At a Glance:
What Size Coffee Table Should I Buy?
Choosing Coffee Tables by Shape
Top Picks: Coffee Table for Small Spaces
Finding living room furniture for small spaces can be challenging, but starting with a small coffee table can help set the tone for your living room design. The key to choosing the right coffee table for small spaces is to pay attention to size and shape in relation to the size of the seating area. Beyond scaling, considering a coffee table with versatile features like nesting capabilities or removable trays can further maximize functionality in compact living spaces, providing flexibility for different activities and storage needs.
In this guide to choosing furniture for small living room spaces, we’ll compare standard and small coffee table dimensions and highlight small coffee tables of various styles and how they work in a small space.
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Wondering, “what size coffee table do I need?” Let’s compare coffee table dimensions.
- Coffee Table Height: Coffee tables are typically between 16 and 18 inches tall. This is because sofa seats and accent chairs are typically 17 to 18 inches tall. Follow this rule of thumb: your coffee table height shouldn’t be more than 1 to 2 inches shorter than the top of your sofa cushion.
- Length: When considering a standard vs a smaller coffee table, the big difference is length. Typically, coffee tables should be ½ to ⅔ the length of the seat of your sofa (specifically the horizontal seat if it’s a sectional). In a smaller space, you’ll likely also have a smaller couch, so your coffee table will be shorter to fit the scale. You can break length into three categories: small (under 30 inches), standard (30 to 50 inches), and large (over 50 inches).
For example:
- A 24 inch coffee table is suitable for a 7 x 10 feet living room where space is limited.
- A 36 inch coffee table is also suitable for smaller living rooms, typically around 10 x 10 feet or smaller.
- A 42 inch coffee table works well in medium-sized living rooms approximately 12 x 12 feet.
- A 48 inch coffee table is ideal for standard-sized living rooms approximately 14 x 14 feet.
- A 54 inch coffee table can accommodate larger living rooms around 16 x 16 feet.
- A 60 inch coffee table is suitable for oversized living rooms typically 18 x 18 feet or larger.
The selection of styles for these varying-sized coffee tables will still be similar. You can find wood, glass, upholstered, and sculptural coffee tables in every shape and size. There are options for every design style, from contemporary to transitional to farmhouse. So, having a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style!
When you’re considering how to incorporate a coffee table for small spaces, you also need to consider breathing room. It’s standard to leave at least a foot and a half of space between your coffee table and sofa for legroom.
Learn More: 8 Best Coffee Table Designs & Styles
Choosing Coffee Tables by Shape
In addition to size, the shape of your living room table can help make your space feel bigger or smaller, and each shape will have a unique effect on your room. The answer is knowing what shape coffee table is right for your space, so let’s see how each of them shines in small spaces.
- Small Round Coffee Table: In small spaces, round coffee tables are an excellent choice because they lack sharp corners, which can help maximize available floor space and prevent bumping into furniture. Their circular shape also promotes better traffic flow and creates a more open and inviting atmosphere.
- Small Oval Coffee Table: Oval coffee tables work well in small spaces that are more narrow than wide. Their softer edges compared to rectangular tables make navigating around them more comfortable in tight quarters. Oval tables also add visual interest and versatility to small rooms, as they can accommodate various seating arrangements and furniture layouts without feeling imposing.
- Small Rectangular Coffee Table: Rectangular coffee tables are suitable for small spaces if chosen carefully. Opting for a compact size and sleek design can help prevent the table from dominating the room visually. Rectangular tables with slim profiles or built-in storage solutions can maximize functionality without sacrificing valuable floor space. Just be sure that the table's dimensions are proportionate to the room's size to maintain a balanced and harmonious aesthetic.
- Small Square Coffee Table: Square coffee tables work well in small spaces, especially if the room has a square or symmetrical layout. Their uniform shape helps create a sense of cohesion and order in compact rooms. A small square coffee table with clean lines and minimalist designs is particularly effective in small spaces, as it can add visual interest without overwhelming the room.
