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.

Can a coffee table be too low?

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

Who invented the coffee table?

No one knows for sure who invented the coffee table. The earliest examples of the occasional table can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain. At that time, makers like William Watt and Collinson and Lock were producing coffee tables in large quantities.Notably, F. Stuart Foote, the designer behind the American Imperial Furniture Company, claimed to have invented the coffee table in the early 20th century. He stated that he did so by cutting down the legs of a dining table. However, it's unlikely that Foote is the actual inventor of the coffee table, as books describing coffee tables existed in the UK a decade before his birth in 1872.Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What size should a coffee table be?

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

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the standard size of a coffee table?

There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tray top coffee table?

Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

When did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.

How do you style an oval coffee table?

To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.

How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?

Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.

How much does a coffee table cost?

On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

How do I size a coffee table to my sofa?

As a general rule, choose a coffee table roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa, with the top 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat cushions.

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.

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

Atlantis coffee table designed by Lorenzo Arosio and produced by Glas

$2,501

Atlantis coffee table designed by Lorenzo Arosio and produced by Glas

By Lorenzo Arosio, Glas Italia

Located in Ravenna, IT

Atlantis coffee table designed by Lorenzo Arosio and produced by Glas Italia. Made entirely of square-shaped polished sandblasted glass, this piece combines craftsmanship and aesthet...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Tavolino postmoderno in noce con piano fumè, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

$1,210Sale Price|25% Off

Tavolino postmoderno in noce con piano fumè, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Palermo, IT

Tavolino da salotto italiano Mid-Century Post Modern in noce massiccio, piano in cristal fumè, designer A.&T Scarpa. About Afra & Tobia Scarpa Afra and Tobia Scarpa are award-winning...

Category

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

Materials

Art Glass, Wood

"Trissan" Folding Coffee Table by Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms

$443

"Trissan" Folding Coffee Table by Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms

By Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand, Tingströms

Located in Brescia, IT

Oak table with a drawer, two fold-out side extensions, and two legs with wheels. "Trissan" model by Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms, manufactured in Sweden in the 196...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

1950s coffee table by Jacques Hitier with a rectangular glass top.

$1,591

1950s coffee table by Jacques Hitier with a rectangular glass top.

By Jacques Hitier

Located in Milano, IT

A coffee table from the 1950s and 1960s designed by Jacques Hitier, characterized by simple, functional lines; it stands out for its lacquered metal legs, which lend it a touch of in...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

"Casino" coffee table in oak, Sven Engström, Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms, 1960s

$420

"Casino" coffee table in oak, Sven Engström, Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms, 1960s

By Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand, Tingströms

Located in Brescia, IT

"Casino" model square oak coffee table, designed by Sven Engström and Gunnar Myrstrand and manufactured in Sweden by Tingströms in the 1960s. Original mark present. Manufactured in ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

751 square coffee table by Ico Parisi for Cassina, 1960s

$1,705

751 square coffee table by Ico Parisi for Cassina, 1960s

By Cassina, Ico Parisi

Located in Busnago, IT

A nr 751 square coffee table designed by Ico Parisi, manufactured by Cassina, it's labeled cassina and it has normal signs of use and age on the wood and the glass. This is a classic...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Sen series coffee table by Kensaku Oshiro produced by De Padova, 2016

$2,160

Sen series coffee table by Kensaku Oshiro produced by De Padova, 2016

By ICF De Padova, Kensaku Oshiro

Located in Ravenna, IT

Sen series coffee table designed by Kensaku Oshiro and produced by De Padova in Italy in 2016. The Sen series includes small tables of different heights, sizes and materials, united ...

