Coffee Tables

What size coffee table do you need?

Three measurements do most of the work:

• Length: about two thirds the length of your sofa looks balanced. A 200cm sofa suits a table of roughly 120 to 135cm.
• Height: aim for the top to sit level with the sofa seat cushion, or a few centimetres below it. Most sofa seats are around 40 to 45cm high, so coffee tables of a similar height are easy to reach.
• Gap: leave around 45cm between the sofa and the table. Closer than 35cm and knees suffer; further than 50cm and you are stretching for your tea.

Our full guide on how to choose the right coffee table covers shapes and styles in more depth.

Shapes and how they behave

Rectangular tables suit long sofas and give the most surface. Round and oval tables, such as the Banbury round, Bayonne oval or Heaven round tables, have no corners to walk into, which helps in narrow rooms and homes with toddlers. Square tables work best in front of corner sofas or between two sofas facing each other.

Storage and clever tops

If the coffee table doubles as a dining spot or desk, look at lift-up tops. The Lancaster and Azalea lift-up tables raise the top towards you, and the Corona rising table lifts too. Tables with drawers, such as the Cotswold, Mallory and Lowry, keep remotes and coasters out of sight. Nests and sets, such as Coxmoor, Cleo, Bellini and Dice, give you two or three surfaces that tuck together when you do not need them.

Tops and finishes

You will find oak and walnut effect, high gloss, painted finishes, and tops in glass, smoked glass, ceramic, and marble or travertine effect. Glass keeps a small room feeling open. Ceramic tops are generally hard wearing. As always, check the product page for exact materials and dimensions.

Want the rest of the room to match? Several ranges include coordinating lamp tables and TV units; the range cards above show them together. For more ideas see living room furniture.