My friend Lalitha, an interior designer, remarked to me that her clients often struggle to choose the right coffee table. The biggest part is buying a coffee table that perfectly matches the room’s sofa. “The simple solution,” she remarks, “is to get clarity on the dimensions before you buy.”
The only thing you require to measure the dimensions is a tape measure. Have your tape measure handy and read this article. We will help you to choose the right coffee table dimensions. The whole process will be completed in less than 15 minutes if you have another set of helping hands.
Height
Most coffee tables are between 16 and 18 inches in height.
How to Calculate the Right Coffee Table Height
Sit on your sofa and find the height at which it is convenient for you to pick things.
In general, coffee tables should be 1 or 2 inches shorter than the top of the seat cushion of your couch or chair.
This way, you can easily pick things up, grab drinks from the table, and use it as a footrest.
How I Did This:
I bought my coffee table in the same furniture shop where I purchased my sofa. I moved the coffee tables I was considering in front of an identical sofa to the one I had at home.
Length
Imagine a situation where a small coffee table is placed before a lengthy couch. If two people sit on both ends of the couch, it is difficult for them to access the things placed on the coffee table. They have to stand, walk to the table, and pick things.
How to Calculate the Right Coffee Table Length
First, measure the total length of your couch or sofa and multiply the total measurement by two-thirds. This way, you can ensure that your chosen coffee table aligns with the existing couch.
Are you worrying whether or not you find a coffee table that matches your existing couch? Don’t worry. Most coffee table length dimensions are made to be proportional to common sofa length dimensions to help make your living room look more balanced.
Width
Leave ample walking space around the couch while being close enough to pick up coffee from the table. The sweet spot is 12 to 18 inches of space between your coffee table and the seating on each side. Also, leave 30 inches of space between the coffee table and other pieces of furniture in the room.
See Related: How Far Should Your Coffee Table Be From Your Couch?
How to Calculate the Right Coffee Table Width
- For widths over 48 inches: Maximum Coffee Table Width = Total Width – 42 inches
- For widths 48 inches or less: Coffee Table Width = Total Width – 24 inches
This ensures you have enough clearance even in a smaller space.
Choosing the Right Coffee Table Shape
| Coffee Table Shape | Best For | Key Features |
| Rectangular | Larger couches and larger rooms | Ample surface area, easy navigation |
| Square | Smaller couches and compact spaces | Balanced proportions, great for small gatherings |
| Round | Smaller living place | Safer for both pets and children as they don’t have any sharp edges |
| Oval | Smaller living place | Similar surface area to rectangular, rounded edges for easy movement |
With a little thought, you’ll find a coffee table that looks great and suits you best.
See Related: The Best Coffee Table Shapes to Go With a Sectional Sofa
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Main Photo Credit: Johnstocker / Adobe Stock Free / License
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