How to Choose the Right Size Coffee Table for Your Space
A Complete Guide to Scale, Spacing & Function
Design by @chairishbydesign team member @mcgrath2, 📷: @lucasallenphoto
If you’ve ever walked into a living room and felt like something was “off,” there’s a good chance the furniture size & scale was to blame. Coffee tables are often one of the most common culprits when it comes to disrupting the visual and functional balance of a space.
When they’re too small (which is often the case), the room can feel bare and unfinished. Too large, and the space may feel cramped or even smaller than it actually is. Choosing the right coffee table size is essential for creating a balanced, well-proportioned layout in your living room.
♠ Grace House Rules: Coffee Table Sizing Guide
Here is your quick cheat sheet to keep handy when finding the right coffee table:
Length: Your coffee table should be at least 2/3 the length of your sofa
Height: Ideally ±2 to 4 inches from your sofa’s seat height
Circulation Space: Leave about 16–18 inches between your coffee table and surrounding seating/furniture
Start With Size: Bigger Is (Usually) Better
Many people default to smaller coffee tables because they tend to be more affordable. But that “bargain” often comes at a cost. Smaller table = less material = lower price BUT a coffee table that’s too small can throw off the balance of your space and make it feel like you're decorating with dollhouse furniture.
If your table arrives and it’s clearly too small, return it! Don’t try to make it work just to avoid the hassle—it ultimately does a disservice to the overall feel and function of the room.
On the other hand, a coffee table that’s too large can make the space feel cramped or even smaller than it is. That said, designers sometimes break scaling rules intentionally to create drama or emphasis in a room. When they do, they’re more likely to scale up than down. But for the everyday decorator, when in doubt, it’s best to follow this rule:
♠ Grace House Rule: Your coffee table should be at least 2/3 the length of your sofa
Choose the Right Height for How You Live
Think about how you actually use your living room. Do you like to kick your feet up during a movie? Or is this the spot where you eat dinner in front of the TV? Your coffee table’s height should match your lifestyle.
Want to rest your legs? A shorter table may be more comfortable.
Want to eat meals? A taller table provides a better surface.
♠ Grace House Rule: Choose a table that’s within ±4 inches of your sofa’s seat height (±2 inches is best for aesthetics)
Don’t Forget About Circulation Space
A well-sized coffee table needs to be able to function properly in the living room. One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a coffee table is not leaving enough space for circulation. If the table is placed too close to the sofa or nearby furniture, it makes moving around the space uncomfortable and awkward.
♠ Grace House Rule: Leave about 16–18 inches between your coffee table and surrounding furniture
Tip: In smaller rooms, consider a round coffee table—its lack of corners improves flow and makes movement easier.
<- The Complete Measurement Guide
I’ll be writing another piece soon on how to choose the right shape and style coffee table for your space, including some of my favorite recommendations. In the meantime, feel free to check out my curated list of coffee tables from Amazon below and in the Shop page.
Stay tuned for more!
COFFEE TABLES
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