What are magnifying glasses called?

A magnifying glass can also be called a loupe. The loupe is a small magnifying device that helps the user see small details. You’ll find a variety of magnifying glasses or loupes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the best magnifying glass?

The best magnifying glass should be lightweight, have a large diameter, provide a wide viewing area, and offer high, distortion-free magnification. However, finding one unit that offers all of these attributes is almost impossible. Shop a range of antique and vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.

Which magnifying glass do coin collectors use?

For coin collectors, a magnifying glass range of 10X to 30X is standard. At this range, you can easily examine mint markings and imperfections as well as grade coins. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity when collecting coins. 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

What was the first documented use of magnifying glasses?

The use of magnifying glasses is linked as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In Egypt, they used crystals or other shiny stones to view small objects better. However, the first magnifying glass crafted for scientific purposes is believed to be designed by Roger Bacon, an English philosopher during the 13th century. Browse a wide selection of vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.

What should you not put on a glass table?

With a glass table, avoid putting anything on top heavier than the recommended weight capacity of the table. Items with rough or sharp bottoms could scratch glass. If you wish to display an item on top of a glass table, line the bottom of the item with felt to protect the tabletop. On 1stDibs, shop a range of glass tables from some of the world's top sellers.

Are glass coffee tables durable?

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.

What can I substitute for a glass coffee table top?

You can substitute a number of things for a glass table top. Try painted wood, marble or sheet metal. To decide what to use, consider the overall style of your room and the other types of materials featured in the space. Shop a selection of tables from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Is a glass table better for small spaces?

Whether a glass table is better for small spaces is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that a transparent glass table creates the illusion of a larger room and makes a compact area feel more spacious. Shop a variety of glass tables on 1stDibs.

What type of glass is used for coffee tables?

The most preferred type of glass for a coffee table is tempered glass. In case of a mishap, this type of glass will fracture into small pieces. One-half inch thick glass is the most popular for coffee tables. 1stDibs offers different antique, vintage and new glass coffee tables.

Which is better: a glass or acrylic coffee table?

Whether a glass or acrylic coffee table is better is a matter of personal preference. An acrylic table is less likely to shatter and often lighter in weight, while a glass coffee table may have a more prominent shine. How carefully a coffee table is crafted also impacts its quality and longevity. On 1stDibs, shop a range of coffee tables.

Should I put a glass top on my dining table?

Yes, you should put glass on top of your dining table to minimize scratches and wear. Glass allows you to see the beauty of the wood while protecting it from everyday wear.

What is the best thickness for a glass table top?

The best thickness for a glass table top depends on usage. If the glass is used just as a cover, then ¼-inch thick glass is likely good enough. If the glass will be used is as a table surface, then you should choose the thickness of the glass according to the size of the table. If the glass used is supporting heavy items, or its size is more than 24 inches, then choose glass that is thicker than ¼ inch. Thicker glass will feel and look more substantial, but thicker glass becomes heavier with increasing size. On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage glass-top dining room tables, glass-top coffee tables, side tables and more.

Magnifying Glass Table

French Stained Glass Lamp

Category

Mid-20th Century Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Banded Cylindrical Murano Magnifying Solid Glass Lamp

H 20.25 in Dm 4.75 in

Rialto New York Illuminated & Magnified Vanity Mirror

By Rialto

Located in Fulton, CA

An illuminated and magnified vanity mirror by Rialto, New York. Chrome pod pivots on a Lucite

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Chrome

Rialto New York Illuminated & Magnified Vanity Mirror

H 9.5 in W 8 in D 6 in

High Style Brass & Chrome Florescence Magnifying Vanity/Jewelry Mirror

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Elevate your vanity space with this vintage High Style magnifying florescence lighted vanity mirror

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

High Style Brass & Chrome Florescence Magnifying Vanity/Jewelry Mirror

H 18 in W 12 in D 3 in

Karl Springer Rare Large Illuminating Vanity Magnifying Mirror, 1980s

By Karl Springer

Located in New York, NY

Meticulously crafted extra large adjustable illuminating magnifying mirror in polished steel and

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Rare Large Illuminating Vanity Magnifying Mirror, 1980s

H 19 in W 26 in D 6 in

Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass

H 14.75 in W 13 in D 3.38 in

Magnifying Vanity Mirror in Glass

By EXPERIMENTAL

Located in Riga, LV

Magnifying vanity or make-up mirror in white tinted glass Handcrafted by a team of skilled

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Table Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Blown Glass

Magnifying Vanity Mirror in Glass

H 5.91 in W 6.89 in D 5.52 in

Pair of 1970s Peill and Putzler Clear Concave Magnifying Glass Table Lights

By Peill & Putzler

Located in London, GB

Pair of 1970s Peill and Putzler clear glass round table lights with four concave indentations which

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wire

Pair of 1970s Peill and Putzler Clear Concave Magnifying Glass Table Lights

H 4.34 in Dm 5.52 in

Double Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp

By Early Electrics Design Studio

Located in Peekskill, NY

that looks larger in the thick magnifying glasses. With an antique style filament bulb the look is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Double Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp

H 18 in W 6.75 in D 6 in

H 30 in Dm 71 in

ma+39's Custom Magnifying Lens End Table

By ma+39

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Iron base with brass accents and convex magnifying lens

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

ma+39's Custom Magnifying Lens End Table

H 20 in Dm 15 in

Eccola's Custom Magnifying Lens Table w/ Stainless Base

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stainless base supports hand cut Italian lens with thick glass top.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Eccola's Custom Magnifying Lens Table w/ Stainless Base

H 18 in Dm 53.5 in

MA39's Custom Magnifying Lens Table with Stainless Base

By ma+39

Located in Los Angeles, CA

MA39's custom magnifying lens table with stainless base Stainless base supports handcut Italian

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

MA39's Custom Magnifying Lens Table with Stainless Base

H 18 in Dm 51.5 in

Victorian Mahogany Table Library Magnifying Glass

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Victorian mahogany table library magnifying glass, English, circa 1840.

