How long should your coffee table be compared to your couch?

Your new coffee table deserves to be shown off in the very best light — and ensuring it is the correct size, shape and height for your living room will do just that.

When choosing a new coffee table, one of your main considerations should be its size in relation to the height, width and length of your sofa.

If your coffee table size is nothing more than afterthought, it will be glaringly obvious, and you run the risk of it either dwarfing your sofa or rendering your coffee table unnoticeable.

Coffee Table Size Guide

Although there is no standard sofa size, depending on how many your new sofa is going to seat, common sofa sizes range from around six to eight feet.

Likewise, there is no standard coffee table size, but the general school of thought from designers is that your new coffee table should be roughly half to two thirds of the length of the sofa.

Although this is a good guide, you also need to take into account the size of the room — a small living room might look great with an oversized sofa, but could be better suited to a pair of side tables rather than a central coffee table.

If you have two sofas or a large living room with lots of seating, a pair of matching coffee tables can work better visually than one large coffee table.

Before you buy a coffee table, take a note of its measurements then mark it out using masking tape on the floor — this will give you an idea of how its position will affect the surrounding living room furniture and the space you will have to move around it.

Coffee Table Height

Coffee table height is really important — even if the other proportions of your coffee table are spot on, getting the height wrong will ruin the rest of your living room furniture layout as well as affecting the way you can use it.

Your sofa height, or the height of the armchairs nearest the coffee table, should act as your guide. Aim for a coffee table height that sits level with the top of the seat cushions of your sofa, or just an inch or so lower, but never higher.

Coffee Table Positioning

In terms of the distance between sofa and coffee table, 16-18 inches usually works perfectly. This distance gives enough leg room whilst still allowing the easy set down and pick up of drinks and the like from the table top.

Aim to leave at least 16-18 inches all around the coffee table for ease of manoeuvring around it. In smaller spaces, a coffee table on wheels is a good flexible option.

Coffee Table Shape

Finally, the shape of coffee table you choose should reflect the size and layout of your living room too.

Round coffee tables are easy to navigate around and work well in living rooms with lots of seating. They also provide a practical solution to those with young children who are prone to bumping themselves on furniture, with no sharp edges.

The classic rectangular coffee table is a good choice in front of a long sofa, whilst a chunky square coffee table makes a good central focal point.

Still can’t decide? An oval or ‘squoval’ coffee table is a good compromise.

It’s hard to beat the versatility of a coffee table. They can serve as a dining surface, a place to set your beverage, a footrest, a makeshift office desk, and so much more. Get the most out of your home décor with our coffee table size guide, which can help you find the right size table for your living room. 

What is the Standard Height of a Coffee Table?

The standard height of a coffee table is between 12 to 24 inches tall. This variation accommodates standard height sofas, as well as most tall and low-profile sofas.

How Tall Should a Coffee Table Be?

The ideal height for your coffee table will depend on the height of the seat cushions on your sofa. To best accommodate you and your guests, you’ll want the tabletop to rest about one or two inches lower than the height of your seat cushions. That way, you’ll have enough clearance to comfortably reach items on the table.

How Long Should a Coffee Table Be?

The two-thirds rule can help you determine how long your coffee table should be. Generally speaking, the length of your coffee table should be approximately two-thirds the length of your sofa. If you have a standard three-seat sofa measuring 84 inches wide, for example, your coffee table length should be approximately 56 inches wide. This decorating rule is particularly effective because it can help you keep your living room looking proportional and balanced, regardless of the size of your furniture.

How Far Should a Coffee Table Be from Your Sofa?

We recommend leaving between 12 and 18 inches between the coffee table and the surrounding seating. While you want the coffee table to be close enough that it’s functional for people sitting on the sofa, you also want to leave enough space for people to easily navigate around the furniture without bumping into anything. Ready to put this coffee table size guide to good use? Star Furniture has you covered! Browse our huge selection of living room furniture, including occasionals like coffee tables and end tables. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog, where we cover everything from frequently asked questions about living room layouts to living room seating ideas you’ll love!

To our Apt2B Community, I want to personally thank you all for your incredible support and patronage over...