Sizing a coffee table and side table

A coffee table about two thirds the length of the sofa looks balanced: a 4-foot table, roughly 120 cm, suits most 3-seaters, while a 3-foot or 1.0 m table suits a 2-seater. Leave about 45 cm between the table and the sofa, and keep the top close to seat height, around 40 to 46 cm.

Side tables sit well level with or slightly below the sofa arm, and the narrow ones here, from about 30 cm wide, slip between a sofa and a wall. Round tops are kinder in busy walkways and homes with small children, as there are no corners to knock into.

Solid Malaysian Oak and wood veneers show natural grain but need coasters and a quick wipe after spills, since heat and standing water can mark the finish. Laminated board, high pressure laminate and sintered stone are more forgiving on a table used daily, and synthetic rattan adds texture while coping with humidity better than natural rattan.