When selecting a coffee table for your living room, focus on choosing the correct height and size to create an intentional and well balanced layout. Every coffee table should anchor your seating area and work with your sofa to create a polished, well thought out arrangement. With our professionally compiled guide, you can transform your space confidently, understand coffee table height, size, shape, spacing rules and common sizing mistakes.

What Is the Standard Coffee Table Height?

The right coffee table height is essential for both comfort and visual cohesion. As a rule of thumb, the standard coffee table height is typically the same height as your sofa seat or up to 5cm lower. This keeps reach comfortable and maintains a natural flow. These days, modern and contemporary sofas sit quite low and deep, so use 40–50cm as a general guideline to achieve a balanced and functional coffee table size. Measure your sofa seat height first, then select a coffee table within these dimensions.

Finding the Right Coffee Table Size for Your Sofa

Now that you have confirmed your ideal height, turn your attention to length, depth and spacing. Interior designers often apply the "2/3 rule" which recommends choosing a coffee table around two thirds the length of your sofa. For example, if your sofa is 210cm, look for a table around 140cm. Applying this rule creates visual balance while ensuring the table never overwhelms the space. If you have an L-shaped or modular sofa, select a coffee table that sits comfortably within the seating arrangement. Large square or circular coffee tables work particularly well with modular layouts because they fill the centre naturally without disrupting flow.

Always allow 70–90cm of walkway space between your coffee table and the TV unit or wall. A table that’s too small gets lost, while one that’s too large overwhelms the room.

Choosing the Right Coffee Table Shape for Your Space

When it comes to selecting your coffee table shape, even with all the correct dimensions in place, if you incorporate an incorrect shape for your living space, this can throw the entire look. Shapes are vital in defining the room's floor plan.

Here we are going to cover the top four shapes most commonly used:
Square: A perfect addition to L-shaped, modular or deep lounge arrangements. They offer a balanced outfit and fill the centre beautifully.

Oval: An ideal choice if you want the length of a rectangle coffee table but prefer a soft, curved finish. Oval coffee tables are often seen in contemporary interiors and improve movement around the space.

Round: A favorite choice for families for its smooth child friendly edges and is complementary to curved sofas. Round coffee tables reflect a sense of flow and discourage visual heaviness.

Rectangular: A spectacular shape for symmetrical living room layouts, they highlight a more than generous surface top and pair wonderfully with linear armchairs opposite a sofa. Best for standard three seater sofas, long rooms,or symmetrical layouts.

Note: If you are really looking to level up and polish your coffee table game, nesting tables over the right rug offers a designer feel and works wonderfully in a larger space.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Coffee Table Size

Avoiding common mistakes ensures your coffee table fits seamlessly into your living space. Keep the following points in mind when selecting the right table for your sofa and room layout:

1. Selecting style over functionality
Gorgeous finishes like marble, terrazzo or thick timber can be eye-catching, but oversized or heavy designs may overwhelm your space. You need to keep scale in mind and ensure you're selecting a material that will fit.

2. Shape compatibility
Align your selected table shape to suit your sofa. It would not make sense to say have a rectangular or square shaped coffee table situated with a curved lounge. A curved sofa with a round or oval coffee table will soften the layout and improve on the overall flow. Rectangular tables pair wonderfully with a modular or straight lined sofa offering a clean lined and practical space.

3. Clearance
Ensure that you measure the distance between furnishings before choosing a coffee table. You don't want your space to look or feel cramped.

4. Height
Skip the awkwardness! Make sure that the table is never higher than the sofa. This will look visually heavy and out of proportion.

5. Depth
Large modular sofas require a big coffee table to match. Ensure the table is big enough to be functional but still leaves sufficient clearance around the edges for movement.

Your Perfect Fit

Thoughtful coffee table measurements, an understanding of how a space will be utilised and good proportions all need to be taken into account when selecting your perfect coffee table dimensions. Make use of the "2/3 rule" for length, select a shape that will compliment your space and aim for a table to align with the height of your sofa for a functional, well flowing, stylish and balanced living space.

FAQs

Q: What is the ideal height for a coffee table?
A: The ideal height of the coffee table needs to be sitting at roughly the same size as your sofa seat, or at 40-50cm.  This will create a cohesive space and ensure an easy reach.

Q: What is the 2/3 rule for coffee tables?
A: The 2/3 rule was created to give you an easy guide to ensure an easy reach and provide visual balance. The coffee table should sit at around two thirds the length of your sofa for this to provide a comfortable and stylish arrangement.

Q: Should a coffee table be taller or shorter than a couch?
A: When selecting a new coffee table this needs to be either the same height or slightly shorter than your couch. This will allow for the sofa to remain the focal point for the living space and creates an anchored, more modern look.