A major part of the history of furniture design can be attributed to the mid-century modern era (roughly between 1940 and 1975). There is no doubt that the most famous mid century modern coffee table designs from history have inspired many of the pieces of furniture we use today.
As strange as it may seem, table heights have remained constant since the 18th century. It was not until the twentieth century when TV sets became ubiquitous in family homes that the need of coffee tables emerged. A functional piece of furniture low enough to place drinks and snacks without blocking the view of your favorite tv show.
Eventually, the coffee table became a focal point for all mid-century modern designers intending to infuse their own creativity and ideas into it. Giving birth to a series of timeless and most famous mid century modern coffee tables we still encounter in many homes today.
As a tribute to the late designers and their craftsmanship, this guide walks you through the original, authorized versions of their iconic pieces and links to high-end manufacturers where you can purchase them. If you are looking for a more affordable but equally stylish alternatives, you can head to this article where we presents 17 best mid century modern coffee tables you can buy. With that said, let’s check out the 10 most famous mid century modern coffee tables you can get for your dream mcm inspired living room.
Laccio Coffee Table
Designer: Marcel Breuer
Year: 1925
In 1925, Marcel Breuer designed the black Laccio Coffee Table to reflect his Bauhaus aesthetic. It is considered to be one of the most iconic designs of the 20th century.
Featuring a smooth plastic laminated MDF surface with a polished chrome steel frame, the Laccio Coffee Table is considered a mid-century design classic that will lend a touch of style to any space.
LC10-P Low Table
Designer: Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret
Year: 1928
In the words of Le Corbusier, a house is a “machine for living,” an industrial product that should include furnishings that are functional. This concept was materialized in his LC10-P Low Table. With effortless aplomb, this low-profile, high-impact coffee table will enhance any contemporary living space. Featuring a glass top and chromed tubular legs, this low table is functional and stylish.
Barcelona Low Coffee Table
Designer: Mies Van Der Rohe
Year: 1930
The Barcelona Coffee Table brings elegance to any seating arrangement thanks to its ideal proportions and sleek design. This stunningly modern table has a simple composition and genuinely embodies the ‘less is more’ philosophy.
It was conceptualized in 1930 to be the ideal complement to the internationally recognized Barcelona Chair.
Guéridon Bas Coffee Table
Designer: Jean Prouvé
Year: 1944
Guéridon Bas is a coffee table designed and engineered by French designer and engineer Jean Prouvé. The thick round tabletop is supported by three solid oak legs bearing the late designer’s distinctive hallmark. A simple coffee table that comes in a variety of wood types and can be incorporated into many different kinds of interiors.
Nelson Platform Bench
Designer: George Nelson
Year: 1946
One of the greatest icons of mid century modernism. The Nelson Platform Bench can either be used as a bench or a coffee table depending on your needs and mood. it can also be ganged up to create one long bench or an extra-wide table.
As with much of Nelson’s work, the platform bench has clean, rectilinear lines that make it an eye-catching addition to any living room.
Noguchi Coffee Table
Designer: Isamu Noguchi
Year: 1947
The Noguchi coffee table embodies the philosophy that ‘everything is sculpture,’ according to designer Isamu Noguchi. This coffee table exemplifies how wood and glass can be combined to create aesthetic harmony. Its curved legs are made of black ash, maple, or walnut and seem to support the freeform glass surface with ease and delicacy.
With its timeless look, this glass mid century modern coffee table will perfectly complements any lounge chair in your living room.
Eames Wire Base Elliptical Table
Designer: Charles and Ray Eames
Year: 1951
With its 89 inches of surface shaped like a surfboard this iconic coffee table will look great in front of a wide couch or in the middle of a chair grouping. Designed to suit any sitting area, the Eames elliptical coffee table provides a dramatic accent and a striking platform for displaying your favorite mid-century coffee table books and decor.
Tulip Oval Coffee Table
Designer: Eero Saarinen
Year: 1957
Eero Saarinen wanted to resolve the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world” underneath tables and chairs. During a five-year research process, he created the Pedestal Collection, including perhaps the most recognized table shape of the modern era.
A coffee table full of graceful curves and with a pedestal base beyond compare, slight, modern, and impossibly elegant.
529 Rio Low Coffee Table
Designer: Charlotte Perriand
Year: 1962
Originally designed by the French architect Charlotte Perriand for the Japanese Embassy in Paris, the Rio low coffee table stands out for its statement-making aesthetic. This iconic mid century coffee table has six radial segments that are offset from one another creating an irregular outer edge and a hole in the center.
If you are looking for a conversation starter piece for your living room, the Rio accent table is what you need.
Platner Coffee Table
Designer: Warren Platner
Year: 1966
The Platner Coffee Table became a classic table as soon as it was released. Today, this table remains one of the most iconic and beloved pieces of 1960s mid-century modernist furniture. The base of this rounded glass coffee table is made up of thin vertical wire rods, welded together and shaped like haystacks.
