A coffee table should sit close to the height of the seat cushions, or slightly below, and within arm's reach. The distance from the sofa is usually 40 to 45 cm, enough to walk past and still reach a cup. How low or high the sofa sits changes the answer, so match the table to the range.
How to measure
Sit on the sofa and measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion while compressed. Aim for a table top within a few centimetres of that, never above it. Then measure the sofa's length. A table of about two-thirds of that length looks balanced. Shorter looks lost and longer crowds the walkway.
Low sofa, low table
The Bowie and Cubic sofas sit close to the floor. Bowie is low and deep on a recessed plinth base, so the sit is relaxed. The Earth Coffee Table is a metre across and 30 cm high, so it stays below the sightline. The Luna Coffee Table in travertine is an 80 cm round with a low profile.
Raised sofa, a little more height
The Linear and Fraser sofas sit higher on black metal legs. Linear has the most upright sit of our sofas. A taller table suits them better, and a table on slim legs echoes the sofa frame. The Ivy Coffee Table in microskin is an oblong form that gives a large lounge setting generous surface without bulk.
Long sofa, long table
On a long sofa, a small round table leaves seats without a surface. The Ivy oblong, the Piazza Oblong in marble on a slim black steel frame, or a group of Masso tables cover more of the length.
Corner sofas
A corner sofa has a long edge and a return, so the table sits best centred on the longer side, or a round table sits in the angle of the corner. Leave the same 40 to 45 cm gap. For the whole range, see our corner sofa guide.
Footstools as tables
A footstool with a tray works as a soft coffee table. The Minello Square Footstool is made for this, and it doubles as extra seating.
When children or pets are around
Choose rounded corners and a stable base. Microskin is waterproof and handles cups without coasters. Natural stone needs more care, so keep wine and citrus off travertine.
The full guide
For sizes, materials and layouts across every shape, read our coffee table guide. Browse all coffee tables and sofas, or visit our Parnell or Grey Lynn showroom and bring your sofa measurements.
