How to choose a coffee table: size, height and shape
A coffee table pulls a seating area together and holds everything from mugs to board games. Getting the size, height and shape right makes the room feel balanced and easy to use.
How long should a coffee table be?
A popular guideline is a table about two-thirds the length of your sofa. It looks balanced and lets everyone on the sofa reach it. With a corner sofa, size the table to the main seating area rather than the full length.
How high?
Aim for a table top roughly level with your sofa seat, or a little lower. Much higher and it blocks the view across the room; much lower and you'll be reaching down for your drink. Measure your sofa's seat height and compare it with the table heights on the product pages.
How far from the sofa?
Leave roughly 40 to 50cm between the sofa and the table: close enough to reach a mug, with room for your legs and to walk past. In a busy family room, err on the generous side.
Which shape?
| Shape | Works best |
|---|---|
| Rectangular | In front of a long sofa or a corner sofa; plenty of surface |
| Round | Smaller rooms, busy walkways and homes with toddlers (no corners); easy to move around |
| Oval | A softer alternative to rectangular, with a similar length |
| Square | With an L-shaped or corner sofa, or between two facing sofas |
Our coffee tables include round, oval and rectangular designs from makers such as Vox, LPD Home, SOLACE+CO and Living and Home.
Storage or not?
- Drawers hide remotes, coasters and chargers.
- A lower shelf holds books, magazines and baskets.
- Open legs keep the room feeling light, especially in a small space.
Materials
- Wood is warm and forgiving; natural grain hides small marks. See natural wood coffee tables.
- Stone-effect and marble-effect tops look striking; use coasters and follow the care advice.
- Glass feels light in a small room but shows fingerprints.
- With young children, rounded edges and sturdy materials are practical.
Alternatives
- A large footstool or pouffe can work as a soft coffee table with a tray on top. See footstool vs pouffe.
- A pair of side tables suits narrow rooms where a coffee table would block the walkway. Browse side tables.
Putting it together
A coffee table sits on or near the rug, so plan both together. Our rug size guide and living room layout ideas show how they work with the sofa and chairs.
Quick sizing checklist
- Length: about two-thirds of the sofa.
- Height: level with the sofa seat or a little lower.
- Gap: around 40 to 50cm from the sofa.
- Walkways: clear paths around the table.
- Shape: round for small rooms and toddlers, rectangular for long and corner sofas.
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Frequently asked questions
How big should a coffee table be?
A common guideline is about two-thirds the length of your sofa, with a height roughly level with the sofa seat or slightly lower.
How far should a coffee table be from the sofa?
Around 40 to 50cm is a comfortable gap for reaching drinks while leaving leg room.
Is a round or rectangular coffee table better?
Rectangular suits long and corner sofas. Round tables suit smaller rooms and walkways, and have no corners, which helps with toddlers.
What height should a coffee table be?
Roughly level with the sofa seat, or a little lower, so it's easy to reach without blocking the view across the room.