The coffee table is the centerpiece of your living room and one of the most used furniture pieces in your home. You place drinks on it, gather around it with family, style it with décor, and rely on it daily. But even the most beautiful coffee table loses its function if it’s the wrong height.

Too tall? It blocks your sightline and feels awkward. Too short? You constantly lean forward uncomfortably.If you’ve been asking how tall should a coffee table be, this guide breaks down everything you need to know  including ergonomic rules, sofa compatibility, shape-specific height recommendations, and modern design considerations.We’ll reference beautiful SICOTAS coffee tables throughout, featuring clean, contemporary designs in round, rectangular, and wood finishes.

What Is the Standard Height of a Coffee Table?

The ideal coffee table height is:

✔ 1–2 inches lower than your sofa seat height

(Usually 16–18 inches tall)

Or, more precisely:

Standard coffee table height range:

15”–20” (38–51 cm)

Most sofas have a seat height of 17–19 inches, which makes:

• 16–18 inch tables the sweet spot.

This ensures:

• Natural arm comfort
• Easy reach
• Proper proportions
• Balanced room aesthetics

How to Measure Proper Coffee Table Height (Simple Formula)

Use this fast and accurate formula:

✔ Table Height = Sofa Seat Height – 1 to 2 inches

Example:
If your sofa seat height is 18 inches:
→ Your coffee table should be 16–17 inches tall.

Why lower is better:

• Prevents blocking the view
• Keeps the room feeling open
• Allows comfortable forward reach

Coffee Table Height Guidelines by Table Shape

Different shapes serve different functions  so their ideal heights vary slightly.

Rectangular Coffee Table Height

Best for: long sofas, sectional living rooms

Ideal height:

✔ 16–18 inches

Why:

• Aligns with long sofa proportions
• Maintains visual harmony
• Perfect for everyday use

Best SICOTAS picks:

• Stria Coffee Table (Rectangle)
• Savanna Coffee Table

Square Coffee Table Height

Best for: symmetrical layouts, modular sofas

Ideal height:

✔ 16–17 inches

Styling reason:

Square tables look heavier.
Lower heights prevent visual bulk.

Round Coffee Table Height

Best for: small rooms, curved sofas, soft modern interiors

Ideal height:

✔ 15–17 inches

Round tables feel lighter, so a slightly lower height preserves balance and makes it easy to move around the table.

SICOTAS option:

• Stria Round Coffee Table (perfect height for modern homes)

Glass Coffee Table Height

Glass tables work visually taller because of their transparency.

Ideal height:

✔ 15–18 inches

A lower height keeps the silhouette elegant and airy.

Coffee Table Height Based on Sofa Type

Not all sofas are built the same. Here's how to match your coffee table to your seating:

For Modern Low Sofas

• Sofa height: 15–17 inches
• Coffee table height: 14–16 inches

For Standard Sofas

• Sofa height: 17–19 inches
• Coffee table height: 16–18 inches

For Deep Sectionals

• Sofa height: 18–20 inches
• Coffee table height: 17–19 inches

For High Traditional Sofas

• Sofa height: 20–22 inches
• Coffee table height: 19–21 inches

Traditional sofas call for taller coffee tables to maintain harmony.

Coffee Table Height vs. Length & Width (Proportion Rules)

Height isn’t the only factor  length and width must stay proportional to your sofa.

✔ Coffee table length rule

Length should be ½ to ⅔ the length of your sofa

✔ Coffee table width rule

Leave 12–18 inches of space around the table for walkway comfort

The right height + right footprint = perfect ergonomic flow.

Why the Right Coffee Table Height Matters

Choosing the right height improves:

✔ Comfort

No leaning down uncomfortably to grab items.

✔ Visual Balance

Keeps the room looking proportional and polished.

✔ Safety

Correct height reduces tripping and bumping.

✔ Layout Efficiency

Allows smooth movement around your living room.

Top SICOTAS Coffee Tables (Perfect Height for Modern Homes)

Here’s why SICOTAS tables are ideal for achieving the correct height:

Stria Round Coffee Table

• Ideal height for modern spaces
• Perfect softness & balance
• Works with sectionals and small spaces

Stria Coffee Table (Rectangle)

• Versatile sizing
• Clean minimalist lines
• Perfect 16–18 inch range

Savanna Coffee Table

Available in: Black Oak, Reclaimed Light Oak, Reclaimed Caramel Oak

• Warm natural look
• Ideal height for cozy, boho, rustic, or Scandinavian living rooms

Explore them:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/sicotas-coffee-tables

Coffee Table Height for Different Living Room Styles

Living Room Style	Ideal Height	Why
Modern	15–17"	Sleek & low profiles
Contemporary	16–18"	Balanced and geometric
Scandinavian	16–17"	Airy, minimal harmony
Rustic	17–19"	Heavier textures need balance
Boho	16–18"	Blends with layering & décor
Industrial	16–18"	Works with metal frames
Traditional	18–21"	Matches taller sofas

 

Special Situations: When to Break the Rule

There are a few scenarios where you can choose a taller or shorter table.

✔ If your sofa is extremely low

Choose a shorter table (14–15").

✔ If your sofa is extra deep and tall

Choose a taller table (18–20").

✔ If your living room is very small

Choose a slightly lower table to create visual openness.

✔ If your coffee table also acts as a work surface

A slightly taller height (18–20") improves ergonomics.

How to Measure Coffee Table Height Correctly (Step-by-Step)

Step 1  Measure sofa seat height

Floor → top of cushion.

Step 2  Subtract 1–2 inches

This gives your ideal table height.

Step 3  Compare to coffee table specs

Check product dimensions before purchasing.

Step 4  Test with objects

Place a box or stack of books in front of your sofa to visualize height.

Coffee Table Height Guide (Quick Reference Chart)

Sofa Height	Ideal Coffee Table Height
15"	14"
16"	15"
17"	16"
18"	16–17"
19"	17–18"
20"	18–19"
22"	19–21"

 

Final Thoughts

So, how tall should a coffee table be?
The answer is simple:

✔ 1–2 inches lower than your sofa seat height

✔ Standard range: 16–18 inches

But when choosing your coffee table, also consider:

• Sofa shape
• Room layout
• Table material
• Table shape
• Aesthetic style

SICOTAS coffee tables are intentionally designed within the ideal ergonomic height range, ensuring both comfort and visual harmony in any living room.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should a coffee table be?

Ideally 1–2 inches lower than your sofa cushion height, usually 16–18 inches.

Can a coffee table be taller than the sofa?

It can, but no more than 1 inch taller. Otherwise, it disrupts visual flow.

What is the best height for a round coffee table?

15–17 inches to maintain balance and easy movement.

Is a 20-inch coffee table too tall?

It’s fine for tall traditional sofas or deep sectionals; too tall for modern low sofas.

What’s the ideal height for a glass coffee table?

15–18 inches to maintain an elegant, airy look.

Do coffee table height rules apply to square tables?

Yes  but square tables look best slightly lower (16–17 inches).

Are SICOTAS coffee tables the right height?

Yes  their designs fall within the ideal ergonomic range for modern sofas.