How to choose the perfect size of coffee table for your living room – experts share their knowhow

The relative proportions of the furniture you select for an area are important in interior design, and that includes knowing how to choose the perfect size of coffee table for your living room. Lack this expertise and it can disrupt the balance of the space.

Both a coffee table that’s too small for a living room and one that’s too big will look wrong, and the latter can also make circulation through the room awkward and the room look crowded. Even styling your coffee table with your favorite coffee table decor won’t provide a solution if either is the case.

The good news? Getting the size of the coffee table right needn’t be difficult with an understanding of a few simple rules, and we’ve asked interiors experts to share them here.

Think two-thirds sofa length

There’s a rule of thumb you can use to choose the perfect size of coffee table for your living room.

‘A coffee table should be about two thirds the length of your sofa,’ says Elissa Hall, lead designer at Red Awning. ‘For instance, a sofa that measures 90 inches would be best complemented by a coffee table that is 60 inches – a proportion I’ve frequently turned to for creating cohesive focal points in living rooms, even if unforeseen spatial complications arise on the job.’

And remember that as well as being in proportion to the sofa, to avoid one of the frequent coffee table mistakes it needs to be in proportion to the room, too. ‘The biggest mistake I see people make is not opting for a large enough table,’ says Ashley Powell, interior designer at Roseberry Allen. ‘Nothing worse than a shrimpy table a mile away from a large sofa.’

Factor in room type

The two-thirds rule above is useful, but there is another aspect you should consider.

‘Choosing the right sized coffee table depends on the size and use of the living room,’ advises Sarah Montgomery, owner/principal designer at Sarah Montgomery Interiors. ‘If you’re furnishing more of a loungy, TV-watching space you may want a coffee table big enough to reach from anywhere on the sofa.’

Focus on the depth

As well as thinking about the size of the coffee table in relation to the sofa, its dimensions also count towards its usability.

The tabletop size that will prove practical? ‘A depth of 18 to 24 inches provides ample surface without overwhelming the space,’ says Victoria Darnell, interior designer and international merchandiser at Hooker Furnishings.

Allow for movement

We’ve established that the perfect size of coffee table is influenced by sofa size, room use and its usability, but what’s also crucial is its size in relation to available floor area.

‘Ensure there’s at least 18 inches of space around the table for easy navigation, maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere,’ recommends Victoria Darnell.

Room type can influence how far your coffee table should be from your couch, however. In a TV-watching space, Sarah Montgomery says, ‘I like to place the coffee table closer to the sofa than I might in a more formal living room, about 15 inches.’

Don’t forget height

There’s another measurement that’s good to bear in mind in order to get a coffee table of the ideal size, and that you might have already considered when asking should a coffee table be lower than a sofa?

‘Make sure to pay attention to height,’ advises Sarah Montgomery. ‘The coffee table should be at or just a few inches below your seat height.’

Consider shape along with size

Although we’re talking the perfect size coffee table, here, it’s important to consider shape at the same time – just as you would when deciding on a round vs rectangular dining table.

‘Rectangular and oval tables are ideal for longer sofas, while round and square tables suit smaller, more intimate spaces,’ says Victoria Darnell.

Remember one table might never be the perfect size

It’s not always the case that one coffee table is the perfect size, but don’t give up because more than one could fit the bill instead.

‘There are occasions where a single large coffee table can be difficult to balance in a room – especially if overhead lighting cannot be adjusted,’ says interior designer Piper Skillman.

‘In these instances, a cluster of coffee tables or pairing a smaller coffee table with an ottoman and other furniture pieces at a similar height brings an eclectic touch to a room and makes sure the area between sofas does not look empty or unbalanced.’

Find the right size table

When you’re shopping for a coffee table of the dimensions you’ve worked out are perfect for your living room, be aware of what you might encounter.

‘Newly made coffee tables come in pretty standard sizes, either very large or apartment sized,’ says Sarah Montgomery. ‘If you’re looking for something in between, vintage is a great option for a variety of sizes.’

A custom design might alternatively be the answer. Elissa Hall says, ‘In one client experience, the angles of his living room were quirky, so I designed a custom coffee table that was asymmetrical – not only did the table fit the unusual amount of space, but it also was a showstopper, demonstrating that creativity can solve both design and practical needs.’

A coffee table’s dimensions are crucial for a great room design, and the best coffee table books will look fabulous on display. But if you don’t have room for one at all, there are coffee table alternatives to try instead.