Curious as to what the average height of a dining room table is? You’re in the correct place. Today we are going to talk about the height of dining tables, what the average is, and we will tackle any myths around dining table height that you may have come across. Dining rooms are one of the most important rooms in a house, a focal point per se.
It is where you and your family share meals, where you host dinner parties, and celebrate the holidays. So, a good dining room table is so important, but, what is the typical height of one, and what should you get when you’re seeking a new table?
Table height varies, based on design and brand, however, there is an ideal range for the ideal height of a dining table. Knowing this will help you to better redesign your dining space, and pick out the perfect new dining table for your home.
Average Height Of A Dining Room Table
So, what is the average? Well, the average height for a dining table is somewhere between 28” to 32” or 71 cm to 81 cm. This is the most common height for tables sold now. It is a height that will easily accommodate a majority of people also.
It allows most people to have a comfortable position as they sit for their family, with feet resting on the floor. This height is also the most ideal height for those in wheelchairs, and they also work well alongside high chairs for the little ones.
These tables will work well alongside chairs that sit at 18” to 23” high, if so, you will certainly have a good amount of room to sit comfortably at the tabletop at a decent height. The general rule is that you should have around 10” of space between the height of the tabletop and the chair’s seat.
So, if you have a 28” table, you will need 18” chairs, and so on. Although, these days most tables and chairs are sold as a set. That being said, for young children, tables may come up too high, in which case, a booster seat is usually a good idea.
It will make your typical dining table and chair height work for everyone. That being said, not every table is made equally, and there are other options for dining table height. Check out the 3 primary options you will have, below.
Typical Dining Table Height
As we already know, the typical height of dining tables is usually between 28” and 32”. This type of dining table is generally sophisticated and formal. There is another advantage of these types of dining tables. They are often extendable, usually having a middle leaf to enable more people to sit around the table during events or dinner parties.
However, this type of sophisticated dining table at a typical height is not to everyone’s lifestyle or taste, so there are other options to accommodate all tastes, lifestyles, and budgets!
Counter Height Dining Tables
If a regular table just is not to your taste, you can get a counter-height table. These are much taller standing around 34” to 36”, for individuals who stand over 6ft tall, these can be more comfortable.
Another advantage of these tables is that they have a much more relaxed, and informal feeling, like dining at your favorite café, or a casual dining establishment, instead it’s just in your own home. These tables are often modern, contemporary, and very stylish. However, they are also not ideal for large groups of people, or sit-down meals.
It is usually to get these for only 2–3 people. These are also more compact which makes them better for small homes and apartments.
Bar Height Dining Tables
Finally, the other option is to have a bar-height dining table. These tables are the tallest there is, they often stand at 40” to 43” tall, or 101 cm to 109 cm. They are a great deal taller than a typical dining table. If you have this type of dining table, you need some bar stools to go along with it.
However, they are much better space-savers, you can tuck away the stools when not in use, so you have more space in the rest of your home. This is usually the best option for those living in very small apartments or studios. They are unique, fun, and are ideal for those who often dine solo.
They are a smart and ideal use of space. That being said, they do not provide a great deal of comfort or support, they are better for quick meals.
What Is The Best Table Height To Have In Your Home?
Now we know about the different table heights, which should you have in your home? Well, there is much to consider here. You need to consider how often the table will be used, and in what circumstances will it be used?
If you need a dining table that you will be using for family meals every day then the best bet for you is to have a typical dining table that will table at 32 inches or so. If you want to have people over for dinner parties or for holiday celebrations you will also need a traditional dining table.
You have to have something large enough to accommodate people for sophisticated meals. However, if it is just you and your partner in a home, or yourself and a friend, a counter-height table may be more ideal for you. These tables do not require so much space and feel much more casual.
These are also great tables if you have a home with a contemporary feel. Bar-height tables are the most informal. It is the best table for snacks, and drinks, or as a breakfast bar! If you live alone and don’t want a normal dining table, bar-height tables can work just as well and also save a lot of space too!
Overall
The typical height for a standard dining room table is between 28 inches to 32 inches. However, many will be just below 30 inches. But, if you want something more casual you could choose counter-height dining tables.
Counter height tables and bar tables are not suitable for posh or sophisticated dining experiences, however, they are more contemporary and work well for those who do not have a lot of space to play around within their homes. For sophisticated dining experiences it is best to go with a standard dining table at 28 to 32 inches in height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about different dining table heights? No problem, we have more facts for you here. These are the questions that most people have about standard dining table heights, and we have all the answers for you too!
What Are The Different Dining Table Heights?
A majority of typical dining tables will be a good 28 to 32 inches tall. However, counter-height tables are used more in contemporary settings and are typically 34 to 36 inches tall. The most uncommon is the bar table, these are 40 to 42 inches tall in general.
How Tall Should Chairs Be For A 30” Table?
If you have a 30” tall table, then you will find most dining chairs will pair well with this. However, the rule of thumb is to allow 10” of space between the dining table and the dining chairs’ seat, so you would want a dining chair at 20”. That being said, any dining chairs between 18 inches and 20 inches should work well.
Is 32” Too Tall For A Dining Table?
32 inches is classified as being a ‘standard’ height for a dining table, although it is at the very peak of the range for standard dining tables. This table height will look very sophisticated and elegant in a majority of homes, however, always ensure that the chairs you buy alongside the table are compatible with the table height before you purchase.
If you are buying a set this should not be an issue, however, if you are buying them separately ensure there is 10 inches difference between the table height and the chair height.
What Is The Standard Size of A 6 Seater Dining Table?
Typically, 6-seater dining tables will be around 60 inches in length, and 30–40 inches wide. These tables are the standard dining room table height as well, which is between 28 and 32 inches tall.
What Is High Top Vs Standard Seating?
Typical dining tables/ restaurant tables will be 28 to 30 inches on average. The chairs and benches for these tables will be 18 to 23 inches tall. However, if seating is labeled as being ‘high-top’ then this means that the furniture is over 30 inches tall. This usually refers to counter-height or bar tables.
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