Is Your Coffee Table the Wrong Size? Here’s How To Tell

“Coffee table” is a bit of a misnomer — it’s rarely just a place to set a cup of caffeine. Think of it as the hardest-working multitasker in your living room: a spot to prop your feet, arrange design books, set the mood with candles, serve as a game table or play area for the kids as well as a place for snacks during a party. It also acts as the anchor that ties your seating arrangement together. But the wrong size table can throw off the proportions of your living space.

The Two-Thirds Rule
For perfectly balanced proportions, choose a coffee table that’s about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This ensures everyone can easily reach the table without having to lean or stretch.

For oversized sectionals, consider two smaller tables instead of one giant one. That will keep the space feeling cohesive without turning the room into a crowded obstacle course.

The Right Height
A coffee table should sit as high as, or slightly lower than, your sofa’s cushions (needs to be 1 or 2 inches lower than your seating).

The Ideal Distance
For ideal accessibility, leave about 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table. This distance is comfortable for most people to reach with both arms and legs, and it leaves enough room to move around without forcing you to stretch for a sip of coffee.

Functionality
A coffee table should provide practical function. Sometimes an oversized ottoman will suffice, but remember to add a decorative tray that can serve as a great place to place your cups or candles and a little piece of staging decor to give it an intentional designer look.