Coffee Table Size Guide: Tips for Getting It Right!

The coffee table dimensions were perfect for the IKEA sectional it was paired with for the two years we used this as our second home with bare bones furniture. But the table isn’t a good shape or size for our permanent furniture layout of a sofa across from two chairs (the way-too-small area rug is outta here too – more on that at the end of the post!):

Today I’m sharing what coffee table dimensions to look for so that you can find a table that’s the perfect fit for your space. Grab your measuring tape and let’s get to it… (post includes commissionable links; for more information, see my full disclosure statement {here})

Coffee Table Height

There are two main considerations when deciding on the best coffee table height. The first is how your coffee table relates to the seating around it. Ideally, the height of your coffee table should be the same height or 1-3″ lower than the height of your sofa cushions.

The second thing to consider is how you plan to use your coffee table. If you use it primarily for resting food and drinks that you want within easy reach, a table height equal to your sofa cushion height is ideal. As an example, {this rattan coffee table} that’s 18.5″ H is within 0.5″ of {this sofa} and {this chair} surrounding it that are 18″ H:

If you use your coffee table primarily as a footrest or ottoman, a coffee table that’s a few inches lower than your seating might be a better fit.

Coffee Table Length

Wondering how long and wide your coffee table should be? It may be larger than you expect since the vast majority of living rooms have undersized coffee tables. The ideal length for a coffee table is ⅔ the length of your sofa. This is a great example of a coffee table that’s sized well for the sofa:

What’s the shortest length coffee table you should consider? At minimum, your coffee table should be ½ the length of your sofa.

If you have an L-shaped sectional or sofa with a chaise, use the length of the OPEN space in front of the sofa/sectional as your point of reference. Ideally, get a coffee table that’s ⅔ that length (at minimum ½ that length).

Coffee Table Width

The ideal width of your coffee table depends on how much space you want between your coffee table and furniture and on the furniture arrangement in your room. A good rule of thumb is to leave 12-18″ of space between your coffee table and the seating around it. My personal preference is about 14″. This gives you enough walking space while still keeping your coffee table close enough so it can be reached while sitting.

If you’re placing a coffee table between two sofas or between a sofa and two chairs like the living room in our previous home,

Living Room Sources: Loveseat & ottoman (custom order from Lee Industries)  | Linen swivel chairs  |  Wood floor lamp  |  Framed leaf art print  |  Round mirror over fireplace 

first measure from the distance between the two seating areas. Then subtract the two pathway measurements that should be between 12-18″. For example, if there is 60″ of space between your two seating areas, and you want to leave a pathway of 14″ between the coffee table and seating on each side, your ideal coffee table width is 60″ – 14″ – 14″ = 32″.

Another good rule of thumb is to leave a minimum of 30-36″ of space between your coffee table and media console, fireplace, or other large furniture piece. You can use this tip to help determine the best coffee table width in a room like our old family room where the coffee table was between our sectional and media console:

Room Sources: TV console (similar)  |  Chandelier (satin bronze)  |  Faux fiddle leaf fig tree  |  Rug  |  Art prints |  Acrylic coffee table (similar)  |  Coffee table tray (28″ square)  |  Rattan chair

Also keep in mind that with sectionals or a sofa with chaise, it looks best if the coffee table isn’t so wide that it extends beyond the end of the chaise or sectional arm:

Other Coffee Table Features to Consider

Another feature to consider when choosing a coffee table is the material it’s made of. If you’re looking to create the feel of more space in your room, a glass or acrylic coffee table can help give you that open feel that you’re looking for. On the other hand, if you have a large space and you’re looking to ground it, a solid coffee table like {this reclaimed oak coffee table} is a great choice:

And of course the coffee table material needs to fit your lifestyle, so you wouldn’t want a grasscloth-covered coffee table in a busy home with young kids and pets.

Also consider whether having storage space in your coffee table is high on your priority list. There are many coffee tables that come with 1-2 storage drawers and some even have a top that lifts off to reveal storage space. For example, {this round coffee table} has a white enamel tray on top that can be removed to reveal tons of storage space inside:

It would be great for storing throw blankets, extra pillows, games, or anything else that tends to clutter up your living space.

Rectangular Coffee Tables

Source links: 1. Folsom coffee table: (58″ L x 24″ W x 18.5″ H) or Grand folsom coffee table (60″ L x 40″ W x 18.5″ H)

2. Modern farmhouse coffee table (64″ L x 30″ W x 15″ H)

3. Glass waterfall coffee table (43″ L x 24″ W x 15” H)

4. Volume modern coffee table (50″ L x 30″ W x 16.5″ H)

5. Basile whitewash coffee table (47″ L x 31″ W x 18” H)

6. Brass & glass coffee table (54″ L x 24″ W x 17″ H)

7. Hughes white framed woven coffee table (52″ L x 28″ D x 17″ H)

I’m also super intrigued by {this Bowery coffee table} that’s an upholstered piece (you can choose from several fabric options) with a movable wood overlay:

It could be the best of both worlds, with an upholstered portion to throw your feet up on and a wood portion for resting drinks.

Square Coffee Tables

Source links: 1. Cabot white raffia coffee table (40″ W x 18″ H)

2. Folsom pine coffee table (40″ W x 18.75″ H)

3. Kamari plaster coffee table (40″ W x 15″ H)

4. Grooved wood coffee table (33″ W x 32″ L x 18″ H)

5. Sullivan reclaimed oak coffee table (42″ W x 15″ H)

6. Thetford arched leg coffee table (34″ W x 18″ H)

7. Santa rosa cross base coffee table (32″ W x 15″ H or 44″ W x 15″ H)

You can even use two square coffee tables side by side in a space where a long, rectangular coffee table is the best fit:

Round Coffee Tables

Source links: 1. Cayman coffee table (40″ W x 15″ H)

2. Charcoal & cane coffee table (36″ W x 17″ H)

3. Bornova white lattice coffee table (36″ W x 16″ H)

4. Rose park wood coffee table (35″ W x 18″ H)

5. Bamboo & jute coffee table (36″ W x 17″ H)

6. White fluted coffee table (42″ W x 16.5″H)

7. Modern farmhouse coffee table (44″ W x 19.5″ H)

XO,