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.

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.

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 difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

How 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.

How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?

To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you stack books on a coffee table?

To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

How do you date a Lane coffee table?

To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a tall coffee table called?

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

What is the best height for a coffee table?

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.

What is the best coffee table for a sectional?

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.

What is the average height of a coffee table?

The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Lava Coffee Tables

Lava Etna

Black Stone Table

French Enameled Lava Stone

Freres Cloutier

Lava Tile

Volcanic Stone

Materials

Bronze

Shades Of Lava Coffee Table by KV Design

$2,079 / item

Shades Of Lava Coffee Table by KV Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Shades Of Lava Coffee Table by KV Design One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 44 cm.

Category

2010s Bulgarian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

$4,114Sale Price|25% Off

Rare Steel and Iron Coffee Table with Lava Stone Top, circa 1940

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This unique and beautiful coffee table is made of steel and iron with a lava stone top.

Category

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

Materials

Lava, Iron

$9,500

$2,502

Brutalist Coffee Table by Jean Gregorieff for Roche Bobois, 1970 France Vintage

By Roche Bobois, Jean Gregorieff

Located in London, England

Superbe table basse vintage rectangulaire éditée par Roche Bobois dans les années 1970, dessinée et réalisée, par le designer Jean Gregorieff. Jean Gregorieff, artiste peintre et cé...

Category

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

Materials

Lava, Metal

Guillerme and Chambron, Rare Coffee Table, Edition "Votre Maison" circa 1970

$8,567

Guillerme and Chambron, Rare Coffee Table, Edition "Votre Maison" circa 1970

By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison

Located in Mouscron, WHT

Guillerme and Chambron, rare coffee table, Edition "Votre Maison" circa 1970 Oak table, top made of enamelled lava tiles by Boleslaw Danikowski.

Category

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

Materials

Lava

$1,119

Low Table Design 1970s – Enameled Volcanic Stone & Stainless Steel

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Rectangular low table in Design style, 1970s period, with Parsons structure in brushed stainless steel with satin finish and enameled volcanic stone top. The top, in an intense red-...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava, Stainless Steel

Enameled Lava Stone Ceramic Coffee Table Flip Top Chess

$990

Enameled Lava Stone Ceramic Coffee Table Flip Top Chess

By Max & Dominique Picard

Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR

Coffee table Chessboard enamelled lava in the taste of Max and Dominique Picard.

Category

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

Materials

Lava, Metal

Guillerme Et Chambron, Grande table de salon en chêne et lave émaillée

$10,857

Guillerme Et Chambron, Grande table de salon en chêne et lave émaillée

By Boleslaw Danikowski, Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison

Located in Mouscron, WHT

Guillerme Et Chambron, Grande table de salon en chêne et lave émaillée de Boleslaw Danikowski circa 1970. Edition Votre Maison Votre maison : a style, a concept, a mindset. The V...

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava

Recent Sales

Lava coffee table by Jaffeux

Unavailable

H 14.97 in W 30.71 in D 18.9 in

Lava coffee table by Jaffeux

By Jaffeux

Located in London, GB

Coffee table

Category

Vintage 1960s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava

Lava Tile Coffee Table

Unavailable

H 19.75 in W 59 in D 27.75 in

Lava Tile Coffee Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Stunning lava tiles glazed and finished by a French Ceramicist. Rosewood base

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Hand Carved Lava with Ceramic Glaze Mullunu Coffee Table by Ian Felton

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 16.15 in W 47.64 in D 20.08 in

Exceptional Midcentury Bright Orange Fat Lava and Chrome Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Blackpool, Lancashire

An outstanding midcentury coffee table with a fat lava ceramic top. In bright vibrant orange it is beautifully presented in a gleaming chrome frame.

Category

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

Sold

H 13.78 in W 18.12 in D 33.27 in

Lava Rock, Teak and Metal Modernist Coffee Table

Located in LYON, FR

Modernist coffee table with cast iron structure and bi-material lava stone and teak slatted top.