Category

2010s Italian Japonisme Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Zelda Coffee Table designed by Sergio Asti for Poltronova, Italy

$2,501

Zelda Coffee Table designed by Sergio Asti for Poltronova, Italy

By Sergio Asti, Poltronova

Located in Firenze, FI

A coffee table designed by Sergio Asti for Poltronova and produced in the 1960s, with a wooden frame. Its design is reminiscent of Cubism, with angled legs that give it a more dynami...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

"Valentine" oval brown forest coffee table by William Mulas

$8,458

"Valentine" oval brown forest coffee table by William Mulas

Located in Modugno, BA

Valentine, a table for the living area that features a metal base with symmetrical, sculptural shapes that give the table a contemporary appeal. This coffee table boasts a clean, el...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Steel

Elegant Italian gilt brass and glass corner coffee table, 1970s

$909

Elegant Italian gilt brass and glass corner coffee table, 1970s

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

Located in Cantù, IT

Refined corner coffee table with gold metal frame and glass top, perfect for enhancing any corner of the house. The light and elegant design fits easily in the living room, hall or b...

Category

20th Century Italian Belle Époque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

ISA Bergamo Attrib. Wooden Coffee Table with Shaped Top, Italy, 1950s

$1,478

ISA Bergamo Attrib. Wooden Coffee Table with Shaped Top, Italy, 1950s

By ISA Bergamo

Located in Naples, IT

This coffee table, attributed to the ISA Bergamo factory and typical of Italian design from the 1950s, is a perfect example of the Mid-Century Modern style. The tabletop is made of w...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

"Valentine" round black marquinia coffee table by William Mulas

$4,490

"Valentine" round black marquinia coffee table by William Mulas

By William Mulas

Located in Modugno, BA

Valentine, a table for the living area that features a metal base with symmetrical, sculptural shapes that give the table a contemporary appeal. This coffee table boasts a clean, el...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

"Valentine" oval black marquinia coffee table by William Mulas

$9,430 / item

"Valentine" oval black marquinia coffee table by William Mulas

By William Mulas

Located in Modugno, BA

Valentine, a table for the living area that features a metal base with symmetrical, sculptural shapes that give the table a contemporary appeal. This coffee table boasts a clean, el...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian Luxury brass coffee table with glass shelves, 1990s

$1,136

Italian Luxury brass coffee table with glass shelves, 1990s

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

Located in Cantù, IT

Coffee table is ideal for those seeking minimalist yet classy furniture. Featuring a metal and brass structure sturdy with brass details, it offers two clear glass tops that add a t...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Willy Rizzo, Minimalist Side Table in Chrome and Acrylic Glass, Italy, 1970s

$1,341

Willy Rizzo, Minimalist Side Table in Chrome and Acrylic Glass, Italy, 1970s

By Cidue, Willy Rizzo

Located in Naples, IT

A low, square coffee table attributed to Willy Rizzo, produced by Cidue. The coffee table features a stainless steel frame, black acrylic glass panels, and a caramel-brown tabletop. ...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Round teak coffee table by Holger Georg Jensen for Kubus, 1960s

$1,182

Round teak coffee table by Holger Georg Jensen for Kubus, 1960s

Located in Torino, IT

Round teak coffee table designed by Holger Georg Jensen for Kubus, a classic example of mid-20th-century Danish design. What sets it apart is, above all, the finish of the top, where...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian design coffee table in wood and glass from the 1970s

$2,842 / item

Italian design coffee table in wood and glass from the 1970s

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

Located in Cantù, IT

Italian design coffee table in wood and glass from the 1970s

Category

20th Century Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

A beautiful antique coffee table with a drawer and turned legs made of solid wood, 1970

$3,069

A beautiful antique coffee table with a drawer and turned legs made of solid wood, 1970

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

Located in Cantù, IT

A stunning antique coffee table made of solid wood, with an elegant and stately look, ideal for classic, rustic, or shabby chic interiors. The table features a beautiful rectangular...

Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Round Inlaid Coffee Table in Blue and Brown, Crafted with Fine Woodworking by Carlotta Oddone

$2,614

Round Inlaid Coffee Table in Blue and Brown, Crafted with Fine Woodworking by Carlotta Oddone

Located in Torino, IT

Carlotta Oddone fonde la libertà espressiva e l'estetica Boho Chic con la precisione dell'alta ebanisteria. Questo tavolino basso e tondo, utilizzabile anche come coffee table, si di...