Top Picks: Coffee Table for Small Spaces
Despite their compact sizes, small coffee tables can still be stylish, and there are plenty options that are full of functional features that are useful in small living rooms. Here are a few of our favorite looks to inspire you!
Magnussen Home Allure Hazelnut/Glass Pie Shaped Cocktail Table
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This small glass coffee table checks all the boxes. It’s compact enough for a small space. It’s sculptural, adding visual interest to your living area. And it has a glass top that breaks up the visual weight of the room, gives your eye a chance to breathe, and makes your room feel lighter and brighter. This pick would look great in a modern room or any setting where wood is the predominant feature.
Signature Design by Ashley Drezmoore 2-Piece Brown/Black Nesting Coffee Table Set
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Coffee Table Set
Nesting coffee tables are a creative solution to adding more coffee table surface area to a small space. You can spread out the two tables when they’re in use, and then you can tuck the smaller table away until you need it again. The Drezmoore nesting coffee table set is particularly unique because the larger nesting table offers a hard surface for snacks, games, and accessories while the smaller nesting table has an upholstered top that is perfect for adding an extra seat or kicking up your feet to relax.
⭐ Featured Signature Design by Ashley Drezmoore Review:
“Needed a coffee table and an ottoman and was prepared to buy both but when I saw this I knew it was what I was looking for. Easy to assemble and looks great.”
Riverside Furniture Briar Pitch Black Drum Cocktail Table
Shop This Riverside Furniture Coffee Table
If you’re looking for a focal point to ground your room and inspire your design, check out this sculptural, small black coffee table. This octagonal table is a fun and unexpected take on a circular coffee table. The sleek black finish, hammered details, and unique shape make it perfect for a contemporary, modern, or eclectic living room design.
Signature Design by Ashley Porter Rustic Brown Lift Top Coffee Table
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Coffee Table
This small lift top coffee table is an elegant wood coffee table perfect for a traditional living room design. Wood carvings, turned bun feet, and dark bronze-tone hardware are classic details that add to the appeal of this elegant coffee table. Although you can’t tell from first glance, the top lifts up to reveal a storage compartment, providing a hard surface to work on or enjoy a meal from with hidden storage below.
⭐ Featured Signature Design by Ashley Porter Review:
“Great piece of furniture! Easy to assemble and just the right size for a small living room!”
aspenhome Blakely Sable Brown Lift Top Round Cocktail Table
Shop This aspenhome Coffee Table
Here’s another small wood coffee table with hidden storage crafted with a transitional design that’s versatile with a variety of spaces. Our favorite feature is three separate storage compartments that allow you to organize your items. And with additional storage on an open shelf below, this compact coffee table is a convenient addition that works with most spaces.
Powell Royce Brown Storage Drum with Silver Base
Shop This Powell Home Fashions Coffee Table
For an eclectic or boho living room, this round coffee table is perfect. The mango wood top contrasts the hammered silver bottom, adding depth and texture to your design. The top is removable, revealing ample storage for toys, blankets, or whatever else you need to hide away.
Liberty Aspen Skies Cocktail Table
Shop This Liberty Furniture Coffee Table
Industrial meets rustic charm with this small round coffee table. The round plank top, nailhead accents, and russet brown finish of this piece make it ideal for a variety of design styles from transitional to modern farmhouse. Two levels give you a bit of extra storage space, and the adjustable center post allows you to change the height of this table to suit your needs whether you’re playing a game, serving up snacks, or resting your feet.
Coffee tables for small spaces help to pull your whole design together, introducing fun materials and storage solutions. The key is to find the right size and shape for your space, choosing a coffee table that is to scale with your room and the rest of your furniture. Whether you love eclectic and unexpected designs or traditional spaces, Colder’s is the best place to shop for living room furniture in the Milwaukee area because of our wide selection of stylish and affordable pieces.
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Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
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Don’t put off happiness — and shop living room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help find you a coffee table for small spaces, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: 6 Trends That Will Elevate Your Living Room Style