In short. A coffee table is about two thirds of the length of the sofa, its top sits at the height of the seat or up to 5 cm lower, and it stands 35 to 45 cm from the front of the sofa. For a 180 cm three-seater with a 45 cm seat, that gives a table of about 120 cm long and 40 to 45 cm high.
Rules taken from the size guides of Wayfair, Ashley Furniture and Castlery (links at the end). Prices, stock and dimensions of our models checked on 4 November 2026.
The 3 measurements to take
- length: about two thirds of the sofa, armrests included. Shorter, the table looks lost. Longer, it blocks the way at the ends
- height: level with the seat cushion or up to 5 cm lower. Most sofas have a seat at 40 to 45 cm, so a table of 35 to 45 cm
- distance: 35 to 45 cm between the front of the sofa and the edge of the table. Closer, you hit your knees. Further, you can no longer put a glass down without getting up
Coffee table length by sofa length
| Sofa length | Coffee table length |
|---|---|
| 140 cm | 90 - 95 cm |
| 160 cm | 105 - 110 cm |
| 180 cm | 120 cm |
| 200 cm | 130 - 135 cm |
| 220 cm | 145 - 150 cm |
Coffee table height by seat height
| Sofa seat height | Coffee table height |
|---|---|
| 38 - 40 cm | 33 - 40 cm |
| 41 - 43 cm | 36 - 43 cm |
| 44 - 46 cm | 39 - 46 cm |
| 47 - 48 cm | 42 - 48 cm |
Measure the seat from the floor to the top of the cushion, sitting on it is not needed. On a deep, soft sofa, aim for the low end of the range.
Rectangular, round or ottoman?
- rectangular: the best fit for a long straight sofa, it follows its line and gives the most surface
- round: no corners to bump into, easier to walk around in a small living room or in front of a corner sofa
- bouclé ottoman: soft, it doubles as a footrest or an extra seat. Put a tray on it for cups. Our ottoman guide explains how to use one
Our coffee tables in stock
| Model | Dimensions | For which sofa | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macarena, wood, 2 drawers and 2 shelves | H 46 x W 120 x D 60 cm | three-seater of about 180 cm, seat at 46 to 48 cm | 99.90 EUR |
| Arnav, wood, side magazine rack | H 28 x W 110 x D 71 cm | low sofa or daybed of about 165 cm. Lower than the rule for a standard sofa | 303.90 EUR |
| Dass, bouclé ottoman with storage | H 38 x Ø 79 cm | two-seater, seat at 38 to 43 cm | 184.90 EUR |
| Sera, white bouclé ottoman | H 34 x Ø 71 cm | small sofa or armchairs, seat at 34 to 39 cm, or footrest | 118.90 EUR |
All four were in stock on 4 November 2026, with shipping in 48 hours (see our shipping policy).
5 common mistakes
- a table higher than the seat: you have to lean forward and the living room looks cramped
- measuring the sofa without its armrests: the table ends up too short
- a long table in front of a small sofa: the way is blocked at both ends
- a table pushed against the sofa, less than 30 cm away: no room for the knees
- forgetting the rug: it should be 30 to 50 cm wider than the sofa (living room rug size guide)
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How high should a coffee table be?
Level with the sofa seat or up to 5 cm lower, so 35 to 45 cm for a standard seat of 40 to 45 cm.
What length of coffee table for a three-seater sofa?
About two thirds of its length: 120 cm for a 180 cm sofa, 130 to 135 cm for a 200 cm sofa.
How far from the sofa should a coffee table be?
35 to 45 cm between the front of the sofa and the edge of the table.
Round or rectangular coffee table?
Rectangular in front of a long straight sofa, round in a small living room or in front of a corner sofa.
Can an ottoman be used as a coffee table?
Yes, if its height matches the seat and you add a tray for cups.
Sources
- Wayfair, Coffee Table Size Guide
- Ashley Furniture, Coffee Table Dimension Guide
- Castlery, Coffee Table Dimensions
Written by Dorian, product manager at Deko District.
