End Table Height
A standard end table is 22–26 in (56–66 cm) tall: level with the arm of the sofa or chair beside it, or up to 2 in (5 cm) lower. At that height you can put down a cup or reach a lamp switch without lifting your shoulder. Measure the arm of your sofa first; low modern sofas need lower tables. The average end table height is about 24 in (61 cm).
End table dimensions
| Dimension | Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22–26 in (range 20–30 in) | 56–66 cm |
| Width | 18–24 in | 45–60 cm |
| Depth | 18–24 in, no deeper than the sofa arm | 45–60 cm |
| Gap to the sofa | 2–6 in | 5–15 cm |
| Lower shelf height | 4–6 in from the floor | 10–15 cm |
Match the table to the sofa arm
| Sofa or chair arm height | End table height |
|---|---|
| 20–22 in (51–56 cm), low modern | 19–22 in (48–56 cm) |
| 23–25 in (58–64 cm), standard | 22–25 in (56–64 cm) |
| 26–28 in (66–71 cm), rolled or tall arm | 25–28 in (64–71 cm) |
A table slightly lower than the arm is easier to use than one higher. If the end table also sits next to a bed, see nightstand height: the right height there follows the mattress instead.
Lamps on an end table
For reading, the bottom of the lampshade should be at about eye level when you sit, roughly 38–42 in (97–107 cm) from the floor. On a 24 in table, that means a lamp about 15–18 in tall from its base to the bottom of the shade. Leave the table wide enough for the lamp base plus a cup, at least 18 in.
Building an end table
An end table is a small, quick project: a top, two panel sides, a rail and a lower shelf, cut from a part of one sheet. Our end table plan recalculates every part from the width, depth and height you type, from 45 to 70 cm (18–27 1/2 in) tall:
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard end table height?
22–26 in (56–66 cm). The right height is level with the arm of the sofa or chair, or up to 2 in (5 cm) lower.
Should an end table be higher than the sofa arm?
No more than about 2 in. A table level with the arm, or slightly lower, is the easiest to reach while sitting.
How big should an end table be?
18–24 in (45–60 cm) wide and no deeper than the arm of the sofa, usually 18–24 in.
What is the difference between an end table and a nightstand?
Height: an end table matches the arm of a sofa, about 22–26 in; a nightstand matches the top of a mattress, about 24–28 in.