Picking the perfect side/end table shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle, but how tall should an end table be? It's one of those design questions that can make or break how your living room works and looks.
- Too tall end table, and your dad is awkwardly reaching up for his coffee.
- Too short, and your lamp looks like it belongs in a dollhouse.
Luckily, there's actually a simple end table height rule to follow with Flowyline. And even better, we have some room to work with. Let's walk through everything you need to know about standard end table height so you can make a choice you'll love. Read now!
How Tall Should an End Table Be: The Direct Answer
Standard end table height usually ranges from 18 to 24 inches tall. This ideal range works for most sofas and chairs because, well, most furniture falls within a pretty standard range too.
In general, we have:
- Short end table height: Under 18 inches (1.5 feet)
- Standard end table height: 18 — 24 inches (1.5 feet — 2 feet)
- Tall end tables: Over 24 inches (2 feet)
Standard side/end table height cm measurements: For our international readers, below are the standard end table height cm conversions:
- Short end table height: Under 46 cm
- Standard end table height: 46 — 61 cm
- Tall end tables: Over 61 cm
What is the standard end table height?
Photo: Flowyline
As always, these standards are starting points, NOT strict rules. The right height depends entirely on your furniture. For example, a 20-inch end table could be perfect next to a neighbor's sofa and not suitable next to your sofa.
The Golden Rule for End Table Height: ±2 Inches Range
Ready for the rule that'll make your life easier? Your end table should be within 2 inches of your sofa's arm height, either above or below.
| Your Sofa Arm Height | Ideal End Table Height Range | Best For |
| 16 inches | 14 — 18 inches | Low-profile sofas, modern designs |
| 18 inches | 16 — 20 inches | Standard low sofas |
| 20 inches | 18 — 22 inches | Most common sofa height |
| 22 inches | 20 — 24 inches | Standard sofa height |
| 24 inches | 22 — 26 inches | Higher sofas, traditional styles |
| 26 inches | 24 — 28 inches | Tall sofas, English roll arms |
| 28 inches | 26 — 30 inches | Extra tall sofas |
That being said, suppose your sofa arm measures 22 inches from the floor, and your ideal end table height range is 20 to 24 inches. This creates visual harmony and, more importantly, makes your end table actually useful.
Moreover, you can set down a drink without twisting your arm awkwardly. You can even reach for your book without stretching. Everything just... works.
Now, what if you can't find an end table that fits perfectly within that range?
Here's our advice: When in doubt, go shorter rather than taller.
- An end table that's 3 to 4 inches below your sofa arm will still work well and look intentional.
- BUT an end table that's 5 or more inches too tall? That's when things start feeling awkward and uncomfortable.
When in doubt, you’d better find a shorter end table rather than a taller one
Photo: Flowyline
How to Measure Your Sofa for the Perfect End Table Height
Don't guess. Seriously, grab a tape measure and let's get this right with us:
- Step 1: Measure from the floor to the top of your sofa arm.
- Step 2: Add and subtract 2 inches to find your range. If your sofa arm is 20 inches, you're looking at 18 to 22 inches.
- Step 3: Think about what you'll put on the table. Planning to use a lamp? You might want to stay toward the lower end of your range. Just styling with books and a plant? You have more room to play with.
Pro tip: Take a photo of your measurements on the phone before you go shopping. You'll probably forget the exact number, and "umm, around 20-something inches" won't help much when you're looking at options.
Understanding Standard End Table Height Categories
Now that you know how to find YOUR perfect height, here's a more detailed breakdown of how tall are end tables across different categories. This way, it'll be easier to reference back when you need:
| Category | Height Range | Width Range | Depth Range | Best Used For |
| Small/Short | Under 18" | 14 — 18" | 18 — 22" | Tight spaces, low furniture, minimalist styling |
| Standard | 18 — 24" | 16 — 24" | 22 — 24" | Most sofas and chairs, versatile for use |
| Tall | 24 — 28" | 20 — 28" | 22 — 26" | Higher sofas, traditional styles, extra storage |
| Extra Tall | Over 28" | 20 — 28" | 22 — 26" | Very tall sofas, statement pieces, and specific design needs |
How tall are end tables in real homes? Flowyline has found that an end table 20 to 24 inches works for most living rooms since that's where sofa arms usually land. Your setup might be different, though, and that's fine.
How tall should an end table be in inches
Credit: Flowyline
Shop now: End Table Legs 216 Namu 20" H Metal Modern Design
Ideally, our metal table legs are designed with standard end table heights in mind. Flowyline's end table legs measure 18 to 20 inches tall. So, when paired with a tabletop of 1 to 2 inches thick, it gives you that most typical 20 to 24-inch total height that works for most sofas.
Fun fact: The same piece can function as an end table in your living room today and a nightstand in your bedroom next month. That's why understanding proper sizing (that ±2 inch rule!) matters more than the name on the product tag.
Read more: How Tall Should a Nightstand Be
What About Other End Table Dimensions?
How tall should an end table be isn't the only end table size that matters, though it's definitely the most important for functionality.
1. End Table Width: 14 to 24 Inches
End table width usually falls between 14 and 24 inches, with most standard tables ranging from 16 to 24 inches. What you pick depends on what you want to fit on top.
- If you need space for a lamp, a book, and a drink, go wider.
