How Big Should A Coffee Table Be?

Figuring out what size coffee table you need can be tricky. Do you want to purchase one but don’t know how tall or long it needs to be? We’ve done the work to bring you the answers! 

Luxury interior home with coffee cup and gray midcentury loveseat with coffee table, How Big Should A Coffee Table Be?

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Generally, it should be two-thirds the length of your sofa; for a 96-inch sofa, aim for a 64-inch table. The height should match or be slightly lower than your couch’s cushions.

In this guide, we’ll explore various coffee table options that suit your needs. Let’s get started!

How To Choose A Coffee Table Size

When choosing a coffee table, first measure the space available. Ideally, leave about four inches between your sofa and the table to ensure it fits well.

While coffee tables are great for decoration, they should also be functional. Choose one that’s big enough to hold your snacks, books, homework, and all the other stuff that ends up in the living room.

Wooden coffee table and gray corner sofa in living room with window wall

Can A Coffee Table Be Too Big For A Room?

If your coffee table is noticeably taller or longer than your couch, it will look out of place.

As we covered, your coffee table should not be bigger than two-thirds of your sofa and shouldn’t be taller than its seat cushions.

How Do You Measure A Coffee Table?

Typically, you should measure a coffee table’s length and width in relation to your space. The depth of the table, on the other hand, is flexible and depends on your needs.

If you’re looking for practicality, opt for a wider coffee table—it’s better suited for daily use. But if the table is mainly for decoration, a slimmer design might be the way to go.

This engineered wood coffee table has a rustic design and three-tiered shelves, measures 31.5 x 31.5 x 17.7 inches, and promises to be easy to build.

What Are The Standard Dimensions For A Coffee Table?

In general, coffee tables are between 36-48 inches long and 18-24 inches wide. Of course, if this isn’t ideal for your sofa, you can usually find a larger or smaller option, depending on the brand.

As long as your sofa is a loveseat or bigger, a standard-sized coffee table should fit with it nicely.

How Tall Should A Coffee Table Be In Relation To The Couch?

Luxury interior home with coffee cup and gray midcentury loveseat with coffee table, How Big Should A Coffee Table Be?

Regardless of your couch’s height, your coffee table should be at or below its seat cushions. Depending on the aesthetic you are going with, having your table lower is fine, but we don’t recommend going higher.

For anyone after a super modern look, this is when you might want to go with a lower table. With that said, we don’t think your coffee table should be more than four inches lower than the seats of your sofa.

Are Low Coffee Tables In Style?

Although some choose to deny it, low-rising coffee tables are stylish options. A lower-sitting coffee table is usually considered modern and is a common design choice in luxury real estate.

Low furniture first became popular in the 70s and has gone in and out of style since. A low-rise coffee table is a good idea if your sofa is on the lower side or you want to modernize your space.

This mid-century modern coffee table has a durable particleboard construction and two spacious drawers and is 23 x 47 x 14 inches.

Does A Coffee Table Need To Be Centered?

When it comes to having your coffee table centered, we think this is a good idea. Even if your couch is at an angle, keeping your coffee table centered creates an aesthetically pleasing look in your space.

For anyone with a round coffee table, centering it with your couch is also the best placement.

How Far Should A Coffee Table Be From A Sofa?

Your coffee table should generally be 16-18 inches away from your sofa. This allows enough legroom and walking space between your couch and coffee table.

Depending on the size of your living room, you might want to leave even more space between your furniture, so move things around if necessary.

What Is The Point Of A Coffee Table?

Large and luxurious interiors of a modern living room with lounge area and dining space

A coffee table is a low, small table, usually in front of a sofa or lounge chair. You can put food, drinks, books, and decorative items on a coffee table like a side table.

Although a coffee table won’t replace a dining table, it’s still a convenient and comfortable place to hang out.

Do I Need A Coffee Table?

Having a coffee table isn’t necessary, but it’s a nice touch for your living room—not just for the look but also as a comfy place to rest your feet.

Plus, it’s handy for keeping things like remote controls, magazines, a few favorite books, or even a tray for snacks and drinks.

If side or console tables aren’t really your thing, a coffee table could be a great addition to your living space.

How Much Does A Coffee Table Cost?

Typically, a coffee table costs between $200 and over $500. Depending on its materials and quality, its price might even reach over $1,000.

Hardwood, glass, and marble options had the highest price tags out of the various tables we saw.

Click here to see this coffee table on Amazon.

This mid-century glass coffee table has a Manchurian ash base and durable tempered glass and comes in a few different wood finishes.

Is There A Difference Between Coffee And Side Tables?

The key difference between coffee and side tables is their size. Between the two, coffee tables are bigger than side tables and usually sit lower to the ground.

Side tables are more for lamps and essential items, whereas coffee tables are good for just about anything. We recommend a coffee table over a side table if you need more space and functionality.

To Wrap Things Up

Two modern wooden coffee tables with hexagonal tops

Whether you are redecorating or need a new place to rest your feet, knowing what size coffee table to get is essential. From what we found, a coffee table should be two-thirds the length of your sofa and be level with its cushions.

For anyone looking for a new coffee table, low-rise and simple modern designs are good options to try. Price-wise, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a good quality coffee table.

Regardless of your home’s aesthetic, make sure to measure your space and choose a sturdy coffee table.

Still with us? Head on over to these helpful posts that you might have missed!

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