Sofa Table Dimensions

What Size Should a Sofa Table Be?

How to Choose the Best Table for Your Sofa

Sofa tables, otherwise known as console tables, are perfect for those looking to add practical, space-saving storage to their living rooms. Before you start shopping for one of these items, however, you’ll need to figure out which sofa table size pairs well with the other furnishings in your layout, offers the ample storage you’re looking for and complements your interior design style.

Overview

Check out this post for helpful tips on selecting the best console table for you, including info about:

Browse different sofa table sizes and styles to find the perfect fit for your home.
Browse different sofa table sizes and styles to find the perfect fit for your home.

Typical Sofa Table Dimensions

Most sofa tables are between 30 and 36 inches tall, 24 to 48 inches long and 12 to 15 inches wide. Of course, exact console table dimensions vary by design, so you may find some small sofa tables that are only 28 inches in height. A narrow sofa table surface might measure eight inches across, while a long console table can be anywhere from 50 to 60 inches in length or more.

Choose a wide console table if you have room to spare or use a table with a narrow surface to save on floor space.
Choose a wide console table if you have room to spare or use a table with a narrow surface to save on floor space.

Couch and Console Table Size Comparisons

Since you typically tuck these console tables against the back of your sofa, you can use your couch to determine which sofa table size would work best. First, find your couch dimensions by measuring the sofa, sectional or loveseat you plan to place your console table behind. Once you know the exact size of your couch, you can select a sofa table that fits within those dimensions.

When comparing the size of your sofa to your console table dimensions, keep the following details in mind:

  • Sofa Table Height: Your sofa table should be either as tall as or lower than your couch height.
  • Sofa Table Length: Console table lengths can vary, but try to leave six inches between the table sides and either end of the sofa.
  • Sofa Table Width: Sofa table width depends on your preferences as well. However, if the sofa and table are closer to the middle of the room, leave at least 30 inches between the table’s edge and the wall to make space for foot traffic.
If you plan to wedge a console table between the wall and the couch, make sure it's narrow enough to keep the sofa from extending too far into the center of the room.
If you plan to wedge a console table between the wall and the couch, make sure it's narrow enough to keep the sofa from extending too far into the center of the room.

Sofa Table Uses

Thinking about how you plan to use your sofa table can help you decide which console size and type to choose. Since these functional furnishings can enhance your layout in various ways, it’s important to select one that meets your unique needs. Consider which sofa table features would work best for the following practical purposes.

Displaying Trinkets and Decor Items

Tucking a console table behind a sectional or sofa provides a handy surface for keeping key bowls, TV remotes, drink coasters, tissue boxes and table lamps within reach as you sit on the couch. You can also place framed family photos, scented candles, vases of flowers and other knick-knacks on these tables when you want to spruce up your layout.

Place living room essentials on your sofa table to free up space on your coffee and end tables.
Place living room essentials on your sofa table to free up space on your coffee and end tables.

Storage

Some sofa tables have built-in storage features that let you keep small living room essentials out of sight until you need them. A unit with roomy drawers gives you a place to stow notepads, pens, reading glasses and other items that would typically take up space on a coffee or end table. Choose a sofa table with shelves to hold folded throw blankets, books or boxes and bins full of keepsakes.

Dividing an Open-Concept Layout

If you live in a studio apartment or another small space, you can use a sofa table to section off different areas of your open floor plan. Arrange your living room set so the back of the couch faces the kitchen, bedroom or dining area. Then, place the console table behind the sofa and use it to hold clean dishes, a flatscreen TV or any other items you plan to use in the adjacent space.

Console table drawers, shelves and cubbies give you a place to store various odds and ends until you need them.
Console table drawers, shelves and cubbies give you a place to store various odds and ends until you need them.

Work or Dining Surfaces

Looking to create the ultimate multipurpose layout? Set up a sofa table that can double as a desk or dining table. Many of these pieces feature spacious surfaces, providing plenty of room for your work essentials or a few modest place settings. Use one of these sofa tables if you want to have a small home office, dining room and seating area in a single space.

Collapsible sofa tables serve several purposes while maximizing storage and saving space.
Collapsible sofa tables serve several purposes while maximizing storage and saving space.

Selecting a Stylish Console Table

Once you decide what dimensions and practical elements you want in a sofa table, you can start shopping for a console table that also suits your sense of style. Depending on your unique tastes, you might consider bringing home a sofa table in one of the following chic designs:

  • Traditional: Complement the rich finishes and nostalgic atmosphere of your space by adding a traditional sofa table to the room. Select a dark wood option for a toned-down yet sophisticated look, or up the elegance using a curved unit with glass tops or mirrored panels.
  • Modern: Modern sofa tables with streamlined metal frames and spacious tops are perfect for establishing a simple aesthetic. To put a spin on your modern setup, consider a mid-century modern or transitional console that combines modern and traditional design elements.
  • Contemporary: A contemporary sofa table embodies cutting-edge style, making it perfect for an updated sleek and chic setup. Many of these pieces have hairpin legs or geometric bases in metallic gold and silver finishes, adding even more of a unique, fashionable flair to your layout.
  • Rustic: If you’re going for a country, rustic or farmhouse look, consider a sofa table with light wood or weathered wood construction and distressed detailing. Units with brass and metal accents can also work if you want to bring a hint of industrial appeal to the space.
Select a sofa table that showcases your unique design preferences.
Select a sofa table that showcases your unique design preferences.

Knowing the measurements of your couch, deciding how you want to use your console and selecting your preferred decor style before you shop can help you narrow your search and find the perfect sofa table for your home. Keep these details in mind so you can bring home a sofa table that suits your needs.