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Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.

ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN 

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.

Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.

Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.

The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak

Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.

Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.

On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Earth
Located in Paris, FR
Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chalk
Located in Paris, FR
Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Concrete

Scandinavian Stool 'Le Roi' by Norr11, Natural Oak
Located in Paris, FR
'Le Roi' Stool by Norr11 Dimensions : Diameter: 36 cm Height: 44 cm Model shown on the picture: Color: natural oak Natural French Rattan --- The Le Roi Coffee Table is constructed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Oak

'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Smoked Oak and Rattan
Located in Paris, FR
LE ROI Bench by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid oak with inlaid natural Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Oak

'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Natural Oak and Rattan
Located in Paris, FR
LE ROI BENCH by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid oak with inlaid natural Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Oak

Contemporary Nordic Oak Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired in the asthetic of Scandinavian design comes this playful and modern coffee table.
Category

2010s Mexican Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

FRAMA Contemporary Sintra Table Small with Black Marble and Natural Cork
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Suitable as a coffee table or side table where the contrast between the soft warm cork, meets the cold smooth marble. The distinction between the two shapes gives the impression of t...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Korben Bench, Solid Hardwood, Customizable
Located in Louisville, KY
The Korben bench is built by hand in our Brooklyn studio using premium hardwoods. Simple and sturdy, the bench highlights its through joinery and a minimal Silhouette. Sized for a st...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Maple

Fiori Coffee Table 65 in Black by Poiat
Located in Helsinki, FI
Designed by Poiat Studio’s founders Timo Mikkonen and Antti Rouhunkoski in collaboration with the master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen, the Fiori Collection is a set ...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Coffee Table
Located in Dronten, NL
Rosewood coffee table designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Seffle Möbelfabrik. Exceptional table with a polyester top with cast in natural pebbles. All original condition with light wear,...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Arne Jacobsen, Rare Table from the SAS Royal Hotel, 1958
Located in Paris, FR
Rare table designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Circa 1958. This cocktail table has been specially designed for the SAS Royal Hotel...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Folke Ohlsson for Dux Teak and Ebonized Bench Form Coffee Table, Sweden
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare bench form coffee table in teak with ebonized top by Folke Ohlsson for Dux, made in Sweden circa 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak, Lacquer

Scandinavian rectangular teak coffee table
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage 1960s bench table, Square, regular lines distinguish this mid-century Nordic-made coffee table. The essential teak frame consists of a rectangular table top and lon...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

2 Vintage Rattan Coffee Tables-Cuboid Lounge Tables-Set Patio Deck Tables-80s
Located in Bussiere Dunoise, Nouvel Aquitaine
Set of 2 Vintage Cuboid solid Rattan Lounge Tables-Deck Tables-Scandinavian Style from the 80s Wonderful Rattan Table Set - clear Lines, delicate Workmanship - solid Cuboid Shape 2 i...
Category

1980s French Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Teak Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak mid-century coffee table, circa 1970's. Low table with slim legs and generous proportions. Games night is on! Unrestored item with option to purchase in restored condition for...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern danish coffee table by Kai Kristiansen in rosewood
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern danish coffee table by Kai Kristiansen in rosewood
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Mid Century Walnut 2 tier coffee table Ewart Myer for Horatio Myer and Co, 1960s
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
A 1950/60’s ‘Ski’ form coffee table by Ewart Myer for Horatio Myer and Co Two tier with a sleigh walnut bentwood top and magazine rack shelf to the bottom. Ewart designs a rather u...
Category

