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Design 101
Sofa Table Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Fit
April 17, 2025
Sofa Tables in the Home
The sofa is the heart of any living room. It’s your not-so-secret nap spot, a makeshift home office, and — let’s be honest — a dinner table when you’re deep into a show. But on its own, a couch can look a little... lonely. That’s where a sofa table comes in.
This slender piece typically nestles along the back or one side of your sofa. It’s a blank canvas for décor and a pretty handy place for your coffee mug, especially when naptime strikes. But what size sofa table do you actually need? That depends on your taste, how you plan to use it, and maybe even how long your arms are — more on that later.
What Is a Sofa Table?
There’s no clever wordplay here. A sofa table is exactly what it sounds like — a surface that goes behind or beside your sofa. Thanks to its slim profile, it takes up very little floor space.
If you’ve never used one before, it might seem unnecessary. Why would anyone need a table behind the couch?
No, it’s not a conspiracy by Big Furniture. A sofa table has a real purpose: it fills the empty space behind your couch, especially if your sofa floats in the middle of the room. Without it, the setup can feel awkward or unfinished. A sofa table brings the look together and adds dimension to your space.
It’s also an opportunity to bring more décor into your living room. Even the nicest couches aren’t particularly ornamental — unless you’ve splurged on a Victorian-style showpiece. With a sofa table, you can show off candles, plants, or any decorative flair you like.
Still not convinced? Think of sofa tables as cousins to console tables (which usually go against a wall) or entryway tables (which live in your foyer). If you’ve got room, you can collect the whole stylish family.
Standard Sofa Table Sizes
Sofa tables are generally standardized — unless you go custom, you won’t find anything wildly oversized. Here’s a quick look at typical dimensions:
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Height: 28 to 32 inches
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Length: 24 to 48 inches (or longer for big couches)
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Depth: 12 to 15 inches
So, how tall should a sofa table be for your space? Aim for one that’s within an inch of your sofa’s back height. For example, if your couch is 30 inches tall, look for a table that’s 29 to 31 inches tall.
You want the table to align visually with your sofa. Too short, and you’ll be awkwardly reaching for things. Too tall, and it could feel imposing or even block your view.
As for length, the golden rule is about two-thirds the length of your sofa. It shouldn’t stick out past the couch, but it also shouldn’t look undersized.
And for depth, 12 to 15 inches hits the sweet spot — roomy enough for décor, but not so bulky that it dominates the room.
How to Choose the Right Sofa Table Size
This might sound obvious, but don’t even think about sofa table shopping until you’ve measured your couch. This isn’t the time to guess.
Grab a tape measure and note:
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Height: From the floor to the top of the sofa’s frame
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Length: From the end of one armrest to the other
While you’re at it, measure the space behind the couch too. If the table will sit between the sofa and the wall, leave a few inches of breathing room to avoid scuffs. If your sofa floats in an open floor plan, make sure there's space for people — and your vacuum — to pass comfortably.
Choosing Sofa Table Sizes by Function
Think about what you actually want from your sofa table (aside from giving your couch a stylish best friend).
It should complement your room’s style. If you’re into glam, go for something like a slim gold-and-glass design. Prefer a beachy vibe? A rattan table could be perfect.
And don’t be afraid to bend the rules. These are guidelines, not laws. If you need more storage, a slightly oversized table with drawers might be a win. Or maybe you want to use it as a room divider — in which case, a taller table could work beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There’s nothing worse than assembling a piece of furniture only to realize it doesn’t fit. Here’s how to dodge that frustration:
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Avoid tables that are too high or too low — test it by setting a drink down while seated.
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Stick to that two-thirds rule when it comes to length.
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Don’t block pathways or create awkward traffic flow.
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Match proportions so your setup looks intentional, not mismatched.
Get More Out of Your Space
The back of a sofa isn’t bad, but it’s usually not doing much for the room. A slim sofa table transforms that blank canvas into something stylish and functional.
Sizing matters — a lot. Don’t eyeball it. Measure your couch and the surrounding space. You can even mark the dimensions with painter’s tape on the floor to get a feel for how it fits. It might seem a little extra, but it’ll save you from furniture regret.
Once you’ve figured out your sofa table dimensions, head to our catalog to find the perfect piece.
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F.A.Q.
What size sofa table do I need for an 84" couch?
The ideal sofa table length is about two-thirds the length of your sofa — so for an 84-inch couch, look for a table around 56 inches long. That’ll give you enough room for décor without overwhelming your setup.
Can a sofa table be higher than the sofa?
Technically, yes — no furniture police here. But practically, it’s best if the table is just under or level with the back of your couch. That way, it doesn’t peek over or distract from your sofa’s style.
How much space should there be between the sofa and the table?
Just a few inches. Too much space looks awkward and can turn into a shin-bumping hazard. But don’t press the table directly against the sofa either — a little wiggle room keeps things from getting knocked over when the couch gets rowdy (looking at you, zoomie-prone pets).