End Table Dimensions: What Size Should My End Table Be?

Your end tables do more than make your room “pop.” When chosen appropriately, they offer both aesthetic appeal and ideal functionality in terms of size and position.

If you’re unfamiliar with proper end table dimensions, however, it can be difficult finding the right end table for your needs.

What size should your end table be? Your end table size will ultimately be determined by the size of your couch, with factors such as height, depth, and width corresponding between the two pieces of furniture.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about end table height and dimensions so that you can make a purchase you’ll love for years to come.

Standard Size of an End Table

When choosing your end table, the most important dimensions you’ll want to consider are height and width, as these will largely determine the functionality of your piece.

Therefore, let’s first take a look at standard end table dimensions:

Standard end table height ranges between 18-24 inches. In other words, these tables range from approximately 1.5-2 feet off the ground, with an average width of around 16-22 inches.

End Table Size Guide: Depth, Width & Height

With this in mind, let’s turn our attention to more comprehensive end table sizing information. For the best results, you’ll want to consider the depth and width of your prospective end table as well. Let’s take a look at each in turn.

- End Table Height

There’s no guarantee that you’ll need a standard size end table. That’s because the size of your table, as you might have guessed, depends on the size of your couch.

Here’s the rule: your end table should be within two inches of your sofa’s arm height.

If your couch’s arm stands at just 18 inches, then, you’ll want a shorter end table (between 16-20 inches). Accordingly, taller couches require taller end tables.

- End Table Width

Unlike with height, there are no set rules for determining the width of the end table you will need for your living room or den.

Instead, width is better determined by the functionality you’d like to receive from the piece. Naturally, wider end tables can hold more items (lamps, books, etc.), while shorter ones are more limited in convenience.

In order to get the best option, make sure to find the balance between functionality and aesthetics that works for your room.

- End Table Depth

While end table height and width are arguably the most important aspects of end table dimensions, you don’t want to ignore the depth of your piece when making your decision.

The general rule is that the depth of your end table should correspond to the depth of the sofa (or chair) it stands beside. Anything shorter (or especially longer) can throw off the balance of your room. For reference, standard end table depth ranges between 22-24 inches.

End Table Height: Understanding Its Importance

As you can see then, the size of your end table is of critical importance in the overall aesthetics and functionality of your room.

Let’s examine each of these two factors to see just why you should pay special attention to end table height when designing your interior space:

Visual Appeal

There’s more to end table aesthetics than just style. Though the material and design of your piece are major factors in determining their appropriateness in your room, it’s impossible to ignore the major impact height can have on a room’s overall vibes. If an end table is significantly taller than the couch or chair it’s placed beside, or is much shorter, it can throw off the balance of your room and make it appear awkward.

Functionality

From an ergonomic standpoint, an end table that’s the proper height is one that’s easier to use. If you plan on getting a lot out of your tables—as a source of light, perhaps, or as a place to set books or other decorations—it’s always better to make sure you can reach it comfortably. An end table that’s too tall or too short could limit the efficiency of your piece.

Should End Tables Be Taller than Couch?

To answer this question, let’s remember the rule about end table height sizing: an end table should be within two inches of a couch’s arm (either above or below). This means that your end table can acceptably be two inches taller than the arm of your sofa without affecting visuals or functionality.

For best results, however, you should avoid anything outside of this range.

In fact, many designers will tell you not to go for any end table that is taller than the arm of your couch, though this decision will ultimately be left up to you and your own sense of aesthetics.

End Table Placement

With all this being said, where should you place your end table? Though it may seem trivial at first, placing your end table in the wrong spot will not only throw off the atmosphere of your space but also limit the functionality of your table.

Generally, end tables are placed:

• On one (or both) sides of a living room sofa
• Next to an armchair

For best results, you’ll want to make sure that the tables are within a couple of inches of the surface they edge, as this heightens functionality.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that these pieces are placed in symmetrical fashion around the room so that achieve a more unified and geometric look.

Summary

Understanding proper end table dimensions is a must for anyone looking to purchase new end tables for their rooms.

Because end table height, width, and depth can have a major impact on the look and efficiency of your interior space, you’ll want to consider these important sizing characteristics when you make your purchase.

With the information in this guide, you’ll find it easier to make the right purchase every time. For this reason, be sure to check back here if you have any questions regarding end table dimensions and sizing.