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A coffee table is a captivating centerpiece in your living room or any communal space in your home. On top of complementing other furnishings, it also offers unparalleled functionality for a more comfortable lifestyle.
For instance, it’s there when you put your coffee mug or newspaper down early in the morning. It’s also at bay when you need a table for weekend get-togethers with friends. Plus, it’s at your disposal when you need to put your feet up after a long day!
But when a coffee table has the wrong dimensions, all these won’t be possible. So if you want ultimate comfort and convenience at home, measuring coffee table height and length is imperative. And we’ll tell you how in this article.
How to Measure Coffee Table Height
It’s easy to make a beeline for the first attractive coffee table you see at your favorite home depot. But before you buy anything you’ll regret, do these steps.
1. Measure your sofa’s height first
Your coffee table and sofa are like bacon and eggs. They are the perfect tandem in any living room. Before purchasing a coffee table, measure your sofa’s height.
Grab a tape measure and write down your sofa’s height. Start from the floor to the sofa’s top cushion. Remember, a coffee table must be the same level or about one to two inches lower than the top of your sofa’s cushion.
A standard sofa size has these dimensions:
- Height - 33 inches (84 cm)
- Width - 84 inches (152 cm)
- Depth - 40 inches (102 cm)
2. Think about the primary coffee table purpose
One factor to consider when grabbing a taller coffee table is when you need additional storage or space. For example, nesting tables could be an excellent option to expand the tabletop if you need more space for snacks or drinks.
Although uncommon, some homes also have relatively higher sofas and chairs. If you have taller furnishings, it’s also best to choose a taller coffee table. A higher coffee table is suitable for homeowners who frequently host parties, so guests can quickly reach for snacks when standing up and socializing.
If, for some reason, you need a tall coffee table, make sure it’s not more than four inches higher than your sofa’s cushions.
3. Measure coffee table height from floor to tabletop
Modern living rooms require a shorter coffee with a standard height of 14 to 20 inches. If you have a small space, it’s best to stick to smaller square or round coffee tables.
However, bigger spaces could feature rectangular coffee tables between 16 and 20 inches. Anything over 20 inches might throw the balance off in your living room.
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How to Measure Coffee Table Length
The next factor to consider is the length of your coffee table. This is vital in measuring coffee tables as it will style your furnishings properly.
Golden Ratio or 2:3 Rule
The 2:3 rule in interior design, also known as the ‘golden ratio,’ is crucial in ensuring cohesion in your space. Apply the 2:3 rule in measuring your coffee table and arranging furniture in your living room.
Measuring your coffee table length means you also have to measure your sofa’s length first. Once you know your sofa’s size, ensure your coffee table length is 2:3 of your sofa’s length.
Pro Tip: Take note of the golden ratio rule when decorating your space. Divide the area into sections, ensuring one section is 2:3 of the entire room. This is where big furniture items go, like your sofa and coffee table.
Sofas can measure between 70 and 96 inches long. Standard ones have a length of 84 inches. A three-person sofa can measure between 70 to 87 inches long.
Example of 2:3 rule:
- If your sofa is 96 inches long, your coffee table should be around 62 inches
- If your sofa is 84 inches long, your coffee table should be around 56 inches
- If your sofa is 70 inches long, your coffee table should be around 46 inches
Consider Coffee Table Shapes When Measuring Coffee Tables
Another factor to consider is the shape of your coffee table. Here are some common coffee table shapes, sizes, and recommended sofa types:
Rectangular Coffee Tables
Rectangular coffee tables are perfect for modern and bigger spaces. Most of these coffee tables measure 47 inches in length and 27 inches in width. This pairs perfectly well with a two-seater sofa, which is around 63 inches long.
Round coffee tables
Round coffee tables are suitable for homes with children and pets due to the lack of sharp corners. Also, a round coffee table fits a sectional couch well because there are no definite lines on all sides. These come in measurements between 22 to 30 inches.
If you have a six-foot or 72-inch sofa, your coffee table should be 48 inches or have a diameter round of 36 to 48 inches.
Square coffee tables
Bigger living rooms can also take advantage of a square-shaped table. Square coffee tables fit a more traditional living room conversational set-up with a sofa and a few chairs. These can measure between 22 to 30 inches.
A corner sofa with equal size on each side can go well with square coffee tables.
Conclusion
Measuring your coffee table for optimum comfort must consider many factors, such as your sofa size, the coffee table’s purpose, and living room size. The golden ratio rule will help you find the perfect coffee table size that matches your sofa and other furnishings. Check out this ultimate coffee table guide for more in-depth details on selecting coffee tables.
Check out Local Furniture Outlet’s website for traditional, modern, rustic, vintage, and contemporary coffee tables fit for any home.
