What is the standard console table height? Most console tables are 28–32 inches tall, and about 30 inches is the standard height, close to a desk or dining table. Behind a sofa, a console table should sit level with the top of the sofa back or an inch or two below it. In an entryway, 30–36 inches works, and taller tables are easier to drop keys on while standing. Standard console tables are 12–18 inches deep (narrow console tables are 8–12 inches) and 36–60 inches wide; behind a sofa, aim for about two thirds to three quarters of the sofa's length.
This guide covers console table height, depth and width, how to size one behind a sofa, in an entryway or under a TV, how to choose materials and storage, how to style it, and how a console table differs from a sofa table and a sideboard.
Console Table Dimensions at a Glance
| Measurement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28–32 in (30 in typical) | Up to 36 in for standing-height entryway tables |
| Depth | 12–18 in | 8–12 in for a narrow console table; 18–24 in if it doubles as a desk |
| Width | 36–60 in | Small consoles 24–36 in; long ones 60–80 in |
| Behind a sofa | Within 1–2 in of the sofa back height | About 2/3–3/4 of the sofa length |
| Walkway in front | At least 36 in | More in busy entries |
Console Table Height
What is the standard height for a console table?
About 30 inches, within a typical range of 28–32 inches. That height lines up with most sofa backs, desks and dining tables, so a console table looks right with the furniture around it, and it's comfortable for setting down a bag or keys.
How tall are hallway console tables?
Hallway and entryway console tables are usually 30–34 inches tall. Taller tables (up to about 36 inches) make a stronger focal point under a mirror and are easier to use while standing, but keep the lamp and mirror in proportion.
Is 31 inches too high for a table?
Not for a console. A 31–32-inch console is within the standard range and suits most sofas and entryways. It is a little high for a dining table (28–30 inches), and if you use it as a desk you may want a chair with a slightly taller seat.
Console table height behind a sofa
Measure from the floor to the top of the sofa back. The console table should be the same height or 1–2 inches lower, so lamps and decorative items show above the sofa without the table towering over it. If the table is much lower than the sofa back, anything on it disappears behind the cushions.
Console Table Depth
Standard console tables are 12–18 inches deep, enough for a table lamp, a tray and a few decorative accents. In a narrow hallway or tight spaces, choose a narrow console table 8–12 inches deep, and check that it is stable; very slim tables can tip when you open a drawer, so anchor them to the wall. A deeper table (18–24 inches) gives you more surface and works as a desk or vanity, but needs a wider room.
Console Table Width
- Behind a sofa: about two thirds to three quarters of the sofa's length, and never longer than the sofa. For an 84-inch sofa, that's about 56–63 inches.
- Entryway: leave at least 6 inches of wall on each side so it doesn't look squeezed, and keep it clear of the front door swing.
- Under a TV: at least as wide as the TV, ideally a few inches wider on each side. A 55-inch TV is about 48 inches wide, so choose a console 50 inches wide or more.
- Under a mirror or art: the mirror should be about two thirds to three quarters of the table's width. For a 48-inch console table, choose a mirror about 32–36 inches wide.
Where to Put a Console Table
Entryway console table
By the front door, an entryway table is a catch-all for car keys, mail and sunglasses. Add a bowl or tray, a lamp for evenings and a mirror above. Drawers or a lower shelf with storage baskets hide everyday items and cut visual clutter. See our entryway ideas.
Behind a sofa
Can a console table go behind a couch? Yes. When a sofa floats in the middle of the room, a sofa table behind it gives you a place for lamps and books, hides the back of the sofa and helps define an open space. Leave a small gap between the table and the sofa. See our small living room layout guide.
Hallway and narrow spaces
In a narrow hallway, choose a slim profile console 8–12 inches deep and keep 36 inches of walkway. Mount art or a mirror above it to make the hall feel wider. See hallway decor ideas.
Dining room, bedroom and under the TV
Console tables are versatile pieces. In a dining room, use one as a serving surface; in a bedroom, as a dressing table or desk; and in a living room, under a wall-mounted TV with baskets below for remotes and games.
How to Choose a Console Table
- Measure first: wall width, the sofa back height if it goes behind a sofa, and the walkway in front.
- Choose the shape: rectangular tables suit most spaces; demilune (half-moon) and rounded tables soften a tight entry and have no sharp corners.
