The Only Coffee Table Buying Guide You Need

Coffee tables are a living room must have. They are the quiet overachievers of your living room — holding your coffee, hosting your books, and somehow pulling your entire seating area together. It’s practical, yes. But it’s also deeply personal.

So if you're here wondering how to choose a coffee table that gets you (and your space), you're in the right place. 

Whether you're styling from scratch or upgrading your current setup, this coffee table buying guide walks you through every step — from size and shape to style and storage — so you can find a piece that’s as hardworking as it is good-looking.

Why your coffee table matters more than you think

Think of your coffee table as the punctuation mark in your living room — not the loudest piece, but the one that brings rhythm and structure to the whole sentence. The right one doesn’t just match your sofa; it makes the whole room make sense.

And because it’s so central (literally), the wrong choice can throw everything off. Ever stubbed your toe on an oversized table? Or reached for your drink only to realise it’s way too low? Yeah — we’ve been there.

How to choose a coffee table that works for your layout

Let’s get the measurements out of the way first, because form needs to follow function if you want a space that flows.

So, how big should a coffee table be?

A good rule of thumb is that your coffee table should be two-thirds the length of your sofa. It’s enough to feel balanced without overwhelming the room.

But don’t forget about your actual living situation. Do you need space to stretch out, entertain, or display your 18 coffee table books? Size up or down accordingly.

How far should a coffee table be from the couch?

You want just enough room to move around comfortably without having to leap across the room to set down your drink. The magic number is about 40 to 45 cm between the sofa edge and the coffee table.

How tall should a coffee table be?

Aim for a coffee table that’s roughly the same height as your sofa seat — typically between 40 to 45 cm. It should feel natural to reach forward, not like you're doing a squat just to grab the remote.

Got a deeper, lounge-style sofa? You might want a slightly lower table to match the vibe. Think of it as setting the stage for your space.

A breakdown of the types of coffee tables

Style isn’t just surface-level. We’re talking function, form, and how the table works in your day-to-day. Whether you need storage, flexibility, or just something that fits your oddly shaped sofa setup, there’s a coffee table shape and size for that. 

Rectangular coffee table

This is the classic, the go-to, the safe bet. Rectangular coffee tables provide ample surface area and fit seamlessly in most living room layouts, especially in front of standard sofas or longer corner sofas.

Best for: Traditional setups, large sofas, living rooms that need a grounding centrepiece

Round coffee table

Soft edges, easy movement, and no corners to catch your knee on. Round coffee tables are great for encouraging flow and creating a more social, circular layout, especially in smaller or curved spaces.

Best for: Small spaces, curved sofas, homes with kids (or clumsy adults)

Square coffee table

Stylish and symmetrical, square tables make a bold design statement — but they need room to breathe. They work best in spacious rooms or with L-shaped corner sofas where the table can sit neatly in the corner pocket.

Best for: Open living room layouts, large corner sofas, symmetrical living rooms

Oval coffee table

Like a rectangular table but with all the sharpness smoothed out. Oval tables offer a lot of surface area with a softer, more approachable form — perfect if you want the best of both worlds.

Best for: Long sofas or narrow living rooms where you still want flow without sacrificing function

Lift-top coffee table

This one's a shapeshifter. Need a work-from-sofa setup? A casual dining spot? Hidden storage for that mystery tangle of remote controls? A lift-top coffee table has your back (and your snacks).

Best for: Multifunctional spaces, small apartments, hybrid living-dining zones

Nesting coffee tables

Two (or more) tables that tuck together — or spread out when needed. Nesting tables are perfect for flexible layouts, occasional hosting, or smaller homes where versatility is everything.

Best for: Compact spaces, modular living rooms, people who love to rearrange

Storage coffee table

Sometimes we want our table to do more than just sit there looking pretty. A storage coffee table gives you drawers, shelves, or hidden compartments for everything from board games to charging cables.

Best for: Clutter-prone households, minimalist aesthetics, and anyone tired of losing the remote

Drum or pedestal coffee table

These sculptural beauties offer a solid, often circular base and a lot of visual weight. They’re great for adding a focal point to a minimalist room — but be warned, they’re usually heavy and not always easy to move.

Best for: Statement moments, minimalist interiors, or grounding open layouts

Coffee table functionality: Size, materials, and storage

Now let’s get practical. A coffee table might look like a simple slab on legs, but don’t be fooled — it pulls more weight than you think. Whether it’s hiding clutter, anchoring your layout, or moonlighting as a desk, your table needs to match your lifestyle. Here’s how to make sure it does.

Size and scale

A coffee table that's too small can look like a coaster lost in the middle of your rug. Too big, and it becomes an obstacle course between you and the sofa. So, how do you hit the sweet spot?

• Length: Aim for a coffee table that’s around two-thirds the length of your sofa. For example, if your sofa is 228 cm long, your coffee table should be around 152 cm.
  
  

• Width: Think about foot traffic and flow. Most coffee tables fall between 45 to 76 cm wide, but go narrower if you’re working with a compact layout.
  
  

• Height: Match the seat height of your sofa — usually 40 to 45 cm. If you like a more loungy, low-slung vibe, go slightly lower. Hosting frequently? A slightly taller table (around 48 cm) might be more practical for snacks and board games.

And don’t forget: Size is relative. In a small living room, a sleek table with an open base can keep things feeling airy, while a chunkier piece can ground a larger space without feeling overbearing.

Functionality and storage

Let’s face it: Real homes come with real clutter. Whether it’s remotes, half-read books, or a bunch of coasters, storage-friendly coffee tables help you stay stylish and sane.

Look for:

• Lift-top designs for hidden compartments and makeshift workstations
  
  

• Built-in drawers for quick clean-ups
  
  

• Open shelving for baskets, trays, or decor that doubles as storage
  
  

• Nesting tables for flexible setups that expand or collapse as needed

If you like your surfaces clear, storage is a must. If you're a minimalist at heart, keep it sleek with an open, simple top and let the rest of the room do the heavy lifting.

Material and durability

Your coffee table needs to take a hit daily. So, pick materials that can put up a fight. Here is a list of materials and who they’ll be good for:

Versatility and future-proofing

Your life changes — so should your furniture. Whether you’re rearranging the room or swapping styles, look for modular or multi-use coffee tables like nesting designs, rotatable storage, or those that can moonlight as desks or dinner trays.

The coffee table, your living room’s MVP

At its best, a coffee table is more than just a centrepiece — it’s a hardworking anchor for your living space. The right one balances function with form, adapts to your lifestyle, and ties your whole room together without trying too hard.

So, whether you're curling up with coffee, hosting movie night, or just need a place to stash the remotes, choose a coffee table that works with your space, not against it.

Frequently asked questions about how to pick a coffee table

What is the best material for a coffee table?

It depends on how you live. If you’ve got little ones or love a good snack spread, a sturdy wood or marble coffee table can handle the wear (and the occasional spill). Tempered glass feels sleek and light in tighter spaces, while metal lends a cool industrial edge. Our take? Go for a material that matches your lifestyle as much as your style. Your table shouldn’t just look good — it should hold up to real life.

What’s the best coffee table for a living room?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer — because no two living rooms (or lifestyles) are the same. Small space? Try a round or oval table to keep the layout feeling open. Need storage? A lift-top or one with hidden compartments pulls double duty. Big sofa? Go rectangular for balance. The best coffee table is one that fits your space and makes your everyday a little easier.

What is the 2/3 rule for coffee tables?

Think of it as a visual trick to get proportions just right. The 2/3 rule says your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This helps keep the room feeling balanced, not too cramped, not too empty. It’s the design world’s version of “just right.”