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

Materials

Beech, Walnut

Danish Square Teak Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Square Teak Coffee Table in very nice original condition. Bought from a moreddi Sales Rep with several other pieces from this company, guessing this might be from them as well. nic...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Mid Century Rosewood Large Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern cocktail table in rosewood designed by Johannes Andersen and manufactured by CFC Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's. This lovely table, rece...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Gunnel Nyman cocktail table
Located in Vantaa, FI
Beautiful cocktail table by Gunnel Nyman, made 1947 (Keravan puutyö) very nice condition.
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Illum Wikkelso Expanding Teak Coffee Table for Kofoeds Mobelfabrik
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Expanding teak coffee table designed by Illum Wikkelso for Koefoeds, Denmark. This piece features a substantial and beautifully sculpted profile with nicely tapered legs. There is a ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Kristiansen & Thomassen Teak and Cane Coffee Table
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Beautiful Danish teak coffee table by Kristiansen & Thomassen, Denmark. This striking piece features nicely sculpted edging and woven cane shelf. Measures 63” W x 22” D x 18” H. Nice...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Jørgen Aakjær coffee table of solid oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jørgen Aakjær coffee table in solid oil treated oak, mounted on wheels. Made by Møbelintarsia. Made in Denmark in the 1960s.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Maija Heikinheimo, 1930's occasional table in birch
By Asko
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the Maija Heikinheimo, 1930's occasional table in birch - a delightful addition to any vintage designer furniture collection. Expertly crafted and finished in a striking ...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Kaare Klint Coffee Table in Ash Wood for Rud, Rasmussen, Model 6687
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint 1888 - 1954. Round coffee table, “Rygebord” model KK6687, made in ash wood with a very beautiful grain. The table features an elegant, raised band that wraps around the t...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Scandinavian Circular Rosewood Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful circular Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Coffee Table was designed by Johannes Andersen in the 1960s and produced by CFC Silkeborg, Denmark, in the 1960s. It features a P...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Johannes Andersen Expanding Teak Coffee Table
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Stunning expanding teak coffee table designed by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, Denmark. This piece features sculpted teak legs, a thick profile top, and nicely contoured pulls...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen, Coffee / Sofa Table
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen, coffee / sofa table made in partly solid rosewood. Extension leafs in white and black Formica. Denmark, 1960s. Made by Seffle.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Oak + Tile Coffee Table by Tue Poulsen, Denmark 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s coffee table by Danish ceramicist Tue Poulsen (b.1939). This table features a square oak wood frame with beautiful graining and block legs. It has a tile table top made from ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Finn Juhl Model 500 Teak Coffee
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Model 500 solid teak coffee table designed by Finn Juhl for France and Son, Denmark. This stunning piece features beautifully sculpted elements characteristic of Juhl’s designs and w...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Sport Cabin Coffee Table “Lövåsen” in Axel Einar Hjorth Style by Åby Möbler
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Swedish solid stained pine coffee table manufactured by Åby Möbelfabrik in the 1930/40s It comes with a 3.5 centimeter thick, oval shaped table top with an underlying sh...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Danish modern larger teak coffee table with contrasting birch details
Located in DK
This teak coffee table with contrasting birch details is by Tove og Edvard Kindt-Larsen. This Danish architects husband and wife Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen designed it for the Swedis...
Category

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

Materials

Birch, Teak

Small coffee table by Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Buxton, GB
This beautifully designed coffee table by Arne Hovmand Olsen is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance. Made in Denmark in the 1960s, it was created for the renowned cabinet mak...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian modern asymmetric rosewood sofa table, BC Møbler, Denmark, 1960's
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare sofa table with an asymmetrical shape produced by BC Møbler in Denmark during the 1960s. Unknown designer. Elegant and luxurious design with its rosewood top and brass feet.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Coffee Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Coffee table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s, birch. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto ...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Danish teak coffee table attributed to Grete Jalk, 1960's
Located in The Hague, NL
A stunning mid-century modern, teak Danish coffee table by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Mobelfabrik, circa 1960's. Features a rectangular top with an unique slatted lower level floating shelf adds additional space for storage. The table rests on stylish tapered legs and has brass details on the ends. This beautiful coffee table maintains its original teak mat...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Teak Scandinavian Modern Tile Coffee Table
Located in Fulton, CA
A teak and ceramic tile top Danish Modern coffee table. Made by Mobelfabrikken Toften, Norway. Circa. 1970. A set of 18 abstract gold and brown tiles in teak frame. Very good origina...
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

