End Table Height: How Tall Should Your Side Table Be?

We’ve got the guidelines.

Modern neutral living room with plush sectional, warm wood accents, textured rug, and soft natural lighting

Though end tables can be an afterthought when designing your living room, selecting the correct size is important. Side tables are often resting spots for drinks and are the ideal location for a table lamp. If you're not sure how tall your end table should be, our guide covers all you need to know. Keep reading to learn how to select the right end table size for your space.

In this guide:
Standard End Table Height
The Armrest Rule
End Table Size Guidelines
Special Furniture Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions

Standard End Table Height

The standard height for end tables ranges from 18" – 28", with most falling around 24" tall. However, the ideal height for your space depends on the furniture it will sit beside.

The Armrest Rule

Modern living room with brown leather sectional sofa, wood coffee table, accent chair, and warm neutral decor

The most important guideline for end table height is the armrest rule: your end table should be at or slightly below the height of your sofa's armrest – ideally within 2". This ensures you can comfortably reach items on the table.

Why go shorter rather than taller?

When an end table is taller than your armrest, it becomes uncomfortable and awkward to set down drinks or retrieve items. You'll find yourself reaching up rather than naturally extending your arm to the side. A slightly lower table feels more ergonomic and accessible.

End Table Size Guidelines

Choosing the right end table size not only creates visual balance between the end table and your seating arrangement, it also provides comfortable, ergonomic convenience. End table width and depth is just as important as height, here are the measurements you should consider when determining the best end table dimensions for your space.

End Table Width

The width of an end table can be anywhere from 16" to 28". When deciding on a side table, be sure yours has a surface wide enough to hold any desired items, like books, plants, or table lamps. Additionally, make sure you can leave a few inches between the end table and the arm of a sofa or seating arrangement. This keeps the space from looking cluttered.

End Table Depth

Most end table depths range from 22" – 24". However, the ideal depth of an end table is equal to the depth of the sofa or chair it's placed next to. It should not exceed the depth of the sofa or chair as this can create a disproportionate look and can block foot traffic going to and from seating. We recommend measuring from the backrest of your sofa to the front edge of the seat to determine the maximum depth for an end table. You can always determine the depth of an end table on Wayfair by referencing the "Weight & Dimensions" tab on an end table's specific product page.

Special Furniture Considerations

Different seating types may require adjusted approaches:

Armless sofas: Choose a table height that matches where the arms would be – typically 24" – 26" inches from the floor
Sectionals: Consider the height at the section where you'll place the table; corner placements may need lower tables for visibility
Recliners: Account for the reclined position; a slightly lower table (18" – 22") prevents obstruction when the chair is extended
Nesting tables: These offer flexibility – use the taller table normally and pull out smaller tables when entertaining