Coffee Tables

A good rule of thumb is to choose a coffee table that is around two thirds the length of your sofa. It should sit between 35cm and 45cm away from the sofa so it is easy to reach from a seated position. For a standard three-seater sofa of around 200cm, a coffee table of 120cm to 140cm works well.

A coffee table should ideally sit at a similar height to the seat cushions of your sofa, typically between 40cm and 50cm tall. This makes it easy to reach from a seated position without having to lean forward uncomfortably. Some lower tables at around 35cm work well with higher sofas.

Rectangular coffee tables are the most popular choice in the UK as they suit the majority of sofa arrangements and living room layouts. Round and oval tables are the second most popular, particularly in smaller rooms or homes with children, as the absence of sharp corners is a practical advantage.

The terms are largely interchangeable in UK furniture retail. A cocktail table is an American term that traditionally referred to a low rectangular table placed in front of a sofa. In the UK, the same piece is almost universally called a coffee table regardless of shape or size.

A coffee table is not designed to hold a TV and is generally too low and not deep enough for a stable setup. However, a larger coffee table with storage can work as a media surface in a very small room where a dedicated TV unit is not practical. For TV storage, a purpose-built TV table is a better solution.