Console Table Height and Size: Behind the Sofa, in the Entryway and Under the TV

Most console tables are about 28 to 32 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches deep. Behind a sofa, choose one level with the top of the sofa back or an inch or two lower, and about two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa's length. In an entryway, aim for about 30 to 34 inches tall and usually 10 to 14 inches deep, choosing a depth that still leaves a clear path of about 36 inches. Under a TV, go wider than the TV and deep enough for its feet.

Here's how to measure for each spot, with examples from our collection.

Quick guide

• Standard height: about 28 to 32 inches, with 30 inches the most common.
• Behind a sofa: level with the sofa back or 1 to 2 inches lower, about two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa's length, usually 8 to 14 inches deep.
• Entryway: about 30 to 34 inches tall and 10 to 14 inches deep, or 12 inches or less in a narrow hallway.
• Under a TV: a few inches wider than the TV on each side, and deep enough for its feet or stand.
• Mirror above: about two-thirds to three-quarters of the table's width, hung 4 to 10 inches above the top.

Standard console table height and depth

A console table is usually close to dining table height, around 30 inches, which is comfortable for setting down keys or a lamp while you're standing. Some entryway styles go up to 34 or 36 inches. In our collection, most in-stock console tables are between 29 and 32 inches tall.

Depth varies more. Standard consoles are usually 12 to 18 inches deep, while slim ones for hallways and the backs of sofas can be 8 to 12 inches. Dozens of our in-stock console tables are 12 inches deep or less. One tip: the number at the start of our console table names is usually the width, so check the description for height and depth.

Console table behind a sofa: height, length and depth

Height

Measure from the floor to the top of the sofa back. A console level with it, or an inch or two lower, looks like part of the sofa and keeps a lamp within reach. Most sofa backs are about 30 to 36 inches tall. A 30-inch console suits a back of about 30 to 32 inches; for a taller back, look for a console closer to its height.

Length

Keep the table shorter than the sofa, about two-thirds to three-quarters of its length, so the sofa extends past each end, roughly 9 to 14 inches on a 72- to 84-inch sofa. For an 84-inch sofa, that's about 56 to 63 inches; for a 72-inch sofa, about 48 to 54 inches. With a sectional, run the console along the longer back.

Depth and clearance

Behind a sofa, 8 to 14 inches deep is usually plenty. Push the table right up to the sofa back, and if people walk behind it, leave about 30 to 36 inches of clear floor.

Behind-the-sofa examples

The 56-inch espresso and black console table is listed at 30 inches high, 56 inches wide and only 8 inches deep, and its listing says it can sit behind a sofa. That length suits a sofa of roughly 75 to 84 inches. For a lower-backed sofa, the 52-inch taupe and gray faux stone frame console table is listed at 29 inches high and 10 inches deep. With more room to spare, the 54-inch natural solid wood distressed console table with shelf is listed at 30 inches high and 19.5 inches deep, with a shelf for baskets or books.

Entryway console table size

Depth comes first

Measure the entry wall to wall, then subtract the clear path you want to keep. About 36 inches is the usual target for a hallway, and 30 inches is workable for one person in a tight space. A 46-inch-wide hall leaves room for a table about 10 inches deep; a 50-inch hall, about 14 inches.

Height and width

About 30 to 34 inches tall is comfortable for dropping keys and mail as you walk in; around 35 or 36 inches works like a small counter if you mostly stand at it. For width, keep clear of the door's swing and light switches; about two-thirds to three-quarters of the open wall usually looks balanced.

Drawers, shelves or floating

Drawers hide keys and mail; an open shelf holds baskets or everyday shoes. A floating, wall-mounted console leaves the floor clear, which makes a small entry feel wider, and you set its height when you mount it. Fasten it into studs or with anchors rated for the load.

Entryway examples

For a tight hall, the 36-inch black mirrored glass console table is listed at 30 inches high, 36 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The 32-inch chestnut solid wood floating wall mount console table keeps the floor open and has two soft-close drawers, according to its listing. For more storage, the 42-inch white solid wood console table with shelves and drawers is listed at 33 inches high and 14 inches deep. For a counter-height drop zone, the 35-inch chestnut solid wood console table with shelf and two drawers is listed at 35.8 inches high and 13.8 inches deep.

For hooks, benches and lighting, see our small entryway ideas for a narrow hallway. Hanging a mirror above the console? Our mirror size guide covers widths and heights.

Console table under the TV

A console table can stand in for a media console. Check three things first.

• Width: at least as wide as the TV, ideally a few inches wider on each side. TVs are measured diagonally, so a 55-inch TV is about 48 inches wide, a 65-inch about 57 inches and a 75-inch about 66 inches.
• Depth: the TV's feet need to sit fully on the top, and many TVs have feet near the outer edges. A slim 8- to 10-inch console usually works better as a shelf under a wall-mounted TV.
• Height: the center of the screen should be near seated eye level, about 40 to 42 inches from the floor. A 30-inch table works for a smaller TV; for a large screen, a lower TV stand is usually easier on the neck.

Before setting a TV on any console table, make sure it can hold the weight; if a listing doesn't say, email us and we'll help you find out. Secure the TV with an anti-tip strap or wall anchor, especially with children at home.

The 67-inch brown solid wood console table with shelf is listed at 30 inches high, 67 inches wide and 15.5 inches deep. That's wide enough for a 65-inch TV, with about 5 inches to spare on each side, though at 30 inches high it puts a screen that size above seated eye level. For a longer wall, the 72-inch charcoal solid wood distressed frame console table is listed at 30 inches high and 16 inches deep, in mango hardwood.

You can compare more heights, depths and lengths in our console tables collection. Or narrow by material: solid wood, glass or marble console tables.

FAQ

How tall should a console table behind a sofa be?

Level with the top of the sofa back or an inch or two lower.

How deep should an entryway console table be?

Usually 10 to 14 inches. Measure the hall and subtract the 36 inches of walkway you want to keep; in a narrow hallway that often means 12 inches or less.

Can a console table be used as a TV stand?

Yes, if it's wider than the TV, deep enough for its feet and able to hold its weight. Anchor the TV to the wall too.

Delivery and returns

We ship to the contiguous U.S. and to Canada (not to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico). U.S. orders are usually processed in 1 to 5 business days and delivered in about 4 to 10 business days, with tracking by email and free shipping on orders over $120. Canadian orders usually arrive in 4 to 13 business days including processing, with free shipping over $500. Returns are accepted within 30 days for items that are unused and in their original condition and packaging; return shipping is at your cost unless the item arrived defective, damaged or incorrect. Questions about a size? Email help@FurniFindUSA.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1 484-459-6889.