For practicality, coffee table drawers should generally face the sofa. This allows for easy access to its contents without having to move around the table.
When arranging a coffee table in relation to a couch, the standard distance to maintain is approximately 16 to 18 inches. This spacing is widely recommended by interior designers and for good reasons, ensuring both functionality and comfort in your living room setup.
Short answer, no, a coffee table does not have to be centered in front of the sofa. While centering the coffee table is a common approach in interior design, it's not a strict rule.
In a small living room, it's important to position the coffee table in a way that it doesn't obstruct the flow of the room. In a larger living room, placing the coffee table in the center of the seating area works well, and you can add additional decorative elements around it.
Traditional Layout
In a classic setup with a sofa facing a TV or fireplace, the table typically finds its home directly in front of the sofa.
If you're using yours to store everyday items, making sure the drawers face the sofa makes more sense. This way you can use your coffee table to store away everyday items like TV remotes, matches, books and coasters.
Typically, sofas and seats will be about 17- to 18-inches tall, so your coffee table should be about the same or slightly shorter. Generally, coffee tables should be about 2 inches shorter than the top of the seat cushion of your couch or chair. There is, however, an exception to this rule.
To achieve this look, opt for a coffee table that is 2/3 the length of your sofa and no more than a couple inches higher or lower that the sofas seat height. Depending on the shape of your sofa (consider the arm style, seat cushion style, etc), it's ideal to choose a contrasting coffee table.
Coffee tables are still very popular today. For one thing, they provide a place to set down for your coffee or tea while you're sitting on the couch. They also give your living room or family room a more homey and inviting feel, especially if they have a high-quality finish that reflects light well.
Center the Rug: In most cases, it's best to center the rug under the coffee table. This creates a focal point and a sense of balance in the room.
No, your coffee table and TV stand do not necessarily need to match. While coordinating these two furniture pieces can create a cohesive look in your living room, mixing and matching styles can also result in an interesting and eclectic design.
The Bottom Line
First, think about the overall style of your living space. If you have a more traditional style, matching a coffee table and TV stand might be the way to go. If you have a more eclectic style, mismatching might work better. Second, think about the colors in your living space.
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.
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.
For smaller living rooms, a round coffee table is a better option than rectangular coffee tables because they take up less space. Round coffee tables don't have corners which makes them more suited to tight spaces.
Find Balance When Arranging Furniture
To create balance, consider the size and placement of various furniture pieces. Avoid grouping all the small or large pieces in one area, or the room will feel lopsided. Mix small and large items together, as well as high and low items.
Mixed Materials: Combining different materials, such as wood and metal or glass and marble, is a popular trend. These coffee tables bring together contrasting textures and colors, creating a dynamic and sophisticated look.
Some people choose to live without a coffee table because they don't have room for one. If you're living in an apartment or other space that doesn't have much room, it's not only ok to go without one, it's most likely the better option to keep your space feeling airy and uncluttered.
Distance between sofa and coffee table: 14-18 inches. You want the space to be close enough to reach for the remote or set down your drink, but far enough away to allow a little leg room. Follow the same rule for other seating in the room if you want to be able to reach the coffee table.
The standard coffee table height is between 16" and 18", however, we recommend choosing a coffee table height that pairs well with your sofa. Your coffee table height should be the same as your sofa cushions, or 1" – 2" lower than your sofa.
Shape and Style Coordination: A round or oval coffee table is often ideal for sectionals, as it helps maintain a flow and avoids sharp edges that can disrupt the movement around the room. If you prefer a square or rectangular option, ensure it complements the sectional's shape without overpowering it.
As mentioned earlier, a good rule of thumb is to have your coffee table at about the same height as the seat height of your couch, or slightly lower. This ensures that it's easy for you and your guests to reach for drinks, snacks, or anything else you might need while seated.
As for length, the general rule is to pick a coffee table that measures roughly two-thirds the length of your couch. That way, your table won't take over the space, and everyone seated on the sofa can still reach their snacks.
Neither a sofa nor a coffee table should face away from the TV set. In this case, it will be very uncomfortable to watch TV. If a selected table has drawers, they should always face the sofa, not the fireplace or TV set for easy reach. If there're drawers on both sides, don't think about the issue at all.
The ideal table is about a third to half of the total length of the couch . This ensures that he is easily accessible from anywhere. Also note the distance between sofa and coffee table . You should be able to comfortably reach the table from the sofa, but there should always be enough space to walk around the table.