Category

2010s Italian Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Tavolino Augusto Romano, in legno e corda intrecciata, Italia anni ‘40

$3,638

Tavolino Augusto Romano, in legno e corda intrecciata, Italia anni ‘40

By Augusto Romano

Located in Firenze, IT

Tavolino disegnato da Augusto Romano negli anni ‘40. Il tavolino ha un piano in legno laccato lucido nei toni dell’arancio, inserito in una cornice di corda intrecciata e canna d’Ind...

Category

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

Materials

String, Wood

Vintage 1970s coffee table made of burl wood and glass, Italian design

$1,023

Vintage 1970s coffee table made of burl wood and glass, Italian design

Located in Torino, Piemonte

Coffee table with a burl wood base and gold-plated brass legs, clear glass top, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Tavolino Piano Marmo Intarsiato base ferro battuto in Italia da Cupioli

$3,456Sale Price|20% Off

Tavolino Piano Marmo Intarsiato base ferro battuto in Italia da Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Tavolino da salotto con piano in marmo Trani Beige ed intarsio in scagliola nelle tonalità dell' azzurra e blu, base in ferro battuto. Questo tavolino realizzato a mano da artigiani...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktai...

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

"Mensa Magna" Coffee Table – Designed by Léon Krier for Giorgetti (1990s)

$977

"Mensa Magna" Coffee Table – Designed by Léon Krier for Giorgetti (1990s)

By Leon Krier, Giorgetti S.p.A.

Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO

An elegant, low coffee table (the "Mensa" or "Mensa Magna" model) that represents one of the finest examples of the celebrated collaboration between the renowned Italian brand Giorge...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Teak and oak coffee table by Yngve Ekström for Westbergs Möbler, Sweden

$2,342

Teak and oak coffee table by Yngve Ekström for Westbergs Möbler, Sweden

By Yngve Ekström

Located in Brescia, IT

Coffee table with a contoured teak top, oak legs and crossbars, and teak leg caps. Designed by Yngve Ekström in the 1950s; manufactured by Westbergs Möbler, Tranås, Sweden. Designed...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Marcuso coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s

$1,716

Marcuso coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s

By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso

Located in Correggio, IT

1970s coffee table model Marcuso by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. The legs are made of chrome-plated steel and bear the manufacturer's mark. The visually striking, 1.5 cm thick top is ma...

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Willy Rizzo vintage brass and tempered glass coffee table 70s

$2,110Sale Price|20% Off

Willy Rizzo vintage brass and tempered glass coffee table 70s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Palermo, IT

Made of chrome-plated steel and dark glass i.e., smoked. Quality Italian production, ''WILLY RIZZO'' 1970s. Condition: good, signs of wear and tear are due to use and time.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant Italian brass and glass coffee table, Hollywood Regency style, 1970s.

$1,136

Elegant Italian brass and glass coffee table, Hollywood Regency style, 1970s.

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

Located in Cantù, IT

Elegant Hollywood Regency-style coffee table features a refined polished brass frame and double glass shelves, with a light and sophisticated design. Turned legs and rounded details ...

Category

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Wood and wrought iron coffee table with decorative details, Florence, 1990s

$1,364

Wood and wrought iron coffee table with decorative details, Florence, 1990s

Located in Cantù, IT

Refined vintage-style coffee table, featuring a warm, well-finished wooden top combined with a solid wrought iron frame. The curved lines of the legs and golden decorative details le...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Handcrafted coffee table with ceramic glass top and legs in walnut

$1,136

Handcrafted coffee table with ceramic glass top and legs in walnut

Located in Manzano, IT

Handcrafted coffee table with ceramic glass top and legs in walnut PIECES 1 DESIGN PERIOD 1970 PRODUCTION YEAR 1970 COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION Italy COLOR Brown MATERIALS Cer...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Coffee table by Ico Parisi, 1950s, with a wooden interlocking frame

