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A well-designed living room balances comfort, style, and function. While seating is key, the coffee table ties the space together and adds practicality.
With so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we’ve helped homeowners furnish their living rooms for over 90 years. Our partnerships with American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary offer a wide range of quality coffee tables.
To help you decide, we asked Zeina Badawi, an interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kanata, to share expert tips on selecting the right size, shape, material, and placement.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a coffee table that is two-thirds the width of your sofa for the best proportion.
- The height of your coffee table should be equal to or slightly lower than your sofa seat cushions.
- Rectangular/Oval tables pair well with sofas, while Square/Round tables suit sectionals and larger seating groupings.
- Allow 12-17 inches of space between your sofa and coffee table for comfortable legroom.
In This Article…
- How Big Should a Coffee Table Be?
- What Coffee Table Shape is Best for Your Living Room?
- Ideal Coffee Table Placement & Spacing
How Big Should a Coffee Table Be?
Before selecting a coffee table, It is a good idea to measure your space and determine how much room you have for a coffee table before beginning your search. Check out our article on How to Measure a Room for the Right Furniture for helpful tips!
Each of the following sections will focus on one measurement: Width, Height and Length.
How Wide Should a Coffee Table Be?
According to Zeina, the ideal coffee table width should be two-thirds the width of your sofa. This keeps the table proportional to your seating and maintains a cohesive look.
Should a Coffee Table Be Higher or Lower Than a Sofa?
For both comfort and aesthetics, your coffee table should be equal to or slightly lower than your sofa seat cushions—within 2 to 3 inches.
A table that is too tall disrupts the flow of the space, while one that is too short can make it less functional for everyday use.
How Long Should a Coffee Table Be?
When considering the length of a coffee table, pay attention to the traffic flow in your living room.
The coffee table should allow for comfortable movement around the room. Aim for at least 17 inches of space between the table and the edge of your seating to maintain an easy traffic flow.
Coffee Table Size Guide
|
Measurement |
Ideal Size |
|
Width |
Two-Thirds the width of your sofa |
|
Height |
Even with or slightly below seat cushions (within 2-3 inches) |
|
Length |
Allow 17 inches of space for walkways |
What Coffee Table Shape is best for Your Living Room?
The shape of your coffee table should complement your seating arrangement, create a balanced look, and allow for smooth movement around the space. While rectangular coffee tables are the most common, other shapes may be better suited to your specific layout.
Use the guide below to find the best shape for your living room.
Rectangular Coffee Tables
A rectangular coffee table is a classic and versatile choice, ideal for standard sofas and traditional layouts. It provides ample surface space for décor, drinks, and everyday use while maintaining a clean and structured look. However, in small or narrow living rooms, it may feel bulky and take up too much floor space.
Square Coffee Tables
Square tables are a great fit for large sectionals or L-shaped seating arrangements, where they naturally fill the center space. They offer a balanced, symmetrical look. If one square table feels too small, consider placing two side by side for extra surface space. In narrow or compact rooms, however, a square table may overwhelm the space.
Round Coffee Tables
Round tables are perfect for smaller spaces and family-friendly homes, as they eliminate sharp edges and improve traffic flow. They work well with sectionals and smaller seating groupings. However, in long and narrow living rooms, they may not provide enough surface area for practical use.
Oval Coffee Tables
Oval tables combine the spaciousness of a rectangle with the soft curves of a round table. They are ideal for sofas with chaise lounges and high-traffic areas since they allow for smoother movement. If you prefer a more defined structure in your layout, an oval table may not be the best fit.
Abstract/Organic-Shaped Coffee Tables
For a modern and artistic look, abstract-shaped tables can bring a unique sense of movement to your space. They are best suited for contemporary or eclectic interiors but may feel out of place in traditional or highly structured room designs.
How Much Space Should Be between the Coffee Table and Sofa?
To create comfortable legroom and easy access, leave 12-17 inches of space between the coffee table and your seating. This allows you to reach for drinks or décor items easily while maintaining ample walking space.
If the coffee table is placed too far away, it becomes inconvenient for everyday use. If it’s too close, it may make the space feel cluttered and restrict movement.
Ideally, the coffee table should sit in the center of an area rug, with the seating arrangement placed around it. According to Zeina, this is not always possible, depending on the room's shape and overall furniture layout.
If the table cannot be placed in the center of the area rug, ensure that the table lives at the center of the conversation area, says Zeina.
For more information on furniture placement, check out 8 Practical Tips for Arranging Your Living Room Furniture.
What's Next?
Now you understand which coffee table would be best for your space, why not start shopping today? At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, we offer a wide selection of coffee tables to match any style. Whether you’re looking for a classic wooden table, a sleek glass design, or a multi-functional ottoman, our team can help you make the best choice.
Our sales consultants can always assist you and show you our entire coffee table selection at any of our furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston locations.
And if you want to take it a step further, we offer complimentary design services to help you make the most of your space and create a cohesive look throughout your home.
If you want to learn more about La-Z-Boy in general, take a look at this comprehensive furniture buyers guide.
Related Links:
How Much Does a Coffee Table Cost?
Best Furniture Stores for Coffee Tables in Ottawa
Ideas for Decorating your Living Room: Tips From a La-Z-Boy Designer