Should a sofa table be higher than the sofa?

Author: Gudrun Pfannerstill Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

A modern sofa table should be tall enough to stand out in the space but should still be low enough to sit behind the sofa. Our experts recommend finding a sofa table approximately one inch below the sofa's frame.

Should a sofa table be higher or lower than the sofa?

Ideally, your sofa table should be about the same height as or lower than the back of your sofa--within an inch is perfect.

What is the rule of thumb for couch table?

The rule of thumb is that its surface area should be equal to or just below the height of the sofa arms. For a standard sofa, that's around 25 inches, but get out the measuring tape to be sure (I did, and it's a good thing — the arms on mine hit 28 inches). Most end tables are between 22 and 30 inches.

What is the best height for a sofa table?

The general rule of thumb is that you want the sofa table to be no smaller than half the length of your sofa, and to have at least a foot of space on either side of the table. As for its height, it should sit slightly lower, approximately an inch or so, than the back sofa cushions.

Are end tables supposed to be taller than a couch?

Here's the rule: your end table should be within two inches of your sofa's arm height. If your couch's arm stands at just 18 inches, then, you'll want a shorter end table (between 16-20 inches). Accordingly, taller couches require taller end tables.

Ask Sarah: Choosing the Right End Tables for Your Sofa (Ep. 10)

What is the ideal difference between seat height and table height?

A standard tabletop sits somewhere around 30 inches. As an interior design rule of thumb, the standard height of a chair seat (the top of the seat that you sit on) is about 18 inches high. This seat height allows for about a foot of space between your body and the table.

Are sofa tables still in style?

In conclusion, sofa tables are a versatile and stylish addition to any living space, offering functionality and aesthetic appeal. By choosing the right type and style, you can enhance your home's decor while providing practical storage and display options.

What is the most comfortable table height?

When trying to find the best ergonomic table height, always look at your elbows! The work surface of your desk should be the same height as your elbows whether you are sitting or standing.

How high should a sofa be off the floor?

Seat Height: Sofa height is the distance from the floor to the top of a sofa's seat cushion. This measurement can range from 15" to 20", with most sofa seats between 17" and 18" off of the floor.

What is the 2/3 rule sofa?

The golden ratio rule essentially says that your living room furniture arrangement should follow a 2:3 ratio. This means that between your couches, chairs, area rugs, and coffee tables, proportions should generally be a two-thirds proportion.

How far should a sofa be from the TV?

The Ideal Distance From TV to Sofa

Generally speaking, you should place your TV around double the distance of the screen size away from your sofa. This sounds a bit confusing but it's quite simple. If you have a 60-inch TV, your sofa should be placed double the distance away - so 120 inches, or about 3 metres.

Is it okay if the coffee table is higher than the couch?

Table Height: Generally, the height of a coffee table should be within 1-2 inches of the height of the sofa seat. This ensures that the table is at a convenient level for reaching items while seated and facilitates easy access without straining.

How do I know if my couch is too big for my room?

Your sofa should not occupy the entire length of a wall and there should be at least 18 inches of space on either side of the sofa, a good rule to use when figuring out if a sofa or sectional couch will suit your space.

Should a footstool be higher than the sofa?

The ideal height for a footstool is between 30cm and 77cm, however it really depends on the height of your other furniture. A footstool shouldn't be higher than a sofa or armchair, because you want to create a comfortable support for your feet, and this will feel more natural at a slightly lower angle.

How do I know if my table is too high?

If you experience neck pain and shoulder pain after sitting for long hours at your desk, it might indicate that your desk is too high. To check your current workstation, sit at your desk and assess the setup. Your feet should be flat on the floor or footrest with your knees at a 90° angle.

How high should side table be compared to sofa?

End tables should be within 2" of a sofa's arm height (or an armchair's height) for a proportional look and easy access to books, drinks, or snacks. For example, if the sofa's arm is 22" tall, a proper end table can be anywhere from 20" – 24" tall.

Can a sofa table be higher than a sofa?

A modern sofa table should be tall enough to stand out in the space but should still be low enough to sit behind the sofa. Our experts recommend finding a sofa table approximately one inch below the sofa's frame.

What style of sofa is most popular?

Style. When it comes to style trends, two distinct designs dominate the market: traditional (like the English roll arm or Chesterfield sofa) and modern, contemporary styles (such as those with curved, soft shapes).

What is the point of a sofa table?

A sofa table is designed to be placed directly behind a sofa. Its height aligns with the back of the sofa, making it the perfect spot to display decorative items, hold a lamp, or keep essentials like remotes and books within easy reach.

What is the normal sofa seat height?

Seat Height

The average sofa height measures 17 to 18" from the floor to the top of the cushion. When thinking about this measurement, also consider how much you'll sink into the couch once you sit. Additionally, a great rule to keep in mind is that the deeper the seat depth, the lower the seat height needs to be.

How high should my table be?

The standard dining table height is 28 to 30 inches (71-76cm), which will suit most people. Dining chairs should be 17-19 inches (45-50cm) to match. If a different height is selected, the proportions of the chairs should be made to match. The spacing of the dining room table within the room is also essential.

Is 32 inches too high for a dining table?

The standard dining room table height is 28 to 32 inches tall.

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