$3,183

Coffee table by Ico Parisi, 1950s, with a wooden interlocking frame

By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi

Located in Milano, IT

Coffee table designed by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili in 1955. This elegant square coffee table is supported by solid wood legs with a square cross-section that extend just a few ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage 70s coffee table in gilt brass and smoked glass Italian design

$579Sale Price|25% Off

Vintage 70s coffee table in gilt brass and smoked glass Italian design

Located in Torino, Piemonte

Coffee table with gilt brass frame with beveled corners and smoked glass top, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: He...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Low wooden coffee table, made in Italy, 1950s Mid-Century Modern

$909

Low wooden coffee table, made in Italy, 1950s Mid-Century Modern

Located in Palermo, IT

Vintage tripod coffee table dating from the mid-20th-century Modernist period of the 1950s. It features a distinctive, asymmetrical, organic silhouette in the shape of a rounded tria...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Round Italian coffee table from the 1950s, made of wrought iron, with a glass and mirror top

$2,614

Round Italian coffee table from the 1950s, made of wrought iron, with a glass and mirror top

Located in Milano, IT

Round Italian coffee table from the 1950s. Frame made of white and red lacquered wrought iron, featuring an elegant, original glass top with mirrored edges.

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Low coffee table made of wood and metal, made in Italy, 1950s, Mid-Century Modern

$1,000

Low coffee table made of wood and metal, made in Italy, 1950s, Mid-Century Modern

Located in Palermo, IT

Beautiful coffee table A vintage kidney-shaped piece dating back to the 1950s, made in Italy in the unmistakable style of Piero Fornasetti. The design features the classic, sinuous ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian brass and metal coffee table with marble top 1960s

$1,478

Italian brass and metal coffee table with marble top 1960s

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

Located in Cantù, IT

Italian brass and metal coffee table with marble top 1960s

Category

20th Century Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

1950s wooden coffee table with a screen-printed tray-style top, Galbiati Milano, 1950

$2,160

1950s wooden coffee table with a screen-printed tray-style top, Galbiati Milano, 1950

By Felice Galbiati

Located in Milano, IT

1950s wooden coffee table, manufactured Felice Galbiati, Milan, 1950s. Distinctive tray-shaped top with screen-printed decoration, in the Fornasetti style. Felice Galbiati was not m...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Afra Tobia Scarpa 1960s Coffee Table in Walnut and Crystal—Vintage Design

$2,160

Afra Tobia Scarpa 1960s Coffee Table in Walnut and Crystal—Vintage Design

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Taranto, IT

Splendido, solido e imponente tavolino da caffè basso (coffee table) quadrato originale degli anni '60, capolavoro di modernariato attribuito ai celebri designer Afra e Tobia Scarpa.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage 1950s coffee table in gold-plated brass and glass, Italian design

$852

Vintage 1950s coffee table in gold-plated brass and glass, Italian design

Located in Torino, Piemonte

Coffee table with a gold-plated brass frame and green faux marble accents, clear glass top, Italian design, 1950s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee table with marble top by Hohnert Design, Germany, 1960

$1,163

Coffee table with marble top by Hohnert Design, Germany, 1960

By Hohnert Design

Located in Premariacco, IT

Vintage 1960s coffee table by Hohnert Design, German manufacture. Modern and attractive line, enriched by the special machined marble top. Normal signs of wear, marble can be removed.

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Low Square Wooden Coffee Table with Trays Luigi Sormani 1960 Italy Brass

$1,587Sale Price|20% Off

Low Square Wooden Coffee Table with Trays Luigi Sormani 1960 Italy Brass

By Luigi Sormani

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Elegant rational Low coffee table 4 compartments with pull-out trays by Sormani 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Tavolino Ferro Battuto con Piano Ardesia Intarsiato a Mano in Italia Cupioli

$3,538Sale Price|20% Off

Tavolino Ferro Battuto con Piano Ardesia Intarsiato a Mano in Italia Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Tavolino da salotto con piano in ardesia nera ed intarsio in scagliola verde malachite brillante, base in ferro battuto. Questo tavolino costituirà un'aggiunta di valore al vostro a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Slate, Wrought Iron

'Genio' coffee table by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Fiam Anni 80 in curved glass.

