Coffee tables often disappear into the afterthoughts after purchasing chairs, sofas, and other pieces of furniture. This is why they typically don’t go with any of the furniture you just bought. To prevent this from happening, you need to know the answer to the question: ‘how tall should a coffee table be?’. A coffee table is an important piece in your living room set, and the smallest details should be taken into consideration.
Your coffee table has many functions, such as holding a cup of coffee, a bowl of popcorn, and many more. This is why it is essential to choose the perfect coffee table in your living room. Moreover, it is especially important to know the answer to the question: how tall should a coffee table be? This article aims to answer this question by listing the factors you need to consider when choosing a coffee table for your home.
Factors to Consider: How Tall Should A Coffee Table Be?
Aside from knowing the answer to the question ‘how tall should a coffee table be?’, here are some of the things you need to consider before you purchase a coffee table.
Height
Height is the most significant factor when it comes to choosing the right coffee table. The best way to make sure that you are getting the correct height is to compare your sofa’s height to your coffee table. The table can be an inch or two shorter than the couch. However, it should never exceed the sofa’s height if you are aiming for the perfect coffee table height.
The typical height of a coffee table is around 16 to 20 inches. Usually, coffee tables measure somewhere in between, since most of the seat cushions in sofas measure about 18 inches high. For instance, if the cushions on your couch are 19 inches from the ground, the ideal coffee height should be the same.
Choosing a coffee table that levels with your sofa makes it easier for visitors to access their drinks, food, and anything that you put on the coffee table. They will not have a hard time reaching for the coffee table at this height.
Length
The length of the coffee table in proportion to your sofa is also another essential factor to consider. You might want a coffee table that is long enough to be reached by everyone. However, it should not look like a banquet table. A coffee table that is too lengthy will impede your movement, especially when you are walking in and out of the room.
The rule of thumb is to look for a coffee table that is two-thirds of the length of your main sofa. To determine the size accurately that you need for a coffee table, measure the length of the longer sofa, and not the loveseat. For instance, if your sofa is 75 inches in length, your coffee table must be around 50 inches long. The latter is exactly two-thirds the size of your couch.
It is also ideal for double-checking your measurements to ensure that the table you ordered is the right size, even without using a tape measure. Once your coffee table arrives, you can readily apply the two-thirds formula by lining up the coffee table beside the main sofa. The coffee table must end where the last third of your main couch begins. How tall should a coffee table be? It should be around 16-20 inches but still depends on your living room setup.
Location
When you put the coffee table at the center of the living room, you shouldn’t be too far or too close to the chairs and sofas. It would be best if you create the right amount of legroom and opening so people can walk through and move easily. They should also be able to reach the table while they are sitting. Eighteen inches is the ideal distance from the sofa to the coffee table.
If your living room is small, you can have at least 12 inches of space between the coffee table and the sofa. You can consider your living room complete once the coffee table is placed at the ideal distance.
Conclusion
How tall should a coffee table be? The approximate answer is 16-20 inches, but that should also be measured with your main sofa to get the right proportions. A coffee table will look odd when it is too tall or short compared to your other pieces of furniture, especially your couch. Your coffee table is the cherry on top of an elegant living room, so make sure you get the right one. Get more tips on coffee tables.