Guide to Coffee Tables

Height

Your coffee table should be 1-2 inches shorter than the height of your sofa’s seat cushions. This is especially important if you like to kick up your feet. It also helps create a proper, unobstructed eye-line when you’re sitting on the sofa, and allows you to comfortably grab snacks and other items from the coffee table. This is the most important measurement when choosing the right size table, so take a look at table heights first.

 

Width

The ideal coffee table is two-thirds the width of your sofa. If you have a sectional with a chaise, then the table should be two-thirds the size of the sofa portion only. This creates a balanced look in the room.

Depth

If you have a sectional sofa with a chaise, we recommend that the coffee table does not stick out into the room farther than the chaise. Otherwise, the general rule of thumb is that the size of the room determines the depth of the coffee table. If you have a narrow room, choose a table that is not very deep. If you have a larger living room, you can choose a larger, square table or even a circular table.

Positioning With Sofa and Other Furniture

The distance from the front of the sofa to the coffee table should be between 12 and 18 inches. Fifteen inches is usually a comfortable distance for walking and for sitting. Any closer, and it can start to feel tight. Any further, and you won’t be able to comfortably reach it when enjoying a snack or finding the remote. Position the table in the middle of the sofa, so that there’s equal space on each side of the table. This also guarantees you’ll be able to move around the table without having to do a side shuffle.

Consider your space, and ensure there’s enough room for comfortable foot traffic for you and your guests. We recommend leaving about 30 inches of space between your coffee table and other pieces of furniture, such as your media stand.

Remember, not all coffee tables are rectangular. Think outside the box. Often, a square, oblong or circular table best fits the space you have to work with.

Are you ready to shop for the perfect size coffee table? See our full collection of coffee tables, and find one that’s perfect for your living room or small space.