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava, Metal

Brutalist coffee table in metal and lava stone, 1960s

Sold

H 16.54 in W 35.44 in D 17.72 in

Brutalist coffee table in metal and lava stone, 1960s

Located in GRENOBLE, FR

Brutalist coffee table composed of lava stone elements resting on a quadrangular metal base.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava, Iron

Lava Stone Sculptor’s Coffee Table Designed by Faye Toogood, UK

Sold

H 9.85 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Lava Stone Sculptor’s Coffee Table Designed by Faye Toogood, UK

By Faye Toogood

Located in London, GB

Rare coffee table by British designer Faye Toogood. Made from green glazed ceramic and grey lava stone.

Category

2010s British Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava

Danish Lava Pattern Coffee Table, 1970s

Sold

H 18.12 in W 56.3 in D 32.68 in

Danish Lava Pattern Coffee Table, 1970s

Located in Lisboa, PT

This Danish Lava pattern coffee table is made from gold aluminum with black feet and multicolored glass top.

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Brutalist Square Faux Lava Stone Coffee Table

Sold

H 13.75 in W 35.875 in D 35.875 in

Brutalist Square Faux Lava Stone Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Square Brutalist faux lava stone coffee table with a pedestal base. In original condition with visible signs of wear, consistent with its age and use.

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Jacques Adnet enameled lava tile coffee table.

Sold

H 17 in W 45 in D 24 in

Jacques Adnet enameled lava tile coffee table.

Located in Miami, FL

Beautiful cocktail table by Jacques Adnet. Enameled lava tile and wrought iron base.

Category

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Lava Stone Finished Set of Coffee Tables

Sold

H 15.75 in W 19 in D 19 in

Lava Stone Finished Set of Coffee Tables

By Giulio Cappellini

Located in Tulsa, OK

Bong table by Giulio Cappellini The perfect accent, with an ironic touch and eloquent presence, the Bong table by Giulio Cappellini is composed of a solid sphere and a round top. ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Enameled Lava and Iron Coffee Table Attributed to Jacques Adnet - Ipso Facto

Sold

H 19 in W 38 in D 19.5 in

Enameled Lava and Iron Coffee Table Attributed to Jacques Adnet - Ipso Facto

By Jacques Adnet

Located in New York, NY

This exceptional table comes from a seaside in Royan, France. The table structure is made of massive anchor shaped cast iron while the top represents a scene of marine animal and ve...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lava, Iron

Roger Capron Coffee Table With Lava Tiles

Sold

H 12 in W 40 in D 16 in

Roger Capron Coffee Table With Lava Tiles

Located in Stratford, CT

Dramatic contrasts and compositional movement distinguish this table by Roger Capron.

Sold

H 15 in W 39.5 in D 39.5 in

Sturdy Coffee Table with Lava Tiles by Roger Capron

Located in Stratford, CT

This new mahogany wood frame coffee table is entirely covered with vintage lava tiles made by Roger Capron in the mid 1960's.

H 16.54 in W 35.83 in D 35.83 in

Ceramic Enameled Coffee Table by G. Olivier. Switzerland, 1960s

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Round ceramic terracotta lava stone enameled coffee low cocktail table or Guéridon, black metal feet by the Swiss Ceramist G.

Category

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

Materials

Lava, Metal

"Pyrenees" Coffee table

Sold

H 19 in W 49 in D 36 in

"Pyrenees" Coffee table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rouge de chine glazed lava stone coffee table

Materials

Bronze

$2,271

H 1.19 in W 23.63 in D 47.25 in

Virg Microcement Coffee Table by Marlot Baus

Located in SANT CUGAT DEL VALLÈS, ES

Handcrafted in Spain by expert artisans, this oval-shaped dining table from Marlot Baus combines timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully made using our sig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cement

Cala, Big Coffee Table by Draga&Aurel Resin and Concrete, 21st Century

$8,887 / item

H 13.78 in Dm 19.69 in

Cala, Big Coffee Table by Draga&Aurel Resin and Concrete, 21st Century

By Draga & Aurel

Located in Como, IT

Made from a coarse concrete base covered with thick epoxy resin, Cala coffee table evokes the lacustrine landscape of Como. Resin is meticulously cast in layers to recreate a deep an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Materials

