Understanding Height Can a Side Table Be Higher Than the Sofa

Can a Side Table Be Higher Than the Sofa? Explore Design Tips

There’s something undeniably satisfying about creating a living room collection that perfectly balances comfort, style, and aesthetics, alongside practicality. Among all the decisions involved, furniture arrangement, including the placement, size, depth, and width of your pieces, can shape the space more than you may think. The side table, often seen as a supporting piece, has an outsized influence on the layout, accessibility, and day-to-day experience of a room. Should a side table be higher than your sofa? That question sparks a host of opinions, especially with the flood of “design rules” streaming across social media and home magazines, yet functionality remains a key consideration.

Let’s break out of the strict rulebook for a moment and focus on what actually works—spaces that look good, work well, and reflect your personality.

Side Table Height: The Unwritten Rules

The most common advice found across interior design blogs and home décor books is that a side table should line up with the arm of your sofa, give or take a few centimetres either way. The theory is simple: this height makes it easiest to reach for your glass, book, or remote control without an awkward stretch or uncomfortable bend.

Traditional recommendations:

● Standard sofa arm height: 50–60cm (19.5–23.5”)

● Side table height guide: Within 5cm (2”) of sofa arm height

On the surface, this makes sense. Yet homes are diverse in width and style, and the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model doesn’t always suit every scenario. Whether you have an ultra-low sofa, a statement armchair, or a modular lounge with varying arm heights, considering the dimensions of each piece is crucial, as strict adherence may sacrifice practicality or visual appeal.

Going Taller: When Higher Side Tables Work

Raising the height of your side table above the sofa arm creates a very different feel in a space. Sometimes it brings a refreshing contrast, and other times it solves practical issues.

Here's why a taller side table might be just what your living space needs:

● Designer effect: Higher side tables can bring dimension and visual interest, interrupting a monotonous horizontal line.

● Showcasing objects: Pieces like marble sculptures, vases, or lush potted plants become eye-catching when elevated.

● Functional needs: For those who use their sofa as a reading nook, extra height brings lamps closer to eye level for improved lighting.

● Space-saving: If floorspace is tight, a taller, narrower table allows for upright storage (think stackable books or decorative trays) without sprawling across the room.

● Unique sofa designs: In some homes, sofas have especially low or high arms, making the typical advice less helpful.

A tall side table can also work as a mini bar, breakfast station, or remote drop zone, depending on your lifestyle and functionality needs.

Visual Balance and Style

It’s easy to focus on measurements, given the abundance of design advice online, but composition is just as important. The relationship between your side table and sofa should feel intentional, not haphazard.

Consider how the table’s height interacts with other elements in the room. Does the side table echo the line of your windowsill? Does it draw attention toward a statement light fixture, artwork, or mirror? A taller table, especially one crafted from a striking material like natural marble, can form a beautiful vertical accent within a broader design scheme.

Here’s a quick look at different design effects:

Side Table Height	Visual Impact	Best For
Aligned with sofa arm	Subtle, cohesive, classic	Traditional & minimalist rooms
5-10cm above arm	Eye-catching, modern, dynamic	Contemporary, eclectic, bold
Significantly higher	Sculptural effect, functional focus	Artistic & practical corners

The Role of Material and Shape

The material, size, width, and style of the table influence how height is perceived. For example, a round marble side table with a slender base appears lighter and less imposing than a chunky, square wooden table—even if both are taller than the sofa arm, emphasizing the dimensions that affect visual weight.

Plinths and pedestal tables, like those found in the Home Elements range, lend themselves naturally to a greater height collection. Their sculptural appearance emphasises aesthetics and elegance, making them perfect platforms for decorative objects. The CUBI Plinth in Ocean Storm marble, with its slim profile and artistic width, looks intentional at a higher position, transforming into a mini stage for your favourite design pieces.

Curved and tapered legs, light-reflective surfaces, and open frames can also soften the silhouette of a high side table, adding depth and allowing it to stand tall without overwhelming the room.

