Which Dining Table Height is Right For Me?

by Nick, Digital Specialist | March 18, 2020

There are a ton of options these days if you're shopping for a new dining room set. One of the most important things to consider is whether to get a standard, counter, or bar height table. Which is right for you?

It used to be that the table for your dining room came in a standard height, and that was it. Everyone’s table was the same height. But those days are gone. In addition to the standard height, there is counter-height and bar-height that you could pick from. What’s the difference between each one, and which one is right for you?

As the name implies, this is the normal height- the one you think of when you think of any dining room table. The tables usually measure 28 to 30 inches tall, with the height of the seat on the chair being about six to eight inches shorter. There are a lot of reasons people choose this height over the others- since it’s the most popular, you will usually find the most selection. Many find it to be the most comfortable as well, since their feet naturally touch the ground. Standard height is also the best choice for kids (no need to lift them into their chair) or elderly people (easier to get in and out of).

This is called counter-height because it’s the same height as your kitchen counters- between 34 and 36 inches. The biggest benefit to this is added counter space- anyone that’s ever had a small kitchen knows how much of a benefit this can be. Another benefit is that because of the extra height, it can make a cramped space appear more open. It’s also great if you entertain- it creates a more casual environment, and it’s the perfect height for a guest to put their drinks on, whether they’re sitting or standing. There are not as many options at the moment, but as this style becomes more popular, the selection will continue to grow.

Bar-height tables take the best entertaining features of the counter-height tables and (literally) raises them even higher. While it’s not ideal for everyday dining, this creates an even more casual feel. This is perfect if you’re trying to create a room where your guests can either sit or stand. Think of a basement or a game room, where guests are milling around and might need a place to put their drink down while they chat.

A FEW OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Arms and backs: Chairs with arms tend to be more comfortable and supportive, but take up more room. Chairs without arms look modern and sleek.

Swivel: A rotating seat is a great feature, allowing the person sitting to have the best view of the room no matter where the action is. This is great especially if there are multiple focal points in the room.

Choosing the right height for your next dining table requires a little thought about the main people using it, as well as its main use in your home. Knowing what you want will help prevent a costly mistake down the road!