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Ideal coffee table height: 2” inches lower than seat of your couch
What is the perfect coffee table height?
There is definitely a right answer to coffee table height. But what is it? The ideal coffee table height is actually based on your couch.
You will want your coffee table height to be 1-2 inches shorter than the top of your couch seat cushion.
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While the standard coffee table height is anywhere between 14-20 inches, you should NOT use this range to determine what is best for your situation.
Perfect Coffee Table Height Equation:
Height of your couch seat cushion MINUS one to two inches EQUALS the ideal coffee table height for YOU.
Break out the tape measure and measure exactly how tall your couch seat cushion is off the ground. The perfect coffee table for you will be 1”-2” shorter than that!
The Average Height Of A Couch Seat
The average height of a couch seat is 17”-18” inches.
So, for example, if your couch sits at 17”, you’re definitely NOT going to want a 20” coffee table height! That would be too tall.
- Anything more than 2″ lower than your couch = too low.
- Anything more than 2″ taller than your couch = too tall.
So, I recommend staying only 1”-2” lower for the perfect coffee table height, no more than that!
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There is one caveat, and that is if you are intentionally going for a certain look, then a shorter coffee table could work in that scenario. But when I say shorter, I mean by only an inch or so more, because even if it’s for looks, you’ll still want your coffee table to be functional and comfortable 🙂
Can a coffee table be higher than a couch?
While a coffee table can be higher than the height of your couch, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Coffee tables are best when they are just slightly shorter than the seat of your couch.
Just think about these scenarios:
- Think about sitting on your low couch and setting a drink on a tall coffee table; it would feel awkward.
- Imagine propping your feet up on a tall coffee table; it would feel uncomfortable!
Think about it from a visual standpoint, too.
A coffee table shouldn’t compete with bigger furniture. Couches will always be bigger than a coffee table, so a coffee table that is shorter than a couch is simply more proportionate.
What are the best coffee table dimensions?
Not only is height an important piece to the puzzle when it comes to coffee table dimensions, but length is equally important.
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Ideal Coffee Table Length:
Your coffee table should be roughly ⅔ (two-thirds) the length of your couch.
Any bigger is going to make the coffee table look awkward in your space. Any smaller and your coffee table will look out of place!
If the ⅔ rule sounds familiar, it also applies to hanging pictures above your couch! Check out this post on how high to hang pictures so you can get it right every time!
How much room should you have around a coffee table?
You should have enough space to put your legs between the couch and the coffee table.
You want you and your guests to freely move around the couch without your coffee table getting in the way.
Ideal Space Around Coffee Table:
You should have 12-18 inches in between your furniture and coffee table.
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However, this is more up to personal preferences. As long as you stick between 12-18 inches, you will be good.
Any other chairs or furniture that make up the perimeter of your coffee table should also follow this rule.
Anything more than 18″ will make your coffee table feel disconnected from the couch.
What is the best coffee table shape?
Coffee tables come in all sorts of shapes! But what shape is best for you?
Certain coffee table shapes work better with certain types of couches! Let’s dive into the ideal shape for each couch type.
What is the best coffee table shape for a sectional?
For a sectional, a round or square coffee table will be your best option.
It will simply look cleaner and all of your family and guests will be able to use the table.
What is the best coffee table shape for a loveseat or sofa?
If you have the standard loveseat or sofa, a rectangular or oval coffee table will be your best option!
This is because the coffee table is longer than it is deep, which will benefit the whole couch.
A round or square coffee table with your standard sofa won’t be as functional with this setup if everyone on the couch wants to use the table.
But like always, it truly just depends on your space and what you’re going for!
There Is An Alternative To A Coffee Table
If you’re looking for an alternative to a coffee table, you may want to think about ottomans.
Ottomans can act as an accent to your couch, and they can make for super comfy footrests! They even have oversized ottomans out there that essentially turn your couch into a giant cloud.
When I purchased my couch several years ago, I opted to go the oversized ottoman route ,and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
If you just can’t seem to make a coffee table work, why not give the ottoman idea a shot? You just might find something that goes perfect with your room!
RELATED POST: The Couch My Guests Won’t Stop Talking About
Cute Coffee Table Ideas!
If you’re in need of some inspiration for your space, or in the market for a new coffee table, these coffee tables are some of my favorites!
RELATED POST: 15+ Stunning Coffee Tables That Are All Under $300
These are a-dor-able and I would buy them in a heartbeat if I were currently in need of a coffee table!
And that’s it!
The ideal coffee table height is going to be 2” less than the seat of your couch.
But my favorite part about all things home is that it’s YOUR home! At the end of the day, your personal preference is going to shape your home into the cozy abode that it is.
I’m just here to help you with ideas and general guidance along the way! 🙂
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