When buying a coffee table for your lounge or sitting room, size matters.

Whether looking for an item to breathe new energy into an existing interior design or you’re creating a space from scratch doesn’t matter. Knowing the standard coffee table height and, more importantly, confirming the right size for your home is essential. You shouldn’t even think about materials, shapes, or designs until this element is under control.

So, what is the standard coffee table height for modern homes? This quick guide will reveal all.

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The Importance Of Coffee Table Height

Before looking at different home coffee table solutions, it’s important to appreciate why your choice matters. Coffee tables remain an integral accessory, which is highlighted by an industry value of over $14.05 billion. It is also estimated that over 100 million homes possess a coffee table, meaning you’ll probably want one too.

Irregular Cloud Sintered Stone Coffee Table with Storage

When thinking about the coffee table design, most buyers instantly think about the materials, colors, or shapes. While several key decisions, such as FSC vs. regular wood are crucial, the coffee table height is arguably the most important issue. Not least because it guides all subsequent decisions.

Here are just some of the reasons why you should pay close attention to the height of your coffee table;

The height of the coffee table impacts whether it fits seamlessly into the space or overwhelms the space.
Coffee table heights directly correlate with other furniture (sofas, seats, and TV units) to complete the look.
The height impacts the overall footprint, which will subsequently influence what shapes and table lengths look best.
Coffee table heights directly influence your comfort from the sofa, which impacts various daily tasks.
The right height selection of your coffee table may influence safety, especially if you have young children.
Coffee table heights also determine how much storage space is available underneath for books, magazines, remotes, etc.

For the sake of aesthetics and practicality, it is vital that you select a coffee table that stands at a suitable height.

Standard Coffee Table Heights Explained

Most people appreciate that coffee tables come in a variety of materials, shapes, lengths, and widths. However, the range of heights available - and the impact this has - is often overlooked.

Coffee tables are available in a lot of different sizes, especially when you take extendable models like the Modern White Power Lift Height Multifunctional Coffee Table Extendable 2 Drawers USB into account. While this specific model can reach a height of 846 mm, this stands outside the average sizes.

Modern Round Beige & Gray Sintered Stone Leather Drum Coffee Table Set

Typically speaking, coffee table heights range between 305 mm and 559 mm. This means that their surfaces can be as little as one foot off the floor, or up to nearly two feet from floor level. Naturally, this can affect how the product looks inside the room while also altering how it looks and feels when sat on the sofa.

The average height range of the coffee table remains the same regardless of its length, shape, or materials. Therefore, narrowing your search by coffee table height does not rule out any specific style or design.

Products within the average coffee table height range can fall into three categories, as the table below shows:

	Short	Medium	Tall
Height in inches	305-356 mm	406-457 mm	457-559 mm
Height in cms	30-35 cm	40-45 cm	45-55 cm
Best for	Japanese floor seating / low sofas	Most standard sofas, modern or traditional	Tall sofas or coffee tables used for dining
Notes	Works well for square and round tables	Offers flexibility on design shapes	Works with oval and rectangular tables

The 406-457 mm range is the most common by far, but this info should be used as gentle guidance rather than a rule. The goal is to find a coffee table that matches your requirements. And, frankly, even the difference between 305 mm and 406 mm could have a massive impact on the outcomes.

Finding The Right Coffee Table Height For Your Home

When looking at coffee table heights, many people fall into the trap of thinking that it should be linked to their personal height or even the size of the room. In reality, the most important relationship is between the height of the table and the height of your sofa. It impacts the aesthetics and, more importantly, the functionality.

Modern Square Walnut Wood Coffee Table with Drawer

For most people, the maximum height of a coffee table should be the same height as the sofa seat height. Meanwhile, the minimum height should be no more than 51 mm lower than the sofa seat. Given that the average sofa seat height is around 406-457 mm, it becomes far easier to understand why the average coffee table heights fall into the categories above.

There are many reasons why the “level or slightly lower than the sofa” mantra works as a good rule of thumb. Firstly, it keeps the coffee table out of your line of sight when on the sofa. Whether talking to your family, watching TV, or completing any other task doesn’t matter. An obstructed view is essential. Besides, it also prevents any risk of the home feeling cluttered or claustrophobic.

From a functional perspective, a coffee table that sits in this range in relation to the sofa provides the most practical outcome. Reaching out for cups or other items placed atop the table is far less strainful. Similarly, your legs and feet will feel as though they are in a more natural position.

Conversely, opting for a coffee table that is either too tall or too small can limit design options. For example, you are unlikely to want a chunky style if the table sits higher than the sofa seats. Meanwhile, a low profile coffee table may be ideal for opening up a smaller living room or in a conservatory where the window heights may be lower. Ceiling heights should be taken into consideration, but are not overly important compared to the other attributes.

