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Dunbar Surfboard Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early surfboard coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Maurice Burke Arkana Surfboard Coffee Table
By Burke, Inc., Eero Saarinen
Located in Chicago, IL
Scarce Maurice Burke for Arkana, England surfboard coffee table. Possibly a custom formica top with
Category

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

Materials

Formica

Teak Surfboard Coffee Table by Kurt Ostervig
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Puslinch, ON
Description: A rare vintage teak surfboard coffee table by Kurt Ostervig. Freshly imported from Denmark
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Large John Keal Inspired Surfboard Coffee Table with Formica Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Large Californian 60" wide John Keal inspired surfboard coffee table with white Formica top and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Danish Surfboard Coffee Table by Kurt Ostervig, ca' 1950's
By Kurt Østervig
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual surfboard coffee table by Kurt Ostervig, made by Jason Mobler, model #194, ca' 1954
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Floating Surfboard Coffee Table, 1990s
Located in Harlingen, TX
A vintage mid-century modern surfboard coffee table made in Sweden circa 1995. This classic MCM
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Oiled Walnut Tile Insert Floating Top Mid-Century Long Surfboard Coffee Table
By John Stuart Inc., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oiled walnut tile insert floating top mid-century long surfboard coffee table.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Teak Surfboard Coffee Table in the Style of Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Puslinch, ON
(10” H Lower Shelf) Description: A vintage teak surfboard coffee table in the style of Grete Jalk
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Minotti Italian Modern Surfboard Coffee Table with Chrome Steel Legs
By Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designer Minotti Italian Modern Surfboard Coffee Table with Steel Legs. Item features sleek steel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Tomlinson Sophisticate Patchwork Burl Wood Extra Long Surfboard Coffee Table
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extra long surfboard coffee table By Tomlinson
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Grete Jalk Glostrup Mobelfabrik Teak Surfboard Coffee Table from Denmark
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Miami, FL
Grete Jalk for Glostrup Mobelfabrik Denmark Teak Surfboard Coffee Table Offered for sale is a
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian Hollywood Regency Travertine & Brass Long Oval Surfboard Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Italian Hollywood Regency Travertine & Brass Long Oval Surfboard Coffee Table. Item features a
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Mobelfabrik Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk, Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Chattanooga, TN
We are pleased to present this super rare Ole Wanscher Danish teak surfboard coffee table. Designed
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

C. 1950s Herman Miller Eames ETR Surfboard Coffee Table in Black Laminate
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is an Eames ETR Surfboard Coffee Table, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames for
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Mid Century Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Countryside, IL
Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Mid Century Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table This coffee table
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Restored Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack Surfboard Coffee Table
By Arthur Umanoff, Grete Jalk
Located in Chattanooga, TN
this surfboard coffee table create a sleek profile. The lower tier, suspended by a series of spindles
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Terrazzo Top Surfboard Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Classic surfboard form, terrazzo top table. Nice thick top (1.5") rests on two wood pedestal bases
Category

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

Materials

Terrazzo, Wood

Terrazzo Top Surfboard Coffee Table
Terrazzo Top Surfboard Coffee Table
H 14.5 in W 66 in D 19.5 in
Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Grete Jalk, Glostrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Grete Jalk Manufacturer: Glostrup Møbelfabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 63″ wide x 23″ deep x 17.5″ tall Condition: In excellent original co...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Donald Deskey for Charak Modern Rosewood 'Surfboard' Cocktail / Coffee Table
By Donald Deskey
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (circa 1950) 'Surfboard' coffee table with a rosewood table top resting on an
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Mid-Century Table by Henredon
By Heritage-Henredon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oval surfboard coffee table by Henredon with added walnut trim and tapered legs. Please confirm
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Table by Henredon
Mid-Century Table by Henredon
H 14.5 in W 65.5 in D 17.5 in
Grete Jalk Teak Surfboard Coffee Table #2
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Grete Jalk Manufacturer: Glostrup Møbelfabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 63″ wide x 22″ deep x 17.5″ tall
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Folke Olsson Swedish Modern Rosewood Coffee Table, 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Uccle, BE
This elegant Danish modern midcentury surfboard coffee table model ‘Frisco’ was designed by Folke
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Surfboard Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular coffee table from the 70s, top in mahogany veneer and metal base, the shape is
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1960s Mid-Century Surfboard Coffee Table by Bassett
Located in Wilton, CT
Mid-Century Modern walnut coffee table by Bassett Furniture Company, circa 1965. Surfboard style
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Danish Modern Moreddi Walnut Surfboard Coffee Table
By Moreddi 1
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This elegant surfboard-style coffee table was imported from Denmark by Moreddi in the 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Modern Surfboard Coffee Table in Heavily Figured Oak
By Ercol, Hans J. Wegner, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Round Top, TX
Iconic Midcentury Modern coffee table on tapered legs in oak. Gorgeous undulating grain, sturdy and
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Surfboard Coffee Table In Teak
By Peter Hvidt, Søborg Møbler 1
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Peter Hvidt + Orla Molgaard Nielsen Manufacturer: Søborg Møbler Era: 1957 Materials: Teak Measurements: 53″ wide x 19″ deep x 34″ tall Condition: In excell...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Harvey Probber Surfboard Coffee Table in Terrazzo Marble
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-century Harvey Probber terrazzo marble coffee table. Style of Dunbar and Milo Baughman.
Category

