There is no historical precedent...", suggesting that coffee tables were a late development in the history of furniture. With the increasing availability of television sets from the 1950s onwards coffee tables really came into their own, since they are low enough, even with cups and glasses on them, not to obstruct the view of the TV.
There has never been an example in history...", indicating that coffee tables emerged as a late addition to furniture history. With the increasing popularity of television sets from the 1950s, coffee tables became essential because they were low enough not to obstruct TV views when used with cups and glasses.