Choosing a Solid Wood Coffee Table: Size, Height and Wood
Updated: Feb 3
A coffee table is the most used surface in most living rooms. It holds drinks, books, laptops and feet, and it's the piece every guest sees first when they sit down. Choosing well comes down to a few measurements and one decision about wood.
Size It to Your Sofa
Length: about two-thirds the length of your sofa. An 84-inch sofa pairs well with a table around 54 to 60 inches long.
Clearance: leave 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and the table. That's close enough to reach a drink and far enough to walk through.
Sectionals and large rooms: a large square table, 48 inches or more, often works better than a long rectangle.
Get the Height Right
Coffee tables are usually 16 to 18 inches high, within an inch or two of your sofa's seat height. Lower tables feel more contemporary. A table taller than the seat gets in the way.
Choosing a Shape
Rectangle: the classic pairing for a standard sofa.
Square: anchors a sectional or a conversation area with chairs on several sides.
Round or oval: softer, easier to walk around, and safer with small children.
Which Wood?
A coffee table takes daily wear, so species and finish both matter.
White oak: hard-wearing and architectural.
Walnut: rich and dark, and a strong anchor in a light room.
Western maple: pale and clean.
Alder: warm, even-toned and takes stain well.
BC pine: a rustic, characterful look at a more accessible price.
Details make the piece: breadboard ends, a slatted lower shelf for books and baskets, or, as an option, contrasting bowtie inlays across a natural crack in the timber.
The Harrison Coffee Table
Our Harrison has hand-turned baluster posts and a slatted lower tray. It's built in BC pine with hardwood upgrades in western maple, white oak, alder or walnut, and comes in contemporary or distressed finishes.
Small square, 36 x 36 inches: $1,820
Large square, 48 x 48 inches: $1,980
Extra-large square, 60 x 60 inches: $2,150
Small rectangle, 48 x 28 inches: $1,820
Large rectangle, 60 x 40 inches: $1,960
All sizes are 18 inches high, and custom sizes are available. We also build matching end tables, set close to the height of your sofa arm.
Custom Coffee Tables From Our Chilliwack Workshop
Every table is built by hand in Chilliwack, BC, and delivered across BC, including Vancouver, the North Shore, Whistler and Kelowna.
See the Harrison coffee table, browse home furniture, or request a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size coffee table do I need?
Aim for about two-thirds the length of your sofa, with 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and the table.
How tall should a coffee table be?
Usually 16 to 18 inches, within an inch or two of the sofa's seat height.
What is the most durable wood for a coffee table?
Hardwoods such as white oak, maple and walnut stand up best to daily use. Pine is softer and gathers character over time, which suits a rustic look.
Can I get a custom-sized coffee table?
Yes. Every table is built to order, so we can size it to your sofa and room.
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