Style and Practicality: A Guide to Choosing the Right Height of End Tables for Your Living Room

When it comes to decorating a living room, end tables are an essential part of the equation. Not only do they provide a decorative touch, but they also offer practical storage space for items like remote controls and magazines.

However, one important factor in choosing the right end tables is their height – too low, and you won’t be able to reach the items stored on them; too high, and the end tables will appear out of place in your living room. So how tall should end tables be in the living room?

Ideally, living room end tables should be around 18-20 inches tall—not too low, not too high. This height comfortably accommodates activities such as eating a meal in front of the TV or using a laptop on the couch. Having your table at this height also encourages proper posture when sitting down.  

Ultimately, the right table height depends on what type of activities you plan to use your living room for and what size furniture pieces feel comfortable for you and your family.

Read on for our guide to choosing the right height of end tables for your living room. This will help you choose a living room table or end table that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Living Room End Table Options

When shopping for a new table, keep in mind that most standard tables come in heights ranging from 14 inches to 20 inches. If you’re looking for something more specific than these options, adjustable-height tables could be an excellent choice. These can usually be adjusted between 18 and 24 inches, giving you more control over how tall your table should be.

End table styles range from classic to modern, traditional to contemporary. Consider the overall look of your living room when choosing a style.

Consider how much surface space your table will need to provide. If you’re looking for a place to set down drinks or snacks while watching TV, then you’ll want to make sure that your table offers plenty of surface area.

On the other hand, if you just need somewhere convenient to store remote controls and magazines, then narrow tables are better suited for this purpose.

Height of End Table Next To Sofa

End tables should be placed on either side of the couch. End tables should be within 1-2 inches of the height of sofa armrests.

This allows for comfortable access to items stored on the table when you’re seated on the couch. Keep in mind that different couches have different heights, so make sure to measure your sofa before purchasing end tables.

If you don’t know the height of your couch armrest or don’t want to measure, it’s always better to go shorter rather than taller. When in doubt, purchasing a shorter or adjustable-height table is the best option.

A note about armless sofas: if you don’t have armrests, then the ideal height for your end tables should be the same recommendation, between 18-22 inches. Since there is no armrest you will want to balance the missing space out between your chair and the table.

Side Table Height Rules and Other Considerations

Picking out the perfect side table can seem a bit daunting. In addition to height, it’s also important to consider size, material, and visual weight, and grounding when making your selection.

As we have previously discussed, the side table should be no higher than the height of the couch or chair it sits next to, or no more than two inches lower.

Generally speaking, metal materials tend to add an airy aesthetic while heavier woods will ground the space. If you’re looking to create a modern look, opt for something of equal visual weight with clean lines that won’t feel too heavy in the space.

When selecting a side table, size matters! Choose one that will be multifunctional but still fit comfortably in the designated spot without overwhelming its surroundings.

How Many Side Tables In A Living Room?

Choosing how many side tables to place in a living room depends on several factors. The first is size – consider the available space in the room and how much it can accommodate. Then, consider their intended purpose. Do you prefer them simply for decoration or do you like having a dedicated spot for drinks or books?

Last but not least, keep personal style in mind. If aligned well with your overall decor, one eye-catching side table might just be enough — or two more subtle designs can draw attention to either side of your sofa.

The number of side tables you decide upon should be determined by all these elements; after considering them all, you’ll have the answer that’s right for you and your living room.

Conclusion

Side tables come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials. When selecting a side table it’s important to consider size, material, visual weight and grounding as well as the height rules for side tables.

The ideal height for end tables should be between 18-22 inches or 1-2 inches lower than your couch armrests.

Additionally, when selecting how many side tables to place in a living room, size and purpose should be taken into consideration. With the right measurements, materials, and style, you’re sure to find the perfect side table for your home.