Buying Guide · Living Room
Coffee Table & Occasional Furniture Buying Guide NZ
Coffee tables, lamp tables, and hall tables are the finishing pieces that make a living room feel complete. They're also easy to get wrong — a table that's too tall, too wide, or the wrong style can throw off the whole room.
1. Getting the Height Right
The single most important measurement is height. A coffee table should sit roughly level with, or slightly below, your sofa's seat height — typically 400–450mm. If it's too high, it feels awkward to reach; too low, and you're bending down constantly.
2. Sizing and Clearance
- Leave about 450mm between the coffee table and the sofa so you can sit comfortably.
- Keep enough room to walk around the table on the other sides.
- In a compact NZ living room, a smaller or round table keeps the space feeling open.
3. Storage vs Open Design
- With drawers or a shelf — hides remotes, magazines, and coasters (e.g. the Ashland Coffee Table with Drawers).
- Open design — keeps items accessible but visible; suits a minimalist look.
4. Matching Your Style
Occasional furniture comes in a wide range of finishes, from light timber to black and modern square profiles. Choose a finish that ties in with your existing sofa, TV unit, and flooring. A hall table is a great way to add a welcoming touch to an entryway, while a lamp table anchors a reading corner.
Featured Products
Frequently Asked Questions
- What height should a coffee table be?
- A coffee table should sit roughly level with, or slightly below, the seat height of your sofa — typically 400–450mm. This keeps drinks and remotes within easy reach without forcing you to lean forward.
- How much clearance should I leave around a coffee table?
- Leave about 450mm between the coffee table and the sofa, and enough room to walk around the table on the other sides. In a compact living room, a smaller or round table can help keep the space open.
- What is the difference between a coffee table and a lamp table?
- A coffee table is a low, central table in front of the sofa. A lamp table (or side table) is a taller table placed beside a sofa or chair, usually to hold a lamp, drink, or book.
- Should I choose a coffee table with storage?
- If you want to hide remotes, magazines, and coasters, a coffee table with drawers or a lower shelf is a practical choice. Open-shelf designs keep items accessible but visible.
Shop Occasional Furniture
Explore our coffee tables, lamp tables, and occasional furniture ranges.