Steel, Iron

Pair of Modern Murano Artistic Glass Pearly Pink and Brass Sconces

$3,428 / set

H 26.78 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

Pair of Modern Murano Artistic Glass Pearly Pink and Brass Sconces

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Each single leaf is handcrafted with high quality Murano blown glass; that's why each leaf is slightly different from the other. Exciting color, pearly pink. They are illuminated by ...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

'Eclipse Purion' White Lacquered Brass Contemporary Wall Light, Sconce

$4,987 / item

H 14.57 in W 13.78 in D 4.73 in

'Eclipse Purion' White Lacquered Brass Contemporary Wall Light, Sconce

By Eva Menz for Atelier001

Located in London, England

A gentle silhouette of a plate makes up this unique wall light. The back and edges of the brass shade are kept in original brass whilst the inner surface is hand-lacquered to create ...

Category

2010s Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

$9,942 / item

H 31.5 in W 51.19 in D 41.34 in

Kingdom One-Seat Sofa in Velvet Fabric Aged Brass Base and Golden Nails

Located in Paris, FR

One-seat sofa kingdom upholstered and covered with red wine cotton velvet fabric with matte vintage brass base and with golded polished nails.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Jade Coffee Table H46 by Draga & Aurel Resin and Brass, 21st Century

Unavailable|~~$7,539 / item~~

H 18.12 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in

Jade Coffee Table H46 by Draga & Aurel Resin and Brass, 21st Century

By Draga & Aurel

Located in Como, IT

Jade coffee table features ethereal transparency and a reflective surface that plays naturally with light. The brightly colored table top rests on a cylindrical brass base, whose dis...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Get Updated with New Arrivals

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Lava Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of lava coffee tables for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique lava coffee tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using stone, lava and metal. We have 142 antique and vintage lava coffee tables in-stock, while there are 40 modern editions to choose from as well. Lava coffee tables have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Lava coffee tables made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small lava coffee tables measuring 4.73 inches across. Roger Capron, Robert and Jean Cloutier and Jean Jaffeux each produced beautiful lava coffee tables that are worth considering.

How Much are Lava Coffee Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $4,500, while they’re typically $96 on the low end and $65,210 highest priced.

Finding the Right Coffee And 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 Lava Coffee Tables

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.
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.
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 difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.
How 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.
How do I authenticate my Noguchi coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To authenticate your Noguchi coffee table, there are three different marks to look for. Isamu Noguchi’s signature will be on the edge of the table and on a medallion under the base. Even under the medallion, you will find Noguchi’s initials. Shop a collection of properly vetted Noguchi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you stack books on a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To stack books on a coffee table, place the largest one on the bottom with the spine facing the focal piece of furniture, usually the sofa. Then, add the next largest, lining up the inner edges so that the spines create a stepped effect. Continue adding books to complete the stack and top it off with a decorative object if you wish. Shop a variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
How do you date a Lane coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To date a Lane coffee table, look for the serial number on the underside of the piece. On most Lane coffee tables, reading the number from right to left will tell you the date that the table was manufactured. For example, a serial number that says 852140 would have been produced on April 12, 1958. Founded in Virginia in the early 20th century, Lane is largely known for its cedar chests and innovative mid-century modern designs. Find a variety of Lane coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a tall coffee table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A tall coffee table is usually called exactly that — a tall coffee table. Coffee tables, also referred to as cocktail tables, are generally designed to sit at or below the sofa's seat height. These tables may come in a range of sizes, but they are often between 16 and 18 inches high and are designed in a variety of lengths and widths. They’re meant to provide a practical table-top surface that complements your living room layout. (A tall version might also be suitable for use as a dining table.) Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tall coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the best height for a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
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.
What is the best coffee table for a sectional?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
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.
What is the average height of a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The average height of a coffee table is around 16 to 18 inches. Designers typically choose this height to create a balance between coffee tables and sofas. The average seat height of sofas is 17 to 18 inches, and experts typically recommend that coffee tables be no more than 1 inch shorter than sofa-seat height. Explore a diverse assortment of coffee tables on 1stDibs.

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