Guidelines for Selecting Occasional Tables

By: Steinhafels Designer Michelle Kahl

You can’t go wrong when selecting a STYLE of occasional table for your living room… but you can go wrong when it comes to the SIZE of them. Here are some guidelines to help your shopping go smoothly! 

• End Tables should be 1”-2” lower than the sofa or chair arm.

• The width of a coffee table or cocktail ottoman should be at least ½ of the width of a sofa but no more than ⅔ the width.

• The height of a coffee table should not be any lower than 3” of the seat cushion.

• Sofa Tables should not be higher than the back of the sofa. 

• The width of a sofa table can be up to the width of the sofa.  When you go smaller than the sofa, you should allow no more than 6” on either end. 

• Cocktail ottomans or accent ottomans should ideally be 1” shorter than the seat height of the sofa or chair. This should never be taller than the seat height.