$2,501

'Genio' coffee table by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Fiam Anni 80 in curved glass.

By Massimo Iosa Ghini

Located in Milano, IT

Curved glass center table.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Coffee table by Tove & Edvard Kind-Larsen, made of teak, Denmark, 1960s

$1,887

Coffee table by Tove & Edvard Kind-Larsen, made of teak, Denmark, 1960s

By France & Søn, Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen

Located in Brescia, IT

Teak coffee table, model 503, with the original France & Søn mark. Made in Denmark, 1960s. Designed by Tove & Edvard Kind-Larsen and manufactured by France & Søn in Denmark in the ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Living Room Coffee Table Black Marble Inlaid, Wood Bases Handmade by Cupioli

$4,293Sale Price|20% Off

Living Room Coffee Table Black Marble Inlaid, Wood Bases Handmade by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Coffee table made with the decorative technique of 'scagliola inlay on a Black marble top, which rests on a black lacquered wooden base with a trapezoidal shape. Le capacità artisti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Danish coffee table attributed to Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler, 1950s

$2,319

Danish coffee table attributed to Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler, 1950s

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Brescia, IT

Solid teak coffee table with shaped edges and brass pulls. Attributed to Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler, 1950s. Danish coffee table attributed to Børge Mogensen and manufactured b...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Elegant two-shelf brass and marble "Golden Touch" coffee table, 1960s

$2,046

Elegant two-shelf brass and marble "Golden Touch" coffee table, 1960s

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

Located in Cantù, IT

Elegant vintage two-shelf coffee table, featuring a refined gilded brass frame and warm-grained natural marble tops. The sleek design, with tapered legs and decorative details, recal...

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

Tavolino Quadrato Intarsio Scagliola, Base Marmo Giallo, Fatto a Mano in Italia

$3,529Sale Price|20% Off

Tavolino Quadrato Intarsio Scagliola, Base Marmo Giallo, Fatto a Mano in Italia

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Handmade coffee table with artistical decoration on the square top and carved edge made precious by gold leaf finishing. Royal Yellow marble base. The size is cm. 63x63 H 45 / inches...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Scagliola, Wood

"Emerged" steel and natural marble coffee table by William Mulas

$12,824

"Emerged" steel and natural marble coffee table by William Mulas

Located in Modugno, BA

"Emerged" coffee table 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑏𝑦 William Mulas Italy, 2023 Structured in steel with titanium finish, covers in natural Purple Calacatta marble and supermirror stainless stee...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel, Stainless Steel, Tôle

Tavolino Quadrato Base Ferro Battuto e Piano Onice Fatto a Mano in Italia

$2,846Sale Price|20% Off

Tavolino Quadrato Base Ferro Battuto e Piano Onice Fatto a Mano in Italia

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Tavolino da salotto con piano in onice Arco Iris e base in ferro battuto. Questo tavolino costituirà un'aggiunta di valore al vostro arredamento . La sua silhouette elegante è forma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Onyx, Wrought Iron

Blue Iridescent Iron Coffee Table and Top Hand Decorated in Italy by Cupioli

$2,262

Blue Iridescent Iron Coffee Table and Top Hand Decorated in Italy by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

The Cromia coffee table is a uniquely designed piece of furniture that combines elegance and creativity. Its slender base in iridescent colors supports a top decorated with abstract ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Tavolino Lato Divano Marmorizzato Blu Fatto a Mano in Italia da Cupioli

$2,774

Tavolino Lato Divano Marmorizzato Blu Fatto a Mano in Italia da Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

La tecnica tradizionale dell'arte della Scagliola viene oggi utilizzata e adattata alle esigenze del gusto contemporaneo e questo ne è un perfetto esempio. Il colore diventa il grand...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Scagliola, Wood

