Picking a coffee table is one of the most important choices you can make when furnishing a room. The right coffee table will not only reflect your personal style but set the tone of the room. A well-chosen coffee table will even offer usable space and ensure the proper flow of traffic.
That is why it's so crucial that you pick a coffee table that is right for your space. The good news is that our furniture experts have come up with a detailed, but easy-to-understand guide on how to do just that. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about choosing a coffee table that will work for your space.
Coffee Table Buying Guide
The first factor we're going to look at in this coffee table buying guide is the types of coffee tables on the market. It's critical to consider different types of coffee tables and how they will both look in your space and function in your home. Happily, there are many different options to consider, including:
Round coffee tables
Round or circular coffee tables are a popular choice, especially in smaller spaces. This is because they provide all the functionality you need, within a smaller footprint. They are also great for spaces inhabited by kids or those with mobility difficulties. This is because their rounded surface means less risk of trips or bumps. Round coffee tables also tend to be more social than their square counterparts, encouraging a nice flow to a room.
Expert Tip: Our experts say choose a round coffee table if:
- You have a small space
- You want something to minimize the risk of injury
- You have curved sectionals
Rectangular coffee tables
Iconic in the coffee table world, the rectangular shape is incredibly popular. This is because it's a shape that works well in most rooms, and with most types of sofa or sectional. It can also have a more traditional feel that suits a conservatively styled interior.
Expert Tip: Our experts say that you should choose a rectangular coffee table when:
- You have a larger sofa
- You have more traditional decor tastes
- You want a focal centerpiece in the room
Square coffee tables
Similar in feel to a rectangular coffee table, a square table provides all the clean lines, but uses up less horizontal space. Instead, a square coffee table offers excellent visual balance. Especially when combined with an L-shaped sectional, in which they fit perfectly.
Expert Tip: Our experts say that square coffee tables are best for:
- L-shaped sectionals
- Open plan layouts
Lift-top coffee tables
Ideal for those looking for extra storage, the lift-top coffee table is a great choice. The best thing about these is that you can use the storage for anything you choose. Whether that’s TV and games controllers, magazines, books and even your laptop and iPad.
Expert Tip: Lift-top coffee tables are great for:
- Anyone looking for more storage space
- Those who appreciate clutter-free surfaces
- Smaller spaces where storage is limited
- Combined living and dining areas
Nesting coffee tables
Very popular in the 70s and 80s, nesting coffee tables are having a comeback right now. It's not hard to see why either, because they offer maximum functionality with a very small footprint. The secret here is that nesting coffee tables are designed to tuck underneath each other when not in use. Something that ensures they stay neat, the wheel also offers plenty of extra room for TV dinners, board games or entertaining.
Expert Tip: Our experts recommend nesting coffee tables if you:
- Have modular living spaces
- Love entertaining
- I want usable surfaces without sacrificing space.
Coffee Table Size Guide
There is no doubt that one of the most vital considerations when choosing a coffee table is the size. Not only do you want it to be large enough to be functional, but you’ll need it to be the right size for visual harmony, and practicality too.
Unfortunately, this is an area in which things can feel a bit tricky. The reason for this is that you need to use the right math to come up with the perfect size of coffee table to buy. Happily, our dedicated furniture experts have created the following coffee table size guide. It's been designed to make size considerations as simple as possible.
Coffee table height compared to your sofa height
Even if you disregard all the other size rules when it comes to coffee tables, this one is a must. Any coffee table you consider should always be between 1 and 4 inches (25 and 102 mm) lower than the height of your sofa seat. Why does this matter so much? Well, it's because if your coffee table is less than an inch (25 mm) lower or more than 4 inches (102 mm) lower than your sofa seat, it won’t offer a comfortable experience. What that means is you’ll need to shift your weight and position to reach your coffee table. This can make tasks like putting down your coffee mug and putting your feet up a real pain.
Expert Example:
If you have a sofa that has seats that are 17 inches (432 mm) high, you want to look for a coffee table in the 13-16 inch (330-406 mm) range. It's important to note that not all sofas have the same seat height. More modern sofas are often lower, and more traditional ones can be higher. This means it's crucially important to measure yours before you begin your search for a coffee table.
Coffee table widths and lengths
When it comes to choosing a coffee table, it's not only the height that matters. The length and the width of your coffee table are vital as well. Again, the way in which you can work out what width and length your coffee table should be is to compare it to the measurements of your sofa. In this case, you will need to measure your sofa and work out both half and two-thirds of the total length. Choosing a coffee table that is approximately half to two-thirds the length of your sofa means the best fit for space and visual balance.
Expert Example:
For two-thirds measurements:
- If your sofa is 100 inches (2540 mm) long, then you’ll divide 100 by 3, which is 33.3 inches (846 mm).
- You then times 33.3 inches (846 mm) by 2, which is 66.6 inches (1692 mm).
- 66.6 inches (1692 mm) is two-thirds of the length of your sofa.
For half measurement:
- If your sofa is 100 inches (2540 mm), you just divide it by two, which is 50 inches (1270 mm).
- 50 inches (1270 mm) is half the length of your sofa
Conclusion:
- If your sofa is 100 inches (2540 mm) long, you need to look for a coffee table that is between 50 and 66-67 inches (1270 and 1676-1702 mm).