- For just a spot for your phone and a small plant, a narrower table works fine.
Another note is to leave 2 — 3 inches of breathing room between your end table and your sofa arm. This gap will keep things from feeling cramped.
2. End Table Depth: 22 to 24 Inches
Most side table dimensions have a depth of 22 to 24 inches. The rule that matters here is that your end table's depth shouldn't exceed your sofa's depth.
An end table that sticks out past your sofa looks awkward and creates a tripping hazard. Measure from the back of your sofa to the front edge of the seat cushion. That's your maximum depth.
How Tall Should a Lamp Be on an End Table
In terms of the lamp, this is the reason why a lot of people get tripped up with end table height.
The guideline is that the bottom of your lampshade should fall at or just below eye level when you're seated. As a result, you'll have a good reading light without glare in your eyes.
Calculate your lamp height on an end table
Photo: Freepik
So, how tall should an end table lamp be in math?
- If your sofa seat is 18 inches high and your eyes are about 24 inches above the seat when sitting, you'll need the bottom of the lampshade around 42 inches from the floor.
- If your end table is 22 inches tall, a lamp around 20 inches tall would work.
Below is everything you need to calculate your lamp height on an end table:
| End Table Height | Recommended Lamp Height | Combined Height | Result |
| 18 inches | 24 — 26 inches | 42 — 44 inches | Perfect for low sofas |
| 20 inches | 22 — 24 inches | 42 — 44 inches | Standard combo |
| 22 inches | 20 — 22 inches | 42 — 44 inches | Most common setup |
| 24 inches | 18 — 20 inches | 42 — 44 inches | Keep the lamp shorter |
| 26 inches | 16 — 18 inches | 42 — 44 inches | Use a shorter lamp or a floor lamp |
Pro tips: Alternatively, you can skip the table lamp entirely and use a floor lamp instead. We saw professional stylists do this all the time.
A floor lamp next to a smaller end table (even one that's 16 to 18 inches tall) creates nice visual balance and frees up your table surface for books, plants, and coffee cups.
4 Common End Table Height Mistakes and How to Avoid
Next, let our team save you from 4 famous mistakes that happen all the time:
- Mistake #1: Buying end tables that are 4 or more inches taller than your sofa arms. The idea is that unless you have very specific design reasons, this rarely looks or feels right.
- Mistake #2: Putting a tall lamp on an already tall end table. The combined height becomes overwhelming and pushes the light source too high to be useful.
- Mistake #3: Forgetting to measure before shopping. Online shopping is convenient, but "it looks about right" is not a measurement strategy.
- Mistake #4: Overthinking it. If you've measured, you're within a reasonable range, and it feels comfortable, you're good. Perfect is the enemy of done.
FAQs
1. What is the Difference Between a Side Table and an End Table?
Honestly, there's no real difference. "Side table" and "end table" are terms used interchangeably in furniture design. They both refer to the same thing: a small table placed beside seating.
That said, some people use the terms slightly differently based on context:
- "End table" often refers to a table at the end of a sofa, bookending your seating arrangement. You'll usually hear this term in living room contexts.
- "Side table" is broader and can mean any small table placed to the side of furniture, whether beside a sofa, next to an armchair, flanking a bed (as a nightstand), or even in an entryway.
In real life, if you're shopping for a table to put next to your couch or chair, either term will get you to the same products. What matters isn't what you call it. It's getting the right size and height for your specific space.
2. What are the Rules for Side Tables?
The main rule for side table height is side table should be within 2 inches of your sofa or chair arm height, either above or below.
Beyond height, here are the other key rules that you can follow:
- Depth: Your side table's depth should not exceed your sofa's depth.
- Width: Side table dimensions for width typically range from 14 — 24 inches.
- Visual weight: Balance chunky, solid sofas with lighter, leggy side tables. If you have open, airy furniture, ground it with a more substantial drum or solid table.
3. Is It Okay for a Side Table to Be Taller than a Couch?
Yes, a side table can be taller than your couch arm, but we advise only up to 2 inches taller while still following the standard guideline.
And, technically, you can go more than 2 inches taller, but it'll start to look and feel awkward. You'll be reaching down instead of across to set things down, and visually, the proportions feel off.
4. Should End Tables Be the Same Height on Both Sides of a Sofa?
They can match, but they don't have to. The design world calls this "cousins, not siblings." Your pieces should relate to each other, but don't need to be identical.
What matters more is that both tables work with your sofa's arm height. You could have a 22-inch table on one side and a 20-inch table on the other, and as long as both work with the sofa, it looks good.
How Tall Should an End Table Be: Final Verdicts
Summing up, end table height should be within 2 inches of your sofa arm height, with some flexibility to go a bit shorter if needed.
If you find yourself drawn to a side table that's 3 — 4 inches taller than your sofa arm, ask yourself why. Sometimes a taller table works if you're trying to add visual height to balance a very low, chunky sofa. But in most cases, you're better off staying within that ±2-inch range or going shorter rather than taller.
From our perspective, the goal isn't perfection. The goal is a functional, beautiful space where you can actually relax without thinking about whether your furniture is working against you.
If you have any questions about how tall should an end table be or need help choosing the right table legs for your project, feel free to reach out to us at Flowyline. We also share new blogs every week with helpful guides. Thank you for reading!