Rare 'Bachelor' Coffee Table by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen, 1953
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
A very rare model ‘3550’ or ‘Bachelor’ coffee or side table designed by Verner Panton in 1953 to complement his famous ‘Bachelor’ chairs. This example comes with a black top and has ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Aksel Kjersgaard, Side Tables or Coffee Table, Pine, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine side tables or coffee tables designed by Aksel Kjersgaard and produced by Odder, Denmark, 1970s. Dimensions of first half 19.5” H x 35” W x 27.5” D Dimensions of se...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Vintage Danish Mid Century Teak Coffee Table - 02241
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A few of the canes are broken. Please see the pictures Vintage Danish mid-century modern, made in the 1950's - Recently refurbished The piece is more than 65+ years old and some w...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Erik Johansson, Coffee Table, Burl Wood, Sweden, 1942
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable black-lacquered wood and burl wood coffee table designed by Erik "Klot-Johan" Johansson and produced by Reiners Möbelfabrik, Mjölby, Sweden, 1942
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Mogens Lassen Egyptian table in Elm, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Mogens Lassen round coffee table in partly solid Elm wood. Brass details. Model Egyptian table, made by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Illum Wikkelsø Coffee Table in Teak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Illum Wikkelsø coffee table in solid teak. Made by Mikael Laursen, Århus.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Condor Coffee Table by Fredrik Schriever-Abeln, Sweden, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Spectacular mid century coffee table designed by Fredrik Schriever-Abeln for the swedish company Örebro Glasfabrik. The table is beautiful to look at from every angle and features ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Teak

"Avenir" Burl Wood Cocktail Table by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The "Avenir" is a beautifully simple cylindrical cocktail table that highlights the natural mappa burl wood to create a sculptural, functional...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Burl

France & Son solid teak extendable coffee table, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A danish solid teak coffee table, produced by France & Son in the Sixties. This coffee table stands out for its simple line and a mechanism that allows expanding the surface when ne...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

France & Son Danish Modern Rosewood Chessboard Coffee Table by Poul Cadovius
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage rosewood coffee table with a chessboard style top designed by Poul Cadovius for France & Son. Marked underneath with "Made in Denmark" stamping as well as the France & Son me...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

1950's Ash Coffee table
Located in Brno, CZ
This Mid Century Modern coffee table is made of solid Ash, and has a beautiful grain and elegant tapering table legs. The table was produced by UP Zavody in the 1950’s. Sadly its des...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash

Modern Scandinavian Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
This cocktail table speaks to a delicate tension between texture and material. It features an ample top in an Ivory Craze crackle finish, balanced on a swooping Koto wood base that a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Ole Wanscher Coffee Table, Mahogany, A. J. Iversen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher coffee table of mahogany. Made by A. J. Iversen.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Scandinavian Modern Thomas Bentzen for Muuto Around Extra Large Oak Coffee Table
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Around Table by Muuto is an instant classic, It has a modern and unique identity and the material and craftsmanship express distinct Scandinavian references. This simple and vibr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Plywood

Rolf Middelboe Attrib Vintage Marquetry Checkered Coffee Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Rolf Middelboe attrib Vintage Marquetry Checkered Coffee Table
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Sven Larsson Swedish Brutalist Pine Coffee Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large rectangular scandinavian coffee table by Sven Larsson. 1970s. Minimalist scandinavian design. Chunky solid thick pine. 63w 35.5d 20d
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Amazing coffee table by Aakjaer Jorgensen for Bramminge - 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
Amazing teak triangular coffee table designed by Aakjaer Jorgensen for Bramminge in the 1960s, Denmark. As you can see on the pictures the...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

1940s Scandinavian Cabinet Maker, Coffee Table in elegant patinated Oak
Located in København K, 84
In the style of Arnold Madsen and Axel Einar Hjorth a 1940s Scandinavian craftsmanship, where elegance meets functionality in a coffee table or console table crafted from patinated o...
Category

1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Finn Juhl Coffee Table by Baker
Located in Highland, IN
A sublime shape, a wonderful large scale, and delightful details all mark this coffee table by Danish master Finn Juhl. One of the designs that Juhl created in 1951 for American manu...
Category

1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Sycamore, Walnut

Modern Scandinavian Rosewood Coffee Table by Johannes Andersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design with our Modern Scandinavian Rosewood Low Coffee Table. This piece, attributed to the legendary Johannes Andersen for...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Wood

Danish Modern Tue Poulsen Tile Coffee Table in Wengé, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Tue Poulsen Tile Coffee Table in Wengé, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed by artist and ceramist Tue Poulsen and furniture designer Erik Wør...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wenge

Coffee Tables and Cocktail Tables for Sale on 1stDibs

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. Browse a vast selection of antique, new and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.

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