The right end table height is simple to find: measure from the floor to the top of your sofa arm, then choose a table that lands within about 2 inches of that number, ideally level with the arm or a touch below it. Most end tables fall between 18 and 24 inches tall, with some reaching 30 inches. Below we cover sofa arm and seat height, recliners and sectionals, depth, width, spacing, lamps, shapes, and real side tables from our catalog with their measurements.
The end table height rule: start at the sofa arm
Two design sources we checked agree on the core rule. Chairish says end tables generally measure 18 to 24 inches high, and that the top should land within 2 inches of the arm height of the chair or sofa next to it, either 2 inches higher or 2 inches lower. Castlery puts it more simply: an end table should be roughly the same height as the arm of the sofa or armchair it sits beside.
In practice, at the arm or slightly below feels best: you drop your hand to set a drink down instead of reaching up and over.
How to measure:
- Measure from the floor to the highest point of the sofa arm where your hand rests. On a rolled arm, use the top of the roll.
- Write down a target range: arm height minus 2 inches up to arm height. If you like, allow up to 2 inches above.
- Compare each listed height to that range. Our Rove Concepts listings note measurements can vary by up to 2 inches.
Sofa seat height, armless seating and low sofas
Arm height is the main number, but seat height matters when there is no arm. For a slipper chair or armless sofa, Chairish suggests a table about 8 inches above the seat height. If your armless sofa seat is 18 inches high, that points to a table around 26 inches.
Low, lounge style sofas with deep seats and low arms often pair well with shorter tables, near the 18 inch end of the range. Our Rove Concepts Kaye End Table is listed at 18.5 inches high, and the LeisureMod Ramble Round Side Table is described as 18 inches high. Taller, traditional sofas with high rolled arms point toward 24 to 26 inch tables.
Recliners and sectionals
Recliners
Measure a recliner arm in the upright position, and leave room for the mechanism to move freely while your hand can still reach the table when you lean back.
Sectionals
On a sectional, measure the arm at the end where the table will sit; chaise ends and armless pieces differ. In the corner of an L shape there is often no arm at all, so use the seat height approach or a taller table that sits behind the corner seat. For overall sectional measurements, see our sectional sofa dimensions guide.
Side table depth, width and spacing
Depth versus sofa depth
A good default is an end table that is no deeper than the sofa arm, so the front edge does not stick out past the front of the sofa into the walkway. Shallow tables are useful next to tight seating. The Kaye End Table, for example, is listed at only 10.6 inches deep, while it runs 34.4 inches wide, so it reads more like a low ledge beside the sofa.
Width and end table size
Width depends on what the table holds. Small tops around 14 inches, like the 14 inch square Rove Concepts Liza Side Table in ceramic, suit tight spaces. Tops around 22 to 24 inches, like the 24 inch square Benzara Yael Side End Table, give room for a lamp plus a few everyday items.
Spacing from the sofa
Leave a few inches between the table and the sofa arm so fabric does not rub, but stay close enough to reach the top without leaning out of your seat.
End table plus lamp: combined height
If a lamp will sit on the table, plan the two as one unit. Add the table height to the lamp height to see where the top of the lamp lands. For example, a 22 inch table with a 28 inch lamp puts the lamp top at 50 inches. A lower table can take a taller lamp, and a taller table a shorter one. Our table lamp size guide covers how to set the shade at the right level beside a sofa and how to size the shade, so we will not repeat those rules here.
Shapes: round versus square, C tables and nesting tables
- Round tables have no corners to bump in tight walkways and look softer next to boxy sofas. The 22 inch Benzara Leyi Round Side End Table is listed at 24 inches high.
- Square tables line up with a square arm and give more surface for the same width.
- C tables have a base that slides under the sofa seat so the top hovers over your lap or the arm. The top must clear the cushion. The Benzara Dazy Sofa Side C Table is listed at 15 by 12.5 inches and 24 inches high.
- Nesting tables give two heights in one footprint. Pull the shorter one out for guests. The Benzara Flint 2 Piece Nesting Table Set is listed at 18 by 18 by 25 inches.
End and side tables from our catalog by height
Measurements and prices below come from our product listings at the time of writing. Benzara lists size as length by width by height, shown here as width and depth.
| Table | Height | Width or diameter | Depth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeisureMod Ramble Round Side Table | 18 in | 14 in round | Round | $118.00 |
| Rove Concepts Kaye End Table | 18.5 in | 34.4 in | 10.6 in | $363.00 |
| Rove Concepts Gallus Side Table | 20 in | 14.5 in | 14.5 in | from $553.00 |
| Rove Concepts Athena Side Table | 21.7 in | 21.7 in | 21.7 in | $839.00 |
| Rove Concepts Liza Side Table, Ceramic | 22 in | 14 in | 14 in | $783.00 |
| Benzara Flint Chairside End Table | 22 in | 22 in | 14 in | $187.47 |
| Benzara Dazy Sofa Side C Table | 24 in | 15 in | 12.5 in | $129.68 |
| Benzara Leyi Round Side End Table | 24 in | 22 in round | Round | $307.31 |
| Benzara Flint 2 Piece Nesting Tables | 25 in | 18 in | 18 in | $506.58 |
The Gallus and Liza ceramic tables are listed for indoor or outdoor use. Browse more from Rove Concepts.
How end tables fit with the rest of the room
For the center of the seating area, see our coffee table size guide. If you are shopping for the bedroom, our nightstand height guide covers matching a table to mattress height. For a wider look at buying furniture online, start with our guide to buying designer furniture online.
Frequently asked questions
How tall should an end table be next to a sofa?
Aim for the height of the sofa arm or slightly lower, within about 2 inches. Chairish notes most end tables measure 18 to 24 inches, so measure your arm first and pick from that range.
What is a standard side table height?
Side table height usually follows the same 18 to 24 inch range as end tables, with some tall styles near 30 inches. Accent pieces used beside low lounge chairs often sit at the lower end, around 18 to 20 inches.
What end table size do I need?
For end table size, match height to the arm, keep depth no greater than the sofa arm so it does not jut into the walkway, and pick a width that fits what you will set on it. A lamp plus a drink usually calls for a larger top than a drink alone.
Can an end table be taller than the sofa arm?
Yes, up to about 2 inches taller, according to Chairish. Beyond that, reaching the top becomes awkward and the table can look out of scale next to the sofa.
Not sure which height works with your sofa? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping, and orders below that ship for a $200 flat rate. Before you buy, please review our return and refund policy.
