How Tall Should a Side Table Be? A Complete Height Guide for Sofas, Chairs & Beds

Quick Answer: How Tall Should a Side Table Be?

For most homes, the ideal side table height is 18–24 inches. The most reliable rule is to choose a side table that’s the same height as your sofa seat (or up to 2 inches higher).

The “perfect” height isn’t one universal number—it’s the number that feels effortless every day. Think about how you actually live: grabbing a drink, charging your phone, reaching for a book, or using your side table as a landing zone for daily essentials.

The Golden Rule: Match the Seat Height (Plus a Small Buffer)

Side tables are built for one thing: easy reach. A table that’s too low makes you lean forward. Too tall makes you lift your shoulder every time you set something down. Designers keep it simple:

• Equal to seat cushion height of your sofa/chair, or
• Up to 2 inches higher than the seat cushion height.

How to measure seat height correctly

1. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion.
2. Measure where you sit most often (cushions compress differently).
3. Use “normal use” cushion height—not freshly fluffed height.

Example: If your sofa seat is 19" tall, your ideal table height range is roughly 19–21".

Side Table Height Next to a Sofa

In the living room, side tables sit beside your main seating—so they need to feel natural. The goal is to place your items (drinks, remotes, books) without shifting your posture.

The best height range for most sofas

Most modern sofas have a seat height between 17–20 inches. That’s why most living room side tables land between 18–24 inches.

Should a side table be higher than the sofa arm?

In most cases, no. If your side table rises above the arm by several inches, it can look top-heavy and feel awkward. The exception is when you’re pairing the table with a lamp and need a bit more height for the shade to sit comfortably.

Side Table Height Next to an Accent Chair

Accent chair setups are where side tables become the hero. Reading corner, coffee + book moment, or a small apartment lounge—this is all about comfort and reach.

Best height range for chair-side tables

• 18"–22" for most accent chairs and reading chairs
• 22"–26" if your chair sits higher or you prefer upright posture

Here’s the nuance: many accent chairs have slimmer arms or no arms at all. That means the side table acts like your “armrest substitute,” so the right height becomes even more noticeable.

Side Table Height Next to a Bed (Bedside Table Rules)

In a bedroom, the side table height should support what you do at night: water, glasses, phone alarm, reading light, book stack, or a small tray for essentials.

Use the right bed measurement

Measure to the top of the mattress (where you sleep). Then choose a table that is:

• Equal to mattress height, or
• Up to 2–4 inches lower (many people prefer slightly lower while lying down)

Height vs Size vs Placement: The “Comfort Triangle”

Height is the headline—but the best side table feels effortless because three things work together: height (reach), surface size (function), and placement (movement).

Round vs square: which shape feels easier?

Round side tables often feel better in tight spaces because they reduce sharp corners and improve flow. They’re especially useful in smaller living rooms, homes with kids, or walkways near seating.

7 Common Side Table Height Mistakes (And Fixes)

Side tables are easy to buy, but surprisingly easy to get wrong. Here are the most common mistakes (and how to avoid them).

1) Choosing based on looks only

A low table may look modern, but if you use it daily, comfort comes first. Measure your seat height and shop style within that range.

2) Going too low because it’s “trendy”

If your sofa seat is 20", a 14" table will feel like a floor shelf. Keep it within ±2" of your seat height.

3) Buying too tall to “feel substantial”

Extra height can block sightlines and make the seating zone feel cramped. Choose a stable, well-made piece with enough surface instead.

4) Forgetting your posture

Loungers and upright sitters need different heights. Test your real posture before deciding.

5) Ignoring lamp pairing

If you’re adding a lamp, table height affects how the lighting feels. Treat table + lamp as one design decision.

6) Surface too small for daily items

Height can be perfect—but if you can’t fit a drink and a phone comfortably, it won’t work in real life.

7) Wobbly construction (especially on rugs)

Stability matters. The best height won’t save a table that shifts every time you set down a mug.

Room-by-Room Height Recommendations

Different rooms come with different routines. Use these ranges to choose confidently:

Living room (main sofa)

• Target: seat height to 2" higher
• Best range: 18"–24"
• Best for: drinks, remotes, everyday use

Reading nook (accent chair)

• Target: chair seat height to slightly higher
• Best range: 18"–22"
• Best for: books, tea, charging

Bedroom (bedside)

• Target: mattress top or 2–4" lower
• Best range: 22"–30"
• Best for: water, lamp, nighttime essentials

Small apartment / studio

If one table has to do everything (sofa-side today, bedside tomorrow), aim for a balanced middle height: about 20"–23". Round silhouettes also make tight spaces feel smoother and safer.

Side Table Shopping Checklist (Get the Height Right Every Time)

This checklist takes two minutes—and saves years of frustration.

1. Measure your sofa seat height: floor to top of cushion.
2. Pick a target range: seat height to +2".
3. Check sofa arm height: helpful visual “cap” for balance.
4. Confirm surface size: mug + phone + remote should fit comfortably.
5. Plan placement: 2–4" from the sofa/chair, keep knee clearance.
6. Think safety: rounded edges help in high-traffic spaces.
7. Prioritize stability: especially if you have rugs or kids.

If your room is still in progress, don’t overthink. Start with comfort and function. Styling can be refined with books, a candle, or a small tray later.

HOULTE Side Tables: Style + Function for Modern Living

If you want a side table that feels elevated but still works for real life—daily drinks, daily charging, effortless reach—HOULTE’s curated side table collection is designed for that balance. Clean lines, stable construction, and premium-feeling materials help your space look finished without clutter.

Quick buying guide: pick your “best match”

• Warm + timeless: wood tones that soften modern rooms.
• Sleek + architectural: stone-like surfaces that feel clean and premium.
• Sculptural statement: textured forms that add depth without visual noise.

When you choose the right height, the side table becomes invisible in the best way: it’s always in reach, always steady, and makes the entire seating zone feel more intentional.