coffee table

a low table, usually placed in front of a sofa, for holding ashtrays, snack bowls, glasses, magazines, etc.

Also called cocktail table.

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

And of course, there is a big, glossy—and celebratory—Rizzoli coffee-table book featuring the homes of some of her clients.

Design Treasures on the Block |Robin Givhan |October 14, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
After placing it tenderly upon the coffee-table, he bent down and set it going.

Bella Donna |Robert Hichens
It was quite a tiny apartment, with a divan, two lounge-chairs and a Persian coffee-table.

The Sins of Sverac Bablon |Sax Rohmer
And Isaacson drew from his pocket the letter Mrs. Armine had sent by the felucca, and laid it on the coffee-table.

Bella Donna |Robert Hichens

During this conversation Johann Leopold had approached Johanna at her coffee-table.

A Noble Name |Claire Von Glmer
She took his laptop away and set it down on the coffee-table, then took off his headset.

Makers |Cory Doctorow

coffee table

a low table, on which newspapers, etc, may be placed and coffee served

(modifier) implying an emphasis on appearance and style over substance coffee-table music