The coffee table is an essential part of your living room decor. Not only does it showcase your style, but it provides a practical surface for everything from drinks to books and even your feet. Finding the right coffee table size is really important. If you choose one that’s too small, it can look insignificant in the room. Choose one that’s too large, and it can overwhelm the space. So, how do you nail the coffee table size? Read on for some simple tips for choosing the perfect coffee table for your living room.

The Ideal Coffee Table Size

There is a very simple rule in interior design that will help you choose the perfect coffee table size…The 2/3 Rule. Basically, this rule says that the ideal width for a coffee table is two-thirds the width of your sofa. For example, if your sofa is 72″ (6 ft) wide, then your coffee table should be about 48″ (4 ft.) wide. This easy-to-follow guideline will help you create a nicely balanced and proportional look in your living room.

coffee table size guide

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Here are some additional factors you might want to take into account when choosing your coffee table size.

  • For a small living room, you may want to go slightly smaller (and narrower) to save space, and allow more room for people to move around comfortably. A coffee table that is closer to 1/2 the width of your sofa might work better.
  • For a large living room, you can go a little wider with your coffee table size, and get more surface area for putting your feet up and resting drinks and snacks. A coffee table that is between 2/3 and 3/4 the width of your sofa could work well.

Here is a handy little size guide for different types of sofas and sectionals.

coffee table size guide

Check the Height

The height of your coffee table is just as important as its width and length. The general rule of thumb is this – your coffee table height should be about the same height as your seat height, or within 1-2 inches either way. This ensures that it’s easy to reach for items on the table and comfortable to put your feet on (should you choose to do so).

coffee table height

Allow for Adequate Clearance

Don’t forget about the space between your coffee table and other furniture in the room. Leave at least 12-18 inches of clearance around the table to allow for comfortable movement. If you have a smaller room, you can get away with a bit less clearance, but be sure to maintain a balance between space and functionality.

coffee table size clearance

Choose the Right Shape

Variety is an essential ingredient for creating a beautiful living room design. If every piece of furniture in your living room is some variation of a rectangle, from your sofa to your side tables and bookcases, then choosing a different shape for your coffee table is a great opportunity to introduce some variety into your space.

Coffee tables come in all shapes – square, rectangular, round, oval – it’s a party of possibilities. Choose a shape that will complement your room size and furniture layout. Here are some guidelines:

  • Rectangular tables: Perfect for any size living room and a wide range of seating configurations.  Works great for standard sofas, and rooms that need a narrow table for better clearance. 
  • Oval tables: Oval tables can work great in households with little ones, where a smooth edge might be a safer choice. Will give a similar overall look as a rectangular sofa, but with a softer, more organic vibe. 
  • Square tables: Great for L-shaped and U-shaped sectionals (or similar seating arrangements). May work best in larger living rooms, where you don’t have to worry about maintaining sufficient clearance for movement.
  • Round tables: Ideal for smaller rooms and cozy seating spots. Also great for L-shaped and U-shaped sectionals and other similar seating arrangements.
coffee table size guide round coffee tables

Source: Pottery Barn

Favorite Coffee Tables

Here is a collection of some of my favorite coffee tables, for your shopping convenience (affiliate links).

 

Choosing the right coffee table size boils down to 5 main considerations:

  1. The width of your sofa seating area
  2. The overall size of your living room
  3. The right shape to work with your seating arrangement, and add some variety to your furniture
  4. The right height
  5. Maintaining enough space (clearance) between the coffee table and surrounding furniture to allow easy movement

By following these guidelines and balancing style and function, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect coffee table that not only complements your space but enhances it. So, measure, plan, and choose wisely, and your living room will thank you for it!