the 1950s–1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian coffee table from the 1950s–1960s with a teak top, light-colored wood frame, and two side crossbars. A Scandinavian coffee table with a clean, simple design: a rectangu...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

"Palett" Coffee Table by Yngve Ekström, ESE-Möbler

$1,107

"Palett" Coffee Table by Yngve Ekström, ESE-Möbler

By Yngve Ekström

Located in Brescia, IT

"Palett" coffee table by Yngve Ekström for ESE-Möbler, 1950s, with a contoured top in elm burl and black-lacquered legs. Designed by Yngve Ekström, one of the leading figures of Swe...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Amber-colored Murano glass coffee table

$4,406

Amber-colored Murano glass coffee table

By Daniel Germani

Located in Roma, IT

A symbol of timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Handcrafted from Murano glass, this coffee table plays with transparency and reflections, creating a constantly evolving ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Murano Glass

Scandinavian coffee table with magazine rack, 1960s-70s

$819

Scandinavian coffee table with magazine rack, 1960s-70s

Located in Brescia, IT

Coffee table con piano in teak con bordo sottile, sostenuto da telaio in tubolare d’acciaio verniciato nero con caratteristica struttura laterale a X.

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian mahogany coffee table, 1950s–1960s

$666

Scandinavian mahogany coffee table, 1950s–1960s

Located in Brescia, IT

Rectangular coffee table with a mahogany frame and a lower shelf. Scandinavian production, 1950s–1960s. Dating from the 1950s or 1960s, this mahogany coffee table is part of mid-20t...

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Bamboo and Wood Coffee Table

$429

1960s Bamboo and Wood Coffee Table

Located in Brescia, IT

Coffee table with a bamboo frame, a rectangular wood-veneered top, and rattan-trimmed joints. Scandinavian production, 1960s. Made in Scandinavia in the 1960s, this coffee table com...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Scandinavian pine coffee table with wool storage compartment, 1950s

$779

Scandinavian pine coffee table with wool storage compartment, 1950s

Located in Brescia, IT

Pine coffee table with an extendable top, a drawer, a woven basket, and a lower shelf. Scandinavian production, 1950s. Manufactured in Scandinavia in the 1950s, this coffee table is...

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Teak coffee table produced by Alberts, 1967

$542

Teak coffee table produced by Alberts, 1967

By Alberts Tibro

Located in Brescia, IT

A rectangular teak tabletop with rounded edges, a slender frame, and contoured lower crossbars. Produced by Alberts, Sweden, 1967. Brand present. Made of teak, this coffee table, pr...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Erik Wörtz teak coffee table from the 1960s

$994

Erik Wörtz teak coffee table from the 1960s

By Erik Wørts

Located in Brescia, IT

Square teak coffee table with tapered legs and exposed joints. Design Erik Wörtz, 1960s. Designed by Erik Wörtz in the 1960s, this coffee table reflects a phase of Scandinavian desi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

"Annika" coffee table by Bruno Mathsson

$1,534

"Annika" coffee table by Bruno Mathsson

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Brescia, IT

Oak coffee table designed by Bruno Mathsson with original markings, 1966. Original coffee table designed by Bruno Mathsson, with identifying mark present under the top. Light-colore...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian sewing table by Egström & Myrstrand

$824

Scandinavian sewing table by Egström & Myrstrand

By Skaraborgs, Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand

Located in Brescia, IT

Elegant Scandinavian oak sewing table, designed in the 1960s by Egström & Myrstrand, with essential, measured lines. Sixties Scandinavian sewing table in oak, designed by Egström & ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

"Etna" coffee table by Jean René, 1970s

$926

"Etna" coffee table by Jean René, 1970s

By Jean René Bazaine

Located in Brescia, IT

"Etna" coffee table with artistic resin top and lacquered metal base. Jean René design, 1970s. "Etna" model coffee table designed by Jean René in the 1970s, a distinctive example of...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Low coffee table with integrated drawers, 1960s

$1,096

Low coffee table with integrated drawers, 1960s

Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO

Low coffee table with built-in drawers or small 1960s entryway chest of drawers, featuring a minimalist design typical of Scandinavian modernism. Rosewood frame known for its rich, ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian sewing table by Egström & Myrstrand

$823

Scandinavian sewing table by Egström & Myrstrand

By Skaraborgs Möbelindustri Tibro, Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand

Located in Brescia, IT

Elegant Scandinavian oak sewing table, designed in the 1960s by Egström & Myrstrand, with essential, measured lines. Sixties Scandinavian sewing table in oak, designed by Egström & ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Scandinavian teak and oak coffee table holder

$999

Scandinavian teak and oak coffee table holder

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian 1950s teak and oak side table with storage compartment, sewing drawer, 1950s organic lines. Elegant Scandinavian 1950s teak and oak coffee table, defined by flowing lin...

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Scandinavian vintage birch inlaid coffee table

$597

Scandinavian vintage birch inlaid coffee table

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian 1940s/50s birch coffee table with top inlaid with figurative motifs and lower slatted shelf. Vintage Scandinavian coffee table from the 1940s/50s made of birch, with el...

Category

Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian teak coffee table with turned legs

$722

Scandinavian teak coffee table with turned legs

Located in Brescia, IT

1950s/60s teak coffee table manufactured by HMB Møbler, with woven grain top and lightweight frame. Vintage Scandinavian teak coffee table, manufactured by HMB Møbler in the 1950s/6...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Semicircular coffee table of Italian design, 1970s

$1,129

Semicircular coffee table of Italian design, 1970s

By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.

Located in Cantù, IT

Elegant and sophisticated, this console table with modern lines is perfect for those looking for a piece of furniture that combines functionality and style. Its semi-round shape and ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Cesare Augusto Nava, Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

$2,485

Cesare Augusto Nava, Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s

Located in Rivoli, IT

Particular coffee table designed and made by architect Cesare Augusto Nava in the 1970s Wooden base, glass top Historical photo from the Nava archive

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Teak coffee table with an organic-shaped top, 1960s

$719

Teak coffee table with an organic-shaped top, 1960s

Located in Torino, IT

An irregularly shaped tabletop is the defining feature of this vintage teak coffee table. The curves flow seamlessly into one another, creating an asymmetrical profile that changes d...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Tavolino circolare in legno, Italia, anni '50.

$565

Tavolino circolare in legno, Italia, anni '50.

Located in Palermo, PA

Classico tavolino circolare in legno di produzione italiana degli anni '50 circa. Ottime condizioni, presenta qualche segno di usura del tempo, struttura molto solida, vedere foto. D...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Coffee table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova, 1970s

$790

Coffee table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova, 1970s

By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli

Located in Milano, IT

A coffee table designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in the 1960s and 1970s, emblematic of Italian design from that period. Featuring a sophisticated tabletop made of stained e...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

"Chopping Block with Axe" Side Table by Raphael Springmann

$1,220

"Chopping Block with Axe" Side Table by Raphael Springmann

Located in Brescia, IT

Side table made of solid wood and steel. Designed by Raphael Springmann, 21st century. Designed by Raphael Springmann, the "Chopping Block with Axe" coffee table is the result of co...

Category

Early 2000s German Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Hollywood regency style coffee table German manufacture thormer

$759

Hollywood regency style coffee table German manufacture thormer

Located in Torino, IT

Hollywood Regency style coffee table produced by Thormer. Refined coffee table produced in the 1980s' by German manufacturer Thormer. The Hollywood Regency style is a style that sp...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Teak sewing table by Severin Hansen

$1,445

Teak sewing table by Severin Hansen

By Severin Hansen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri

Located in Brescia, IT

Danish 1960s teak sewing table by Severin Hansen for Haslev, with invisible drawer and internal compartments. Light lines and measured proportions define this 1960s Danish sewing ta...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage 1950s formica and metal coffee table

$491

Vintage 1950s formica and metal coffee table

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian 1950s coffee table with formica top and black metal frame with thin tapered legs. Clean lines and well-balanced proportions for a vintage Scandinavian coffee table from...

