<P> Also, the use of similar tables has been recorded in the ancient Greek era, following the Roman conquest of North - East Africa . </P> <P> There is a theory by Koa Stephens, furniture maker and theorist, that the current standard shape and dimensions are in direct relation to Bedouin and Moroccan brass tables . Noting that, "It may be no coincidence that it is called a coffee table since these were the guys that brought coffee to the western world ." The theory calls to its support the rise in popularity the oriental rug which is from the same region during the same era as the introduction of the coffee table . </P>

Where did the term coffee table come from