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

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 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

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 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

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 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

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Ellipse Coffee Table

2010s Bulgarian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Brown Ellipse Coffee Table by KV Design

20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Coffee Table by Roger Capron for l`Atelier Callis, France, 1970's

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Ellipse Coffee Table by Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson for Fritz Hansen, 1990

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Modern "Super Ellipse" Coffee Cocktail Table by Piet Hein and Bruno Mathsson

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Coffee table "Ellipses " by Roger CAPRON (1922-2006)

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Ellipses Tables Signed by Pia Chevalier

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Ellipse Low Table by Jeroen Thys Van Den Audenaerde

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Oxidized Ellipses Table Signed by Pia Chevalier

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Oxidized Ellipses Table Signed by Pia Chevalier

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Oxidized Ellipses Table Signed by Pia Chevalier

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

Large Ellipses Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960

2010s Greek Side Tables

Half Ellipse Mappa Burl Coffee Table in Beige

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Ceramic side table 'Ellipse' by Roger Capron, France 1960s

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Coffee Table Sculpted in Solid Walnut and Brass by Newell Design

2010s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Coffee Table

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Coffee Table

Vintage 1970s Belgian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table "Ellipse" by Armand Jonckers, 1970s

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Big Diz Ellipse, Modern Sculptural Handcrafted Walnut and Ash Coffee Table

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Paul Marra Ellipse Cocktail Table in Textured Gold Iron and Stone

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Paul Marra Ellipse Cocktail Table in Textured Iron and Bateig Blue Stone

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Cocktail Table in Parchment and Bronze By Newell Design Studio

21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Modern Tables

Bling Bling Coffee Table in mother of pearl - Unique Piece

2010s Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Hammered Windows Ellipse Table with Noir Doré Top and Burnished Hammered Steel

2010s Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Soapstone and Walnut Coffee Table by Elliott Marks

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

French Resin and Glass Gold Coffee Table by Pierre Giraudon, 1970s

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

1960s, Teak Walnut Reversible Ellipse Surfboard Coffee Table, Italy

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Oval Studio Design Coffee Table With Quad Ellipse Base

Vintage 1950s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Demi-Ellipse Abstract Cast Resin & Brass Cocktail Table

2010s Belgian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Ellipse Low Table by Jeroen Thys Van Den Audenaerde

2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of Oxidized Ellipses Table Signed by Pia Chevalier

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

The Half Ellipse Coffee Table by Thomas Hayes Studio

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Big Diz Ellipse, Modern Sculptural Handcrafted Walnut and Ash Coffee Table

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Big Diz Ellipse, Modern Sculptural Handcrafted Walnut and Ash Coffee Table

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