Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called a coffee table?
1 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.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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Shop for Coffee and Cocktail Tables on 1stDibs
Mid-Century Modern Round Chinoiserie Coffee Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern round chinoiserie coffee table
by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
USA circa 1960
"Chan" model, circular coffee table, executed in etched pewter and bronze with hand-pai...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Pewter
Roger Capron ‘Shogun’ Coffee Table in Ceramic France 1970 Brown and Green Color
By Roger Capron
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Shogun" ceramic coffee table by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1970.
Roger Capron, 'Shogun’ coffee table, bi-color ceramic, beech, France, 1960s
Signed
Brown and beige
French coffe...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Japanese Antique Low Table/Japanese paper pasting/1868s-1912s WabiSabi Primitive
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a low table using old wood and old Japanese paper.
The top board is stacked with old Japanese paper on a pine tree and dyed with persimmon juice, ink, and black Urushi.
Whi...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Ebonized round coffee table in the manner of Jansen circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An ebonized round coffee table in the manner of Jansen having a gold gilt wood top trimmed in bronze and bronze mounted legs, circa 1940.
Category
Vintage 1940s French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Midcentury Brass, Chrome, and Glass Showcase Coffee Table
Located in Brussels , BE
Midcentury brass, chrome, and glass showcase coffee table.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
"Alkali" Coffee table by Christopher Mark
Located in Black Hawk, CO
The Alkali Coffee table by Christopher Mark is a hand crafted one of one piece. Christopher was inspired by the shape of the chemical compound know as alkali, which is a corrosive su...
Category
2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