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian 1960s teak and beech coffee table

$717

Scandinavian 1960s teak and beech coffee table

Located in Brescia, IT

Vintage coffee table with teak veneer top and solid beech tapered legs. Essential and well-proportioned design. Scandinavian coffee table from the 1960s with warm-grained teak venee...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech, Teak

Paolo Piva Style Coffee Table "Alanda" Square, Italy 1970s

$1,107

Paolo Piva Style Coffee Table "Alanda" Square, Italy 1970s

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Naples, IT

Tavolino nello stile di Paolo Piva per B&B Italia, caratterizzato da una struttura in tondino di metallo verniciato nero e un piano in vetro trasparente. The distinctive base is a g...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Tavolino "T1" , Italy 1960s

$3,163

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Tavolino "T1" , Italy 1960s

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Naples, IT

Rare and stunning small table model T1 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. The coffee table is distinguished by its silhouette, characterized by a spherical element placed in the center of...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Scandinavian 60s oak coffee table for living room

$710

Scandinavian 60s oak coffee table for living room

Located in Brescia, IT

Vintage oak coffee table with slatted shelf and lightweight frame. Original product with label Kägers Industrier AB. Scandinavian coffee table for living room from the 1960s made of...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

Contemporary Coffee Table Marzia Boaglio Living Room Coffee Table Walnut Wood Brown

Unavailable

H 17.72 in W 32.29 in D 37.41 in

Contemporary Coffee Table Marzia Boaglio Living Room Coffee Table Walnut Wood Brown

By Marzia Boaglio

Located in Torino, IT

"DREAMS", coffee table, artistic inlay, contemporary furniture, fine wood, Italian design. "DREAMS" is the name of Marzia Boaglio's original work, transformed into a coffee table wi...

Category

2010s Italian Futurist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Coffee Table Marzia Boaglio Living Room Coffee Table Walnut Wood Brown

Unavailable

H 17.72 in W 32.29 in D 37.41 in

Contemporary Coffee Table Marzia Boaglio Living Room Coffee Table Walnut Wood Brown

By Marzia Boaglio

Located in Torino, IT

"MIRROR", coffee table, artistic inlay, contemporary furniture, fine wood, Italian design. "MIRROR" is the name of Marzia Boaglio's original work, reinterpreted here in the form of...

Category

2010s Italian Futurist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Tavolino Table Designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte

Unavailable

H 24 in Dm 24 in

Tavolino Table Designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte

By Gio Ponti

Located in Houston, TX

Vintage Tavolino table, designed by Gio Ponti in 1932. It was manufactured by Fontana Arte and is still being made today. The two glass discs float glass on a nickel-plated brass co...

Category

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

19th century tea table

Unavailable

H 22.84 in W 18.12 in D 14.57 in

19th century tea table

Located in Firenze, IT

Rosewood tea table, mid-19th century. Inside, the coffee table has specially designed compartments to hold two teacups and the necessities for making the drink.

Category

Antique 19th Century European Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Iconic 1950s Vigna coffee table

Unavailable

H 14.17 in W 39.76 in D 19.68 in

Iconic 1950s Vigna coffee table

Located in Catania, IT

This beautiful 1950s coffee table, attributed to the designer Luciano Vigna, is a unique piece that combines art and functionality with a refined aesthetic. Vigna, known for his inno...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Glass, Wood

Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Unavailable

H 15.16 in W 44.3 in D 37.01 in

Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino

Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of Wood and brass with the original glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Capolino 1 sculpture coffee table in white veined marble

Unavailable

H 21.66 in W 19.1 in D 20.87 in

Capolino 1 sculpture coffee table in white veined marble

By Impressive

Located in Lucca, IT

Peeping, that is, popping up, appearing. In our Capolino 1 table, it is a tree trunk that appears in the middle of the top, as if to reclaim a denied space, the space that is too oft...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Tavolino decorativo Dona, struttura impiallacciata a scelta, base metallo

Unavailable

H 9.85 in W 41.34 in D 41.34 in

Tavolino decorativo Dona, struttura impiallacciata a scelta, base metallo

By Fabio Arcaini

Located in Bisceglie, IT

Il tavolino è un elemento importante nell’arredo di un salotto sia per la sua funzione pratica, un punto di appoggio, sia per la sua funzione estetica che è quella di completare l’ar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Coffee table designer Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, 1960s

Unavailable

H 23.63 in W 55.12 in D 19.69 in

Coffee table designer Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, 1960s

By Johannes Andersen, CFC Silkeborg

Located in Torino, Piemonte

Wooden coffee table designer Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg. Coffee table designed in the 1960s. Rectangular table characterized by the highest quality workmanship using the be...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Marbelicious, tavolino basso in marmo verde Guatemala lavorato a mano