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

Materials

Terrazzo

Mid-Century Modern "Surfboard" Coffee Table with Travertine Stone Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category

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

Materials

Stone

Arne Hovmand Olsen Floating Surfboard Coffee Table In Teak #2
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Hovmand Olsen Manufacturer: Mogens Kold Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 60″ wide x 20″ deep x 17″ tall Condition: In excellent original condi...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

2 pc. Mid Century Surfboard Coffee Table by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960’s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Rare two part coffee table designed by John Van Koert for Drexel Furniture, as part of their class
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Surfboard Jacks Coffee Table
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Countryside, IL
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Surfboard Jacks Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 59.25 wide x
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Vintage Long Surfboard Style Coffee Table, Circa 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautiful rich espresso tone with minimal wear. Spindle braces and curved edge top. Midcentury at its best.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Style Coffee Table
By Custom Craft Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Surfboard Shape Glass Top / Faux Bamboo Base Coffee Table
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introducing a captivating Mid-20th Century coffee table with a distinctive surfboard shape glass
Category

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

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Glass

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Style Marble Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Materials: Marble Stone, Walnut With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

Vintage Italian Hollywood Regency Long Oval Surfboard Marble Top Coffee Table
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Vintage Italian Hollywood Regency 70" long oval surfboard marble top brass vase coffee table. Item
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Terrazzo and Walnut Surfboard-Form Coffee Table 'Manner of Harvey Probber'
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (circa 1950) sculptural cocktail / coffee table with a tapered oval terrazzo
Category

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

Materials

Marble

Unusual Large Surfboard Top Double Pedestal Coffee Table Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual large surfboard top double pedestal coffee table. You will love the warm walnut top with
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Restored Original Paul Frankl Surfboard Style Stacked Rattan Legs Coffee Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage 1940s restored Paul Frankl "surfboard" shaped coffee table. Also known as "amoeba" or
Category

Vintage 1940s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan

Solid Wood Coffee Table Surfboard Top, Vintage Hollywood Regency, Mid Century
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Measurements: 60" L x 24.25" W x 16.5" H In excellent like new condition, no scratches or imperfections on this piece. There are no maker mark on this piece, we are unsure who manuf...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple

Lane Mid Century Modern 56" Long Surfboard Laminate Top Coffee Table with Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lane Mid Century Modern 56" Long Surfboard Laminate Top Coffee Table with Drawer. Item features
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Herman Miller for Eames Surfboard Table
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern black top coffee table with Eiffel metal base. (Please confirm item location
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Sculpted Walnut Tile Mosaic Surfboard Table
By Tue Poulsen, Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ditch mundane home decor and grab this radical vintage surfboard table! This rare mid-century piece
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Erno Fabry Fishtail Surfboard Marble & Walnut Cocktail Table
By M. Singer & Sons
Located in Hanover, MA
This table came from the collection of a prominent child psychiatrist and a magnificent apartment
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Mahogany Surfboard Cocktail Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century mahogany coffee table with an elongated oval "surfboard" top with a shallow
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Woven Shelf Oval Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oval surfboard style coffee table with excellent woven shelf. Warm walnut grain and thick sturdy
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cord, Wood

Woven Shelf Oval Coffee Table
Woven Shelf Oval Coffee Table
H 16 in W 71 in D 23 in
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Terrazzo Marble-Top Coffee Table, circa 1955
By Harvey Probber
Located in Camden, ME
Harvey Probber style elegant coffee table with surfboard top of Terrazzo marble divided by a center
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Terrazzo, Walnut

John Widdicomb Wm a Berkey Travertine and Walnut Surf Board Style Coffee Table
By John Widdicomb, William A. Berkey Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One beautiful surfboard style 2 tier coffee table by William a Berkey Furniture - John Widdicomb
Category

