Side Table Heights for Indian Homes — Sofa, Lounge & Bedside Rules

Small decisions shape daily comfort. Get side-table heights right and your living room and bedroom feel effortlessly elegant—and easy to live with.

Living room: the height rule that just works

Match your side table to the sofa arm—or keep it within ±5 cm (2”). This range optimises both function (easy to set a cup down) and silhouette (table doesn’t look abrupt next to the arm). If your sofa arm is 60 cm, your side table should live ~58–62 cm.

Width & surface: Typical side tables range ~35–60 cm (14–24”) wide; choose based on what you place atop (lamp, books, tray). 

India-first details:

• Compact rooms: round/oval tables soften corners and improve circulation.
  
  

• Plug points: keep charging access in mind; a slightly taller table can help lamp and charger leads sit cleanly.
  
  

• Hosting: if you frequently serve chai/snacks, prioritise a stable surface area; height should still hug the arm. (Use coasters on marble/wood tops.)
  
  

Bedroom: nightstand height for effortless reach

Aim to keep your nightstand level with the top of your mattress. A slightly higher nightstand (≈5–10 cm / 2–4”) is also comfortable and visually composed—especially with thicker mattresses. Avoid nightstands that sit well below the mattress; they look under scaled and make reaching awkward. 

Width & storage: Nightstands typically sit ~45–70 cm high depending on bed style; widths vary (often ~45–70 cm / 18–28”). Match storage to your routine (glasses, books, charging drawer). 

Lamps & light: the eye-level cue

For table lamps beside sofas or lounge chairs, keep the bottom of the shade near your seated eye level to prevent glare and keep proportions calm. On the bedroom side, match lamp height to your reading posture so light pools onto pages—not into eyes. 

Quick size map (printable)

• Sofa side table: Arm height ± 5 cm (± 2”). If undecided, err slightly lower rather than higher.
  

• Nightstand: Mattress level or +5–10 cm (+2–4”). 
  
  

• Side table width: choose surface to fit lamp/books; common 14–24” (35–60 cm) ranges. 
  
  

• Living room flow: keep sofa–coffee-table reach near 40–46 cm (16–18”); round tops help in tight rooms.
  
  

India-first refinements

• Rugs: Plush rugs visually raise the sofa base; avoid making the side table too low relative to the arm.
  
  

• Monsoon & dust: Choose finishes that wipe clean easily; protect marble/wood with coasters and trays.
  
  

• Elder comfort: For easier reach, keep side tables at arm height rather than below; in bedrooms, avoid low nightstands.