Standard dimensions exist because they fit most people and most rooms. Use this reference to check a piece before you buy it, or to plan custom furniture that works with what you already have. All sizes are typical ranges, not rules.
Tables and surfaces
| Piece |
Height |
Notes |
| Dining table |
28–30" (71–76 cm) |
Leave 10–12" (25–30 cm) between the seat and the tabletop |
| Counter |
34–36" (86–91 cm) |
Pair with counter stools |
| Bar table |
40–42" (102–107 cm) |
Pair with bar stools |
| Desk |
28–30" (71–76 cm) |
At least 24" (61 cm) of knee space in width |
| Coffee table |
16–18" (41–46 cm) |
Level with the sofa seat or up to 2" (5 cm) lower |
| Side table |
22–26" (56–66 cm) |
Within about 2" (5 cm) of the sofa arm |
| Console table |
30–36" (76–91 cm) |
Behind a sofa: level with the back or up to 2" (5 cm) lower |
| Nightstand |
24–28" (61–71 cm) |
Within a few inches of the mattress top |
| Media console |
16–30" (41–76 cm) |
Screen centre near seated eye height, about 42" (107 cm) |
Seating
| Seat |
Seat height |
Notes |
| Dining chair |
17–19" (43–48 cm) |
Seat width usually 16–20" (41–51 cm) |
| Counter stool |
24–26" (61–66 cm) |
For 34–36" (86–91 cm) counters |
| Bar stool |
28–30" (71–76 cm) |
For 40–42" (102–107 cm) bars |
| Sofa |
17–19" (43–48 cm) |
Seat depth 20–24" (51–61 cm); deeper suits lounging |
| Lounge chair |
15–18" (38–46 cm) |
Lower, deeper seats are more relaxed |
Dining tables: how many they seat
Allow about 24" (61 cm) of table edge per person. Rectangular tables at least 60" (152 cm) long and 36" (91 cm) wide can also seat one person at each end.
| Rectangular table length |
Seats |
Round table diameter |
Seats |
| 48" (122 cm) |
4 |
36" (91 cm) |
2–4 |
| 60" (152 cm) |
4–6 |
42" (107 cm) |
4 |
| 72" (183 cm) |
6–8 |
48" (122 cm) |
4–6 |
| 84" (213 cm) |
6–8 |
54" (137 cm) |
5–6 |
| 96" (244 cm) |
8–10 |
60" (152 cm) |
6–8 |
| 120" (305 cm) |
10–12 |
72" (183 cm) |
8–10 |
Most rectangular dining tables are 36–42" (91–107 cm) wide. Try our dining table calculator to size one for your room.
Beds and mattresses (Canada and US)
| Size |
Mattress (inches) |
Mattress (cm, rounded) |
| Twin (single) |
38 × 75 |
97 × 191 |
| Twin XL |
38 × 80 |
97 × 203 |
| Full (double) |
54 × 75 |
137 × 191 |
| Queen |
60 × 80 |
152 × 203 |
| King |
76 × 80 |
193 × 203 |
| California king |
72 × 84 |
183 × 213 |
A bed frame adds a few inches to each side, more with a large headboard or footboard. European and UK mattress sizes are different, so check before buying imported bedding or frames.
Storage
| What you're storing |
Shelf depth |
Clear shelf height |
| Paperbacks |
6–8" (15–20 cm) |
8–10" (20–25 cm) |
| Hardcovers |
10–12" (25–30 cm) |
12" (30 cm) or more |
| Art and coffee-table books |
12" (30 cm) or more |
15" (38 cm) or more |
| Vinyl LPs |
13" (33 cm) or more |
13–13.5" (33–34 cm) or more |
| Folded clothes (dresser drawer) |
Interior 16–20" (41–51 cm) deep |
Drawer interior 4–10" (10–25 cm) |
Our book capacity and vinyl record calculators show how much a particular bookcase will hold.
Clearances
| Space |
Minimum |
Comfortable |
| Dining table edge to a wall (chairs in between) |
36" (91 cm) |
42–48" (107–122 cm), so people can walk behind seated guests |
| Sofa to coffee table |
14" (36 cm) |
16–18" (41–46 cm) |
| Main walkways |
30" (76 cm) |
36" (91 cm) |
| Beside a bed |
24" (61 cm) |
30–36" (76–91 cm) |
| In front of a dresser |
36" (91 cm) |
42" (107 cm), room to open drawers and stand |
| Behind a sofa with a console |
24" (61 cm) walkway |
30" (76 cm) |