Category

Antique 1840s English Victorian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Mahogany Table Library Magnifying Glass

H 13 in Dm 7 in

Vintage Leon Rosen for Pace Glass and Brass Square Dining Table

Located in Palm Springs, CA

bottom. (can't see unless you look with magnifying glass). The table looks extremely modern and chic now

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage Leon Rosen for Pace Glass and Brass Square Dining Table

H 28.5 in W 41.75 in D 41.75 in

Brass Adjustable Magnified Lighted Vanity Table Mirror

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vanity or Table mirror with lit magnifying mirror - the brass housing and design, allowing the

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Round Magnifying Glass Lamp

Located in Hudson, NY

Unique magnifying glass lamp. Sits on a black metal base that holds a 4.5" round magnifying glass

Category

French Table Lamps

Materials

Glass, Linen

Round Magnifying Glass Lamp

H 17.25 in W 12 in D 8 in

H 22.5 in W 12.5 in D 7.25 in

Large Karl Springer Chrome Magnifying Vanity Mirror

By Karl Springer

Located in Chicago, IL

This is an outstanding and very large mirror that lights up and magnifies. The back of the mirror

Category

Vintage 1970s American Table Mirrors

Materials

Stainless Steel

Large Karl Springer Chrome Magnifying Vanity Mirror

H 23 in W 20 in

Italian task lamp w/magnifying optical

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful brass and painted metal task lamp, probably by Lumi. Partial label reading Milano.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian task lamp w/magnifying optical

H 17 in Dm 14.5 in

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Magnifying Glass Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic magnifying glass table available at 1stDibs. A magnifying glass table — often made from glass, metal and brass — can elevate any home. Find 12 options for an antique or vintage magnifying glass table now, or shop our selection of 4 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a magnifying glass table — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right magnifying glass table, those designed in Industrial, Mid-Century Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made magnifying glass table over the years, but those crafted by ma+39, Roberto Giulio Rida and Creative Playthings are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Magnifying Glass Table?

Prices for a magnifying glass table start at $250 and top out at $21,601 with the average selling for $1,600.

Questions About Magnifying Glass Table

What are magnifying glasses called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A magnifying glass can also be called a loupe. The loupe is a small magnifying device that helps the user see small details. You’ll find a variety of magnifying glasses or loupes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the best magnifying glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
The best magnifying glass should be lightweight, have a large diameter, provide a wide viewing area, and offer high, distortion-free magnification. However, finding one unit that offers all of these attributes is almost impossible. Shop a range of antique and vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.
Which magnifying glass do coin collectors use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
For coin collectors, a magnifying glass range of 10X to 30X is standard. At this range, you can easily examine mint markings and imperfections as well as grade coins. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity when collecting coins. 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
What was the first documented use of magnifying glasses?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The use of magnifying glasses is linked as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In Egypt, they used crystals or other shiny stones to view small objects better. However, the first magnifying glass crafted for scientific purposes is believed to be designed by Roger Bacon, an English philosopher during the 13th century. Browse a wide selection of vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.
What should you not put on a glass table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
With a glass table, avoid putting anything on top heavier than the recommended weight capacity of the table. Items with rough or sharp bottoms could scratch glass. If you wish to display an item on top of a glass table, line the bottom of the item with felt to protect the tabletop. On 1stDibs, shop a range of glass tables from some of the world's top sellers.
Are glass coffee tables durable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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.
What can I substitute for a glass coffee table top?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
You can substitute a number of things for a glass table top. Try painted wood, marble or sheet metal. To decide what to use, consider the overall style of your room and the other types of materials featured in the space. Shop a selection of tables from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
Is a glass table better for small spaces?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Whether a glass table is better for small spaces is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that a transparent glass table creates the illusion of a larger room and makes a compact area feel more spacious. Shop a variety of glass tables on 1stDibs.
What type of glass is used for coffee tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
The most preferred type of glass for a coffee table is tempered glass. In case of a mishap, this type of glass will fracture into small pieces. One-half inch thick glass is the most popular for coffee tables. 1stDibs offers different antique, vintage and new glass coffee tables.
Which is better: a glass or acrylic coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether a glass or acrylic coffee table is better is a matter of personal preference. An acrylic table is less likely to shatter and often lighter in weight, while a glass coffee table may have a more prominent shine. How carefully a coffee table is crafted also impacts its quality and longevity. On 1stDibs, shop a range of coffee tables.
Should I put a glass top on my dining table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Yes, you should put glass on top of your dining table to minimize scratches and wear. Glass allows you to see the beauty of the wood while protecting it from everyday wear.
What is the best thickness for a glass table top?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
The best thickness for a glass table top depends on usage. If the glass is used just as a cover, then ¼-inch thick glass is likely good enough. If the glass will be used is as a table surface, then you should choose the thickness of the glass according to the size of the table. If the glass used is supporting heavy items, or its size is more than 24 inches, then choose glass that is thicker than ¼ inch. Thicker glass will feel and look more substantial, but thicker glass becomes heavier with increasing size. On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage glass-top dining room tables, glass-top coffee tables, side tables and more.