Coffee Table Height: Find the Right Size for Comfort and Style

Staring at a coffee table that's too high or too low can ruin a good movie night. The right height makes it easy to reach drinks, books, and snacks without straining. Below you’ll get the basics: how to measure, why it matters, and a few quick tricks to fit any sofa or décor.

Measure Your Sofa First

The easiest rule of thumb is to keep the coffee table about two‑inches lower than your sofa seat. Sit on the sofa, place your hand on the arm, and note the distance to the floor. If your sofa sits at 18 inches, aim for a 16‑inch table. This gap lets you slide items across without hitting the legs and keeps the view of your feet clear.

Got a low‑profile sofa or a settee? You can drop the table height to 12‑14 inches. For high‑back chairs or a deep sectional, a 17‑inch table works better. The goal is a smooth line from your lap to the table top, not a jagged stair‑step.

Standard Heights and When to Break Them

Most coffee tables sit between 14 and 18 inches. Retailers love these numbers because they match the average sofa seat height. If you shop online, look for the exact measurement in the product specs – many listings hide it in the “dimensions” section.

But you don’t have to stick to the standard. A tall pedestal table at 20 inches can double as a sideboard if you need extra storage. A low, almost coffee‑table height (11‑12 inches) pairs nicely with a modern, low‑sitting lounge chair. Just make sure the height still feels comfortable for the people who’ll use it most.

Another tip: check the space between the sofa and the table. Aim for a 2‑to‑3‑inch clearance so you can slide your feet under without bumping your knees. Too tight and you’ll feel cramped; too wide and the room looks disconnected.

When you have multiple seating pieces, measure the tallest one and base your table height on that. This keeps the room balanced and avoids awkward height mismatches.

Remember, the table’s shape also influences how it feels. A round table often feels less imposing than a square one of the same height, because the edges don’t line up directly with your legs.

Finally, think about the table’s purpose. If you mainly display décor, a slightly higher surface can showcase books and plants. If you use it for games or work, a lower height gives you more leg room and a stable work surface.

Now you have a simple checklist: measure your sofa seat, pick a height 2‑inches lower, keep a 2‑to‑3‑inch foot clearance, and adjust for style or function. With these steps, you’ll pick a coffee table that feels right the first time you sit down.