When it comes to designing your living room, one of the most important pieces of furniture to consider is the coffee table. It’s the centerpiece of the room, offering both style and functionality. But have you ever wondered: How tall should a coffee table be? Whether you're setting up a new living space or just updating your current one, getting the height of your coffee table right is crucial for comfort, convenience, and aesthetics.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ideal coffee table height, the standard measurements, and some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect height for your coffee table. Let’s dive in!
Standard Coffee Table Height: What’s the Ideal Range?
When you're choosing a coffee table, one of the first things to keep in mind is the standard coffee table height. So, how tall should a coffee table be? Most coffee tables fall within the range of 16 to 18 inches tall. This is the average coffee table height that complements most living rooms and is easy to work with, both functionally and aesthetically.
The coffee table height should align with the height of your sofa seat. If your couch sits low to the ground, a lower coffee table works best. If you have a more elevated sofa, a higher coffee table may be better suited. Ideally, your coffee table should sit 2 to 4 inches lower than the height of your couch cushions.
Why the Height Matters?
The height of your coffee table is essential for a few reasons:
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Functionality: It should be easy to reach from your seating area without straining.
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Comfort: You don’t want to be reaching down too far or stretching up to grab something from your table.
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Aesthetics: A well-proportioned table creates a balanced look in your living room, making the space feel cohesive and inviting.
Common Coffee Table Heights: A Quick Breakdown
Let’s take a deeper look at some common coffee table heights and their ideal uses.
|
Coffee Table Height |
Ideal For |
Description |
|
Low (14 - 16 inches) |
Modern, minimalistic spaces |
Best for low-profile couches and a sleek look. |
|
Standard (16 - 18 inches) |
Most typical living rooms |
Works well with average-height sofas. |
|
High (18 - 20 inches) |
Taller furniture or traditional styles |
Great for high-backed sofas or formal settings. |
As you can see, the normal height of a coffee table usually falls within the 16-18 inch range, but there are some exceptions. For example, a glass coffee table might be slightly taller to maintain an airy, open feel in a room with higher ceilings.
How Tall Should a Coffee Table Be in Relation to Your Sofa?
One of the best guidelines when determining the height of your coffee table to couch is the height of your sofa’s seat. If your couch is lower to the ground, you might want to opt for a slightly shorter coffee table, whereas a higher couch will require a slightly taller table for proper balance.
Here’s a Quick Guide:
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Couch Seat Height: 14–17 inches → Coffee table height: 14–16 inches
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Couch Seat Height: 17–19 inches → Coffee table height: 16–18 inches
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Couch Seat Height: 20+ inches → Coffee table height: 18–20 inches
A simple rule of thumb is to ensure that the coffee table is within a few inches of the couch seat height for easy access and comfortable use.
Glass Coffee Tables: Height Considerations
Glass coffee tables offer a sleek, modern design, but they also have unique height considerations. Because they are often made with thinner materials or have open frames, they can create an illusion of space. When selecting a glass coffee table, you'll want to ensure the height of the coffee table still allows for comfort, even if it’s slightly shorter or taller than a traditional wood table.
If you have a low-profile sofa, a shorter glass coffee table can be a stylish, functional addition without making the room feel cramped. Conversely, if your seating is elevated, a taller glass coffee table ensures the proportions are right.
Coffee Table Height Guide for Different Room Types
Not every room is the same, and the perfect coffee table height can vary depending on the room’s design. Let’s look at a few scenarios where coffee table dimensions may differ.
1. Living Room Coffee Tables:
The most common setting for a coffee table, this space benefits from the standard coffee table height of 16-18 inches. It works well with most sofas and is easy to reach while sitting.
2. Dining Room Coffee Tables:
If you’re incorporating a coffee sofa table into a dining room, consider a taller table that matches the height of dining chairs. This is especially helpful if the table serves as both a gathering space for meals and a place to rest drinks or snacks. A height of 20 inches or more is ideal here.
Coffee Table Height for Various Styles: Is There a Best Fit?
Not all coffee tables are created equal, and their height can vary depending on the materials, styles, and overall design. For instance, a coffee sofa table in a minimalist living room may look best with a lower height to maintain an open feel.
Meanwhile, a more traditional room with dining room coffee tables could benefit from a taller, more substantial table for a balanced aesthetic.
Typical Coffee Table Dimensions:
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Low tables: 14–16 inches (ideal for contemporary spaces or low-profile sofas)
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Standard tables: 16–18 inches (perfect for everyday living rooms)
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High tables: 18–20 inches (suitable for higher-backed or traditional sofas)
Final Thoughts:
Now that you have a clear understanding of how tall a coffee table should be, it’s time to choose the perfect one for your home. Whether you're looking for glass coffee tables or a more traditional coffee sofa table, make sure the coffee table height is just right for your space.
Ready to make a statement in your living room? Visit Merrills Marketing and shop now from our collection of stylish coffee tables here to find the ideal piece for your home!
FAQs:
Q: Is 20 too high for a coffee table?
A coffee table height of 20 inches is generally considered a bit on the taller side. However, it's not too high if you have a taller sofa or a room with higher ceilings. For most standard sofas, a table between 16-18 inches works better for comfort and proportion.
Q: Should a coffee table be higher than the sofa?
No, a coffee table should typically be lower than your sofa. Ideally, it should be 2-4 inches lower than your couch cushions to maintain a comfortable reach and proportion.
Q: How do I know if my coffee table is too big?
If your coffee table feels too big, there are a few signs to look for. First, it should not dominate the space or block pathways. The ideal coffee table dimensions should allow at least 12-18 inches between the edges of the table and surrounding furniture.
Q: What is the rule of thumb for coffee table size?
A good rule of thumb for coffee table size is to choose one that is approximately 2/3 the length of your sofa. This ensures the table looks proportionate to the seating and does not overwhelm the space.
Q: What kind of coffee table makes a room look bigger?
If you want a coffee table that makes a room look bigger, opt for a glass coffee table or one with an open design. These types of tables create a sense of openness and don’t block the line of sight.
