What are Standard Chair Heights and How to Pair Them to Your Table
The standard height for a dining chair seat is around 18″ inches from the floor. This height accommodates a 28″ to 30″ height dining table. The 10″ to 12″ space between the top of the seat and the top of the dining table allows for comfortable movements of the diners. It also allows adequate space for an apron around a dining table, typically no wider than 4″. Not all dining tables feature aprons, but many tables rely on them to strengthen the table legs and prevent them from wobbling.
How to Pair A Chair height to a table height
A good rule of thumb when pairing a chair with a table is to allow 10″ to 12″ between the top of the chair seat and the top of the table. Most people find this to be a comfortable dining experience, with plenty of leg room and room for a table apron if needed.
As mentioned above, your standard dining chair is 18″. However, dining tables can range from 28″ to 32″, breaking the 10″ to 12″ rule of thumb. If a 32″ dining table is paired with an 18″ chair, the table top may feel too high and uncomfortable to dine at. This is why many chair manufacturers make dining chairs in a range of sizes between 18″ and 22″ to accommodate a 32″ tall table.
Chair manufacturers make various-height chairs and bar stools to accommodate many of the special table heights you may encounter.
Chairs paired with standard dining tables should be between 18″ to 22″ tall. There are exceptions to this standard. If you are extra tall or short, there are chairs between 16″ and 23″ for dining tables. You also always have the option to have your table and chairs custom-made to suit your needs.
For counter-tall tables, a good chair pairing would be between 24″ and 30″. The average counter-height table is 36″, giving a good chair height paired with 25″.
For bar-height tables, a good chair pairing would be between 29″ and 33″. The most common bar-height table is 42″, giving a good bar stool or chair height paired with 32″.
For extra tall tables, a good chair pairing would be between 32″ and 37″. The most common bar-height table is 46″, giving a good bar stool or chair height paired with 36″.