Coffee Table Buying Guide

Whether it is to hold the latest magazines or travel books, offer extra living-room storage, or to elevate home decor, your coffee table plays a vital role in tying the room together. Rely on this coffee table guide to help determine the type of table you should bring home.


  • Ensure you have ample walk-around space around the table to avoid bumping into it.

  • The approximate width of your table will be the space remaining after you deduct placement distance from the sofa and TV stand.
  • The height of your coffee table can be the same as your sofa seat height or up to 2 inches lower and length should not be more than two-thirds of your sofa.

Shape and ideal sofa types

  • A square coffee table is ideal for large sofas and traditional sofas.

  • A rectangular coffee table works well with standard-sized sofas and long sofas with a chaise.

  • An oval coffee table can be placed in compact spaces with a standard-sized sofa or long sofas with a chaise.
  • This table is good for homes with kids because it does not have sharp corners.

  • A round coffee table can be placed in compact spaces with a loveseat or sectional sofa to create a cozy nook.
  • This table is good for homes with kids because it does not have sharp corners.