Find the Perfect End Table Size for Your Sofa & Bed

Shopping for an end table/side table ? The key is nailing three measurements: height (so you can actually reach your stuff), width (for surface space), and depth (so people can walk around it). Get these right and you'll avoid common mistakes like blocking walkways or ending up with awkward proportions.

This guide will help you find the right end table size, letting you shop with confidence and get it right the first time.

1. What Are the Standard End Table Dimensions?

Most end tables stick to pretty consistent sizes that work with different rooms and furniture styles. Think of these as your starting point, not hard rules.

Dimension	Standard Range	Sweet Spot
Height	22-26 inches (56-66 cm)	24 inches (61 cm)
Width	18-24 inches (46-61 cm)	20 inches (51 cm)
Depth	16-20 inches (41-51 cm)	18 inches (46 cm)

That 24-inch height works great with most living room setups. Width usually falls between 18-24 inches - enough surface space without taking over smaller rooms. Depth of 16-20 inches gives you decent storage while keeping traffic flowing smoothly.

2. End Table Height

Height makes or breaks your setup. Too high or too low and you're constantly stretching at weird angles, plus it just looks off. Different furniture needs different approaches.

End table height next to sofas

Here's the golden rule: keep your end table within two inches of your sofa arm height. This looks balanced and feels comfortable when you're lounging with a drink or book.

Different sofa arms need different approaches:

Sofa Arm Type	Typical Arm Height	Recommended Table Height
Track arms	24-26 inches	22-26 inches (match or 1-2" shorter)
Curved/sloped arms	22-28 inches	24-26 inches (target mid-curve)
Rolled arms	26-30 inches	24-28 inches (measure solid frame)
Pillow top arms	24-28 inches	22-26 inches (ignore soft cushioning)
Armless sofas	18-20 inches (seat)	24-28 inches (seat + 6-8")

End table height next to chairs

Accent chairs and recliners work similarly to sofas but have their own quirks. Standard accent chairs look good with 22-24 inch tables - balanced without overwhelming the space.

Recliners are trickier since they move. Go taller with 26-28 inches because the seat rises when you kick back. Think about how you use the chair most often - if you're always kicked back, that taller table will feel just right.

For armless chairs, use the seat cushion trick: cushion height plus 6-8 inches gets you in the right zone.

Chair Type	Recommended Table Height	Why This Works
Standard accent chairs	22-24 inches	Balanced without overwhelming
Recliners	26-28 inches	Accounts for raised seat position
Armless chairs	Seat height + 6-8 inches	Comfortable reach from seated position

End table height next to beds

Bedroom side tables are a whole different game. You want easy reach from bed without having to sit up completely.

The general rule is to match your mattress top or go 2-4 inches lower. Most mattresses sit around 22-25 inches high, so you're looking at tables in the 20-25 inch range. Got a low platform bed? Go shorter to keep everything proportional.

Bed Type	Typical Mattress Height	Ideal Table Height
Standard bed frame	24-26 inches	22-24 inches
Platform bed (low)	18-22 inches	18-20 inches
High bed/box spring	26-30 inches	24-26 inches
Adjustable bed	20-28 inches	Match mattress height

3. End Table Width

Width is about balancing surface space with room flow. Too narrow and you can't fit a lamp and your coffee. Too wide and you're bumping into it or blocking pathways.

The key is matching your room size to your needs. Small spaces need to stay manageable, while larger rooms can handle more generous surface area. But even in big rooms, you don't want to go overboard.

Quick width guide:

Room Size	Ideal Width	Best For
Small spaces	15-18 inches	Tight apartments, narrow hallways
Average rooms	18-22 inches	Most living rooms and bedrooms
Spacious areas	22-24 inches	Large rooms, plenty of surface needed

Leave 6-12 inches between your table and walls so the room doesn't feel cramped. Nobody likes squeezing through tight spaces.

4. End Table Depth

Depth affects how far your table sticks out into walking areas and how much storage you get. Most tables run 14-20 inches deep - go shallow for tight spots, deeper for storage.

Match your main furniture proportionally. Big sectionals can handle the deeper tables, while smaller sofas look better with shallower options. Tables with drawers usually need 18-20 inches to fit the hardware and actually be useful.

Depth Range	Best Use Cases	Storage Capacity
14-16 inches	Tight spaces, apartment sofas	Minimal - surface only
16-18 inches	Average rooms, balanced look	Moderate - small drawer space
18-20 inches	Deep sectionals, storage needs	Maximum - full drawers/shelves

Always keep 30-36 inches clear in main walkways. People need to move around comfortably.

Wrapping Up

The perfect end table balances your furniture, room size, and how you actually live. Start with these standard measurements, then adjust the height based on what you're pairing it with. Pick width and depth based on your space and storage needs.

Remember: your table should work for your daily routine first, then worry about design rules. A table that fits your lifestyle will always look better than one that just follows measurements. Think about how people move through your room, what you need to store, and what looks right to your eye.

FAQ

What if my sofa arms are different heights?

Use the higher arm as your reference point, or choose a height that splits the difference. Matching the taller arm typically looks more balanced.

Can I use different height end tables on each side?

Yes, but keep them within 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of each other. Varying heights can work if the tables serve different purposes or match different seating pieces.

How do I choose height for sectional sofas?

Measure each section's arm height separately. Use the most prominent seating area as your guide, typically where you spend the most time sitting.

What about end tables for recliners?

Recliners need taller tables 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) since the seat rises when reclined. Consider the chair's position when you use it most often.

Should end tables be taller than bed?

No, bedside tables should match your mattress height or sit 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) lower. This makes reaching items from bed comfortable and maintains proper visual proportion in the bedroom.