Main Menu WFO
NFM Style Menu WFO
Table Talk: Which Table Height Is Right for Me?

Table Talk: Which Table Height Is Right for Me?

On the hunt for a new dining table for your dining room or kitchen? If you’re been searching for any amount of time, you’ve likely come across a variety of table options for your dining space. In addition to loads of different styles, shapes and sizes of dining tables, did you know that dining tables typically come in three different heights? But how do you know which table height is right for you and your home?

Table Heights | What Are My Options?

Before we dive into the finer details of choosing the perfect table height, let's get the basics down first. The three primary table heights are standard table height, counter height, and bar height. If you’d like a primer on table height, counter height and bar height, their measurements, and what it means for both your table and chairs, be sure to read our article comparing them. Otherwise, here’s the short version:

Standard height tables typically stand between 28 inches and 30 inches tall when measured from the floor to table’s surface, and are the classic format for dining rooms all around the world.

Counter height tables are quite a bit higher, standing between 34 inches and 36 inches tall. As the name suggests, this is the same height that is standard for kitchen countertops in most homes.

At 40 to 42 inches tall, bar height tables are the highest table height you’ll find in common home usage. Also known as high-top tables, you’ll commonly find these tables at your neighbor’s basement bar, favorite sports bar, or local bar and grill.

table-talk-which-table-height-is-right-for-me - 1

So, what is the ideal use scenario for each of these tables, and who is the ideal owner for each? Why should you consider taller tables, like counter height and bar height? And when would a standard height dining table be a better fit? Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Consider a Bar or Counter Height Table 

Before discussing the very good case for standard height dining tables, let’s discover the many reasons why shoppers should consider taller tables like counter height and bar height tables. After all, counter tables in particular are a growing home décor trend for a reason!

[Editor’s Note: While bar tables and counter tables have many of the same benefits, there are a few unique benefits specific to each table type. But we’ll get into those in a minute.] 

  • The Informal Look – Is your home décor style more casual and contemporary than formal and traditional? Counter tables and bar tables are perfect for laid-back, modern and transitional dining spaces.
  • Ample Leg Room – This one almost goes without saying. If you’ve got a taller table, you’ve got more leg room! These high tables are great if you or your loved ones are exceptionally vertical – that means tall, y’all!
  • You’ve Got That Spacious Feeling – While they technically take up the same amount of floor space as any other table sharing the same width and depth measurements, the height of bar and counter tables draws the eyes upward. This can make your dining space feel more spacious and less cluttered. This is ideal for eat-in kitchens or smaller dining nooks.
  • Pesky Pets – We love our pets, but sometimes our furry best friends can be pests at mealtime. Higher tables put food safely out of reach for all but the tallest food thieves and snack sniffers.

 

Unique Benefits of Counter Height Tables

valebeck-counter-height-table-and-stool-dining-set

If you work from home and find yourself working from your kitchen or dining table, a counter table might be just what you need. That’s because with a counter height table, most people can comfortably use the surface whether sitting or standing. Thanks to its medium height, it’s also easier on the knees when it comes time to get up from your chair. So if you need to stretch your legs during that long workday, you can easily work standing up without an adjustable height desk.

For this same reason, the height of counter tables makes them great for prepping meals and entertaining guests. If you’ve got a smaller kitchen, it helps to have another surface at counter height that you can use to prepare food. And if you’ve got a kitchen island or counter with space for stools, you can easily use the same stools wherever you need them. As for those dinner guests, counter height dining tables (sometimes called “gathering tables”) allow your guests to mingle around the table whether sitting or standing.

Unique Benefits of Bar Height Tables

joanna-bar-height-console-table

As for bar height tables, any unique benefits beyond those stated in the list above are reserved for those who already have bars or bar height counters in their homes. In many homes and apartments, a portion of the kitchen counters are elevated in order to accommodate bar stools. If your kitchen has this feature, or if you have a bar in a dining area, bonus room, rec room, man cave or basement, you will be able to use the same stools seamlessly between your bar, bar height counter top, and your new bar height table.