- Decide on storage: drawers hide keys and mail, a lower shelf holds baskets or books, and an open space underneath keeps a small room feeling light.
- Pick materials: solid wood and oak veneer show natural wood grain and wear well; engineered wood offers smooth painted finishes at a lower cost; metal, glass and stone tops suit modern interiors and contemporary settings.
- Check stability and weight capacity: especially for narrow consoles and tables that will hold a heavy lamp, books or a TV.
- Match the style: a streamlined silhouette for modern rooms, carved details and cabriole legs for traditional and French country rooms, reclaimed wood for farmhouse.
How to Style a Console Table
- Anchor it: hang a mirror or one large piece of art centered above, about 6–10 inches above the tabletop.
- Add height: a table lamp or a tall vase of branches on one or both ends. A pair of lamps gives a formal, symmetrical look.
- Group in odd numbers: cluster decorative items in threes at different heights, such as a stack of books, a bowl and a small plant, to add visual interest.
- Corral the small stuff: a tray or bowl for keys keeps everyday items from spreading across the surface.
- Use the space below: baskets, a bench or two stools tuck under many console tables.
- Leave some empty space: a console table looks better with a little room between objects.
For more styling ideas that apply to any long, low surface, see how to decorate a sideboard and how high to hang a mirror.
Console Table vs Sofa Table vs Sideboard
| Console table | Sofa table | Sideboard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical height | 28–32 in | Matched to the sofa back, about 26–30 in | 30–36 in |
| Typical depth | 12–18 in | 10–16 in | 16–22 in |
| Storage | Drawers or a shelf, often open legs | Usually a shelf | Cabinets and drawers |
| Where it goes | Entryway, hallway, behind a sofa, under a TV | Behind a sofa | Dining room, living room |
A sofa table is simply a console table sized and placed behind a sofa. A sideboard is deeper, with closed storage for dishes and linens; see sideboard vs buffet.
Homsee Console Table Example
Our Relievo Rocaille Entryway Console Table is 47.2 inches wide, 23.6 inches deep and 31.5 inches tall, with a top rated for 110 lbs and five drawers rated for 17.6 lbs each. It has French Rococo-inspired cabriole legs, floral carvings and gold-tone accents on a soft ivory finish. At 23.6 inches it is deeper than a standard console table, which gives you room for a lamp, a tray and decor, or for a laptop if you use it as a writing desk, so measure your walkway before you buy. For a 47.2-inch table, a mirror about 31–35 inches wide keeps the proportions balanced. See all console tables.
Console Table FAQ
What is a console table used for?
A console table is a long, narrow table that stands against a wall or behind a sofa. It holds lamps, keys, mail and decor in an entryway, adds surface and light behind a sofa, and can serve as a TV stand, a serving table or a small desk.
What's the difference between a console table and a sofa table?
They are the same type of table. "Sofa table" describes a console table placed behind a sofa and sized to the sofa back height, usually about 26–30 inches tall.
What's the difference between a sideboard and a console table?
A sideboard is deeper and lower to the ground visually, with cabinets and drawers for dining storage. A console table is slimmer and lighter, often on legs with a drawer or shelf.
What is the 2/3 rule for sofas?
A table behind or in front of a sofa should be about two thirds of the sofa's length. For a console table behind a sofa, two thirds to three quarters of the sofa length looks balanced.
What size mirror goes over a 48-inch console table?
About 32–36 inches wide, which is two thirds to three quarters of the table's width. Hang it 6–10 inches above the tabletop.
What is the thinnest console table?
Narrow console tables are about 8–12 inches deep, and some wall-mounted consoles are even shallower. They suit narrow hallways but need anchoring if they have drawers.
Can a console table be used as a desk?
Yes, if it is about 28–31 inches tall, at least 18 inches deep for a laptop and has open knee space. Many entryway consoles are too shallow for comfortable work.
How wide should a console table be under a TV?
At least as wide as the TV, and ideally a few inches wider on each side, so the screen doesn't look top-heavy.
Are sofa tables still in style?
Yes. Sofa tables are still a smart choice for floating sofas, open-plan rooms and small living rooms, where they add lamps, display space and storage without a side table.
Related: Entryway ideas · Hallway decor ideas · How high to hang a mirror · How to decorate a sideboard