Furniture Phase|Step 14 of 28
Choose a New Coffee Table
The coffee table is the workhorse of the living room — holding drinks, books, remotes, and feet. Get the size right first, then pick a style that complements your sofa.
Time Required
1-2 hours shopping
Cost
$150-$800
Difficulty
Easy
Sizing Rules
- Length: About 2/3 the length of your sofa. An 84" sofa pairs with a 48-56" table.
- Height: Same height as your sofa seat cushions, or 1-2 inches lower. Usually 16-18 inches.
- Distance from sofa: 14-18 inches between sofa edge and table edge. Close enough to reach, far enough to walk past.
- Clearance to other furniture: At least 14 inches on all sides for leg room and traffic flow.
Shape Guide
Rectangular
Best for standard sofa arrangements. Offers the most surface area. Works with L-shaped and parallel seating layouts.
Round or Oval
Best for small rooms and families with kids — no sharp corners. Creates better traffic flow in tight spaces.
Square
Best for L-shaped sectional sofas. Fills the center of the L naturally. Needs a larger room to avoid feeling boxy.
Nesting Tables (set of 2-3)
Best for flexible use — pull apart for entertaining, stack together for daily use. Great for small spaces.
Pro Tips
- •Consider storage: Tables with drawers, shelves, or lift-tops hide remotes, blankets, and clutter. Especially valuable in small living rooms.
- •Mix materials with the sofa: If your sofa is upholstered, a wood or metal coffee table adds contrast. Matching materials everywhere looks flat.
- •Think about maintenance: Glass shows every fingerprint. Light wood shows water rings. Dark wood shows dust. Choose based on your tolerance for upkeep.
- •Test the height: Sit on your sofa and extend your arm to the side at a comfortable reach. That's where the table surface should be.