While the sofa should be the primary relationship to consider, you’ll also want to consider the TV unit. If you have a low TV stand, a tall coffee table could potentially impact your line of sight. It is also important to consider any potential visual obstruction from sitting on the floor, not least if you have young children.

Positioning Your Coffee Table Based On Your Sofa

Regardless of which height of coffee table you opt for, it is necessary to position it correctly too. There is no exact science to this, especially as all homes are unique.

Nevertheless, most will want to keep their coffee table close enough for them to reach drinks while still far enough that they can sit with their feet on the floor. It’s also important to maintain enough legroom so that you can get on or off the sofa with ease. Somewhere between 356 mm and 457 mm away from the sofa will suit most users.

The positioning may be influenced by whether you have a single sofa or multiple seats wishing to make use of the coffee table. Depending on the layout, a nest of coffee tables may be the better option, not least if you want guests to have a coffee table without permanently losing extra floor space.

It is also suggested that coffee tables should be at least 762 mm (76cm) from the TV, although the rules here are far less significant.

Top Tips To Guarantee A Great Purchase

Understanding the difference in coffee table heights and why your decision matters is one thing, but actively finding the perfect product is another. It is worth noting that living rooms are the third most common home renovation while planning times often stand at 8 months. Even if opting for a smaller project, which homeowners typically take on every 3-5 years, you want to make a suitable purchase.

Modern Square White Tempered Glass Coffee Table with 4 Drawers

The goal is to choose a coffee table that will add value to your life as well as the property itself. Here are 10 simple steps to master the purchase;

Know your budget in advance. If nothing else, it will help filter your options when looking at different coffee tables.
Confirm that the sofa you currently have, or will have, is the height that you will continue to use for years. A drastic change later on would force a coffee table update too.
Think about the full dimensions of the table, including length and width as well as the height, to confirm that your table will suit the space.
Opt for quality materials. Aside from providing a luxury look, the added longevity offers greater long-term value for money.
Consider buying a coffee table with a matching TV stand. The Modern 1092 mm Square White Tempered Glass Coffee Table with 4 Drawers can be accompanied by a matching stand.
Check that the materials also suit your lifestyle. For example, natural wood or stone would be ideal if you are conscious of the environment.
Look at the option of stacked or nested coffee tables of contrasting heights to gain more options depending on specific situations.
Select a coffee table design with a timeless appearance that could suit a range of future living room makeover themes.
Buy a new coffee table from a reputable retailer unless specifically looking for an antique model that you want to upcycle.
Take your family needs into account. If you have young children, for example, marble may be more suitable than glass.

Finally, if you already have a coffee table in the living room, use it for guidance. You can see whether a shorter or taller replacement is needed. Use this alongside your measurements for success.

Find Your Dream Coffee Table Today

Coffee tables are viewed as an essential living room addition by most homeowners. They give the space a far more complete vibe while additionally adding practical function and comfort. Selecting a height that aligns with the rest of the room is a great starting point, but the overall aesthetics and durability are equally crucial.

At Homary, we have an extensive range of luxury coffee tables across various heights, shapes, and designs to choose from. Whether you have a clear vision or need help finding the best product for your home, our friendly experts are here to help. Get in touch to learn more or place an order today.

Arune Arched Glass Doors Coffee Table with Storage and LED

Coffee Table Height FAQs

Does coffee table shape or length influence the height?

While the other dimensions do not have to directly impact the coffee table’s height, an elongated table can afford to stand a little taller than a square or circular table as the latter options tend to bring a bulky footprint.

Should I choose a coffee table height based on sofa length?

No. The relationship between the coffee table height and sofa seat height is huge, but the length of the sofa doesn’t matter as far as the coffee table height is concerned. However, you won’t want a coffee table that is longer than your sofa.

Should a coffee table be taller or shorter than a TV unit?

As with the sofa, a coffee table will typically be lower than a TV unit. The latter typically stand between 50 cm and 75 cm, which should be eye level when sitting on a chair or sofa. A shorter coffee table fits in seamlessly with the room.

Can a coffee table be used as a work desk?

Technically, you could use the coffee table as a work desk. However, leaning down from the sofa cushion will be uncomfortable. Even sitting at floor level is likely to feel uncomfortable after some time.

Are nesting coffee tables a good choice?

Nesting coffee tables offer you the opportunity to embrace different heights, depending on whether you want to use it as a standard table, footstool, or side table. It also provides versatility for the layout of the room while saving valuable floor space when not in use.

What Is The Standard Coffee Table Height?