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FAQ: What is Standard Counter Height, Bar Height & Table Height?

FAQ: What is Standard Counter Height, Bar Height & Table Height?

Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we are big fans of mixing-and-matching dining room tables and chairs. In fact, we’ve written about it here on the WFMO blog! Of course, you could always go with a full dining set and avoid the hassle – but where’s the fun in that?! However, one of the regular questions we get is regarding the various chair and table heights.

You obviously want your seating to fit perfectly with your table of choice. Knowing the difference between standard counter height, table height, and bar height is easy! Today, we’re here to clarify a few things and answer these frequently-asked questions once and for all.

So if it all comes down to a few easy measurements, what’s the big mix-up? Well, the biggest source of confusion is that the terms “counter height”, “table height”, and “bar height” refer to different measurements depending on whether you’re measuring stools and chairs, or measuring tables and counters. For instance, a table typically requires a set of chairs or stools that are 12 inches shorter than the table surface itself.

What is standard table height?

realyn table height dining set

First, let’s start with the typical dinner table, kitchen table, breakfast table, or formal dining room table. All of these tables are what we’d refer to as “table height”. This definition even holds true for most patio tables and patio dining sets.

Standard table height is usually between 28 inches and 30 inches. Following our previously stated rule-of-thumb, that means that table height chairs and table height stools should measure around 18 inches from floor to seat. This is the default table height unless otherwise stated.

What is the standard counter height?

manning counter height table and chairs

The counter table is the happy medium between traditional dining tables and casual high-top bar tables. The name originates from exactly where you might expect – the typical height of a kitchen counter.

Standard counter height is between 34 inches and 36 inches tall, and counter height chairs, stools, and benches are around 24 inches from floor to seat. Whether you’re shopping for a table, chair, cushioned bench, or barstool, if the word “counter” is used in the product name, you’re likely looking at a counter height piece.

Here’s an easy rule of thumb. Walk to your kitchen and look at your countertop. If your table is roughly that same height, you need a counter height stool or chair.

What is bar height?

Valebeck Barstools

Lastly, we come to bar height, also known as pub height. These are the “high-top tables” you’ll find at your favorite local restaurant or sports bar. Does your kitchen counter have a portion that is elevated? If so, that counter would be bar height.

At between 40 inches and 42 inches, bar height tables or pub tables are the tallest dining furniture available. Bar height stools and chairs measure at around 30 inches in height.

One point of confusion is that the term “barstool” is often used as a catch-all term for stools of various heights. Just remember that bar height is higher than counter height and you’ll be fine.

WFMO: Georgia’s Home for Barstools, Counter Height Tables & More!

So, let’s review:

  • table height tables = 28″ to 30″ | table height seating = 18″
  • counter height tables = 34″ to 36″ | counter height seating = 24″
  • bar height tables = 40″ to 42″ | bar height seating = 30″

There you have it. Feel free to bookmark this page if you’re in the market for dining tables, chairs, barstools, church pew or cushioned bench style dining benches and more! We have one of the largest selections of dining room furniture in North Georgia, and our no-pressure furniture experts are on standby to answer any questions you may have. Come visit us today in Woodstock/Acworth, Dallas/Hiram or Rome!

 
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