Unavailable

H 15.75 in W 39.38 in D 15.75 in

Marbelicious, tavolino basso in marmo verde Guatemala lavorato a mano

By Millim Studio

Located in Frascati, RM

Marbelicious is research and balance of contrasts. A system with fluid aesthetics and geometric rhythm. The irregular shapes enter into dialogue with the material, helping to discove...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Tavolino Da Salotto Vintage Nero Laccato Con Inserti in Ottone, 1980

Unavailable

H 11.82 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in

Tavolino Da Salotto Vintage Nero Laccato Con Inserti in Ottone, 1980

Located in Foggia, FG

Tavolino Basso da Salotto Vintage Design, 1980 Laccato nero lucido in legno e inserti in ottone Molto raffinato, ben tenuto e davvero cool Lo si inserisce molto bene in prog...

Category

Vintage 1980s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Fuente - Coffee Table by Aretai - PIMAR, Italty

Unavailable

H 11.82 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in

Fuente - Coffee Table by Aretai - PIMAR, Italty

Located in Cursi, Puglia

Fuente coffee table è un tavolino ellittico realizzato in pietra naturale Pimar beige, bianca e grigia.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Tavolino centrale Alpha, struttura in metallo con inserti in pelle, top marmo

Unavailable

H 11.82 in Dm 31.5 in

Tavolino centrale Alpha, struttura in metallo con inserti in pelle, top marmo

By Fabio Arcaini

Located in Bisceglie, IT

Il tavolino Alpha punta tutto sullo stile contemporaneo nel cuore del tuo salotto. Il marmo pregiato e la struttura in metallo con inserti in pelle, le sue linee essenziali e quasi f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian coffee table attributed to Campo and Graffi in curved teak

Unavailable

H 17.33 in W 22.84 in D 26.38 in

Italian coffee table attributed to Campo and Graffi in curved teak

By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi

Located in Milano, IT

Italian coffee table, produced in the style of Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi (both part of and collaborators with the Turin school of Carlo Mollino). Hexagonal top made of curved and...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tavolino in Marmo Bianco Calacatta e Acciaio Spazzolato Design by David &Nicolas

Unavailable

H 17.72 in W 18.31 in D 18.31 in

Tavolino in Marmo Bianco Calacatta e Acciaio Spazzolato Design by David &Nicolas

Located in Pordenone, PN

La figura geometrica del quadrato che si ripete all'infinito, segno distintivo della collezione di superfici Standard Geometries disegnata da David/Nicolas nel 2020, viene declinata ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Set of Two Eugenio Gerli Tavolino contenitore girevole T128 Revolver Italy 1969

Unavailable

H 18.9 in Dm 31.11 in

Set of Two Eugenio Gerli Tavolino contenitore girevole T128 Revolver Italy 1969

By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno

Located in Escalona, Toledo

Great set of two wooden rolling tables with textile and fiberglass coverings designed by Eugenio Gerli (Italian, born 1923) and manufactured by Tecno in Italy. First edition, 1969. ...

Category

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

Materials

Textile, Fiberglass, Wood

Guglielmo Ulrich fine wood, brass and marble coffee table 1950s'

Unavailable

H 19.3 in W 37.01 in D 20.08 in

Guglielmo Ulrich fine wood, brass and marble coffee table 1950s'

By Guglielmo Ulrich

Located in Arezzo, IT

Wood, brass and marble top coffee table attributable to the design of Guglielmo Ulrich of 1950s Italian manufacture. The coffee table has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good cond...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Onyx coffee table with turned legs in the style of Angelo Mangiarotti 1960s

Unavailable

H 18.51 in Dm 35.44 in

Onyx coffee table with turned legs in the style of Angelo Mangiarotti 1960s

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Torino, IT

This item is a coffee table never seen before in the market, even experts in the field have never seen anything like this. What makes it unique is both its shape, which is very moder...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx

Tavolino Fenicottero in onice fantastico, gambe in bronzo, base in pietra lavica

Unavailable

H 21.07 in W 24.81 in D 22.84 in

Tavolino Fenicottero in onice fantastico, gambe in bronzo, base in pietra lavica

By Impressive

Located in Lucca, IT

Per il nostro tavolo Fenicottero abbiamo immaginato l'elegante e affascinante animale dalle lunghe zampe sottili immerse nel fango delle paludi di Orbetello, in Toscana, alla ricerca...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Postmodern Glass Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti for Fontana Arte

