A coffee table might seem like a basic piece of furniture, but getting the right size can make or break the look and functionality of your living room. This guide will help you find the ideal coffee table based on height, width, and placement, ensuring a seamless and stylish fit.
Measure Your Living Room Furniture
Before you shop, take measurements of your living room setup.. Measure the distance between your sofa, chairs, and other furniture to figure out the maximum size your coffee table should be. This ensures the table blends well with the space, allowing for comfort and functionality.
Plan Coffee Table Width & Placement
Coffee tables come in narrow (under 16"), standard (16"–40"), and wide (over 40") widths. Proper placement is key, so leave 12" to 18" of space between the coffee table and the sofa for easy reach, while maintaining at least 30" of space between the coffee table and other furniture for smooth movement.
How to Calculate Width
Measure the space from your sofa to the opposite furniture, subtract 42"–48" (to allow space on both sides), and the result is your maximum coffee table width. For example, in a 100" space, your table width limit would be 52".
Find the Best Coffee Table Length
The perfect coffee table length is proportional to your sofa—about two‑thirds the sofa’s total length. For example, if your sofa is 90" long, your ideal table length would be approximately 60".
Tables generally fall into three categories based on length:
- Small (under 30")
- Standard (30"–50")
- Large (over 50")
Choose the Correct Height
A standard coffee table height is between 16" and 18", but it’s important to match the height of your coffee table to your sofa cushions for easy use. Ideally, the table should be the same height or 1"–2" shorter than the cushions.
Coffee table height categories include:
- Low (under 14")
- Standard (14"–22")
- Tall (over 22")
Consider Shape Options
The shape of your coffee table can influence how much space it utilizes and how it fits with the flow of your room:
- Round: Great for small spaces, as they eliminate sharp corners.
- Square: Perfect for large rooms or U‑ and L‑shaped sectionals.
- Rectangular: Ideal for long, narrow spaces.
- Oval: A combination of space‑saving curves with a longer profile.
For more shape ideas, check out our collection of coffee tables.
