We've all experienced improperly sized furniture, especially tables of all kinds. And it is important to choose the right coffee table dimensions for your living room.
Want to know the secret to choosing the right coffee table size? This guide will give you a quick overview of choosing the perfect coffee table in terms of coffee table height, width, and length!
Coffee Table Dimensions: How to Choose the Right One
When we consider coffee table sizes, start with these three: height, width, and length. As long as these three dimensions are appropriate, it is a perfect coffee table!
1. Coffee Table Height: Higher Than the Sofa?
The core principle in choosing the height of a coffee table is to maintain a 2-inch drop from the seat height of the sofa, rather than parallel to it.
Refer to the following criteria for specific coffee table heights:
- Standard sofa (seat height 16-18 inches) → with 14-16 inches high coffee table
- Low sofa (seat height ≤14 inches) → with 12-14 inches high coffee table
- High-back sofa (seat height ≥ 20 inches) → with 18-20 inch high coffee table
If your coffee table is just for teacups and snacks, then the coffee table height should be ≤ the sofa seat height for less effort in fetching things.
If it is occasionally used as a temporary dining table, then your coffee table height = sofa seat height ± 1 inch, so that dining is more comfortable.
2. How Wide Should Your Coffee Table Be?
The golden rule for choosing the width of a coffee table is about 1/2 to 2/3 of the total length of the sofa.
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Double sofa (55-65 inches) → with a coffee table 28-40 inches wide
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Triple sofa (70-90 inches) → with 40-54 inch wide coffee table
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L-shaped sofa (main seat + toffee couch) → optional combination coffee table (total width not to exceed 2/3 of main sofa)
When choosing the width of the coffee table, take care to leave a safe spacing for passage.
- Keep the coffee table at 16-20 inches from the front edge of the sofa so that you can ensure free movement of your knees.
- Coffee table to aisle spacing: Leave at least 24 inches of access
The appropriate width for coffee tables varies depending on the function of the table.
- Storage type: widen to 42 inches or more (with drawers/lower shelves)
- Display model: narrow to within 30 inches (highlight artwork for display)
- Telescoping model: minimum width needs to be ≥ 24 inches (not exceeding the length of the sofa when unfolded)
3. How Long Should Your Coffee Table Be?
Now that we are clear on widths, let's talk about the length of your coffee table. The length of your coffee table should be according to your sofa length. The best way to decide your coffee table length is to use the two-thirds rule. Your coffee table’s length should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa.
Let's suppose you own an 84-inch-long sofa; then a coffee table of around 56 inches in length will be ideal to create a visually pleasing seating arrangement. Never go for a coffee table longer than your sofa; this will overwhelm the seating area.
On the other hand, if you opt for a coffee table height that is too small for the area, it will break the overall proportion of the area.
Another point to think about is additional seating furniture around your sofa. If you have additional seating, such as armchairs, the coffee table's length should also be considered about those pieces to create a cohesive seating arrangement.
What Shape Coffee Table Should You Choose?
Coffee tables come in various shapes. Here is a list of some common coffee table shapes you can choose from.
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Rectangular Coffee Tables: These coffee tables go well with a standard-size sofa, especially with longer sofas or sectional sofas. The rectangular coffee tables provide a lot of surface area to put more stuff on and are ideal for longer but narrower rooms.
- Square Coffee Tables: This coffee table goes well with a small living room. It also enhances the room's appearance when paired with a sectional sofa. These coffee tables create a sense of balance and symmetry in the living room and also work well in square rooms.
- Round Coffee Tables: Round coffee tables are the most popular coffee table type of 2024 and beyond. It creates a soft and elegant appeal in the space. This table is perfect for small spaces and rooms with lots of foot traffic in it.
It's also a convenient coffee table size choice if you have young children in the home, as there are no sharp corners.
- Oval Coffee Tables: Just like round coffee tables, oval tables are best for smaller spaces and also promote a better traffic flow in the space. It has more surface area, like the rectangular coffee tables, allowing you to put more stuff on the table.
- Freeform/Organic Shapes: If you are someone who loves to add a statement and unique furniture pieces to their home, then freeform coffee tables are for you. These tables give a unique and contemporary look to the room.
Mostly, freeform coffee tables have irregular shapes and add visual interest to a room. They can go well with any room or furniture size; you can find freeform coffee tables in long as well as short lengths.
Where Is the Best Place to Put the Coffee Table?
The most popular place to put your coffee table is in the center of the seating arrangement (your sofa set and any additional seating chairs).
This works best because it gives people easy access to grab snacks, drinks, a remote, or books from the coffee table. But make sure to leave at least about 14-18 inches of space between the seating arrangement and the coffee table.
Other ways you can organize your coffee table are:
- Beside Sofa
It's another way you can use a coffee table in your room. This one is perfect if you own a small room or have an L-shaped sofa. While it maximizes floor space, it might limit accessibility from certain seating positions.
This smart space-saving solution works best when you need a coffee table to be adjacent to a sofa to be used by those sitting there. If you usually have guests who smoke or need a glass of wine all the time it should be your go-to coffee table place.
- Putting the Coffee Table Away From Seating
If you have less space in the living room and don't want to block the walking area around your sofa set, you can keep the coffee away from the sofa set.
Although this way you would not be using a coffee table for keeping snacks, etc., it is a great way to put your vase, picture frames, or other decorative pieces in your living room. This works best if you have other surfaces nearby for drinks and remotes.
Find Your Perfect Coffee Table with HomeyFad
Coffee tables are not just about functionality; they are also about style and aesthetics. With this guide now you can choose the best-sized coffee table for your sweet home.
If you are looking to buy a coffee table for your home, look no further than HomeyFad. We know how important it is to create furniture that's both functional and stylish to create a dreamy and cozy environment for your home. Contact HomeyFad today to find out more about our products and delivery services.
FAQs
1. How big should a coffee table be compared to a sectional one?
For sectionals, the coffee table should be proportionate to the longest side of the sectional, following the two-thirds rule where possible.