Unavailable

H 11.03 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in

Postmodern Glass Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti for Fontana Arte

By Gae Aulenti, Fontana Arte

Located in London, GB

Vintage Tavolino con Ruote coffee table designed by Gae Aulenti for Fontana Arte in the 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Gio Ponti Tavolino Coffee or Side Table Pair

Unavailable

H 24 in Dm 24 in

Gio Ponti Tavolino Coffee or Side Table Pair

By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti

Located in Long Beach, CA

The overall design of the Gio Ponti Tavolino Table is characterized by its simplicity and elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern End Tables

Materials

Nickel

Isamu Noguchi, Coffe Table, 1980s

Sold

H 15.75 in W 49.61 in D 37.01 in

Isamu Noguchi, Coffe Table, 1980s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Rivoli, IT

Sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi has called Coffee Table his best piece of furniture design-in fact, it is reminiscent of the biomorphic bronze and marble sculptures made by the a...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

80s Coffee Table

Sold

H 13.39 in W 47.05 in D 47.05 in

80s Coffee Table

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Center table, stained beech wood, brass-plated metal grating and glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian side table Tibro

Sold

H 23.23 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in

Scandinavian side table Tibro

Located in Brescia, IT

Original 1960s coffee table made in Sweden. It is distinguished by its square top and the presence of two drawers with wooden knobs. The modern lines and pronounced wood grain make...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

60s-70s Coffee Table

Sold

H 16.54 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in L 16.54 in

60s-70s Coffee Table

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Coffee table with chrome metal base and glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Tavolino Anni 60-70

Sold

H 13.19 in Dm 32.29 in

Tavolino Anni 60-70

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Tavolino da centro con rotelle in legno impiallacciato noce, vetro e ottone.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Side Table square 70s

Sold

H 14.38 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in

Side Table square 70s

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Coffee table with wheels and double top. solid wood and exotic wood veneer, glass. Good conditions.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Oval coffee table 1950s

Sold

H 22.05 in W 39.77 in D 25.99 in

Oval coffee table 1950s

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Center table, beech wood and briar veneer band, top with mirrored glass.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Beech

Tavolino Anni 40-50

Sold

H 24.02 in Dm 25.99 in

Tavolino Anni 40-50

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Tavolino da centro in legno di faggio con piano in legno impiallacciato pioppo e corda. Buone condizioni.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rope, Beech, Poplar

Vintage rattan coffee table

Sold

H 20.48 in W 22.84 in D 14.97 in

Vintage rattan coffee table

Located in Brescia, IT

Small original Scandinavian coffee table with bamboo frame and rattan top. The small size and side handles, allow it to be moved with ease. Good conditions. Potrebbe presentare de...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

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Tavolino Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the tavolino coffee table you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and glass, every tavolino coffee table was constructed with great care. There are 76 variations of the antique or vintage tavolino coffee table you’re looking for, while we also have 49 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer tavolino coffee table, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A tavolino 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 tavolino coffee table that is appealing in its simplicity, but Fontana Arte, Cupioli made in Italy and Gianfranco Frattini produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Tavolino Coffee Table?

The average selling price for a tavolino coffee table at 1stDibs is $2,400, while they’re typically $221 on the low end and $32,143 for the highest priced.

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 Tavolino Coffee Table

Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can a coffee table be too low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Yes, a coffee table can be too low. Most experts recommend choosing a coffee table that is around one to two inches lower than the seat height of your sofa or loveseat. You may find it difficult to access items on the tabletop while seated if you choose a shorter table. In addition, an overly low coffee table can make a room feel cramped or unbalanced. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, designers intentionally place ultra-low coffee tables in spaces to create a bold contrast in a large room. Feel free to break from convention when choosing a coffee table. What's most important is that the finished result appeals to you and allows you to enjoy your seating area to the fullest. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
Is there a difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Coffee table" and "cocktail table" are used interchangeably; cocktail table is the more traditional term, often applied to lower, more formal designs.
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.
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 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 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.
Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, a coffee table should generally be lower than a couch. However, the top of the table should only be slightly lower than the couch to maintain a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table no more than one inch shorter than your sofa's seat height. Explore a large collection of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the 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.

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