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

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 2

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 3

Can a coffee table be too low?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 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

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Tortoiseshell Coffee Table

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

Mid-Century Lucite Tortoiseshell Coffe Table Bronzed Mirror Top, Italy 1970s

Late 20th Century American Bohemian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Baker Faux Bamboo Tortoiseshell Brass Oval Coffee Table 45"

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

Chromed Steel and Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Coffee Table, Italy 1970s

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

Chromed Steel and Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Square Coffee Table, Italy 1970s

2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom hand painted cocktail table in faux tortoiseshell finish

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

Squared Table in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Steel Italy 1970s Faux Tortoise Shell

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Vtg Mid Century Modern Brown Tortoiseshell Lacquer Parsons Style 54" Bench Table

Recent Sales

Antique 1840s English Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Brass Trivet Coffee Table on Faux Tortoiseshell Base

Vintage 1970s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Post Modern Laminated Tortoiseshell Coffee Table

Antique Early 1700s Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Spanish Baroque Rosewood and Faux Tortoiseshell Coffee Table

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

1970s Square Low Italian Painted Wood Faux Tortoiseshell Style Coffee Table

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

French Faux Tortoiseshell Coffee Table By Eric Maville And Jean-Claude Maher

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table with “Bamboo” Base in Tortoiseshell Lacquer

20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Kittenger Gilt Coffee Table w/Faux Tortoiseshell Finish

Antique 1830s English William IV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

William IV Tortoiseshell Octagonal Work Table, Rosewood Casters, circa 1835

Late 20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Enrique Garcel Faux Tortoise Shell Tessellated Horn Ming Style Coffee Table

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

Eric Maville Faux Tortoiseshell Coffee Table

20th Century English Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Regency Style Tortoiseshell & Jaguar Motif Coffee Table by William Skilling

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

Coffee Table in Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite, Christian Dior Style, France, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Coffee Table or Stool in Tortoiseshell Lucite, Willy Rizzo, 1970s

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

French Tortoiseshell Brass Coffee Side Tables in Christian Dior Style, 1970s

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

French Tortoiseshell Brass Coffee Side Tables in Christian Dior Style, 1970s

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Antique Spanish Baroque Rosewood Trestle Low Table

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1930s Faux Tortoiseshell Italian Coffee Table with Glass Top

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

A Vintage Parsons Low Table with a Faux Tortoiseshell Finish

People Also Browsed

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements

Rare Olympic games prefab Munich 1972 by Peter Hübner

Early 20th Century American Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Antique Early 1900s American Victorian Revival Brass Full Size Bed Frame

20th Century French Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Midcentury Marble and Brass Coffee Table

21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

2010s Mexican Brutalist Contemporary Art

White Wash Brutalist Sculptural Collage Artwork, Mural from Upcycled Wood

2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Rosso Wall Mirror

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

Willy Rizzo Coffee Table

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

Italian Willy Rizzo Style Chrome Steel & Brown Cloudy Glass Coffee Table, 1970

1990s American Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rose Tarlow Melrose House Coffee or Cocktail Table

Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Neo-Classical Maison Jansen Style Marble Top Steel & Brass Coffee Table

2010s American Modern Stools

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants