Coffee Table & Side Table Buying Guide
Coffee and side tables are the quiet workhorses of the living room — holding your morning coffee, anchoring the seating area, and giving lamps and books a place to land. Get the size and height right and the whole room feels pulled together. Here's how to choose.
What size coffee table fits my sofa?
The classic rule: choose a coffee table about two-thirds the length of your sofa. A 84 in (213 cm) sofa pairs well with a table around 54–56 in (137–142 cm) long — substantial enough to anchor the seating, short enough to walk around easily.
Leave 16–18 in (41–46 cm) between the sofa and the table. That gap gives you legroom while keeping everything within reach. Too close and you'll bang your shins; too far and you'll be stretching for your mug.
How tall should my tables be?
Match the tabletop to your seat cushion height, give or take an inch or two. Most sofa seats sit 17–19 in (43–48 cm) high, so a coffee table in that range feels natural — you can set down a cup without thinking about it. A table that's much taller than the seat looks awkward and gets in the way of conversation sightlines.
Side tables follow a similar logic: choose one level with, or just below, the arm of the chair or sofa beside it. That puts a lamp, book, or drink exactly where your hand expects it.
What shape works best?
Let the room's flow decide. Rectangular tables suit longer sofas and classic layouts. Round tables are wonderful in smaller rooms or homes with kids — no sharp corners, and they keep traffic moving around them. Oval splits the difference, offering the surface of a rectangle with softer edges.
For side tables, round is almost always a safe bet: it tucks into tight spots, softens a room full of straight lines, and works beside any chair. Nesting side tables are brilliant in condos — pull one out when you need it, tuck it away when you don't.
What materials and finishes should I choose?
Let your existing wood tones lead. Warm walnut grounds a room and hides everyday wear beautifully. Pale oak and natural finishes keep things light and airy — ideal for smaller or darker rooms. Black on solid pine adds modern contrast and pairs with almost anything.
Don't be afraid to mix: a wood coffee table alongside a metal or stone-look side table adds depth and keeps the room from feeling like a matched set from a showroom. Just keep one thread in common (see below). For households with young kids, look for rounded edges and sturdy construction over delicate glass tops.
Can I mix and match coffee and side tables?
Absolutely — they don't need to match. In fact, a collected look often feels more designed than a matching set. The trick is one shared thread: a wood tone, a leg style, or a finish that appears in both pieces. Pair a rectangular walnut coffee table with a round black side table, for example, and the dark finish ties them together while the shapes add interest.
If mixing feels risky, start with the coffee table as your anchor piece and choose side tables that echo just one of its details.
Do I need storage in my tables?
It depends on your clutter. A coffee table with a lower shelf keeps books and baskets handy while the top stays clear. Drawers are perfect for remotes, coasters, and the chargers that multiply on their own. Lift-top coffee tables are a small-space hero — raise the top for laptop work or dinner in front of a movie, then lower it back down.
Side tables with a small drawer or shelf earn their footprint in bedrooms and reading corners, where a lamp plus storage beats a lamp alone.
How do I style coffee and side tables?
Think in odd numbers and varied heights. A tray corrals remotes and coasters while adding a finished look. Stack two or three books, top them with a small plant or candle, and leave some empty space — a crowded table feels stressful, not styled.
On a side table, one good lamp plus one personal object (a framed photo, a small vase) is plenty. And a touch of greenery — even faux — makes any table feel alive.
How do I care for wood tables?
Coasters are non-negotiable: heat rings and water marks are the fastest way to age a wood table. Dust weekly with a soft, dry cloth, and clean with a damp cloth followed by a dry one — never soak the surface. In Canadian winters, dry indoor air can cause solid wood to shrink slightly; a humidifier in very dry months helps, and a yearly application of furniture oil or wax keeps the finish nourished.
For glass tops, a simple glass cleaner and microfibre cloth keep things streak-free. Tighten bolts on leg assemblies once a year to keep everything rock solid.
Shop the look
Find your perfect pairing in the coffee tables & side tables collection, or browse curated collections to see how our designers style tables into complete rooms.
Frequently asked questions
What size coffee table do I need for my sofa?
Choose a table about two-thirds your sofa's length — around 54–56 in (137–142 cm) for a standard 84 in (213 cm) sofa. Leave 16–18 in (41–46 cm) between the sofa and table for comfortable legroom.
How tall should a coffee table be?
Roughly the height of your sofa's seat cushions, typically 17–19 in (43–48 cm), give or take an inch or two. This keeps the surface within easy reach and preserves clean sightlines across the room.
How tall should a side table be next to a sofa?
Level with or just below the sofa or chair arm beside it. That placement puts lamps, drinks, and books exactly within reach without stretching.
Can you mix a wood coffee table with different side tables?
Yes. Keep one element in common — a wood tone, leg style, or finish — and let the shapes differ. A round side table paired with a rectangular coffee table is a classic designer move.
What is the best coffee table shape for a small living room?
Round or oval. They eliminate sharp corners, improve traffic flow, and visually soften the room. Nesting side tables are another great small-space option since they tuck away when not needed.
How do I protect a wood coffee table?
Use coasters for every drink, dust weekly with a soft dry cloth, and clean with a damp (not wet) cloth followed by drying. In dry winter months, occasional furniture oil or wax keeps the finish from drying out.