Living Room Coffee Table Black Marble Inlaid and Wood Bases Handmade by Cupioli

$3,383Sale Price|20% Off

Living Room Coffee Table Black Marble Inlaid and Wood Bases Handmade by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Coffee table made with the decorative technique of 'scagliola inlay on a Black marble top, which rests on a black lacquered wooden base with a trapezoidal shape. Le capacità artisti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Teak and glass coffee table by Victor Wilkins for G-Plan, England, 1960

$2,069

Teak and glass coffee table by Victor Wilkins for G-Plan, England, 1960

Located in Torino, IT

This coffee table, designed by Victor Wilkins for G-Plan, combines the warmth of teak with the visual lightness of a glass top. The combination of these two materials creates a piece...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Teak

Coffee Table Iron Base and Cement Top Hand Decorated in Italy by Cupioli

$2,592

Coffee Table Iron Base and Cement Top Hand Decorated in Italy by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Decorated coffee table with iron and cement base handmade in Italy by Cupioli. The " Astralites " coffee tables originate from an artistic project of contemplating the universe, and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement, Iron

Coffee Table Iron Base and Cement Top Hand Decorated in Italy by Cupioli

$2,364

Coffee Table Iron Base and Cement Top Hand Decorated in Italy by Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

Low coffee table with blue resin decor top and iron and concrete base handmade in Italy by Cupioli The " Astralites " coffee tables originate from an artistic project of contemplatin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement, Iron

Italian design coffee table from 1940s, made of wood and circular glass top

$697

Italian design coffee table from 1940s, made of wood and circular glass top

Located in Torino, IT

PERIODO 1953 AUTORE Il tavolino è firmato sul fondo SE MODELLO Tavolino basso, coffee table MATERIALI Legno di rovere, piano in vetro DIMENSIONI Ø 62.5 cm H 62 cm CONDIZIONI Il ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Art Deco wood coffee table with two circular glass tops. 1930s

$852

Art Deco wood coffee table with two circular glass tops. 1930s

Located in Torino, IT

PERIODO Anni 30 MODELLO Tavolino basso, coffee table MATERIALI Legno massello, piani in vetro DIMENSIONI Ø 68 cm H 50 cm CONDIZIONI Il tavolino è in ottime condizioni, come è pos...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Low coffee table ref. Pier Luigi COLLI, bronze base, glass top. 1950s

$1,364

Low coffee table ref. Pier Luigi COLLI, bronze base, glass top. 1950s

By Pier Luigi Colli

Located in Torino, IT

_ Low side table referable to the hand by Pier Luigi COLLI, bronze base, top in ground and gilded glass. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 1950s DESIGNER The line of the coffee table is referab...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze

"Marea" murano glass and steel coffee table by William Mulas

$4,024 / item

"Marea" murano glass and steel coffee table by William Mulas

By William Mulas

Located in Modugno, BA

MAREA is a visual experience, a piece of furniture that transforms any room into an emotional landscape, where light, glass and metal dialogue in a perfect balance of elegance and po...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Stainless Steel

"Marea" murano glass and steel coffee table by William Mulas

$3,933 / item

"Marea" murano glass and steel coffee table by William Mulas

By William Mulas

Located in Modugno, BA

MAREA is a visual experience, a piece of furniture that transforms any room into an emotional landscape, where light, glass and metal dialogue in a perfect balance of elegance and po...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Industrial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Stainless Steel

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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

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

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

Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What size should a coffee table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A coffee table should generally be two-thirds as long as the sofa it stands in front of and around the same height as the sofa’s seat cushions.
Is an ottoman a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Typically, an ottoman is not a coffee table. An ottoman is a small cushioned seat without a back or arm rests. You can shop a collection of vintage and contemporary ottomans from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
What is the standard size of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tray top coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
When did coffee tables become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
How do you style an oval coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
How do I style a Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
How much does a coffee table cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.
How do I size a coffee table to my sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
As a general rule, choose a coffee table roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa, with the top 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat cushions.
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.

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