If your home has an open floor plan, your couch or sectional likely floats in your living room instead of being against a wall. A behind-the-couch table could be just the functional and stylish addition that your living room needs! It breaks up the blockiness of the sofa’s back and can add extra storage space and a surface for lighting and decor pieces. And it can keep drinks and snacks within easy reach when you’re lounging on the couch too.
I’m thinking about adding one to my own living room, so recently did a deep dive into all of the options available. Today I’m sharing the best behind-the-couch tables I found for every style and budget! Whether you prefer a clean-lined look or you’re more focused on getting a sofa table that’s budget-friendly or has storage space, I’ve got you covered. But first, let’s talk about sofa table size… (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here}
What Size Sofa Table Should I Choose?
When choosing a behind-the-couch table, take the dimensions of your couch into consideration to achieve a cohesive look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that’s at least ⅔ the width of your couch. You want to leave at least 6″ of space on each end of your couch so the maximum width of your sofa table should be 12″ less than your couch. So if, for example, you have an 85″ sofa, a table width between 56″ (which is ⅔rds of 85″) and 73″ (which is 85″ minus 12″) is ideal.
When it comes to height, aim for a table that’s the same height as the back of your sofa or an inch or two lower. What if the back cushions of your couch are higher than the back frame? Ideally, I prefer sofa tables to be no higher than the sofa’s back frame because you never want to be bumping up against your console when leaning back on your sofa but that’s personal preference. Definitely don’t go any higher than ½ the height of the cushion showing above the sofa frame.
As far as your sofa table’s depth, for functional reasons (having enough space for a lamp, etc.), I’d recommend a table that’s at least 12″ deep.
Budget-Friendly Sofa Tables
If you’re hoping to find a sofa table that won’t break the bank, I found plenty of affordable options. Most of them require assembly, but it shouldn’t be any more difficult than attaching the legs and, in some cases, a shelf. These are my budget-friendly favorites (all under $400):
1. Morley console (52″W x 18″D x 30″H)
2. East bluff woven drawer console (60″W x 14″D x 29.5″H)
3. Pleasantville console table (55″W x 15.75″D x 30″H)
4. Everett console table (71″W x 16″D x 32″H)
5. Shaker console table (72″W x 16″D x 30″H)
6. Black console table with rattan shelf (60″W x 16″D x 32″H)
7. Anaheim wood console (60″W x 15.75″D x 30″H)
8. Palmdale woven console (55″W x 17.5″D x 30″H)
The East Bluff woven drawer console that you can find {here} is one of the standouts – it’s simple without being boring and looks so much more high-end than you’d expect for the price:
I’m also intrigued by {this unfinished Shaker console table} which is an amazing price for a 72″ console and can be left as-is, stained, or painted. It’s also available in a 60″ version {here}.
Also, look how great {this Palmdale woven console} looks when used as a behind-the-couch table:
Did you notice that the pics of this console and the white woven drawer console are higher than the sofa frame? It looks okay, but you can probably see what I mean about it potentially being an issue when you lean back on your sofa.
Already have a console table but need help decorating it? Check out my post on console table decor!
Now let’s move on to..
Sofa Tables With Simple Style
I gravitate toward furniture pieces with simple, clean lines and minimal detailing, so all of these sofa tables are totally up my alley:
Source Links:
1. Cabot console (64″W x 15″D x 30″H)
2. Capri console (60″W x 15″D x 35″H)
3. Toscana console (54″W x 15″D x 30″H)
4. Folsom coffee table (52″W x 15″D x 30″H) | Also available in 84″ long size {here}
5. Bridge console (62″ or 80″ W x 15″D x 24″H)
6. Byron waterfall console (50″W x 15″D x 30″H)
7. Blake console (52″W x 16″D x 33.5″H)
8. Matthes console (78.75″W x 15″D x 30.75”H)
The Cabot console found {here} may be my favorite of all of the consoles I’m sharing. The raffia wrapped shelves and brass detailing make it a stunner:
Most sofa tables are about 30-34″ high, so if you have a low back sofa, it can be hard to find a table that’s a good fit. {This waterfall style console} is much lower at 24″ so could be a winner in that situation!
Another one to point out is {this Blake console} that I’ve used in the entryway of our current and previous homes and love:
Other Entryway Sources: Wallpaper | White table lamp | 30″ x 40″ Framed art print | Decorative snail | Shallow wood bowl | Glass beads | Cube ottomans
It’s one of the more narrow consoles on my list so it’s best proportioned for a smaller than average couch.
If you’re looking for a truly minimalist option, another option to mention is an acrylic console table. Just like the acrylic coffee table in our living room, acrylic console tables take up very little visual space and will keep a room feeling light and airy. You can find a 56″ option {here}.
Sofa Tables with Drawers
Want to incorporate some hidden storage into your sofa table? These are my favorite sofa tables with drawers that will do the trick:
1. Driftway console (62”W x 17”D x 31.5”H)
2. Metalwork console (42″ or 60″W x 11.5″D x 32.25″H)
3. Jordan console (70″W x 15″D x 34″H)
4. Lacourte console (61″W x 18″D x 32″H)
5. Capistrano console (58″W x 18″D x 32″ H)
6. Alexandra marble console (65″W x 18″D x 32″H)
7. Lewis console (60″W x 16″D x 32″H)
8. Cerused pine console (72″W x 14″D x 34”H)
I’ve got one other console to add that didn’t fall into any of the categories I’ve shared. {This rattan console} is such a beautiful option:
I love rattan pieces because they’re so versatile, working with pretty much any colors you have in your room.
An Idea for Long Sofas & Sectionals
What if you have a really long sofa or sectional and can’t find a console that you love that’s long enough? Consider putting two smaller consoles together, such as {this 42″ cane console table} that’s a whopping 84″ long when you place two side by side:
I love that if you move to a new home where you have no space for a behind-the-couch table, you can separate these two pieces, using them both as nightstands, using one in your entryway and the other in a living room, etc.
And with that, I’m off to enjoy the rest of Mother’s Day! While neither of my girls are able to be here to celebrate with me today, Jeff took our trio of mamas (me, my mom, & my sister) out to a yummy brunch at the beach. There are lots of years of momming in this pic!:
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mamas out there – I hope your families spoil you with love and hugs (and some good food 😉) today!
XO,
Lisa says
Happy Mother’s Day! I love that your post has useful information about sizing so your readers don’t make a mistake. As a former PB associate, I also just wanted to mention that the Folsom console is much pinker in person than the photo shows.
Karen B. says
Hi Kris,
I have a perfectly good sofa table that has been with me for over 30 years. That’s this issue, I’m tired of it and would like a new one, so these recommendations give me something to think about. Thanks for the information.
Karen B.