Layering Heights and Creating Interest

Some of the most stunning living rooms don’t restrain themselves to one uniform level, thanks to strategic furniture arrangement. Instead, layering different heights with side tables, coffee tables, and ottomans invites the eye to move around the space and creates areas of curiosity and rest.

Why stick with one side table height? In larger loungerooms or open-plan homes, try using a taller marble plinth at one end of the sofa, and a smaller, squat table at the other. Or, mix and match side tables of different heights next to modular sofas for a lived-in, curated feel.

Ideas for dynamic styling:

● Group two tables of different heights together for a multi-level vignette

● Use a taller table near a reading chair with a floor lamp beside it

● Contrast a substantial plinth with lightweight, transparent surfaces elsewhere

Function Comes First

Having a beautifully on-trend side table means little if it lacks the necessary functionality or if it compromises accessibility. Think about your daily habits: do you eat snacks on the couch? Do you have small children who might knock things over? Are you constantly reaching for your phone or a cup of tea?

A higher side table, with its added functionality, can be perfect for resting a reading light, charging devices, or keeping fragile décor out of a toddler's reach. It can also make life easier for anyone who prefers not to bend down.

Checklist for choosing your side table height:

● Who uses the space? Kids, adults, guests?

● What’s the main use: storage, display, or both?

● Is it within comfortable reach when seated?

● Will the height interfere with other items (e.g., window sills, radiators)?

● Does it risk making the space feel crowded?

Tricky Spaces: When Taller Just Works

Some homes are simply unique. Maybe your living area is smaller than most city apartments, or you have inherited a lounge suite with unusual proportions. In these cases, a side table higher than the sofa isn’t only appealing; it’s practical.

For example:

● Tiny lounges: Narrow plinths help maximise floor space without sacrificing storage or style.

● Bay windows: Tables standing slightly above sofa height can fill awkward gaps and become plant stands.

● Layered seating: If you mix sofas, armchairs, and ottomans, varied side table heights allow everyone a useful surface within arms’ reach.

When adding a taller side table, always trial its practicality: sit at the sofa, reach for objects, and check if the movement feels natural, considering the depth of the table in relation to other furniture.

Styling Tips for Tall Side Tables

It’s easy to make a higher side table feel like it belongs to your collection. Place a tall lamp or statement vase on the table to emphasise its stature, or soften the effect with smaller, grouped accessories.

A few styling ideas:

● Stack a trio of art books under a ceramic bowl or candle

● Drape a trailing plant to spill gently toward the sofa’s arm

● Use trays or coasters to anchor smaller items and keep the surface organised

And remember, the table’s finish makes an enormous difference. Marble, metal, and sleek glass all reflect light differently, further changing how the piece is perceived in your home.

Inspiration from New Zealand Homes

Designers and homeowners across New Zealand are embracing inventive furniture arrangement, especially in homes where new and old architectural elements play together. It’s increasingly common to spot a striking marble side table beside vintage armchairs or as a high point next to plush, low-profile modular sofas.

With the local popularity of natural materials, pieces like the ISABELLA Side Table in Volakas marble not only provide function, but also tie together modern and traditional spaces. They’re practical enough to hold everyday items, yet special enough to warrant pride of place, offering valuable functionality.

The Takeaway for Stylish Living

Never let rigid rules crowd out the personality and comfort of your home; consider the width and dimensions of your space to find pieces that fit just right. If a side table a little higher than your sofa helps showcase a beloved vase, catch the morning light, or simply makes life easier, it’s worth the deviation.

The key is finding a piece that feels intentional, coordinates with your other furnishings, and fits naturally into your day-to-day living, all while enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your space. With the right blend of practical thinking, accessibility, and creative risk, a side table can bring both utility and flair to your space.

Decorating with confidence lets your home reflect your unique taste, even if you set the “rules” aside. Sometimes, the most memorable rooms are the ones that dare to stand a little taller.