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

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Long Surf Board Boat Shape Terrazzo Top Oiled Walnut Base Floating Top
By Harvey Probber, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Floating terrazzo top oiled walnut base long surfboard shape coffee table Kagan decor.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Terrazzo

Svante Skogh Teak and Oak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Svante Skogh
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Svante Skogh teak and oak surfboard coffee table. Manufactured by Seffle Mobler of Sweden
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Surfboard Coffee Table by Russel Wright
By Russel Wright
Located in Cookeville, TN
Gorgeous midcentury 1950s Russell Wright designed surfboard coffee or cocktail table with curved
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Surfboard Coffee Table by Russel Wright
Surfboard Coffee Table by Russel Wright
H 16.75 in W 50.07 in D 22.57 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Surfboard Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A walnut "surfboard" form coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture.
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Vintage Midcentury Surfboard Coffee and Matching Side Table by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in New Hyde Park, NY
Midcentury vintage walnut surfboard coffee table and matching side table by Mel Smilow. Age
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak and Oak "Surfboard" Coffee Table
By Kurt Østervig
Located in San Marcos, CA
, Denmark, 1960's. This beautiful coffee table, recently imported from Europe to California before its
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Midcentury Teak 'Surfboard' Style Coffee Table
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a super cool teak Danish coffee table that has fantastic Scandinavian style legs. Long and
Category

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

Materials

Teak

HW Klein Teak Coffee Table "Surfboard" by Bramin Mobler, Denmark, 1960s
By Bramin Mobler, Henry Walter Klein
Located in Vienna, Vienna
A "Surfboard" superbly build two-tiered teak coffee table by Danish designer Henry Walter Klein
Category

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

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Surfboard Shape Cocktail Table by Philip & Kelvin Laverne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in San Diego, CA
Surfboard shape cocktail table by Philip & Kelvin Laverne. This oblong table displays excellent
Category

Vintage 1960s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Surfboard Shaped Cocktail Table in Macassar Ebony and Hand Worked Glass
Located in Wilton, CT
Surfboard shaped cocktail table in Macassar ebony and hand worked glass. Available now in
Category

2010s American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cut Glass, Macassar

Surf Board Coffee Table
By Mats Christeen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This made to order surfboard inspired coffee table is perfect for any beach aficionado. The top's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Surf Board Coffee Table
Surf Board Coffee Table
H 17 in W 42 in D 16 in
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Surfboard Coffee Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of surfboard coffee tables for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct surfboard coffee tables — often made from wood, walnut and metal — can elevate any home. We have 172 antique and vintage surfboard coffee tables in-stock, while there are 3 modern editions to choose from as well. Surfboard coffee tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Surfboard coffee tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small surfboard coffee tables measuring 17 inches across. Many surfboard coffee tables are appealing in their simplicity, but Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Kurt Østervig produced popular surfboard coffee tables that are worth a look.

How Much are Surfboard Coffee Tables?

Surfboard coffee tables can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,450, while the lowest priced sells for $350 and the highest can go for as much as $9,500.

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 Surfboard Coffee Tables
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    Tray top coffee tables are coffee tables with long, flat rectangular surfaces that are supported by an x-frame base. Low tables that were initially used as tea or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. After coffee drinking and “coffee breaks” became popular, it didn’t take long for coffee and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary tray top coffee tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To style an oval coffee table, create balance with opposites. Choose a sofa and accent chairs with a boxier shape for a striking contrast. Place a rectangular tray in the center and use it to display decorative accents or to store remotes and coasters. Another approach to decorating an oval table is to use decorative accents at different heights. Think of a tall vase placed next to a low bowl and a small sculpture positioned on top of two stacked coffee table books. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oval coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Styling a Noguchi coffee table really depends on the space you’re placing it in. The possibilities are far-reaching, so consider the colors and coordination of the other furniture and fixtures around the table. Noguchi tables look beautiful on their own or styled with flowers, books or pottery. Shop a selection of Isamu Noguchi pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    On 1stdibs, a coffee table costs between $160 and $495,500.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Coffee tables became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. Pieces from this time period often show off the characteristics of Art Deco design, such as metal accents, mirrored finishes and the use of exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Coffee tables first came into use during the Victorian era, largely in response to the rise of coffee houses in London. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary coffee tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    There isn't really a standard size of a coffee table. Manufacturers produce coffee tables in a range of sizes and shapes. However, many rectangular tables are around 45 to 48 inches in length by 25 to 28 inches in width. Heights typically range from 16 to 18 inches. Shop a wide variety of coffee tables on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.