Expert Tip: When working out the width and length of a coffee table for a sectional sofa, only measure the main seating area, not the entire shape. This will help your coffee table remain visually balanced.
Coffee tables, comfort and traffic flow
When choosing a coffee table, you should also consider the flow of foot traffic. This is important because you don’t want your space to feel crowded or your coffee table to be hard to get to. With that in mind, it's best to leave around 15-20 inches (381-508 mm) between your sofa and your coffee table. This will ensure maximum comfort while you use it.
For traffic flow, you’ll need a minimum of 25-30 inches (635-762 mm) between your coffee table and other room features like a fireplace or TV unit. Otherwise, those using the room may find it difficult to make their way around the table without needing to scramble.
Coffee Table Size Guide Comparison:
Rule | Measurement | Example | Why it matters | |
Height | 1-4 inches (25-102 mm) below the sofa seat | Sofa seat height minus 1-4 inches (25-102 mm) | 17” (432 mm) sofa needs a 13-16” (330-406 mm) table | Easy to reach, no straining |
Length | ½ to ⅔ sofa length | Sofa divided by 2 or sofa divided by 3, then times two | 100” (2540 mm) sofa - 50-67” (1270-1702 mm) table | Space and visual balance |
Sofa Gap | 15-20” (381-508 mm) from the sofa | 15-20” (381-508 mm) clear space | Arm’s reach when seated | Comfort while using |
Traffic flow | 25-30” (635-762 mm) from other furniture | 25-30” (635-762 mm) clear walkway | TV unit, fireplace, etc | Easy movement around the room |
What Size Coffee Table For A Sectional?
With the popularity of sectional sofas increasing, it's worth taking an expert look at how to find the best coffee table for this option. Indeed, some of the rules are a little different when it comes to sectionals, including:
U-shaped sectionals
To answer the question, what size coffee table for a sectional? You need to first identify its shape. If your sectional is U-shaped, measure the center space of that U. Once you have that measurement, you should pick a coffee table that can be reached within 15-20 inches (381-508 mm) from every side of the U.
L-shaped sectionals
Things are a little different for L-shaped sectionals. Here, it's important to measure the longer side and then use the half-to-two-thirds rule, as above.
Best Coffee Table For A Small Living Room
One of the most common things our coffee table experts get asked is what kind of coffee table is best suited to a small living room. Of course, the factors mentioned above should always be considered, no matter the size of the room. Although some options work especially well in small spaces. Just keep reading to find out what the best coffee table for a small living room is, and why.
Nesting Tables
Nesting tables are an ideal choice for smaller living spaces. This is because they provide lots of usable space, but can also be stored away with a small footprint when not in use. Nesting tables are also incredibly flexible. This makes them great for smaller living rooms in houses, apartments and even studios.
Nesting tables usually come in sets of two or three decreasing sizes. Many people choose to keep the largest table in a set position. Then can get the other one or two tables out and move them around as needed. Before storing them back underneath the larger one when not in use.
Expert Tip: Choose nesting tables that are made from materials that reflect the light, such as glass or metal. This will help prevent a small living space from feeling claustrophobic.
Clear Coffee Tables
A real winner in both modern and eclectic living spaces, clear tables made from glass or acrylic are super on trend right now. The best thing about them is that they provide all the functionality of any other coffee table without obscuring the visual line of sight in a space. What that means is a clear coffee table will give you the space you need to store items and rest your coffee. All without making your room look smaller and darker.
Expert Tip:
Never clutter a clear coffee table. This will ruin its main benefits. Instead, use a tray (clear if possible) to contain sparse decor items. Choose pieces such as stacked books or a single vase, and style them mindfully.
Round Pedestal Coffee Tables
Another excellent choice when it comes to coffee tables for a small space is the round pedestal option. The main advantage of this type of table is that it has no legs, only a central pedestal. This is good news because legs not only can contribute to a more cluttered feel.
Expert Tip: In small spaces, choose a pedestal coffee table with a lighter color finish. This will prevent it from reflecting the light within the room, and keep the entire space feeling brighter and larger.
Lift-Top Coffee Tables
The last coffee table option to consider for a small space is the lift top. Lift Top coffee tables are not only great for extra storage, but they also provide an elevated space on which you can easily work or dine. In fact, many people who enjoy drawing and crafting choose this type of table. This is because it allows them to partake in their hobbies comfortably when needed. All while getting the benefits of a more traditional coffee table when not in use. Lift-top coffee tables are also great because they do double duty. Cutting out the need for a separate dining table or desk saves valuable square footage in a small space.
Expert Tip: Slim bases make lift-top coffee tables easy to operate and move around as needed.
Final thoughts on choosing a coffee table
There are several important factors that you need to consider when choosing a coffee table for your home. The first is the shape that best suits your space, and the second is the size. It's also crucial that you factor in any special considerations. These should include whether you want your coffee table to work with a sectional sofa or in a cramped space. The key is to combine all these factors when making your choice. Then you will pick not only the best-looking coffee table, but the most comfortable and practical coffee table option as well.
FAQs:
- How much room should be left between my coffee table and sofa?
Between 15 and 20 inches (381 and 508 mm) for comfort in everyday use.
- How long should my coffee table be?
Around half to two-thirds the length of your sofa.
- How much space should I allow around my coffee table?
Leave up to 30 inches (762 mm) between your coffee table and surrounding features such as a fireplace.