From essential rules to 69 stylish options for every space, we’ve got everything you need to pick a coffee table that becomes your living room’s new favorite piece. Discover the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect coffee table!
The coffee table. It’s so useful, yet we often don’t think about it much. Sure, the sofa gets all the attention because it keeps us comfy, but the coffee table is the real MVP of the living room. It holds our drinks, remotes, books, gadgets, and, let’s be honest, takeout dinners after a long day. Sometimes it even doubles as a stool (not recommended but we’ve all been there), desk, or craft station. With such an important role, you’d think it would be one of the first things we think about when designing a room—but usually, it’s not.
We spend hours hunting for the perfect sofa, rug, or chairs, and then just toss in an old coffee table from Aunt Susan (no offense to Aunt Susan). Some of you may have really thought about your coffee table, but many don’t. Either way, picking the right one can be tricky. What size? What shape? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up 69 amazing coffee tables in all shapes and sizes, along with some rules to guide you in choosing the best one for your space.
Coffee Table Rules
While there’s no hard rule, there are a few guidelines to keep your coffee table and sofa in balance:
- Size: Your coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa but no more than 2/3. In terms of height, aim for something about the same height as your sofa seat (give or take 4 inches). So, if your sofa is 90 inches long and 20 inches tall, look for a coffee table between 45 and 54 inches wide and 16 to 24 inches high.
- Sectionals: If you’ve got a sectional with a chaise, use the horizontal part of the sofa when applying the 1/2 to 2/3 rule, not the entire length. We’ve even included a handy graphic to show how it works.
Want more tips on how to arrange your living room? Check out our post on spacing, rug sizes, lighting tips, and more!
Which Shape is Best and How to Pick the Right one?
Once you’ve got the size right, it’s time to think about style. Here’s how to choose the best shape for your room:
Rectangular Coffee Table
A rectangular (or oval) table is great for standard or extra-long sofas, especially if you have a chaise. It gives everyone easy access to drinks or snacks and works well in narrow spaces. If you’ve got a lot of remotes or tech clutter, consider a table with built-in storage like #1, #7, or #11. And if you’re a regular TV diner, lift-top tables like #15 or #20 are lifesavers.
Tip: Your coffee table is a chance to make a statement! Try mixing up materials, colors, or patterns to contrast with your sofa.
My Picks
Square Coffee Table
Square tables are perfect for large sectionals or setups where you’ve got a sofa and a few chairs. They fit neatly into the L-shaped corner of a sectional or the middle of a seating area, plus they give you tons of surface space for decor and essentials.
My Picks
Round Coffee Table
For smaller spaces, round tables are a great option. They take up less room and work well with sectionals or sofas with a chaise, fitting nicely into tight spaces. Their soft shape also contrasts well with the boxy lines of a sofa.
My Picks
Oval Coffee Table
Oval tables are a good pick if you’ve got kids or need to avoid sharp edges. They’re also perfect for high-traffic rooms where you need to move around easily. The curved shape helps keep things flowing, especially if you have a modern, angular sofa. We love options like #10 for a mix of style and practicality.
My Picks
Organic Coffee Table
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, organic-shaped coffee tables might be your style. These tables don’t follow strict lines like rectangles or circles. Instead, they have soft, flowing, and irregular shapes that add a natural, artistic feel to a room. Organic tables work well in spaces where you want to break away from straight edges and introduce more movement. These shapes are also perfect if you want to create a more relaxed, informal vibe in your living room. Think sculptural pieces that feel one-of-a-kind, like a piece of art as much as a functional surface. If your space feels a bit too structured, an organic coffee table can soften things up and add some visual interest.
My Picks
Feeling Unsure? Pick a Timeless Piece
If you’re not 100% sure about your style or tend to second-guess your choices, go for a timeless coffee table. A classic, simple design will work no matter how often you switch up the rest of your room. It’s a safe bet that’ll always look good!
We also know that it is easy to get overwhelmed by the endless choices: colors, materials, prices—you name it. that’s why we also put together, How to Choose the Right Dining Chairs Without Losing Your Mind, trust me it will make your choices way easier.
