How many times do you put down your drink, TV remote, or phone on the coffee table just in one evening? The coffee table is one of the most used items in your living room. Since coffee tables are so useful in our day-to-day lives, it’s important to buy coffee tables that last and complement existing furniture.
Have you ever bought a coffee table without measuring it for your furniture at home, only to realize it’s way too big? How do you even measure for a coffee table? Don’t worry; at FineFurnitureSanDiego.com, we’re the furniture experts with the answers.
What Size Coffee Table Should I Buy?
Coffee table dimensions can sometimes be tricky to get right. There are a few things to consider when looking at coffee table sizes, but luckily, it’s easy to get started. First, you’ll need a measuring tape. To measure for height, measure from the floor to your sofa’s top cushion. Write that number down and save it. This will give you an idea of where people will sit when they use your new coffee table.
Use the image of someone reaching for a bowl of candy while seated to help you visualize the right height for your new coffee table. The perfect coffee table height is about the same as the height of your sofa’s seat. The average coffee table height is 16-18.”
Next, to measure for coffee table length, measure your sofa or main furniture piece lengthwise. Ideally, you want a coffee table that is 2/3 the length of your sofa, that way your living space is filled, but not overwhelmed with table. A too-small table will just feel like something to trip over. If your sofa is 6 feet long, look for a coffee table that is 4 feet long. The average coffee table size is about 16” tall, 36-48” long, and 18-24” in width.
While this is a “rule of thumb,” it’s flexible. It’s your home and you get to decide how long or wide you want your coffee table to be. Above all, you want a functional, beautiful living space, and if that means a long coffee table and a small sofa, that’s awesome!
Perfect Placement: Distance Between Sofa
Once you’ve measured your sofa and interior area, you’ll have a better idea of how you want to arrange it. A good rule of thumb is to place the coffee table about 18” away from the sofa, so that there is adequate space for people to walk, yet snacks and remotes are still in easy reach. If your coffee table has drawers, shelves, or other storage, make sure those storage spaces are accessible when people are seated on the sofa. Another consideration is the rest of the furniture in the room.
If you have love seats, another sofa, or other seating, the coffee table(s) need to be accessible, but not in the way. Coffee tables, whether you have one or multiple, should be placed about 30” from TV stands. Measuring placement is incredibly important for creating a relaxing flow for the living room. It’s better to have a smaller coffee table than a crammed space that’s difficult to navigate!
Different Styles of Coffee Tables
Coffee table measurements in hand, it’s time to decide what style you’d like for your home. In a large living room, a circular coffee table adds soft lines. Circular coffee tables are also great for homes with kids and pets, because there are no sharp corners to bump into. Square and hexagonal tables add visual interest in an open-concept space. In apartments and smaller homes, try a skinny rectangular table.
You know your family’s style! If you know your family loves to play board games, look for a lower table with lots of space for gaming and snacks. For a secondary living space, like a home theater or den, try a narrow sofa table behind the sofa to display family photos or hold extra popcorn. If you’d rather have a few smaller tables for your sofa and love seat, try matching side tables or a coffee table set. Even your outdoor living room should have a outdoor coffee table so you can enjoy your morning coffee in the garden.
Now, that you have all the information you need to measure for the perfect coffee table, get your pencil and measuring tape and get started! With measurements in hand, visit our living room collection for coffee tables, décor inspiration, and the best prices on pieces for your home. Now, how do you take your coffee, cream and sugar, black? We’ll set it on a coaster for you on your beautiful new coffee table.
More Home Decorating Tips: