When it comes to styling your living room, the coffee table often takes center stage—literally. But here’s a surprising fact: many homeowners get the coffee table height completely wrong. While it might seem like a minor detail, the right height can elevate your room’s design and functionality, making your space feel more polished and comfortable.
So, what is the ideal height for a coffee table? And how can you choose the right one to match your sofa, TV console, or even coordinate with pieces in your bedroom like your mattress, bed frame, or storage bed?
Let’s break it down.
The Golden Rule of Coffee Table Height
Design experts agree on a simple rule of thumb: your coffee table should be no more than 1 to 2 inches lower than the height of your sofa seat. In general, that’s between 16 to 18 inches high, but it can range up to 20 inches depending on your seating.
If your sofa has a higher seat, you’ll want a taller coffee table to match. A low coffee table with a high couch will make reaching for snacks, books, or your remote awkward. And nobody wants that in their relaxing space.
Why Getting the Height Right Matters
1. Comfort & Functionality: A coffee table isn’t just a decorative piece—it’s a workhorse. Whether you’re placing drinks on it, propping up your feet, or hosting game night, the right height improves ease of use. It also helps with living room flow by balancing your visual space with your other furniture pieces, like your TV console or accent chairs.
2. Aesthetics & Harmony: An awkwardly tall or low coffee table can disrupt the balance of your room. Interior design is all about proportion. Just like you wouldn’t want a bed frame towering over your mattress or kitchen cabinets that are hard to reach, your coffee table needs to sit just right in relation to your sofa and surroundings.
Measuring Tip: How to Find the Perfect Height
Here’s how you can quickly determine your ideal coffee table height:
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Measure from the floor to the top of your sofa cushion.
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Subtract 1 to 2 inches.
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That’s your target coffee table height!
For example, if your sofa seat is 18 inches from the floor, look for a coffee table that’s between 16 to 17 inches tall.
Pro tip: Always bring a measuring tape when shopping in-store—or check exact measurements when browsing online at furniture retailers like Megafurniture, where dimensions are listed clearly to help with your decision.
Matching Your Coffee Table to Other Furniture
Your coffee table doesn’t live in a vacuum. It needs to work with everything else in your space:
- TV Console: If your coffee table and TV console are at wildly different heights or styles, the room can feel disjointed. Keep colours, textures, and proportions in sync for a cohesive look.
- Bedroom Furniture: While not in the same room, many homeowners like to match their style across spaces. If you prefer minimalist wooden coffee tables in the living room, you might want a bed frame or storage bed with a similar tone or finish.
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Kitchen Cabinets & Storage: Design continuity across your home is a rising trend. A sleek, modern coffee table pairs well with minimalist kitchen cabinets, creating a fluid visual experience from room to room.
Style Matters – But So Does Practicality
Besides height, consider:
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Shape: Round tables work well in small spaces, while rectangular ones are great for longer sofas.
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Material: Glass adds a modern touch, wood brings warmth, and marble screams luxury.
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Storage: Many coffee tables offer drawers or shelves—perfect for keeping your living room tidy.
If space is tight, consider pairing your coffee table with a storage bed in the bedroom to make the most of your home’s footprint.
Shop Smart: Where to Find the Right Fit
Looking for stylish, functional, and correctly-sized coffee tables? Megafurniture offers a wide selection, from modern minimalist to rustic chic—each designed to complement your sofa, match your TV console, and elevate your entire living room setup.
And while you're at it, don’t forget to browse their quality bed frames, mattresses, and kitchen cabinets to create a seamless, well-designed home.
Final Thoughts
Getting the coffee table height right might seem like a small thing—but it makes a big difference in your comfort and your room’s design. Aim for that sweet spot just below your sofa’s seat height, and consider how your table fits into the bigger picture—from your TV console to your bedroom furniture.
Ready to upgrade your space? Start with the heart of your living room—a perfectly sized coffee table from Megafurniture.