Coffee Table Height
A standard coffee table is 16–18 in (40–46 cm) tall: level with the sofa seat, or 1–2 in (3–5 cm) lower. Most sofa seats are 17–19 in high, so that range suits nearly every living room. Measure the height of your own sofa cushion before you buy or build, especially with a low modern sofa or a deep lounge seat. The most common coffee table dimensions are a 48 × 24 in (122 × 61 cm) top at a typical height of 16–18 in.
Coffee table dimensions
| Dimension | Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16–18 in | 40–46 cm |
| Low (modern, floor seating) | 12–15 in | 30–38 cm |
| Length | about 2/3 of the sofa | |
| Depth (rectangular) | 18–24 in | 45–60 cm |
| Round, diameter | 30–48 in | 75–120 cm |
| Distance from the sofa | 14–18 in | 35–45 cm |
| Lift-top, raised | 26–28 in | 66–71 cm |
Match the height to the sofa
| Sofa seat height | Coffee table height |
|---|---|
| 15–16 in (38–41 cm), low lounge | 13–15 in (33–38 cm) |
| 17–18 in (43–46 cm), standard | 16–18 in (40–46 cm) |
| 19–20 in (48–51 cm), tall | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) |
Measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion, not to the frame. If you use the table to eat or work from the sofa, go to the top of the range or choose a lift-top table.
Length and width
A coffee table about two-thirds the length of the sofa looks balanced and leaves room to walk around the ends:
| Sofa length | Coffee table length |
|---|---|
| 60 in (152 cm), loveseat | 36–42 in (90–107 cm) |
| 72 in (183 cm) | 44–48 in (112–122 cm) |
| 84 in (213 cm), standard sofa | 54–60 in (137–152 cm) |
| 96 in (244 cm) and sectionals | 60–72 in (152–183 cm) |
Keep the depth at 18–24 in (45–60 cm) in front of a sofa; a square or round table suits a sectional, where people sit on two sides. Leave 30–36 in (75–90 cm) between the table and a TV stand or other furniture to walk through.
Building a coffee table
A coffee table is a quick project from one sheet: a top, two ends or a base box, and an optional lower shelf. Use 3/4 in (18 mm) board or thicker for the top, and edge band or add solid wood edging, since a coffee table takes knocks. Our coffee table plan recalculates every part from the length, depth and height you type, from 35 to 50 cm (14–20 in) tall:
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard coffee table height?
16 to 18 in (40–46 cm). Most sofa seats are 17–19 in high, and a coffee table should be level with the seat or 1–2 in lower.
Should a coffee table be higher or lower than the sofa?
Level with the seat cushion or slightly lower. A table higher than the seat blocks the view and feels like a desk; much lower and you lean far down to reach it.
How long should a coffee table be?
About two-thirds of the length of the sofa: a 54–60 in table for an 84 in sofa, about 48 in for a 72 in loveseat.
How far should a coffee table be from the sofa?
14–18 in (35–45 cm): close enough to reach a drink, far enough to walk past your knees.