Q: 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.

Question 1

Is an ottoman a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What size should a coffee table be?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Who invented the coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Why is it called a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

Accepted Answer

The best coffee table for a sectional can be a round coffee table, particularly with respect to U-shaped sectionals. The circular design creates a sense of balance in small spaces and renders it easy for guests to move to and fro, especially when surrounded by chairs. Find a collection of antique and vintage coffee tables on 1stDibs today.

Question 10

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is a tall coffee table called?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Why are modern coffee tables so low?

Accepted Answer

Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 13

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is the best height for a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

The best height for a coffee table is around 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of the adjacent sofa. Most sofas feature seat heights of around 17 or 18 inches. As a result, the most common height for coffee tables is 15 to 17 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of coffee tables.

Question 16

Should a coffee table be lower than a couch?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How big should a coffee table be for a sectional?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What is the average height of a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What is a tray top coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How do you style an oval coffee table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Toothpick Coffee Table

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

Swedish Segmented "Toothpick" Table

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Toothpick Cactus Coffee Table by Lawrence Laske for Knoll

Late 20th Century American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Round Toothpick Cactus Table by Lawrence Laske for Knoll

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

Brazilian Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Glass by Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s

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

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Glass, Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil

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

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Marble, G.Scapinelli 1950s, Brazil

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

Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950

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

Mid-Century Modern Phone Table in Wood, Black & White, 1950s, Brazil

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...

Barbini Murano Blue White Gold Italian Art Glass Bowl Toothpick Holder Desk Set

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Midcentury Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Grey Velvet by Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil 1960

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Grey Velvet by Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

1960's Brazilian Modern Sofa “Concha” in Hardwood & Fabric, by Joaquim Tenreiro

People Also Browsed

Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé

2010s American Flush Mount

Sasco Semi-Flush Mount Brass Light Fixture, Custom Finishes

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Fluted Shade

Vintage 1970s American Table Lamps

Pair of Cactus Table Lamps, 1970s USA

Vintage 1970s American Modern Sofas

Vladimir Kagan Sofa

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

Midcentury Wishbone Side Table in Walnut (4 available)

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

Expanding Teak Coffee Table

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

Exquisite Danish 1960s Retro Teak Coffee Table with Black Legs

2010s Egyptian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Organic Oak Coffee Table Set of 2 with Natural Wood and Stained Grey Color

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Table Lamps

Post Modern Pair of Bon Art Cactus Plaster Table Lamps Southwestern Style

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Knoll Saarinen Table with Custom Ice White Ceramic Top

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Console Tables

Lalique Crystal Cactus Console or Demi-Lune with Black Accent and Black Top

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Lalique Cactus Crystal Round Dining or Entryway Table

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Paolo Buffa Large Highboard in Chestnut

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Antique Gold Leaf Plaster Cactus Lamp

Late 20th Century Dining Room Tables

42" Saarinen Style Tulip Table

Recent Sales

1990s North American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Modern Knoll Lawrence Laske Toothpick Cactus Table

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Redwood Burl Coffee Table

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

LAWRENCE LASKE

1990s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lawrence Laske "Toothpick Cactus" Coffee Table, Stone Top

Late 20th Century American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Toothpick Cactus Coffee Table by Lawrence Laske for Knoll

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

Jorge Zalszupin Petalas Imbuia Coffee Table by L' Atelier, circa 1960

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

Jorge Zalszupin Petalas Imbuia Coffee Table by L' Atelier, circa 1960

Vintage 1950s Italian Sofa Tables

TOOTHPICK TABLE BY L LASKE

1990s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lawrence Laske Coffee Table

Toothpick Coffee Table For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Toothpick Coffee Table?

Finding the Right coffee-tables-cocktail-tables for You