Why You Should Consider a Standard Height Table 

When you stop and consider that standard height dining tables are, well, the standard, many of their benefits are already apparent. However, that doesn’t mean that we should gloss over them. After all, some of the advantages of standard height tables may make them a better candidate for you when compared to taller dining tables.

  • magnolia-manor-standard-height-dining-table-and-chairs-setTraditional Aesthetics – Standard height tables have stood the test of time for a reason. They exude classic style and seamlessly fit into most dining spaces, bringing that timeless charm. However, just because these tables are more traditional, doesn’t mean they have to be stuffy or formal.
  • Family Friendly – If you have little ones, a standard height dining table is your best option. Unlike bar and counter tables, standard height is the perfect height for kiddos and can also easily accommodate high chairs and booster seats.
  • Ergonomic Comfort – Stools and chairs made for bar and counter height tables aren’t always the most ergonomic seats to sit in for extended periods. That’s because they can put strain on the hips, knees and lower back unless the design includes a proper foot rest. Ultimately, the most comfortable seat is usually the one that allows both feet to sit flat on the ground.
  • Accessibility – For the same reasons as above, standard height tables are much better for children, shorter individuals, and those with disabilities or other physical limitations. For many of these users, lower chairs are more comfortable and easier to get in and out of. 
  • Availability & Convenience – Lastly, finding dining chairs that match standard height dining tables is a breeze. While matching counter chairs and bar stools is more difficult, with standard height dining chairs you’ll have a broad selection of in-stock seating to choose from without worrying about height compatibility. This is especially true if you like to mix-and-match chairs or want to buy extras. Additionally, with standard height tables, there’s little to worry about regarding compatibility with low ceilings or low-hanging light fixtures.

The Tall & Short of It | Table Height Summary

Let’s review…

Pros & Cons | Standard Height Tables

Pros: comfortable, readily available, easy to mix-and-match chairs, kid-compatible, more accessible for those with disabilities and mobility issues, classic style

Cons: less legroom for tall guests, takes up more space visually, not the best option for cramped or contemporary dining spaces, getting up from chairs may be difficult for some guests

Pros & Cons | Counter Height Tables

Pros: on trend, plenty legroom for tall guests, takes up less space visually, pet friendly, ideal for smaller and more modern dining spaces, easy for most guests to get in and out of chairs, most versatile table height as it is good for entertaining but can also be used as a work space or to prep food

Cons: generally less comfortable, fewer chair options, less suitable for children or those with mobility issues, may need to adjust low-hanging light fixtures, may be too casual for some dining spaces

Pros & Cons | Bar Height Tables

Pros: on trend, the most legroom for tall guests, takes up less space visually, pet friendly, ideal for smaller and more modern dining spaces, super convenient if you already have a bar or bar height counters in your kitchen or dining space

Cons: least comfortable, fewer chair options, not suitable for children or those with mobility issues, can be difficult for some guests to climb into chairs, will likely need to adjust low-hanging light fixtures, least practical table height, may be too casual for some dining spaces

Shop Standard Table Height, Counter Height & Bar Height Tables at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet

Equipped with this new knowledge, you’re now a table-shopping force to be reckoned with! Which height do you think is right for your dining room, dining nook, or kitchen? Still on the fence? That’s okay too! If you have additional questions, our furniture experts would love to hear from you on our convenient, live webchat.

Alternatively, sometimes there’s no substitute for going shopping and seeing the different options for yourself. If you’re located in Metro Atlanta or elsewhere in North Georgia, we invite you to visit us at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet. We have a vast selection of dining tables in all three heights just waiting for you to discover! Your dream dining space is just a visit away. See you soon at our furniture stores in Woodstock/Acworth, Dallas/Hiram, and Rome!

 
Share